Kids: Preschool, Private Schools 2014

KIDS

Thursday, Jan. 30 and Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

PRESCHOOL PRIVATE SCHOOLS CHARTER SCHOOLS Profiles of area schools and care centers Get students the extra help they may need ADHD and Dyslexia Make your child’s school healthier Smart media use and imaginative play create a great balance

A special advertising section of

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

Page 2

ThisWeekNews.com

Helping students in need of extra help Parents want their kids to be as successful as possible in the classroom. Good grades illustrate a desire to learn and excel, and high marks can make it easier for students to be accepted into top-rated secondary schools later on in their academic careers. But some students still need a little extra help with their classes no matter how hard they work. These children may benefit from tutoring or one-on-one sessions in the classroom.

Learning disabilities vary greatly. Some students have trouble taking tests, while others have difficulty paying attention in the classroom.

Because learning disabilities encompass so many different issues, estimates as to the number of children with learning disabilities can be difficult to pinpoint. But according to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, as of the 2009-10 school year, 13 percent of all enrolled children ages three to 21 were classified as having some sort of learning disability. That number has grown from 8 percent in 1976, when records were first kept.

Whether a student has a previously diagnosed learning disability or seems to need some additional guidance, there are steps parents can take to help such

youngsters reach their full academic potential.

• Pay attention to your child’s progress. All children learn at a different pace.

However, if your child seems to be falling well behind his or her peers, you may need to explore ways to help the child with his or her studies.

Spend time doing homework with your child and figure out where his or her strengths and weaknesses lie. This may help you to determine if the child has a legitimate learning disability or if he or she is simply having difficulty with a particular subject.

• Schedule an appointment with the teacher. Your child’s teacher likely spends six or more hours per day in the classroom with students and will be able to better recognize if your son or daughter is falling behind.

He or she also may have a cursory understanding of some learning disability warning signs. The teacher also may refer specialized counselors who can screen students for certain conditions. If the teacher has not reached out to you but your child is lagging behind, take a proactive approach and request a meeting.

• Analyze the home environment. Has there been a traumatic situation or big changes at home? A move, a death in the family, a

Some children need a little extra assistance with schoolwork. divorce, and other incidents can affect how a child performs in the classroom. Your child may not have a learning disability, he or she may be experiencing emotional problems that are creating difficulties in and out of the classroom. Rather than help with schoolwork, he or she may need some emotional

support or counseling.

• Develop a tutoring plan. Some parents can tutor their kids on their own.

Others prefer a third party to remove the emotional aspect from the tutoring.

The school may be able to suggest tutors for afterschool hours. Your child also may be able to spend some

time during school hours with specialized tutors. For example, some schools break children into guided reading groups depending on their aptitudes. Children who need more instruction sit with a reading tutor, who helps them at the students’ own pace. * Be supportive. Very often children who have a learning disability or are underperforming in the classroom experience self-esteem issues. This can impair their confidence in other subjects or even outside of the classroom. As a parent you can show support for your child, praising his or her success rather than pointing out any failings. * Set reasonable goals.

Progress may be slow-going, but no one should get discouraged. Discuss your child’s progress with a tutor or teacher and make sure that the goals your child has are attainable so he or she can feel good about academics. Praise and small rewards may provide the inspiration kids need to stick with the program.

Not every student catches on to lessons at the same rate as others. Parents may have to work together with educators to develop personalized tutoring for children who are lagging behind for any number of reasons.

(MS)

Recognizing the signs of dyslexia Children begin learning to read early in their education. Very often some children seem to excel at reading and writing, while others may struggle. The obstacles kids struggle with may disappear as they age and grow more accustomed to reading, but no such relief comes for kids struggling with dyslexia.

The Mayo Clinic defines dyslexia as a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading. It is a

common condition and does not mean a child has subpar vision or intelligence. Dyslexia often goes undiagnosed, and many kids reach adulthood before realizing they are dyslexic. According to Dyslexia Health, 70 to 80 percent of people with poor reading skills are likely to be dyslexic, and dyslexia is the most common cause of difficulties with reading, spelling and writing.

Dyslexia affects people in various

DISCOVER EDUCATION CAN MAKE

Ages 18 months to 13 years

Now Enrolling

PRESCHOOL-12TH GRADE

www.libertychristianacademy.org

At the Olde Sanctuary in Gahanna

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY!

Now Offered by Cultured Kids Club Open!

Foreign Language Center (614) 389-5057

Causes of dyslexia Dyslexia has been linked to improper genetic development in the brain. It tends to run in families and affects the parts of the brain responsible for language development. There are no surefire ways to predict if a person will have dyslexia. However, in families with high rates of the condition, there is a greater risk.

See DYSLEXIA on pg 5

French Classes For Kids!

THE DIFFERENCE A CHRISTIAN

Liberty Christian Academy Pataskala, Ohio 740-964-2211

ways. While some may experience only minor symptoms, others may have greater difficulties, including problems with grammar, recognizing left from right and trouble with complex language skills. Without help, children with dyslexia can easily grow discouraged with their studies. However, with therapy, many kids can learn to work around their dyslexia.

www.culturedkidsclub.com

We care about the little things.

Just Ask a Mom.® Primrose School of Dublin

614.408.3732 PrimroseDublin.com

©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company.

ThisWeekNews.com

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

Help make your child’s school healthier Because children spend most of their time in classrooms, schools are an ideal setting for healthy behaviors to be taught and modeled.

Therefore, parents are speaking up and getting involved in an effort to improve the health of their children at schools.

One Washington, D.C. mother of two Roots Charter School students recognized the need for her children’s school to incorporate more physical activities into the school day.

“The obesity rate among children is at an all-time high, so getting our kids to be active is more crucial than ever,” said Michelle Jones. “I want to make sure my children live their lives to the fullest, and getting exercise can help them do that.”

Michelle banded together with other parents to form an advisory council that works with local schools to host events focusing on health and wellness. Activities like yoga, Zumba and healthy eating inspires students, parents and community members to be physically active and make healthier food choices.

Other schools are making healthy changes through programs with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which supports communities across the country by making healthy living easier where people live, work, learn and play.

Through help from the CDC, communities all over the country are making improvements. A New York City School District made 800,000 daily meals healthier by ensuring that foods and drinks meet certain standards for sodium, fat and calories. A school district in Las Cruces, New Mexico has opened physical

activity space to the community during after-school hours.

Such improvements can help prevent obesity — a serious and growing public health concern that increases an individual’s chance of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, several types of cancer and other health problems.

Eating well and participating in regular physical activity not only has health benefits, but they also have been linked with better academic achievement by enhancing important skills like concentration and attentiveness. For example, students who eat foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals are more likely to perform better than students whose diets are heavy in unhealthy foods, like sweets and fried foods.

Although changes are already being made in some schools around the country, more can be accomplished.

To support healthy schools, parents can recommend ways to increase physical activity during the day and ask that healthy food and drink options be made available to students throughout the school day.

Parents can learn more about improving health in their local schools and communities at www.MakingHealthEasier.org. (MS)

What parents can do to support healthier schools • Ask that water be made available throughout the day.

• Encourage teachers and administrators to reward kids with extra recess, fun pencils and erasers, or time for a special game -- rather than with sweet treats.

• Encourage kids to sign up for after-school sports, running clubs and other physical activity opportunities offered by the school — or volunteer to lead such activities.

• Talk with neighbors about forming a walking school bus — taking turns walking with groups of children to and from school.

• Support safe walking and biking routes to school if the community does not already have them.

Page 3

At Columbus School for Girls, all girl means unlimited potential In central Ohio, there’s only one place designed specifically for girls pre-K through grade 12 – a place where each girl can discover her true voice and embrace her full potential. That place is CSG. At Columbus School for Girls (CSG), our expert faculty members know each student individually and challenge each girl to achieve her very best. It’s why our academic excellence is so widely acknowledged and why CSG alumnae say it’s easy to excel in college.

Our relevant, meaningful curriculum is grounded in project-based learning, and our abundant STEM offerings include a robotics program that begins in first grade and continues through high school.

At CSG, opportunities are abundant – leadership development, rigorous academics, ethical growth, artistic distinction, athletics and the development of a lifelong love of learning.

Conveniently located just east of downtown Columbus in Bexley, CSG currently enrolls students from 47 zip codes and 35 school districts within a 40-mile radius. Almost 20 percent of CSG’s Class of 2014 were recognized by the National Merit

Scholarship Program and National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Seventy-five percent of the CSG faculty hold advanced degrees, and an overall 8:1 student/faculty ratio ensures that students will receive attention appropriate to their academic, social, emotional and physical well-being. Nearly a quarter of CSG students benefit from financial aid. In 2013, 31 percent of CSG’s student body represented racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds.

At CSG, girls are not only prepared to excel in college, but are given the foundation to lead a life without limits. At CSG, all girl means unlimited potential.

Visit us to discover more!

Contact our Office of Admission at (614) 252-0781, ext. 310 or visit www.columbusschoolforgirls.org.

Jane Dooley Counseling Solutions

Specializing in Relationships Jane Dooley LPC, NCC Psychotherapist

Raising and parenting children can wreak havoc on your relationship...

•Learn techniques to reduce stress and anxiety •Develop the skills necessary to improve your communication •Build the relationship of your dreams with proven simple solutions

Healthy relationships are the foundation of happiness

9775 Fairway Drive, Powell, OH 43065 Wedgewood

(614) 570-7840 Free Initial Phone Consultation

www.janedooleycounselingsolutions.com jane@janedooleycounselingsolutions.com

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

Page 4

ThisWeekNews.com

Clintonville Academy 7 myths about ADHD celebrates decades of success According to recent studies, at- with ADHD despite need. Girls tend More than thirty-five years ago, a group of Clintonville families created a new school with a defining vision. Small classes would ensure that no child would be lost in the shuffle. Committed parents would maintain a connection between school life and home life. Teachers would nurture global citizens with academic challenge, community service and flexibility to encourage each child’s unique capabilities.

Karen Pollock was one of the founders of the school and served as its director in the early years. Still teaching French to half the student body (the other half studies Spanish), Pollock knows what is special about Clintonville Academy.

“You love your child. You want your child where your child will be…appreciated and cared for and honored and protected — taught to be not only a good student, but a responsible citizen. This is the next best place to home for a child.”

Current director Sally Lindsay taught at CA in the 1980s and 1990s, including kindergarten and middle school language arts. She has helped the school expand its curriculum to serve PreK through eighth grade.

Though her role has evolved, Lindsay’s day-to-day connection with the students remains strong.

CH

U R CH

HOOL

HOME

SC

C

OM

MUNIT

SAVE THE DATE

Clintonville Academy will host an open house on Sunday, February 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. with faculty and tours available. RSVP to attend the open house at 267-4799.

“I want everybody to get up every day and be happy to come to school….I still see students who went here when I started twentyfive years ago. I have been to their weddings and baby showers,” says Lindsay. “They all do so well in high school and on to college. That’s my barometer really for checking our success — to see how well our kids are doing in high school and beyond.”

CA’s difference from other private schools in Columbus — its commitment to educating the whole person for life, in addition to academics — is a big part of the success of CA’s students and graduates.

Clintonville Academy 3916 Indianola Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43214 Phone (614) 267-4799 www.ClintonvilleAcademy.org

St. Pius X Children’s Center

Y

Preschool & Pre-K

Licensed by the Ohio Dept of Education

Choice of nine part-time class options from which to choose (for the school year) to help get your child Kindergarten ready.

Registration begins in February for next year!

Excellen

Safe & Friendly Environment

t Inspec tion Ratings

MBenedict@spxreynoldsburg.com | SMiller@spxreynoldsburg.com

614-577-0826

1067 Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Community headlines are just a click away.

Sign up today

ThisWeekNEWS.com

The Premier Solution For Parents Providing Hourly, Flexible and Full-Time Child Care

tention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, appears to be more prevalent than ever before. Nearly 1 in 10 kids between the ages of five and 17 is being diagnosed with ADHD. Despite that prevalence, misinformation regarding the disorder continues to circulate, and that information can make it harder for parents to understand the disorder.

Dispelling the misinformation surrounding ADHD may help those who are truly affected by the disorder get the treatment they need.

Myth# 1: ADHD is not a real disorder. Many people honestly feel that ADHD was a concept drummed up by psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies to increase business. However, the condition is real and is recognized by major health institutions, including the Surgeon General of the United States and the National Institutes of Health.

Myth #2: ADHD is only a children’s disorder. Statistics indicate that while the majority of the people diagnosed with ADHD are children, at least 4 percent of adults experience it at as well. The reason the statistics may be lower for adults is that ADHD is often misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed in adults.

Myth #3: ADHD is caused by bad parenting. There are a number of people quick to point fingers at parents, laying the blame for ADHD at the feet of mom and dad. But some people with ADHD have difficulty controlling impulsivity and behavior, and that difficulty may have nothing to do with how those people were raised.

Myth #4: More boys have ADHD than girls. According to a 2001 report from the U.S. Surgeon General, girls are less likely to be diagnosed

to have lower rates of hyperactivity and external symptoms than boys, but they may have greater intellectual impairment due to ADHD. As a result, girls may be underdiagnosed with the condition.

Myth #5: Those with ADHD are lazy. People with ADHD are no more lazy or less determined than those who have not been diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that changes the way the brain responds and presents unique challenges. A person with ADHD is no more at fault for the behaviors associated with ADHD than a person with depression or mania is for the symptoms associated with those conditions.

Myth #6: All people with ADHD are hyper and lack focus. A person with ADHD may present mixed symptoms of the condition or be predominantly characterized by one. That means hyperactivity may not be part of the equation, especially for those who are largely inattentive. On the flip side, while some people with ADHD have trouble focusing on certain tasks, some actually get overly focused on things they enjoy. This is known as “hyperfocus,” and it may come at a detriment to the things they do not like.

Myth #7: ADHD is overdiagnosed. Experts say that ADHD is still largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, and many are not getting the therapy and/or medication they need. Contrary to popular belief, taking medication for ADHD is not a precursor to drug addiction or substance abuse. Many ADHD sufferers who do not get the care they need self-medicate and are at a greater risk for substance abuse.

(MS)

Looking for a great summer program?

For Children 6 weeks to 10 Years of Age Hourly Drop Off and Flexible Scheduling Allows you To:

Run Errands *Attend Appointments Work From Home *Work Part-time * Parents Pay For Only Hours Reserved! * *

Parents Night Out Friday, Feb. 7th till 10pm pm Special movie, snackss and crafts

WEEKLY HOURS: Mon. – Thur. 7am-6:30pm m Friday 7am -9pm for date night

Dublin/Hilliard rd 5601 Woerner Temple Road ad Corner of Emerald Pkwy..

(614) 790-9970 www.mangosplace.com com

Bring in this coupon

For Two FREE Hours of Child Care

(New members only)

NOW N O ENROLLING IINFANT CARE *NO CO CONTRACTS OR WAIT LISTS *PARENTS SET THEIR OWN SCHEDULE PAYING FOR ONLY TIME RESERVED

PRESCHOOL *ACADEMIC-LED CURRICULUM *ALL *ALL DAY *A DA PROGRAM AVAILABLE *NO *N POTTY TRAINING REQUIREMENT *YOUNGER SIBLINGS CAN JOIN *Y YOU O N OUR PROGRAM OOUUR UR ENRICHMENT E

Don’t miss the March edition of Columbus Parent, pick it up at a location near you: ColumbusParent.com/find-a-copy Call (614) 583-5793 for advertising information.

ThisWeekNews.com

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

DYSLEXIA Continued from pg 1

Symptoms Very often it is difficult to recognize dyslexia before a child enters school.

There may be some early clues, but these are not always definitive. Potential clues include learning to talk late, having difficulty learning new words and exhibiting difficulty rhyming words.

School-aged children may have trouble with sequences, following commands in order, reading at the recommended level, processing and understanding, and/or seeing or writing letters or words in reverse.

As children with dyslexia age, they may have difficulty summarizing stories, managing time or learning a foreign language.

Treatment There are no medications to correct the underlying brain abnormal-

ity that doctors feel causes dyslexia, but there are various treatment methods. Practice and repetition are some of the hallmarks of dyslexia therapy. Rather than standard lessons, individuals with dyslexia may need multi-sensory lessons that combine sight, touch and sounds when introducing new concepts.

Screen readers and audio books can also help children learn how to read more effectively.

In the classroom, children may need more time to complete assignments. Teachers should be made aware of a dyslexia diagnosis so they can work with students and parents to develop a learning system that works. Practicing reading different types of texts also can help.

Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects many children and adults. But therapy and emotional support can help people with dyslexia overcome their disabilities.

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools Thursday, Jan. 30 and Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Page 5

Mango’s Place offers hourly, flexible care Mango’s Place meets the needs of today’s parents by providing hourly, flexible and full time childcare. This service is perfect for parents who run errands, go to the doctor, go out to dinner, work from home, work part-time or just need time for them.

With our flexible scheduling, parents make reservations based on their needs and pay for just that time, without long-term commitments or contracts.

Mango’s Place is committed to the growth of each child by providing qualified, enthusiastic teachers, and providing a nurturing center where children can use their imagination and explore. Children will enjoy arts and crafts, music, story time and play in the 14-feet tree house.

Within our unique service, Mango’s also offers a preschool program with morning and afternoon classes. Our academicled curriculum follows the state of Ohio standards for language arts, science, social studies, math, music and physical education. We offer morning and afternoon classes for children three to five years old and our preschool teachers have a degree in early childhood education. Other features include: No potty training requirements,

Clintonville Academy

“

My kids love Mango’s Place, I always feel comfortable leaving my kids there … they have a safe and secured play area. I also love that while my son is in preschool, I can also drop off my infant to run errands.”

— MICHELLE H., parent All-day program available and siblings have the option to stay in our enrichment drop-in program.

Mango’s Place has been in business for ten years and has helped thousands of families. The business was started by a stay at home mom who needed a few hours of childcare a day.

Visit us at www.mangoplace.com for more information or come take a tour at 5601 Woerner Temple Road at the corner of Emerald Parkway.

Please call (614) 790-9970 with any questions.

SELL US YOUR GENTLY USED KIDS STUFF

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, Feb. 23 • 2-4 p.m.

We’re not like the other private schools...

and we don’t want to be.

Our small size, parental involvement and intimate community set us apart. Sure, college prep academics are the rule here. But educating the whole person for life is the true goal.

Learn more at clintonvilleacademy.org.

“Kids‛ Stuff With Previous Experience”

Clintonville Academy small school • smart choice Dublin

3 minutes off Interstate-71 at Cooke Road exit 3916 Indianola Avenue • Columbus, OH 43214 Call 614-267-4799 to RSVP or schedule a visit

5777 Karric Square Drive Off Frantz Rd, just south of Tuttle Rd. 761-8444

Sawmill

Gahanna

1385 StoneRidge Lane StoneRidge Plaza; corner Morse Rd. & N. Hamilton Rd. 337-0200

7454 Sawmill Rd. Sawmill Pointe Shopping Plaza, corner Sawmill & Hard Rd. 791-3900

Westerville

399 S. State St. Cherri-Park Square, just north of Schrock Rd. 899-6654

Grove City

2221 Stringtown Rd. Derby Square, just west of I-71; next to Plato’s Closet 875-9000

Reynoldsburg

6026 E. Main St. Main 270 Centre, corner E. Main St. & McNaughten Rd. 863-9777

Open Monday to Saturday 10AM-8PM & Sunday NOON-5PM

OnceUponAChildColumbus.com

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

Page 6

ThisWeekNews.com

Tips for smart media use Creative Christian Education Award Winning - Master Degreed Teachers Enrollment for 2½ to 5 yr olds NAEYC • Step Up to Quality - 4 stars

(614) 866-1211 or (614) 866-7755 1000 Noe-Bixby Rd., Columbus, OH 43213

BURBANK EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL

Setting imaginations free since 1983!

Call today to arrange your private tour of our ODE licensed schhol.

Serving children ages 21/2 to Kindergarten with degreed teachers.

614-487-5155

Looking for child care options?

Visit Columbus Parent’s website and try the searchable database.

Click on Guides.

From TV to smart phones to social media, our lives are dominated by 24/7 media exposure.

Despite this, many children and teens have few rules around their media use.

While media consumption by itself is not the leading cause of any health problem in the U.S., it can contribute to numerous health risks, say experts. At the same time, kids can learn many positive things from “pro-social” media. The key is to teach children to make healthy media choices.

“It is time for a renewed commitment to change the way we address media use,” says Dr. Thomas K. McInerny, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “In the same way you may need to guide children on how to eat nutritiously, you can foster a healthy media diet.”

In a digital world ever in flux, the AAP is offering some key tips for families looking to make smarter media choices: • Make a media use plan, including mealtime and bedtime ”curfews” for media devices.

Media use plans take into account not only the quantity, but the quality and location of media use. Screens should be

kept out of kids’ bedrooms.

• Excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, school problems, aggression and other behavior issues. Limit entertainment screen time to less than one or two hours per day.

• For children under two, substitute unstructured play and human interaction for screen time. The opportunity to think creatively, problem solve and develop reasoning and motor skills is more valuable for the developing brain than passive media intake.

• Take an active role in your children’s media education by co-viewing programs with

them and discussing values. You may consider having your own profile on the social media sites your children use. By “friending” your kids, you can monitor their online presence.

• Keep the computer in a public part of your home, so you can check on what your kids are doing online and how much time they are spending there.

• Look for media choices that are educational, or teach good values — such as empathy, racial and ethnic tolerance — and interpersonal skills.

• If you’re unsure of the quality of the “media diet” in your household, consult with your children’s pediatrician on what your kids are viewing, how much time they are spending with media, and privacy and safety issues associated with social media and Internet use.

More healthy media tips for families can be found at www. healthychildren.org.

A healthy media diet balances the risks of too much media on your child’s growth and progress with some of the pro-social benefits media offer. Be mindful of how your children interact with media and take steps for healthful choices. (StatePoint)

Is your child ready for a tablet?

Price-wary parents should realize that tablet prices vary greatly depending on the device. But a growing number of child-friendly tablets have entered the market, and such devices are designed to be more durable for children who have a tendency to drop and destroy things.

Those on the fence about whether or not to purchase a tablet for a child can consider these options.

• The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is a tablet that comes with a selection of educational functions, games and e-books. The device allows parents to decide which apps can be accessed on the device and restrict use to certain periods of time. The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids boasts a seven-inch screen and will run Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean. The front and rear facing cameras are considerably lower in quality than Samsung’s previous products, down to 3-megapixels and 1.3-megapixels, respectively.

• The VTech InnoTab tailors apps to children in a compact device.

The screen is just five inches in size, and the tablet comes packed with interactive e-books, learning games and other creative tools. It also has a modest price tag for a child’s first foray into the world of tablets.

• The LeapFrog Leappad Ultra is a kid’s learning tablet designed for children between the ages of four and nine. It comes with a seven-inch screen, Wi-Fi with kid-safe Web access and the ability to connect to a library of more than 800 educator-approved apps, books and more.

• The nabi is an Android tablet that is geared entirely toward kids.

The nabi comes in several different incarnations (nabi Jr., nabi 2 and nabi XD) depending on the age of the child and the desired features. In July of 2013, Fushu, Inc., creator of the nabi tablet, received the “Best Tablet 2013: For Kids” award from Laptop magazine for its nabi 2 device.

• The Amazon Kindle Fire is quickly becoming a go-to option for parents interested in acclimating their children to a tablet. Less than half of the price of its biggest competitor, the Kindle Fire still allows kids to access a bevy of features. Music, movies and Amazon’s ever-growing trove of e-books are just some of the features that make the Kindle Fire a popular choice.

• Though small, the iPad mini has all of the features of a larger iPad but in a more kid-friendly size. Many parents prefer the iPad mini for their children because they have Apple products and appreciate being able to share with their kids apps and information among all of the devices. (MS)

ThisWeekNews.com

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

Page 7

CHILD’S PLAY

How imaginative play benefits your child Between the everyday obligations of school, sports and other extra-curricular activities, many children equate playtime with sitting in front of the television, computer or other electronic device.

This dependence on electronic devices can be linked to a list of issues, including childhood obesity, as well as reduced cognitive and muscle development. Children who instead engage in imaginative or pretend play are offered a stress-free environment where their dreams have no boundary. This type of activity just comes naturally for kids because it’s just plain fun.

Create a pretend play paradise A make-believe-friendly setting begins with the parents. Here are a few ideas to create an environment that fosters creative, imaginative play for your little ones: • Focus on fun: A truly free setting for imaginative play is one without structure or rules. Let your child know there are no expectations or wrong outcomes while they are pretending. There may be moments where you have to intervene, but the atmosphere should be relaxed and free from rules.

• Give toys that encourage pretend play: Make sure your kids have toys that allow them to express themselves. The Calico Critters toy line is the ideal choice for parents seeking timeless, classic toys that delight children and promote wholesome values through pretend play. Children will love these adorable, high-quality miniature animal figures, which include families of rabbits, dogs, cats, bears and more. For more information, visit www.calicocritters.com.

• Read to your children:

The benefits of children who are regularly read to are immense, from enhanced bonding between parent and child to better test scores. So, begin the reading ritual as early as you can.

You will find your child will love and look forward to sharing this healthy activity with you.

• Play along: Young children mimic everything their parents do, so be a model of imaginative play for them.

Go ahead and act silly dress up with them, act out puppet shows or build forts with bed sheets. Calico Critters, with its imaginative collection of families, homes and accessories is perfect for “Mommy & Me” playtime.

You may be surprised by how much enjoyment you get out of it.

• Create a fantasy prop box: Fill a box with various trinkets found throughout your home for kids to create their own forts, homes, businesses or simply a rousing game of dress-up. Just make sure to pick items that are safe and you won’t miss if they are lost or damaged from heavy play.

• Plan open-ended activities: Instead of starting an art project with a finished model for them to create, plan free painting or crafting sessions with your kids. This will allow your children to fully express themselves any way they desire. Just make sure you have plenty of fun supplies on hand, such as glitter, paper, glue, markers, boxes, feathers, sequins or any other trinkets you have on hand.

• Use the great outdoors as a playground: Encourage your kids to use the great outdoors as their canvas for unbridled creativity. A simple trip outside opens a whole world of play options for a child. Plus, it allows

Photo courtesy of Calico Critters

your children to be more active, which is always a bonus.

The many benefits of imaginative play Research shows parents who encourage this sort of imaginative play offer a healthy, supportive environment for their children.

Here are a few of the ways in which the power of imagination benefits your child’s development and overall well-being: • Emotional and social development: When a child is involved in pretend play, he naturally creates scenarios and acts out different roles.

This often involves looking outside of their individual desires and learning the essential skills of empathy and understanding.

• Language aptitude: When alone at play, children will often mimic the vocabulary they’ve picked up from their parents, family members and educators.

This association of vocabulary and word meaning is reinforced more when acted out in front of peers during pretend play.

• Enhanced mathematic skills: Parents who use fake food or money to act out a grocery store trip help their children associate the challenging concepts of addition and subtraction to real life.

• Problem solving skills: From deciding who gets to be the princess to taking turns hosting the tea party, pretend play allows children to tap into cognitive thinking skills they’ll use in different scenarios throughout life.

• Enhanced relationships and bonding: New worlds are opened when children and adults interact together through imaginary play.

Adults can offer wisdom, life lessons and vocabulary the child will absorb.

• Good, clean fun: Pretend play is the best way for children to escape from the stresses of daily life. By creating their own make-believe world, kids have complete control of their destiny within that environment.

With so many play dates and after-school activities, such a release is a positive for many youngsters.

(Family Features)

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

More make-believe play means enhanced skills

Research shows an environment where imaginative play is fostered is healthy for a child’s development.

Here is a snapshot of the many benefits this type of activity can provide to a child: • Increased sense of safety, calmness and protection.

• Higher rates of self-esteem.

• Ability to cooperate, control impulses and deal with disappointment.

• Increased levels of fitness and coordination.

• Developed sense of individuality.

• Ability to negotiate with peers.

• Increased sense of accomplishment and pride.

• Ability to apply learned information.

• Highly developed motor skills

Page 8

Kids: Preschool, Private & Charter Schools | Thursday, Jan. 30 & Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014

ThisWeekNews.com