Kids’ Corner

KIDS’ CORNER

WHY STEM SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR KIDS By Jill “MamaBug” Frier demand significant scientific or math- STEM educational opportunities are quire the practical but fun application ematical training. more widely available than ever. Par- of concepts learned in the classroom,

As a parent of school age chil- ents and teachers can find programs, in an after school environment. dren, you’ve probably heard A WORLD OF RAPIDLY classes, camps, and museums that people touting the wonders CHANGING TECHNOLOGY focus on educational programs and • Arizona STEM Adventure. This and importance of STEM education As science and technology have activities to encourage and develop all-volunteer run event brings tofor kids. But what is STEM and why become increasingly more important a better understanding of STEM for gether students and professionals to is it so important for your kid to get in our world, kids will need STEM kids. Here are a few of the many give kids a hands on experience with up to speed on it? STEM is an acro- skills to succeed more than ever organizations around the Valley that a STEM professional and motivate nym that stands for Science, Technol- before. STEM is an essential part of offer STEM programs and activities students to enter the world of STEM. ogy, Engineering, and Mathematics. everything we do every day. Science to inspire kids of all ages: The next Arizona STEM Adventure A good understanding of these areas is key to everything around us, from will take place on November 16th, of study can help your child have medicine, to the products we use, • The Arizona STEM Network, led 2019, at the Pima Community Cola better understanding of how our to understanding the natural world. by Science Foundation Arizona. lege, Northwest Campus. world works today and give them an The technology to understand and This non-profit organization was edge when then eventually enter the develop that science is constantly created as a collaboration between There are loads of resources in the workforce as an adult. evolving and expanding into every Arizona businesses, educators, gov- Phoenix area to help make STEM aspect of our daily lives. And engi- ernment, and philanthropic organiza- education fun and relevant to your WHY STEM SUBJECTS ARE neering is the basic foundation not tions. The Arizona STEM Network children. Do your homework and IMPORTANT only for building infrastructure, like focuses on a common agenda to take steps to get your kids interested STEM learning can help build a roads, bridges, and buildings, but also graduate more Arizona students pre- in science, technology, engineerchild’s critical thinking skills, sense for the way organizations, businesses pared for the global economy. ing, and math – these subjects are of curiosity, creativity, and an un- and governments operate and become important for everyone’s future. derstanding of technology and the continually more efficient. • Arizona Center for Afterschool And be sure to check out Ladybug’s scientific method while discovering Excellence. This organization ex- Blog (www.LadybugsBlog.com) for new things. STEM education typical- When interviewed by the We Are poses kids to STEM-related activities more articles and recommendations ly presents real-world scenarios that Teachers website, James Brown, ex- during out-of-school time, to allow for fun, educational and interesting kids can work on, study and solve ecutive director of the STEM Educa- them to learn experientially. Kids things to do with kids everywhere in with a hands-on, scientific approach. tion Coalition in Washington, D.C., engage in hands-on activities that re- Arizona! These skills are important elements and a nuclear engineer by training, of “learning how to learn,” which is a explained, “What binds together the critical element of most solution-ori- STEM movement is the notion of ented, not to mention higher paying, modern skills. Employers talk about jobs. problem-solving. Society requires A study by the U.S. Department of requires problem-solving. Those are Commerce showed that occupations the types of skills that really matter. involving STEM are growing at 17 A practicing engineer will tell you, percent, while occupations in other ‘I didn’t use the calculus I learned to fields are growing at less than 10 solve problems on paper, but the way percent. The study also showed that it taught me to solve problems and people who have a degree in a STEM to think about problems was really field generally have a higher income important.” than those who are involved in other problem-solving. Doing your taxes careers. People in the fields of sci- STEM EDUCATION ence, technology, engineering, and OPPORTUNITIES FOR math play an essential role in sustain- YOUR CHILD ing the current U.S. economy, and STEM classes can help kids be betwill likely remain a critical compo- ter problem solvers, more creative nent well into the future. thinkers, and better at observing and thinking about the world around Bottom line, a focus on STEM educa- them, rather than simply memorizing tion gives kids the edge they need to facts. STEM education helps drive flourish in growing career fields. The the inventors, problem-solvers and U.S. Department of Labor’s work- innovators of the future. And a good force projections show that nine of STEM program finds ways to make the 10 fastest growing occupations math and science important concepts that require a college degree will also that are fun and interesting for kids.

COVER STORY CREATE BEAUTIFUL POTTERY PIECES FOR YOUR HOME AT AS YOU WISH POTTERY

By Jennifer Marshall

Have you ever stood in your favorite home decor shop cradling a piece of painted pottery, wishing you could paint something that spectacular? Well, thanks to As You Wish Pottery, you can now create beautiful works of art for your home.

“As You Wish Pottery is a paint your own pottery studio,” said Marketing Director Liz Geoghan. “Customers select a raw piece of pottery from our shelves, and they paint it. Many of our pieces are functional and can be used in the home. We have all the supplies like the paints and the kiln.”

They offer all types of functional kitchen items such as plates, bowls and cups. Because all of their glazes are lead-free, food safe and nontoxic, people can actually eat out of these dishes. Being microwave and dishwasher safe makes them a joy to use and clean.

Even though kitchen and household objects, like jars, are a mainstay of their collection and always in stock, the creative geniuses driving As You Wish Pottery are always on the lookout to bring their customers fresh and eclectic selections every day. This also includes their wide array of featured seasonal pottery.

“Halloween and Christmas are our biggest holidays,” Geoghan said. “We have clay impression ornaments, so you can have your little one’s handprint turned into an ornament to hang on your tree. These also make amazing Christmas gifts.” As for ‘little ones’, As You Wish Pottery loves kids. For children, exploring their creativity through the fun of painting is a wonderful activity for their intellect and their overall development. Piggy banks, figurines and boxes are but a few of the many options kids have to choose from to paint and make uniquely their own.

“A couple times a year, we present Paint with a Princess,” Geoghan said. “We hire a Disney-like princess to come into the studio, and we do a project that’s relative to who she is. She paints with the kids, and she takes photos with them.” Paint with a Princess is usually held in April and November.

Joining in on all the artistic fun at As You Wish Pottery is as easy as traveling to one of their six convenient Valley locations: Chandler, Desert Ridge, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe and of course, our very own Norterra. They also have three locations in California and one in Utah. “When people come in to paint,” Geoghan said, “we have staff available to help them. We charge a $7.50 studio fee, which covers all the paints and supplies, the glazing and the firing of their piece. The only other expense they incur is the cost of the particular pottery item they select.” According to Geoghan, customers are provided a full explanation on how to use the paints and shown where they and all other key art supplies are located. Using an example plate, staff members give a simple tutorial on painting, and then they leave their budding artists free to paint and express themselves. Instructors check on their clients every 15 minutes or so to ensure they’re doing okay, make certain they have all the tools they need and share any other artistic guidance if it’s wanted. For those who enjoy painting on a regular basis, As You Wish Pottery sells what they call their Family Fun Pass for $30.00. This pass covers the $7.50 studio fee for eight visits, which is a $30.00 savings per customer, and leaves only the pottery to be purchased.

Looking to do something new and exciting with your girlfriends? Now’s the time to try an artistic adventure. Gather you gal pals and some wine, because, after 4:00 p.m., As You Wish Pottery is BYOB for adults only.

“We recommend one and a half to two hours for someone to complete a project,” Geoghan said. “Therefore, you can spend lots of quality time with friends and family while you’re expressing yourself and being creative in a positive environment.”

As You Wish Pottery offers one to two classes every month for ages 12 and up for those who seek more painting education than what comes in a regular

session. Their signature event and educational opportunity is their Summer Program. While it’s designed for kids five-yearsold and up, adults are welcome, and it’s the perfect fit for those who are looking for the ultimate in painting instruction and seek more of an extensive experience.

“We feature a different design everyday,” Geoghan said, “and the design we show is the design we teach. We have a dedicated teacher for the class who takes students step by step through the process of recreating that precise design. And since it’s not a huge group, the teacher can give a little one-on-one guidance to students.”

This year, the Summer Program begins on June 3 and ends on July

19. Since they break for the week of While the Summer Program classes further inspiration is found in their idea July 4, the event ends up running for are very hands-on in their instructional books, their many painted samples and six weeks. Classes meet from 9:00 format, they’re still tailored to begin- their YouTube videos, which allow a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednes- ners. Projects done on Mondays and students to play them on their smartdays and Fridays. Clients don’t have Wednesdays use clay-based paints that phones while in the studio. “ Looking to do something new and exciting with your girlfriends? Now’s the time to try an artistic adventure. Gather you gal pals and some wine, because, after 4:00 p.m., As You “As You Wish Pottery is a great place to host your next celebration,” Geoghan said. “We have three separate packages for birthday parties, we do corporate team building events and we work with many Girl Scouts.” Besides bringing a small group in to register for a whole week or the whole program. The entire schedule of assigned projects is posted on their website, so people can enroll in require firing in the kiln, while Friday’s assignments utilize acrylic paint that can be taken home that day as it doesn’t require firing. Wish Pottery is BYOB for adults only. ” when the studio is open, people can also rent out the entire space and host a private party, which means the studio is then closed to the public during this time. While none of their locations do any on-site catering, they do have refrigerators whereby hosts can bring in food and drink. Balloon bundles and whatever classes they like in what- party bags are available for purchase, ever quantity they like, including Sponges and stamps and stencils! As and people are free to bring in their just individual classes. Each class You Wish Pottery has a treasure-trove own event appropriate decorations. is $25.00 all-inclusive meaning the of artistic goodies including over 70 $7.50 studio fee and the cost of the distinct colors of paint and a plethora of Since As You Wish Pottery believes pottery is included in this fee. brush sizes. In addition to the teacher, that everyone can benefit and grow

WE’VEMOVED!

from exercising their creative spirit, they partner with adult daycares as well as with organizations who represent kids and adults with special needs. Discounts are available when these entities bring their groups in, or the staff can take a field trip and travel to a given group.

Sign up for their email list to guarantee you don’t miss any of the fun. Details regarding upcoming classes, the Summer Program, specials and so much more are all listed on their website. Register for a class online and read their blog; everything and more is there waiting for you and your artistic muse.

“We offer coupons,” Geoghan said. “One Wednesday per month is called Wacky Wednesday where we waive the studio fee. And on the last Monday of the month, we have Monday Mania where we do a coupon for 50 percent off or buy one get one free. Whatever it is, it’s usually a killer coupon.”

www.asyouwishpottery.com

Visit our newly updated studio at the shops at Norterra.

Norterra Studio: 2510 W Happy Valley Rd., Ste. 1249, Phoenix, AZ 85085 (Located across from Harkins, behind Zupas)

623-587-7700• www.AsYouWishPottery.com M-Thu 10-9 • Fri & Sat 10-10, Sun 11-6

FREE Studio Fee Valid at Norterra location only. Must present coupon. DVT.