Kids Konnect March/April 2019

K i ds konnect G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N

DISTRICT NEWS & CALENDAR

EARTH DAY

EDDY MAKES A NEW FRIEND & MORE!

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Owatonna, MN March/April 2019

I need a (spring) Break!

Sandy Beach Snac k | Snow Colorin

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 2

Today’s Lesson: Cavities I LE SM

The Smile Fairy Says: • Drink lots of water and take advantage of fluoride, a natural mineral known for its ability to reduce cavities.

Minnesota requires all cities to add fluoride to drinking water. Unfortunately, most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. Therefore, if you drink only bottled water you could be missing valuable anti-cavity benefits.

• Good foods are good for your teeth! Bacteria that cause cavities feast on the sugar on our teeth. Make sure to avoid sticky, sugary foods that can cling to teeth – like candy, cookies, chips and crackers – as they increase chances of decay. Instead, eat natural snacks, like fruits, veggies, cheeses and nuts to increase the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

Choosing these sugary snacks will help cause cavities and make you frown!

These snacks are good for you AND your teeth – and your smile will show it!

Don’t forget to brush and floss! email: letssmile@outlook.com

website: www.letssmileinc.com Kids Konnect • March/April • 3

Welcome Spring!

At our offices, we can hardly wait for Spring! This has been one of the longest, toughest Winters EVER, and it feels as if it will never end!

Spring is a great time to open the windows and let the fresh air in – and get rid of the stale, dusty and germ-filled air we’ve been breathing for months. It’s also a time to let new ideas in, as well as new practices and habits, like deciding to make better food choices. We can do that in the grocery store and at the places we eat, and we can also carefully plan ahead what we’ll plant in our

vegetable gardens this summer to enjoy later on.

Spring is the time to take a break and relax from all the hard work “Old Man Winter” gave us. Moving all that snow was hard work!

Just getting the snow gear on every day was hard work – snow pants, boots, extra layers of long underwear, hats, scarves, mittens.

We much prefer beachwear! And even if you’re not going to the beach over spring break, wear your flip-flops anyway. Put on your favorite summer gear and dance in the rain of the lawn sprinkler the first warm day we get.

om Superintendent Elstad Ginny Bergerson

We are in love with the activities suggested in this issue. From painting flowers on snowbanks to making your own jiggly fish pond to building a custom-designed kite – there’s plenty to keep us busy during the long days ahead while the sun gets warmer and the snowbanks slowly disappear. And why not take Eddy’s example and ask a new friend to join you when you see how high your new kite can fly?

Most of all, just have fun – Spring has Sprung! (We promise!)

Lisa Richmond

Message Elstad Messagefrom fromSuperintendent Superintendent Elstad

ents and Students- ing finally be coming toParents Southern Minnesota?

Well, if not spring, at least spring break for Hello Students- Hello Parents andand Studentsa Public Schools.

It has been afinally long with a number of snowWell, days our district, please Could spring finally bewinter, coming toto Southern Minnesota? iffor not spring, atatleast spring Could spring be coming Southern Minnesota?

Well, if not spring, least spring break fo break for Owatonna Public Schools.

It has been a long winter, with a number of snow review the district updatesPublic section in thisItmagazine anwinter, important Owatonna Schools. has been afor long with amessage number ofregarding snow daysthe fordays our district, for our district, please be sure to review the district updates section in this magazine for an 19 School Calendar beUpdate. sure to review the district updates section in this magazine for an important message regardin important message regarding the 2018-2019 School Calendar Update.

2018-2019 School Calendar Update.

I hope you all have a wonderful lled with time spent with family and friends. spring break filled withspring time break spentfiwith family and friends. u all have a wonderful GoI Huskies! hope you all have a wonderful spring break filled with time spent with family and friends. es!

Go Huskies!

Superintendent Jeff Elstad Owatonna Public Schools

ndent Jeff Elstad Superintendent Jeff Elstad a Public Schools Owatonna Public Schools

Kids Konnect • March/April • 4

K i ds konnect

Contents

G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N

Volume 1, Issue 4 March/April 2019 PUBLISHER Ron Ensley

K i ds

konnect EDITORS G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N Lisa Richmond/Ginny Bergerson

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Shaylene Baumbach Jessica Abrahams Stephanie Kibler Lisa Richmond Thomas Meagher, PhD Mark Blando Darci Stanford, Ed.S., CBT Caitlin Terpstra, RD Ryan Gillespie COVER/PAGE DESIGN Kate McGillen

I need a (Spring) Break!

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Kids Konnect wants YOU! Details on Page

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S cience Technology Engineer ing Ar ts M athematics

ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Nelson ADVERTISING SALES Crystal Hobart Nicole Brandon Lisa Richmond Kyle Shaw CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tezary Zernechel

For editorial or advertising inquiries, contact Lisa Richmond at 507-444-2389 Or LRichmond@Owatonna.com Kids Konnect is published by

Southern Minnesota LLC Southern Minn Media 135 West Pearl Street Owatonna, MN 55060

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26.

Eddy makes a 36. new friend Crafts and ring colo .

40 more!

Grab your shovel and get ready to dig into gardening (books)!

Kids Kids Konnect Konnect •• March/April March/April •• 5 5

I need a (spring ) Break!

With a winter like we’ve had this year, it is hard to not have a case of cabin fever. With spring break right around the corner for Owatonna Public Schools, we wanted to share some affordable ideas that can be done right here in Owatonna or just a short drive away.

Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo www.theradzoo.com 3297 County Road 45 N, Owatonna 507-455-1465 Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM M-F, 9 AM – 6 PM Sat., 11 AM – 5 PM Sun. Admission: $9.95 ages 13+; $8.45 ages 3-12; under 2 enters free.

The Rad Zoo has over 150 different animals and even offers hands-on animal interactive activities.

Minnesota school teachers and librarians get in free. Gaze upon “Big Al” the monster 12 foot-long alligator and “Bella” the 14 foot-long python.

Catch our daily “Everglades Encounter” show focusing on the animals of the Florida swamp, followed by an opportunity to pet an alligator or a snake.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 6

Skate the River on Straight River www.visitowatonna.org Owatonna, MN Featured in Explore MN’s Great Outdoor Ice Rinks, the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce lists this as one of the top things to do in the winter in Owatonna. This unique outdoor rink becomes a magnet for seasoned and amateur skaters exploring the winter wonderland on a natural-made ice rink. If you don’t own skates, you can rent them from the Warsinksi Chalet at Morehouse Park near downtown Owatonna. The Warsinksi rinks at Morehouse Park are the only supervised rinks in Owatonna, and the chalet/ warming house also rents out cross-country skis and offers snacks and place to warm up after a stint on the ice. Morehouse Park also hosts family bonfires on Saturday nights starting around 5:30 p.m.

Fat Tire Biking www.visitowatonna.org www.straightriversports.com Owatonna, MN Grab the kids and head outdoors to bike the great Owatonna bike trails in the WINTER. Believe it or not, you don’t have to wait until spring to engage in your favorite two-wheel activity. Fat tire biking is a new winter activity in Owatonna—quickly rising in popularity. Rentals of a fat tire bike that’s designed to ride smoothly on snow can be made at Straight River Sports. Now that is the perfect way to cure any cabin fever!

Fun Fact: A Rad Zoo kid favorite is “Johnson ” the albino Bo a Constric tor, which hap pens to be the former pe t of pop s tar Justin Bei ber.

Owatonna Public Library www.ci.owatonna.mn.us 507-444-2460 Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM M-Th, 9 AM – 5 PM F-Sat. Cost: FREE Owatonna, MN The Owatonna Public Library hosts a variety of FREE events all year long, including: • Tale Time for children ages 0-6 which will be hosted on Tuesday, March 26 from 9:30-10 am and 10:30-11am.

• Movies at the Library which is a free moving showing at the library at 2:00 p.m. the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Check their website or call to see which movie will be playing on March 28.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 7

SPAM Museum https://www.spam.com/museum 101 3rd Avenue NE Austin MN, 55912 507-437-5100 Hours: Monday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm Cost: FREE Admission The Museum is a collection of galleries sharing the history of SPAM. Filled with fun interactive exhibits with games, videos and hands-on activities. They have a gift store, volunteer guides and even offer samples of the spam.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota https://www.cmsouthernmn.org/ 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, MN 56001 507-386-0279 Hours: The Museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 4pm, Thursdays from 9am to 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4pm.

Cost: $8.00 for anyone over 1 year

SPAM Museum

Snow coloring recipe

The Museum is full of hands-on activities and exhibits including Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber and the Coughlan Quarry providing endless fun for infants/toddlers on up.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo https://www.co.olmsted.mn.us 5731 County Rd 105 NW Byron, MN 55920 507-328-7340 Zollman Zoo Hours: Open Daily 10am to 4pm Cost: FREE Admission Zollman Zoo houses over 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota. The zoo offers children and adults alike the opportunity to observe wild animals that are native to Minnesota in a small, country zoo setting.

nimals t of the ain s li a is e r w ter at He ll a e iv t c a who are ollman Zoo: Z aptors

• Otters • Wolf • Coyotes • Cougar • Bobcat • Gray Fox • Red Fox • Fishers ys • Wild Turke

• R s • Porcupine d Deer e il a • White-T • Elk • Bison • Pony • Donkey • Goat

Kids Konnect • March/April • 8

List of what you’ll need: -Empty spray bottles -Food coloring -Water Directions: 1. Fill spray bottle ¾ of the way full.

2. Add color of your choice and shake, the more drops you add the more color will go on to the snow.

3. Shake the bottle until all the drops are dissolved.

4. Spray onto snow!!!

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo

Bring the beach and color to any kitchen and snow filled yards with these fun and creative craft ideas to do at home.

Other fun an

d easy ideas

include:

1. Have a monopoly tournamen tournamen t or board g t o v e ame r s everal days 2. Host a d . inner party w ith other fa 3. Sit dow milies. n and start your ‘must 4. Have a do’ list for picnic. You the summe can do this inside of a r. indoors or s n o w outdoors fo rt .

5. Make a meal: You choose the dinner and menu for have your family help you make it .

Sandy beach snack recipe: Jello and a Beach List of ingredients: -Blue jello mix -Water -Swedish Fish, Gummy Animals or shapes, and/or Teddy Grahams -Graham Crackers -Whipped Cream -Small clear plastic cups Directions: 1. Make Jello a. 1. Whisk together 1 cup of hot water with one packet of Jello mix in a large bowl. b. Add one cup of cold water into the mixture. c. Pour the mixture into small cups and add swedish fish into the jello. d. Place in fridge till it is cooled and solid.

2. Take the cups out of the fridge and add crushed graham crackers on one side of the cup.

3. Enjoy!!!

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 9

What are you doing ng Break?

doing over Spri

Ayanle, 2 nd grade Wilson Ele mentary “I’m going to visit my Aunt in

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Cities.”

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lly go to a to M waterpark day to do like goLamya, 2nd grade .” , 2nd grade Lamya .” ds en Wils fri on Ele ith men w tary s te lso Wi n Elementary playda grade d 2n “I’m going to stay hom a, Laemy e with my hom y mus with my fam g ily to in andsta go play m “I’ ical chairs and hop ry nta and efully go t Wilson Eleme l chilyair icafam us m ansd play musical cha ay pl d my an h wit ily m me fa ho y sta “I’m going to terpark.” hopefully go to a wa

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grade Veronica, 1stentary McKinley Elem

Texas to visit “We are going to unet and UncTley,.”3rd grade mtygrAad Veronica, 1s Lincoln Elemen tary Tnc y,le3.”rd g tary “We’re gy Aun McKinley Elemen t and U rade oing to A m t si vi L to in s coln xa ri Te z o “We are going to “Wnea’r.”e g Elementary oing to A rizona.””

ehrs Kids tary • March/April • 10 enKonnect as Vagas.”

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Florida “We are going to and play to see the ocean an arcade.” at e Hunter, 1st grad tary arcade.”

McKinley Elemen n and play at an ea Mrs. Lu oc e th e se Florida to Wilson E ehrs “We are going to lementa “I’m goin ry

g to v two gran isit my daughter dkids in and Las Vaga s.”

de Avery, 4th gra , 4th grade epover.” a sle for ly ary ful ent y pe Elem tar y ho . en inle e..

McK nley Elem my cousin’s hous to d an e us ho use and oing to my Dad’s “I’m going to my Dad’s ho

Avery, 4th grade to ry nta me er.”

Ele McKinley my cousin’s house... e... hopefully for a sleepov us ho s in’ us co my to d an er.” ho ove epus a sle ford’s mylyDa peful hoto “I’m going Ty, 3rd grade Lincoln Elementary “We’re going to Arizona.”

Mrs. Muir rs. Muir , E-2 MoM -2 Mont n te ssoriWtea,saE Washingto c h hgetor n Elemessori teacher in n Elemen “W entary tary e’re hea “We’re he t ou ng d ha d e an d es to Mexic aded to M and play gam o to exico to vvisit fa isit famm with friends.” il y . ” ily.”

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fun places in Minnesota with family.”

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 11

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D E T I M I L N U BOWLING LASER TAG ARCADE

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Vegetables egetables & Fruits

n cucumber n vegetable soup n carrot sticks slices n sugar snap n green garden n cherry tomatos peas salad

n bell pepper slices

n orange n diced melon segments n fruit cup in n grape clusters 100% juice

n uns unsweetened

n dried fruits:

applesauce raisins, aapricots pplesauce or apples pples n berries

Mrs. Svenby, 1st grade teache r Washington Elementa+ ry 2 HOURS “I’m whole wheat staying home with my sonnand hop

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 12

¼

Whole Grains ains

+ ¼

Lean Protein

n baked tortilla n granola bar chipswe’ll ben abl bread, pita, efully brown erice to bagel, or wrap n popcorn

n whole grain

crackers or enjoy time outside cereal

n lower sodium, n tuna packed lean luncheon in water wa meats n peanut butter

n beans n hummus or bean dip

n handful of nuts n hardboiled eggs

w-fat n string cheese n low-fa w-fa or skim milk n low-fat yogurt

n un-processed cheese

n low-fat cottage cheese

+

add

1 Serving of Low-fat Dairy

= 1 Balanced Lunch Box

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495 West North St. Owatonna, MN 55060 Owa

071318_KidsKonnectAd3_75x4_9_3014

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STEAM’in WITH “Dr. M” Welcome to spring a time of fast change, movement and migration!

atonna , PhD (known to Ow Thomas Meagher dinator or Co ”) is the STEAM students as “Dr. M rict. st Di Public School for the Owatonna ith w ning around He is shown clow stad. nd Superinte ent El

It’s amazing how in 9 weeks we can see three different seasons, the end of winter, all of spring and the beginning of summer! In this issue of Kids Konnect let’s travel through how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math can help us learn some amazing things right in our our backyard, neighborhood or state. We won’t have to travel far to experience the wonders of spring if we keep our eyes and minds open to world around us!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 13

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Science on spring break:

Phenology and the science of seasonal change, tracking migration of spring marching northward. Each season has unique characteristics of what happens in nature and what we do when the new season arrives. When we study Phenology we keep records of how plants and animals react to seasonal changes. Here in Minnesota our climate dictates what plants and animals live here and how they survive and thrive in their natural habitats.

When we study Phenology we can keep records of when things happen, like the first time we see robins return, or all the snow has melted, when the ice is out on our area lakes or the first flower to bloom in our garden.

Spring happening historical data Robin arrival to southern Minnesota Ice out for Clear Lake, Waseca Dandelions blooming en masse Tulips blooming Planting beans/corn Monarchs seen migrating in southern MN

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Usually happens around Fourth week of March April 3 (records from 1874) April 7 (records since 1970) Second week of April Last week of April (records 1988) First week of May

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Use this list to record the dates you notice these things happening in nature. compare the dates to historical dates. do you notice any changes to our seasonal happenings?

SPRING EVENTS First day all snow is melted in my yard

DATE

OBSERVATION

First flower observed blooming First robin seen in yard or trees First rain shower or thunderstorm Day all ice is off an area lake First worm observed on sidewalk First dandelion observed blooming First apple tree blooming First tree to have enough leaves for shade First day windows are opened for fresh air People are observed mowing lawns First seeds/plants added to garden Monarch butterflies are seen flying First time someone flies a kite People are seen fishing from boats First outdoor sports practice First day people wear shorts outside

Kids Konnect • March/April • 15

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TECHNOLOGY

S c ience Technol ogy E ngin e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

d n a g n i h c t a W g n i r p s g n i d r reco l a e r n i g n i happen n e z i t i C h t i w time s p p A n o i t a Observ

Click on the app store of your choice and take the leap into using new technologies to investigate the world we all live in today! Then get out and explore that world on your your next trip and join the world of Citizen Scientists using technology to connect with the rest of the world!

Apple app store

Google Play

Stay Happy. See Kappy!

Stay Happy.

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3205 S. County Rd. 45 • 507-451-8989 • www.kappysauto.com Kids Kids Konnect Konnect •• March/April March/April •• 16 16

See Kappy!

Globe Observer: Use a smartphone to record clouds, weather or even mosquitoes and share information with NASA scientists who are mapping global weather and climate changes.

iNaturalist : Use this app on a smartphone during your next field trip or outing to record observations of the plants and animals you see. Data from your observations are shared with a community of scientists and people studying the distribution of different livings things around the world!

Journey North is an app where you can record sighting of Spring happenings and map the location of things like tulips blooming, red-wing blackbirds nesting or thunderstorms pouring rain.

The interactive online maps record citizen data and show how the warmth of Spring marches northward every year. See how plants and animals follow their seasonal migrations!

DIY Sun Science: Free app from NASA and Lawrence Hall of Science for students to try all kinds of science, technology and engineering projects using everyday materials found wherever you are exploring this spring. These activities need the sun to power the investigation, so grab your gear and head outside!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 17

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Designing and building things that fly and can take us on a trip into the air!

April is National Kite Month. Kids around the world have built and flown their own kites for generations. Let’s explore how to design and build a kite from everyday things we find around the house and see if we can send it off on its own voyage into the wild blue yonder!

Kites from around the world can take many shapes, sizes, colors and names.

Let’s explore some of the most interesting kites from Japan, Mexico, India and the US.

Japanese kites (Tako)

The largest kite festival in Japan is held in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture near Mt. Fuji. Adults and children gather to fly beautiful kites that look like animals, birds, fish and even octopi.

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Kids KidsKonnect Konnect •• March/April March/April •• 18 18

s (PapaloteVusel) o de Papalotes) Mexican k(Fitesetiv al Nacional de of

of Kite Flight d in the State ical town locate National Festival ag m a n, pa ia event for the quisqu nocido, this is an takes place in Te co es D o ic ex M ding to ach you how to tes, but they’ll te Queretaro. Accor ki y fl u yo n ca ot only whole family. N make them!

Kites of the US:

The Washington State Int ernational Kite Festival is the largest kite flying festival in the nation and home of the World Kite Museum! During spring break the museum hosts family events all thr ough the months of March and April. Some daily events include learning how sol diers during World War II used kites for spying and communication. See som e of the largest kites in the world and bu ild your very own kite and learn how to fly it!

NOTE: For kite-building instructions, please turn to pages 40-41.

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ART

S c ience Technol ogy E ngin e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

Can you identify the following people?

General George Washington Lieutenant James Monroe (future 5th president of the United States) holding flag General Edward Hand looking ahead American revolutionary soldier holding his hat Scottish immigrant wearing “Free Scotsman” red & green bonnet African American soldier French Voyageurs in fur caps French soldier with red & blue feather in cap Woman, wearing red coat, rowing Farmer wearing broad brimmed hat Native American wearing buckskin pants in the stern of the boat Kids Konnect • March/April • 20

Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona has works of art that have a theme of "our history with water."

There are great masters such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Toulouse La Trec and Winslow Homer. Want to see one of only two original paintings of “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze?

Take a ride to Winona and you can see one of these famous paintings up close. If you look carefully at the painting you will see a cross section of the people who live in America.

In 1851, Emanuel Leutze wanted to show how the United States of America is a country built upon the ideals that everyone is created equal and that our country relies on the diversity of its people. In just this one painting we see how the strength and perseverance of all members of our society – immigrants, freemen, farmers, soldiers, men, women, Native Americans – working together won our freedom for democracy. The diversity seen in this painting is still important for our country today!

There are several other museums and art institutes where you can explore paintings, sculpture, photography among many other art forms. Here is a short list of wonderful places to explore and experience some of the best art in the nation:

Rochester Center of the Arts: Contemporary Art 40 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Minneapolis Institute of Art 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus, east bank, near the Washington Ave bridge over the Mississippi River.

Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Kids Konnect • March/April • 21

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MATHEMATICS

S cience Technol ogy E ngi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

Where can we find

Fibonacci spirals?

Fibonacci (also known as Leonardo Bonacci of Pisa) was an Italian mathematician who, in 1205 AD, wrote the first book to promote the use of Arabic numerals in mathematics called “Liber Abaci,” (“The book of Calculation”). Fibonacci loved numbers as a boy and he studied how to add, subtract, multiply and divide lots of different things.

One thing he noticed and studied for years was how populations of rabbits would multiply every year following a very specific pattern. When he was an adult he traveled all over the middle east and discovered that mathematicians in India also observed this same pattern in both animals and plants.

This sequence follows the pattern of the “golden rectangle” that is built of ever growing squares: 1 square begins the sequence, then 1+1 becomes 2, 2 + 1 become 3, 3 + 2 become 5, 5 + 3 becomes 8, 8 + 5 become 13, on and on and on…

Do you see the pattern?

We can write the sequence like this: 1,1, 2, 3, 5, 8,13, 21…

What would be the next three Fibonacci numbers in the sequence?

Kids Konnect • March/April • 22

If we stack each growing group of squares with the previous groups, the larger and larger squares follow a “spiral” pattern., see the picture below:

The spiral pattern be comes an just like fo infin llowing the Yellow Brick ite sequence of num bers, Road from the Wizard of Oz!

The wonderful thing about the Fibonacci sequence is it forms a natural spiral that all living things have. Mathematicians have found that it is a “Golden Ratio” that is about 1:6. If we look carefully we can find the Fibonacci sequence in many things – in both nature and in the things we design and build. The Fibonacci sequence appears to be what we consider “beautiful” in many different things in the world around us!

Now it’s time to go explore and search for Fibonacci sequences of your own!

he shell Inside t ail, of a sn

our galaxy the Milky

Way,

Let’s go find Fibonacci spirals!

On your next trip record where you see Fibonacci spirals and see how many you can find. You’ll be amazed how many there are all around you!

Or inside th e flower of a sunflo wer,

and in our own ar chitecture, for ex ample when we walk do wn a spiral stairc ase! e m o c t tha hurricanes , antic ocean tl A e th s s ro c a

Statue of Fibonacci in Pisa, Italy Kids KidsKonnect Konnect •• March/April March/April •• 23 23

raising dragons Some days I feel like Wonder Woman. I feel confident and powerful. I’m arriving early to appointments. I cook a meal that tastes – and looks – great. I have a teaching moment with my son. And I get a good night’s sleep!

But, that is RARE. You know that scene in “Frozen” when snowman Olaf’s head gets put on upside down? He’s a bit perplexed, maybe feels a bit overwhelmed? Oh, do I know how that feels! However, survival is key and that takes a mix of positivity, adaptability and acceptance.

i feel it is vital for me to try new things and find ways to help others whenever i can.

The most important thing I do in my busy life is raising my son Jayden, a fifth-grader.

He loves sports, video games, making others laugh, and his family. I am a single mom and with that comes challenges, but also blessings. A typical day may consist of dropping Jayden off to school, then heading to my job as a Mortgage Banker Kids Konnect • March/April • 24

at Bremer Bank. Any given day I may have multiple appointments with clients, a lunch with a new connection and a committee meeting (or two!) for a fundraising event – and that’s just during the day! The evening would then be filled with dinner, homework and both my and Jayden’s extracurricular activities.

I serve on nearly a dozen organizations and boards, and free time is not something I have much of. So why do I do it all? HOW do I do it all?

I feel it is vital for me to try new things and find ways to help others whenever I can. This is an example that my dad set for me and that I am intentionally setting for my son. If time is used wisely, you can have a great career, volunteer your time and talents, explore your faith and soak up quality time with your family. Jayden is my ‘why,’ and he is constantly helping me learn I can spread my own wings while first helping him find his own. ¬---- Ryan Gillespie was born and raised in Owatonna. She enjoys her time with her son Jayden and her dog Joey. She serves as the Mortgage Banker at Bremer Bank. Ryan also serves on the boards of the United Way, The Steele County Historical Society, Rotary, Owatonna Business Women and more. She enjoys time with family and friends, music, movies and loves to sing!

y z z I Ask My name is Izzy and I’m here to answer questions you might not want to ask your teacher, friends or parents. Sometimes only another kid will understand! I’m a lot like you – I go to school, play in the band and I LOVE sports! I have a younger sister and a puppy and I love to do crafts when my schoolwork is finished. My favorite thing to do is help people and try to spread kindness, so that’s why I think I’m a good person for you to ask questions. You can send me anything – school problems, friends, parents – and I promise I’ll do my best to give you a good answer. You can ask a question any time, and I will answer in an upcoming Kids Konnect magazine.

Dear Izzy: I’m in 5th grade and I still sleep with a stuffed animal. Is this normal?

Dear Reader: My doctor says it is very normal, and as long as it makes you happy, you should go for it. If it helps, I still sleep with my favorite stuffed animals too!

Dear Izzy: Sometimes when I want to play, my little sister does not share toys with me. What should I do?

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Dear Reader: When she is playing with the toy you want, maybe you could find a different toy to play with and when she is done you can switch toys. Remember to take turns, but if she had it first, remember that and make sure you are being fair in what you are asking your little sister to do.

Dear Izzy: I have the worst time falling asleep at night and I always feel wide awake. My parents tell me I need to go to bed or I’ll be tired in the morning? Can you help me?

Dear Reader: My parents tell me I am a night owl, so going to bed is always hard for me too. But I know it’s important because in the morning I do get really crabby if I don’t get enough sleep. My parents have let me try a few things that have helped me fall asleep at night, including listening to relaxing music. And one of my new favorites is to listen to an audiobook. Right now I am listening to ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ and it is really helping me relax and not think about other things. When I turn off my audiobook I think about positive things that happened during the day or I think about things I’m excited about, like what I want to do this summer. Or what I would change in my room if my parents agreed to a bedroom makeover.

We welcome any doctor’s lens prescription

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 25

Grab your shovel and get ready to dig into gardening (books)!

Gardening for Beginners

by Emily Bone An introduction to gardening for absolute beginners, with simple instructions for plants that anyone can grow – even without a garden. Stepby-step illustrated instructions show children how to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables. (© 2015 Usborne Publishing Ltd.)

Kids Konnect • March/April • 26

Gardening Projects for kids

Plant the Tiny Seed

By Jenny Hendy

by Christie Matheson

Fantastic ideas for making things, growing plants and flowers and attracting wildlife, with 60 practical projects and 500 photographs.

An interactive picture book follows zinnias from seed to flower. The author asks listeners to press, count, clap, and tap to summon sun and rain, which help the seedlings grow.

(©2012 Southwater)

(©2017 Greenwillow Books)

Corny Jokes for Little Gardeners

So you want to grow a taco?

by Bridget Heos A young boy wants to grow his own tacos, learns where the many ingredients comes from, and learns how to grow corn and make tortillas.

Peppa Pig and the Vegetable Garden

Peppa and her little brother, George, love to help Grandpa Pig in the garden.

They discover that everything grows from seeds planted in the dirt.

(©2015 Amicus)

nock Knock, K ere?

Who’s th Lettuce ho?

Lettuce w and Lettuce in ut. do you’ll fin

What k ind of bean never grows i garden n a ?

A jelly bean!

(©2014 Candlewick Entertainment)

Book Review

by McKinley Elementary Students Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing’

by Judy Blume

What did the the flower say to m? hi de si flower be Move over bud!

Guided Reading Level: Q Publisher’s recommended age for readers: 8-11-year-olds

We set out to McKinley Elementary to see what students had to say about ‘Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing’ by Judy Blume. The book is about 10-year-old Peter and his 3-year-old brother Fudge – who happens to be a trouble-maker. Peter has had enough of his little brother causing trouble and putting him in embarrassing situations.

You’ll have to read the book to find out what Peter does to help himself and his younger brother.

Parents….. if this book sounds familiar to you, it may have been a book you read as a student as well, as this book was first published in 1972.

Brooklyn Gonzalez 2nd grade

“I would give the book a 4/5.

Its about a kid named Fudge being naughty.”

Mohamed Liman

Bailey Shearer

“I would give the book a 5/5. Other kids should read it to learn that if your being naughty, some people might not like that.”

“I would give it a 5/5, it was amazing and I loved it. I liked how entertaining it was. I think other people would like this because it funny how Fudge always gets into trouble.”

3rd grade

5th grade

Why d tomato id the turn re d?

Becau se it sa w th salad d ressing e !

What’s an elephant’s favorite vegetable?

Squash!

What d baby c id the or the ma n say to ma co rn?

Where ’s pop?

Why was the ? cucumber mad Because it was in a pickle!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 27

o d w Ho ? . . . . y a s u o y We’ve come a long, long way from the very early days of civilization when prehistoric man recorded important events by scratching pictures and symbols onto cave walls with any tools they could find.

Cuneiform was the first recorded written language, invented by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia around 3400 BC. The word “cuneiform” translates roughly to “wedge-shaped,” and you can see on the examples that that is true. This wedge-shaped form of lettering was most often found on hand-made clay tablets. Using the cuneiform alphabet shown, see if you can write your whole name using these letters.

The next type of written language found in history is hieroglyphics, which is a series of pictures used to represent letters and sounds.

Invented around 3000 BC, both the Mayans in Central America and the Egyptians in Africa used forms of hieroglyphics to tell stories and share important news.

Anyone can research the history of the Greek-based alphabet system we use currently, but these are exciting times right now because of the ongoing growth, development and popularity of the newest form of communication – emoji.

orm Cuneif

Did you know?

The plural of emoji is emoji (not emojis).

Actually, the emoticon came first. It is a digital icon that conveys a human expression that represents what the writer or texter is feeling as they communicate.

Remember these? :-) ;-D 8-O

Hieroglyphics Kids Konnect • March/April • 28

As the use of emoticons became more popular – and newer and better cell phones appeared on the market each week – the emoji was born when a set of emoticons was programmed into a cell phone that could be used at the touch of a button, rather than typing in each component.

Emoji is a Japanese word where e=picture and moji=character.

The emoji craze caught on so rapidly in 2012 and 2013 that it was added as a word by Oxford Dictionaries in August 2013.

These days, digital communication goes far beyond typing a few words or sentences and clicking SEND. Just look at any social network or open your last few text messages to see how many smiley faces, hearts, animals, food, and other image-based characters you can spot. These are emoji. Those iconic little images are more popular on the internet now than ever before. There are so many of them that emoji translators are available everywhere to help you figure out what they mean.

According to Twitter, people seriously love to use the “ Face with Tears of Joy” to express their laughter seeing as how it’s the number-one most popular emoji used. The red heart, the heart eyes face, and the pink hearts emoji fall in second, third, and fourth place, respectively, suggesting that people enjoy expressing their love for someone or something online.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the skull emoji is most used in October and the Christmas tree in December. Birthday cake and pizza slices are the most-used food emoji year-round. The musical notes emoji is the most popular emoji in Brazil and Argentina. There are more than 2,800 emoji in the Unicode Standard as of mid2018, up from the 176 in the original set of emoji.

Emoji are here to stay as long as we all continue tweeting and texting.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 29

4

things you might not know about ADHD

Although you probably know that ADHD is about attention struggles, there’s a lot more to this common learning disability. Here are four things that might surprise you.

1. ADHD is actually rooted in clusters of weak cognitive skills. This is typically weak broad attention skills, weak long-term memory, processing speed and working memory.

2. There are three types of attention.

ADHD is now the generally accepted umbrella term for the three types of ADHD, including what used to be generally referred to as ADD. The three forms of ADHD are: • Inattentive Type – people with this disorder have trouble focusing, but they are not overly active and usually don’t display disruptive behavior (formerly called ADD).

• Hyperactive/Impulsive Type – people are fidgety and can’t control their impulses, but they are better able to pay attention.

• Combined Type – applies to people with poor attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.

An attention deficit could mean one, two, or all three types of attention: sustained, selective, and divided. Sustained attention is the cognitive skill that allows your child to stay on task for a long period of time. Selective attention is the cognitive skill that prevents the child from being easily distracted. Divided attention allows them to do more than one task at a time.

Is ADHD making you procrastinate?

The problem has been defined as “voluntarily delaying an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay.” Sound familiar?

3. ADHD manifests differently in girls.

When people think of ADHD, they often think of boys bouncing off the walls. While hyperactivity is a common symptom of attention struggles—especially among boys—it’s often accompanied by things like impulsivity and an inability to multitask. But for girls, ADHD tends to manifest differently, often as inattentiveness and disorganization.

Because these symptoms aren’t as disruptive to class, ADHD in girls is often missed.

4. Unaddressed ADHD can lead to other issues. Here are some of the ways ADHD can impact life throughout school, college, and even into adulthood:

• • • • •

Low self-esteem Poor grades Difficulty getting into college Anxiety and/or depression Significant time-management challenges • Difficulty managing money • Chronic disorganization The good news is there are options to help a child with ADHD whether that is medication, support services in school, help available outside of the school or any combination of the three Darci R. Stanford, Ed.S., CBT, is owner of LearningRx in Owatonna.

Call 507-414-7287 to schedule a cognitive assessment.

When reading is easier,

learning is easier.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 30

Why do we procrastinate? According to one team of experts—made up of Drs. Joseph Ferrari and Timothy Pychyl—and quoted on psychologytoday.com, there are three basic types of procrastinators: 1. Arousal types or thrill seekers who look for the euphoric rush of getting something done at the last minute.

2. Avoiders who may be acting out of fear of failure, or otherwise avoiding painful emotions they have attached to the task at hand.

3. Decisional procrastinators, who struggle with—you guessed it!— making decisions.

And while the vote is split on whether procrastination is learned or biological or both, everyone agrees there’s a proven link between procrastination and ADHD. If you struggle with procrastination, time management strategies can help you compensate for poor attention and decision-making skills

Smart snacks for kids

BY Caitlin Terpstra , Mayo Clinic Health Systems

The wonderful topic of snacks is often debated amongst parents and childcare providers. Are they beneficial and helping children, or do they lead to over-feeding and eating less at suppertime? The truth is snacks can be very beneficial, but what often is overlooked and is actually more important is what the snack is. Snacks have the potential to help keep kids focused and alert at school and help re-fuel their bodies before after school activities such as sports, choir, and even homework.

A general rule of thumb is most kids

and teens should be eating every 3-4 hours throughout the day. This often translates to school age and older children eating 3 meals and 1-2 snacks per day, and children under the age of 5 eating 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day.

Snacks are meant to provide a variety of nutrients to kids including calories, protein, fat, fiber as well as vitamins and minerals.

Smart snack choices can help keep a child feeling full so they are able to function to their best potential, yet if properly balanced won’t result in the child not eating enough at mealtimes or skipping meals. Snacks should be offered no closer than 1-2 hours prior

to the start of a meal to ensure the child has a good appetite when it’s mealtime.

Snacks should be confined to certain areas of the house such as eating in the kitchen or at the table while doing homework. It’s also helpful to avoid distracted eating such as eating in front of TV, while playing video games, or working or playing on a computer or any electronic device. Snacks should often include at least two food groups to help provide a good balance of nutrients and provide satiety to the child.

—Caitlin Terpstra is a registered dietician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna

By: Mayo Clinic Staff | Servings: 16

• Single serving cups of applesauce or cut-up fruit (canned in water or in its own juice) • Fresh fruit or vegetables cut up (carrot sticks, peppers, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, apples, banana, grapes, berries, cherries, etc.)

• Trail mix homemade (nuts, dried fruit, pretzels or dry cereal (low sugar) such as Cheerios, mini chocolate chips) • Cheese stick & jerky • Baked tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa • Peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread

Vegetable Salsa Ingredients • 1 cup diced zucchini • 1 cup chopped red onion • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced (about 2 cups) • 2 green bell peppers, seeded and diced (about 2 cups) • 4 tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups) • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 2 teaspoons sugar • 1/4 cup lime juice • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Here are a variety of easy/convenient healthy snack options for children of all ages.

• Cottage cheese with fruit • Yogurt with fruit and/or homemade granola

Directions Wash vegetables and prepare as directed. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Toss gently to mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Nutrition Information: Serving size: ½ cup Calories: 24, total Carbs: 5 grams, Dietary fiber: 1 gram, Sodium: 79 mg, Total fat: 0 grams, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Protein: 1 gram.

• Pretzels with hummus • Smoothie (yogurt, fruit, milk & ice blended together) • Whole grain crackers with cream cheese • Mini pizza (whole grain English muffin with pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese) • Hard boiled eggs • Celery with peanut butter & raisins • Frozen fruit bar • Whole grain breakfast bar

APPOINTMENTS TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE; TODAY. Same Day Clinic appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a list of conditions treated in Same Day Clinic, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org, select Owatonna and click on Same Day Clinic under Services & Treatments.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna Call 507-451-1120 for an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org Kids Konnect • March/April • 31

EARTH DAY

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 when Americans joined together for environmental demonstrations and rallies. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 and is a chance for you to make our Earth a better place to live and consider how your actions impact our planet.

The following are some things you can do to help our planet.

BECOME A WASTE WARRIOR. Did you know that a plastic bottle can take over 450 years to break down? Think twice before you throw objects away. Always check to see if the item can be recycled. If the item can’t be recycled, is there anything else you can use it for? A plastic bottle could become a bird feeder or a sprinkler; have your parents check the Internet for other ideas of what you can do with items you’d normally throw away.

PLANT A TREE. Trees are great for our environment for many reasons. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for people to breathe. They also provide shelter and food for animals, and provide shade to cool off during the summer months. Plant a tree at your house or call the Park & Rec Office if you’d like to plant one in an Owatonna park.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. Electricity doesn’t just happen – it takes resources from the Earth to produce electricity. Make sure you aren’t wasting electricity! Here are a couple things you can do to conserve electricity: turn off the lights at your house when you leave, turn off your TV if no one is watching it, and turn your bedroom light off when you’re not in the room.

EVrehENouT! UgsPor Mo N EA CL Y DA H RT EA R U O IN PARTICIPAndTEs together and choose between Dartts, Mineral Sprilrin28. We’ll provideseallPatherk

0 pm on Sunday, Ap Get your family and frie d. up from 2:0 0 pm to 4:0 an cle g rin sp s and we’ll get you starte me so do to help one of the park pavilion at up ow sh st Ju . ed ne supplies you’ll rings for a cookout,

eral Sp pm we’ll meet at Min k you for your hard work!

00 4: at , up nea cl e an th to th After giveaways as a way arts and crafts, and

What’s for Dinner?

Que hay para cenar?

1231 BRADY BLVD NW • OWATONNA, MN 55060 • PHONE: 507-451-0845 • FAX: 507-451-0540 EMAIL: ELLISBODYSHOPINC@GMAIL.COM

Kids Konnect • March/April • 32

160 26th St. NE, Owatonna

(507) 413-0819

EARTH DAY

FUN FACTS

pty one em g n i l c y ave Rec n will s soda ca nergy to e enough TV for a power ours. e thre h

In its li fetime , one r can pr eusabl event e ba the us e of 60 g plastic 0 bags.

d f walke e l i und o m o y p r e e v n ly o For e , near of the air. n e v i r t out d of d instea ution is kep poll

Shu comp tting down ut a in use er when it’s cuts t not consu he energy mptio by 85 n perce nt.

Source: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/celebrations/earth-day /#earth-day-cleanup.jpg

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507-456-0474 lindsey@owatonnarealestate.com Kids Konnect • March/April • 33

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Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sundays (October - April): 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Owatonna Public Library 105 N Elm Ave. 507-444-2460 www.owatonna.info Kids Konnect • March/April • 34

Another way to Travel Courtesy of Steele County Historical Society Spring will likely find you and your friends grabbing your bikes and riding around the neighborhood or down to the park. Bicycles ga ve many people a means of transportation long before cars came into being.

However, did you know the first bicycles were called velocipedes and they didn’t have pedals?

They worked more on the order of human-powered scooters but the rider sat on a seat and walked or coasted along. Bikes have been tinkered with by many inventors since the first velocipede appeared in 1817. At that time, pedals were

A velocipede

added to the front wheel which increased in size to travel greater distances - but the wheel size was determined by the inseam of the rider’s leg and was not suitable for girls or women in long dresses, the favored style of the time.

In Britain, these largewheeled bikes were called penny farthings, as the bicycle looked like a larger English penny when placed next to the American velocipedes, which were compared to a Europe, but was slower to smaller English coin, the be adopted in the United farthing. These could States because of the be pedaled at high rise in popularity of the speeds, but they automobile (which was were dangerous if more suited to traveling one hit a bump long distances). and tumbled head over Owatonna’s Zamboni heels off the & Sons Sporting contraption.

Goods Store on Early British North Cedar Avenue A penny farthing bicycles were sold many bicycles often called to the growing community. boneshakers as they had Swiss immigrant Emil no springs on the seats Zamboni is shown above or handles. Bicycle riding in 1875 with Jacob Grass, became very popular in a local celebrity bicycle

racer who won all his races - except one - in his four-year career. Bicycle races for men and women were sponsored by the Elk Bicycle Club at the Steele County Fair. While bicycle racing gained popularity, safety quickly became an issue as racers not only had to share the roadways with cars, but cars were hard-pressed to avoid cyclists who had crashed or tumbled on the narrow roads.

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 35

Eddy Makes a New Friend

E

ddy was deep in thought on his favorite bench in Central Park when he felt a quick ‘tap-tap-tap’ on his shoulder. “Hey kid! You wanna hang out with me?” Eddy slowly turned his head to face the stranger. Expecting to find a likeness of himself, Eddy was surprised to see the largest, tallest Husky dog he had ever seen.

Maybe he just seemed taller because he was standing on just his back two legs – not on all four legs like his friend Nickel the Buffalo did.

“B-b-b-but I don’t know you,” Eddy stammered, “and my mom says I shouldn’t talk to strangers.”

“Relax, kid,” the Husky said, shoving his paw towards Eddy. “Harley’s the name, spirit’s the game!”

Eddy shook Harley’s paw gingerly.

Spirit? “Never heard of it,” Eddy thought to himself. “What is Spirit, and what does it have to do with a…a….a DOG?” Harley took a few quick steps across the lawn towards the fountain, and suddenly, he was in the air! First a short skip,

then two cartwheels followed by a handspring – and on to the best part – the back-flip finish! Harley bounced in place a few times after he landed, catching his breath.

“What was that?” Eddy asked, still in shock at the spectacle he’d just witnessed. “THAT,” Harley said proudly, “was spirit!” Harley took off again, this time running towards the insurance building on the opposite corner. As he ran, he jumped and twirled. He waved and shouted at everyone leaving the building for their lunch breaks. Some people stared.

Some people turned away. But mostly, the people laughed and waved back at Harley.

Giggling, Eddy quizzed his new friend about so many things, darting from subject to subject faster than the bees were moving among the flowers. “What is your job? What do you mostly do all the time?” Eddy demanded.

“You mean – you’ve never been to a football game at the high school?

Or a hockey game? Or a parade? You’ve never seen me at the Fair?” Harley just couldn’t believe his pointed ears. “Why Eddy, I’m in charge of SPIRIT! It’s what makes people feel like yelling and clapping and jumping up and down. It’s what makes them feel proud to be a part of something – a team, or a work crew or even a family.

It’s what makes people want to do the right thing and be good to each other,” he patiently explained to his young friend.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 37

“I like to go to places where there are lots of people, like sporting events at school. My favorite thing is to help the cheerleaders get people excited and then dance with people when the band plays. It makes people feel good inside – and that’s what spirit is, too,” Harley said, waving his paws to emphasize his points.

Excitedly, Harley took off running again, this time landing in front of the flagpole at the center of the park. Slowly and deliberately, Harley stood straight and tall, placed his right paw over his heart and looked skyward at the billowing flag.

Suddenly, Harley began to sing: “Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s

last gleaming?” The Husky had the most beautiful singing voice Eddy had ever heard. The people around the square must have been in agreement as they hurried closer to listen. A large lunchtime crowd had gathered as Harley put his heart and soul into the ending: “O’er the land of the free, and the home…of the…brrrave!”

The crowd burst into cheers and wild applause for Harley’s beautiful solo – and Eddy was feeling an entirely new sensation. A lump. In his throat.

As the crowd broke up and everyone went about their business, Eddy and Harley made their way back to the bench where they had first met just an hour earlier. The sun was warm and yellow against the cool blue sky. Eddy leaned his head back against the bench and looked at his new friend. “Harley, I have this lump in my throat. It makes me feel like I want to cry, but I’m not sad, I’m happy. I just don’t get it,” Eddy said softly.

“Don’t worry, Pal,” Harley said, placing his paw gently against Eddy’s chest. “That’s spirit, too.”

klaiasdlelvo

Kids Konnect • March/April • 39

APRIL IS

Build your own kite: Simple Sled Kite from NASA

A sled kite is one of the simplest kites to make from everyday materials, such as plastic bags, crepe paper or leftover lightweight cloth.

Materials needed for engineering your own Sled Kite: • Light weight material (plastic bag, crepe paper, light cloth or nylon) • Plastic drinking straws • Duct tape • Clear tape • Kite string

Upcoming Events - Mark your Calendars!

Egg Splash Friday, April 12 ~ 5:30pm Owatonna Middle School Pool Kids Konnect • March/April • 40

Munchkin Market Sat., April 27 ~ 9am-12pm Four Season’s Centre

Earth Day Clean Up Sun., April 28 ~ 2pm-4pm Dartts, Mineral Springs & Morehouse

Step by step procedures: 1. A good way to start your kite is to create a template, a cardboard shape that looks like your kite.

2. To create the template use the diagram. Make sure each side is symmetrical so the kite will fly straight.

3. Use a marker to trace the shape of your kite on the plastic sheet, paper or cloth.

4. Decorate your kite with markers, or colored paper or add colorful tails to the bottom.

5. Tape the straws as shown, using three pieces of clear tape on each straw.

6. Put a tab of duct tape on each side of the kite as shown.

7. Carefully punch a hole through each of the duct tape tabs.

8. Tie each end of a 6 foot long piece of string to the holes (this is the bridle ).

9. Tie a loop in the center of the bridle to attach the paper clip.

10.Tie more kite string to the paper clip and test fly your kite by holding the loop in the bridle and running into the wind in an open field.

11. Hold your hand high and the kite should follow along behind you.

After testing your kite make adjustments to see if you can make it fly higher, or in loops. Redesign your sled kite and make it twice or three times as big, cut vents into the lower part of the sled or add different tails and see how this changes the way your kite flies!

Safety: Flying kites close to

trees or buildings can be difficult, this is because air behaves strangely when it moves past objects, swirling in unpredictable directions and taking your kite with it. An open field is the best place to fly a kite.

DON’T FLY KITES NEAR POWER LINES!

Power lines are very dangerous for both the kite and you!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 41

Bread Pizza

Quick, easy and delicious, bread pizza is for everyone! You can make it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. The recipe here is one simple option, with ingredients you have in house but you can make many other variations according to your tastes. You can add various vegetables like peppers, onion, garlic, olives or meat like ham, prosciutto, tuna, pepperoni even other types of cheese. You can never get bored with this dish!

Prep time 10 mins

Cook time 10 mins

Total time 20 mins

Ingredients Makes 6 bread pizzas 6 bread slices 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup corn kernels 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese 1 tsp sesame and flax seeds, to sprinkle on top 1 tsp dry oregano 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200 C).

Slice Mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.

Arrange bread slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. Spread tomato sauce on one side of each slice of bread.

Sprinkle dry oregano.

3. Add Mozzarella cheese and tomato slices

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What else could you put your pizza toppings on?

4. Add corn kernels and sprinkle sesame and flax seeds on top.

If you don’t have any bread, try substituting an English Muffin, baking powder biscuits, hamburger buns, or anything you can find!

Try shaking up the recipe by using canned biscuits or pizza dough.

All you need to do is follow the baking instructions on the packaging.

Simply add your favorite toppings!

5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

6. Add fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts: 1 Serving - Calories:101, Fat:4.6g, Saturated Fat:2.5g, Unsaturated Fat:0.0 g, Carbohydrates:7.9g, Sugar:1.4g, Fiber:0.9g, Protein:7.6g, Cholesterol:12 mg, Calories from Fat 41, Sodium 252mg, Potassium 116mg, Vitamin A 7%, Vitamin C 5%, Calcium 18%, Iron 6%, Nutrition Grade B+, Daily Percent Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Source: https://www.homecookingadventure.com/recipes/bread-pizza

My Favorite Toppings

List your favorite pizza toppings below!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 43

Find the hidden objects – then color the picture!

Dan Nechville, Realtor • 507-456-8788 DanNechville@Hotmail.com Berkshire Hathaway Advantage Real Estate Kids Konnect • March/April • 44

Why is this basket empty? otice Did you n gs in all the eg zine? this maga

They’re everywhere!

When everyone in your family is finished reading this magazine, carefully cut out all the eggs you can find and tape or glue them into your basket.

How many did you find?

How many did your friends and classmates find? (Don’t forget to color the basket first!)

NAPA OWATONNA DISTRIBUTION CENTER

“SUPPORTING OWATONNA KIDS AND EDUCATION”

N APA O WATONNA D ISTRIBUTION C ENTER D IVISION O F G ENUINE P ARTS C OMPANY

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Kids Konnect • March/April • 45

Chocolate bunnies may be popular during Easter Holidays, but there are many more kinds of chocolate delights that people enjoy all year ‘round.

Search the puzzle below to find twenty-one chocolate treats!

Kids Konnect • March/April • 46

SCAVENGER

HUNT! Outdoor mural Statue or sculpture Wild flowers Swing set Duck pond with ducks Antique car Dogs playing at dog park Picnic Sidewalk chalk art Food truck Team doing yoga moves under a large tree Flying a kite Team photo jumping off the ground in a city park

Water fountain A sign with your city/town’s name The sunset American flag (bonus: photo of American flag and state flag) Historical landmark BONUS ITEMS: State capital City skyline Street sign with your name Farmer’s market Outdoor concert/street musician

! t h g i l t o p S r e h c a e T School Owatonna Junior High Subject Health & Physical Education Number of Years 33 Loved Most About Teaching I loved what I taught. I had a squirly mind and could really connect with the junior high students Resident at CountrySide 4 months

Jon Wilker

EcumenCountrySide.Org | EcumenBrooks.Org Premier Senior Living Communities in Owatonna | 507-461-9277 Kids Konnect • March/April • 47

En el acertijo, encuentra estas palabras CARBON CARBON “Volverse verde” ¡no ¡Caramba!

Mi en inglés, luego encuentra la traducción significa eso!. cara está roja. español de estas palabras en la página FOOTPRINT FOOTPRINT Significa que al uno “cuida el planeta”. de Kid Scoop de hoy.

GREEN GREEN CARPOOL A H C L E U F G T R CARPOOL GENERATES GENERATES E N F O S S I L A A FOSSIL FOSSIL R G R E E N Len actividades E S O Cada persona participa en actividades productoras Una de las maneras Cada persona participa productoras ENERGY de CO2. El conjunto de estas actividades que son los las humanos ENERGY de CO2. El conjunto de estas actividades son las “huellas de carbono”. Un norteamericanogeneramos produce dióxido de “huellas de carbono”. Un norteamericano produce I N P T R unaO B FUEL C de RCO2Ranualmente, en promedio 20 toneladas de CO2 anualmente, carbono una (CO2) es FUEL en promedio 20 toneladas

Me estoy viendo verde.

maneras anos ióxido de O2) es

© 2019 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

en Español

© 2019 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

“Volverse verde” ¡no significa eso!.

Significa que uno “cuida el planeta”.

Me estoy ¿Qué estásMi volviendo verde. ¡Caramba! haciendo? cara está roja.

cifra parecida a lo que producen tres coches mediante nuevos. la cifra parecida a lo que producen tres coches nuevos. y petróleo, combustión de hidrocarburos, gas natural y petróleo, Fuente: ecomall.com/greenshopping/carbonfootprint.htm Fuente: ecomall.com/greenshopping/carbonfootprint.htm es. en automóviles, aviones, autobuses y trenes.

Siempre que sea Si cada posible, familia camina norteamericana o usa tu bicicleta reemplazara para viajar.una bombilla de luz Si caminar noincandescente es una opción,por una fluorescente de bajo consumo, las emisiones de CO2 entonces comparte el vehículo. disminuirían casi 90 mil millones de Alguien que hace “carpool”endos libras,reduce lo mismo veces a la semana sus que lo que producen emisiones de 7.5 CO2millones en casi de carros.

1,590 libras por año.

CARS Y G A P H O ROAD C Y C R N G HOUR E E D I O X cada familia norteamericana RECYCLESi reemplazara una bombilla de luz fluorescente N Dde F R porLuna A CHART incandescente bajo consumo, las emisiones de CO2 disminuirían en casi 90 mil millones de LANDFILLS T A R N S libras, lo mismo que loE que producen 7.5 millones de carros.

DIOXIDE

Este árbol tiene 624 pulgadas de alto. Doce pulgadas equivalen a un pie.

Este animal acuático vive a 7 brazas bajo el agua. Una braza equivale a seis pies. ¿A cuántos pies de profundidad tendrías que sumergirte para encontrar a este animal?

¿Cuántos pies mide este árbol?

Es fácil acordarse de apagar los grandes aparatos eléctricos como las luces o los televisores, pero no te Una reducción enapagar los desechos el olvides de las cosasenpequeñas como videograbadobasurero rastambién o DVD,reduce bocinaslas deemisiones la computadora o impresoras. Si de CO2están y metano (otro gas que prendidas, están consumiendo energía, aunque no producelaselestés efecto estufa).

El hora reciclaje usando.

Cada de electricidad que se usa en tambiéntuusa menos energía que casa genera 2.3 libras delaCO2. producción de nuevos materiales.

Busca en el periódico cualquier cosa que sea de color verde. ¿Cuántas cosas puedes hallar en un minuto? Compite con un compañero(a) para ver quién descubre más La cajas Bento son una colección de cosas en un loncheras de colores brillantes que son minuto. reutilizables y no producen desechos.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 48

R G O U CARS R E O A ROAD HOUR I D E L RECYCLE L L S I CHART N E G E LANDFILLS DIOXIDE

En en al

L E L C Y C E R N

Palabra detiene la semana: Este árbol 624 pulgadas de GENERAR alto. Doce El verboequigenerar pulgadas significa o valen a unproducir pie.

proveer existencia. ¿Cuántos pies

este genera calor.

Unamide fogata árbol?

Intenta usar la palabra generar mientras platicas con tus amigos(as) o parientes el día de hoy.

Una reducción en los desechos en el basurero también reduce las emisiones de CO2 y metano (otro gas que produce el efecto estufa). El reciclaje también usa menos energía que la producción de nuevos materiales.

Busca en el periódico cualquier cosa que sea de color verde. ¿Cuántas cosas puedes hallar en un Realiza un cuadro con cuatro columnas. minuto? Compite Titúlalas “Amenazas al Medioambiente”, con un “Recursos Naturales”, “Maneras decompañero(a) Ahorrar ver quién Energía” y “Artículos Reciclables”.para Durante un descubre más mes busca periódico La cajas Bentoen soneluna colección denotas relevantes para cosas en un loncheras colorescolumna. brillantes que son pegar endecada minuto. reutilizables y no producen desechos.

Noticias Ambientales

¿Qué significa ser “verde”?

¿Qué significa el Noticias término “verde”Ambie Realiza un cuadro con cuatro cuando “Amenazas se usa Titúlalas al Med relacionado con “Recursos Naturales”, “Ma empresas Energía” oy estilos “Artículos Recic mesde busca en el periódico no vida? pegar en cada columna.

This water animal lives © 2019 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

© 2019 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

7 fathoms below the surface of the ocean.

There are 6 feet in a fathom. In feet, how deep in the sea would you have to go to find this animal?

This tree is 624 inches tall.

There are 12 inches in a foot.

How many feet tall is the tree?

e generate ide (CO2) is fossil fuels ) to power and trains. t produce

Onecarbon way we generate CO2. These activities are called a person’s footprint. The average American generates carbon 20dioxide tons (CO2) is produced byas burning fossil fuels of CO2 every year–about the same amount by three new cars! (gas and oil) to power cars, planes and trains.

Source: ecomall.com/greenshopping/carbonfootprint.htm Each person participates in activities that produce

If every family replaced just Whenever possible, walkAmerican or ride your one incandescent light bulb with an bike to get places. energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb, If walking isn’tCO possible—carpool!

2 emissions would drop by more than billion pounds Carpooling two90days a week can a year—the same as 2 emissions taking 7.5 million cars off the road. reduce your annual CO by as much as 1,590 pounds.

Nellie Fly is looking tree is 624 forThis news about inches tall.the kids helping environment.

She There are 12 saw someinkids inches a cleaning foot. up a playground in their neighborhood.

How many Read feetthe tallnotes is in Nellie Fly’s reporter notebook. Then write the tree? a short news article about the playground clean-up project.

CO2. These activities are called a person’s carbon footprint. The average American generates 20 tons of CO2 every year–about the same amount as produced by three new cars!

Source: ecomall.com/greenshopping/carbonfootprint.htm

CARBON FOOTPRINT GREEN CARPOOL GENERATES FOSSIL ENERGY FUEL CARS ROAD HOUR RECYCLE CHART LANDFILLS DIOXIDE

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

If every American family replaced just H C A an R with G Tbulb E U F light oneLincandescent energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb, A A than S SdropI byLmore N F Owould COE 2 emissions 90 billion pounds a year—the same asR G O N L E taking 7.5 S million carsEoffEtheRroad.

C R R T R O B I N P Y G A P H O U R G O C Y C R N G A R E O E E D I O X I D E L R L A N D F I L L S N S E T A R E N E G

CARBON FOOTPRINT GREEN CARPOOL GENERATES FOSSIL ENERGY FUEL CARS ROAD HOUR RECYCLE CHART LANDFILLS DIOXIDE

Find the w then in this stories L E U F E N F O L E S O C R R T Y G A P C Y C R E E D I R L A N N S E T

Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word POWER in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row. Some spaces have been filled in for you.

It’s easy to remember to turn off big things, like lights or TVs, but don’t forget about the small stuff … like Reducing waste in landfills reduces speakers, and printers.

VCRs, DVD players, computer 2 and methane emissions of COon, If they’re they’re using(another energy, even if you aren’t heat-trapping gas).Every Recycling also uses used in your home using them. hour of electricity less energy thanabout manufacturing generates 2.3 poundsnew of CO2. materials.

Look through the newspaper for anything that is green. How many things can you find in one minute?

Compete with a partner to see who comes up with the most in a minute.

Bento boxes are a collection of brightly colored lunch boxes that are reusable and waste-free.

Make a chart with four columns. Label them: Threats to the Environment, Natural Reducing waste in Ways landfillstoreduces Resources, Save Energy, and Items methane (another emissions of CO2 and to Recycle.

Look through the newspaper for heat-trapping gas). Recycling also uses one month to find relevant less energy than manufacturing new articles to paste into each column. materials.

Look through the

Make a chart with four col Threats to the Environmen Resources, Ways to Save E to Recycle. Look through one month to find relevan into each column.

newspaper for anything that is green. How many things can you find in one minute?

Compete with a partner to see who comes up with the most in a minute.

What does the term “green” mean when used to describe businesses and lifestyles?

Bento boxes are a collection of brightly colored lunch boxes that are reusable and waste-free.

What does the term “gre used business … turningtooffdescribe the lights when you leave a room.

Kids Konnect • March/April • 49

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