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Cincinnati

AUGUST 2018

free inside:

BACK TO

SCHOOL! Are YOU Ready?

+

kids eat

FREE deals

MUSEUM ROAD TRIPS TOP PICKS FOR FUN AND LEARNING

IN EVERY ISSUE

contents

AUGUST 2018 departments PARENTING

26

Ask the Teacher

SPECIAL NEEDS

30 How to Write Great IEP Goals

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

32

Sidekicks Made

TRAVEL

12

Let's Go to a Museum!

IN EVERY ISSUE

06 08 10 11

Editor's Note Community Spotlight Cincy's Kids Our Social Network

RESOURCES & CALENDARS

28 Preschool & Education Guide 34 August Events 43 Fun & Wacky Calendar

features

14 16

Back to School Checklist

Are you ready for the big day?

Kids Eat Free Deals

Cincy's best spots for a meal on the cheap

18

Finding a Great Enrichment Program Six questions to ask before signing up

the School 24 Start Year Off Right

14

Practical tips from parents and teachers for a smooth transition

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

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EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY SUSAN BRYANT

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox mary@cincinnatiparent.com EDITOR Susan Bryant susan@cincinnatiparent.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Katie Clark katie@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hannah Mohler hannah@cincinnatiparent.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Ring karen@cincinnatiparent.com COMMUNITY OUTREACH & SOCIAL MEDIA Sarah McCosham sarah@cincinnatiparent.com

It’s Back to School Time!

And back to setting alarms, packing lunches, juggling schedules and in general, finding our school groove again.

Summer – where did you go?

Really though, it seems that many of us are ready for the kind of familiar routine that the school year provides. If we spent every day by the pool, lazing around with a good book, going to bed late – I guess that would get old. (Or not.) But the start of a school year kicks us back into gear, providing a sense of motivation that we probably need (and our kids definitely do.)

DIGITAL PUBLISHER Wendy Hasser wendy@cincinnatiparent.com

The beginning of a new school year always feels like a clean slate too, doesn’t it? Our kids are offered a fresh start – with new teachers, new classmates, new things to learn and get excited about. Sometimes the kids themselves look new – is that really facial hair on your preteen son? How did your daughter get so tall over the summer?

It’s amazing to see the changes that can happen in kids from May to August. (And the kind of closet overhaul it requires too!)

Yes, there’s no denying it. School is just around the corner. Wherever you land on the continuum – from total reluctance to seeing summer end to celebrating that the kids are (finally) back in school – enjoy these last carefree days. Summer 2018 is in the books – and a brand new school year is just waiting to unfold!

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com EVENT COORDINATOR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Brooke Litherland brooke@cincinnatiparent.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Sarah McCosham, Deb Krupowicz, Kim Dinan and Karen Ring CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2018 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

25,000 - 45,000 CIRCULATION CATEGORY

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMUNIT Y

SPOTLIGHT what to look for in August

summer fun

at Stricker’s Grove

SHOP OHIO’S TAX-FREE WEEKEND Need school supplies? For a fourth year in a row, Ohio is offering a weekend-long sales tax holiday in August to help back-to-school shoppers save big. This year’s Tax-Free Weekend is August 3-5, beginning at 12 am on August 3rd and ending at 11:59 pm on August 5th. The tax exemption applies to clothing and footwear that cost $75 or less and school supplies and materials that cost $20 or less. Be sure to check with your favorite retailers for special sales and promotions! www.tax.ohio.gov/sales_and_use/ salestaxholiday/holidayfaq.aspx

Jump and Jive with the CMC Swing back in time on August 11th at Cincinnati Museum Center's (CMC) 1940s Day. WWII veterans, classic cars and vintage airplanes highlight this can’t-miss summer fest. As Union Terminal nears the completion of its restoration, 1940s Day is back again at Lunken Airport, one of Cincinnati’s most celebrated Art Deco buildings.

1940s Day is an immersive celebration of this pivotal decade, and the myriad music, fashion, vehicles and people who shaped it. This jumpin’ and jivin’ celebration is free for CMC members and just $10 and $5 (respectively) for nonmember adults and kids. www.cincymuseum.org/ events/1940s-day

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

Tucked away in Hamilton, Ohio, Stricker’s Grove is the very definition of a “hidden gem.” This west side favorite is open just four days each year, and you’ll absolutely want to add it to your family’s bucket list.

Rides include a Ferris Wheel, Viking Ship and two roller coasters: Ralph Stricker’s “The Tornado” (a record-holding coaster) and the Teddy Bear (originally located at Cincinnati’s Coney Island). Upcoming Family Days are August 12th, Sept. 3rd and Oct. 14th. www.strickersgrove.com

come to theTheatre!

Single tickets for The Children’s Theatre 2018-19 MainStage season go on sale August 22nd, and this is one super season you won’t want to miss. Upcoming productions promise to be action-packed, whether it’s through the skies of Metropolis in Superman™ (October 6-15, 2018), the North Pole in Santa Claus: The Musical (December 8-17, 2018), the jungles of India in Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids (February 16-25, 2019) or the ballroom floors in Sleeping Beauty (April 27-May 6, 2019). Can’t decide which show to see? Consider getting season tickets – you’ll save money and have built in dates on the calendar for family fun. www.thechildrenstheatre.com

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 09

IN EVERY ISSUE

cincy’s kids Summer vacations provide some of the best memories we can create for our children. No doubt these kids will remember the trips they took here!

Elijah (age 13) and Judah (age 8)

Emma (age 5)

Zoe (age 18 mos)

want to see your cute kids on this page?

In honor of Grandparents Day in September, Camden (age 3)

Jackson (age 3), Bryce (age 6) and Reyna (8 mos)

Olivia (age 2.5) 10

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

WE’RE LOOKING FOR PICTURES OF KIDS ENJOYING TIME WITH THEIR GRANDMA, GRANDPA, NANA, PAPA, MAMAW OR PAPAW! Send in your best shots (with child’s first name and what they call their grandparent) to editor@ cincinnati parent.com and your picture may be selected to appear here!

IN EVERY ISSUE

the cincy parent

SOCIAL

NETWORK like us.

/CINCINNATI PARENT

follow us.

tweet us.

@CINCYPARENT

LOOK FOR TWO SPECIAL SEGMENTS ON GOOD MORNING CINCINNATI THIS MONTH: ON AUGUST 3RD

WE'LL BE SHARING OUR TOP BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS LIVE FROM ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL DEALS AND ON AUGUST 9TH WE'LL BE COUNTING DOWN OUR FAVORITE LOCAL KIDS EAT FREE PROMOS.

@CINCYPARENT

be on the lookout for

THIS MONTH'S ONLINE CONTESTS. COSI tickets, Beach Waterpark tickets, Coney Island tickets and tickets to The Web Extreme Entertainment!

upcoming guides on

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM. WHERE TO CREEK STOMP IN CINCINNATI cincinnatiparent.com/where-to-creek-stomp-in-cincinnati/ Creek stomping lets kids get down n’ dirty and helps them form a connection with nature. Let us clue you in on the top kid-friendly spots to stomp!

8 DOG PARKS IN CINCINNATI WORTH THE DRIVE cincinnatiparent.com/dog-parks-in-cincinnati/ This guide gives the "dog days" of summer a whole new meaning. Check out our favorite dog parks in Cincinnati and let Fido off leash.

TOP 10 CINCINNATI NATURE CENTERS cincinnatiparent.com/cincinnati-nature-centers/ Our area is full of picture-perfect parks, preserves and nature centers just waiting to be explored. Enjoy the great outdoors with a few of these suggested destinations.

FOR THE LATEST KID-FRIENDLY HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN, BOOKMARK SARAH MCCOSHAM'S "WHERE ARE WE GOING TODAY?" BLOG. WITH BRIGHT PHOTOS AND VIVID DESCRIPTIONS, HER POSTS LET PARENTS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING CINCINNATI SITES – WHETHER IT'S A LIBRARY PLAY PLACE, NEW PLAYGROUND, LOCAL MUSEUM OR MORE. UP THIS MONTH: THE 411 ON SUMMIT PARK'S BRAND-NEW PLAYSCAPE, THE BEST KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS AT NEWPORT AQUARIUM AND SARAH'S ABSOLUTE FAVORITE U-PICK APPLE ORCHARD IN CINCINNATI.

on the cover: MEET MAVERICK age 4 years old

my favorites

interesting fact about me

FOOD Pasta SPORT Soccer TV SHOW Garfield MOVIE Hotel Transylvania SUPER HERO Ninja Turtles

I love every genre of music and often want the radio up full blast in the car! cover photo by ASHLEE LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY www.ashleelaurenphoto.com

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 11

TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go to a Museum!

A world of exploration is just a car ride away From the Cincinnati Museum Center to the Taft Museum of Art, and the Cincinnati Art Museum, we are fortunate to have so many fine museums right in our own backyard. We are also fortunate that our home in the heart of the country puts us within a short drive to a wide range of museum getaways. Check out our list of 5 museums worth the drive.

CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK Located in Dayton, OH, Carillon Historical Park celebrates the city’s rich historical heritage and numerous bragging rights – from being the birthplace of the airplane and the cash register to hosting the National Football League’s inaugural game.

Featuring a hand-carved carousel, 4-D theatre, trains, slides, living history experiences, thousands of artifacts, extensive educational programming and so much more, Carillon Historical Park brings Dayton’s past to life in a way that is fun for the whole family.

Highlights include the 151-foot-tall Deeds Carillon, the 1905 Wright Flyer III and the Great 1913 Flood exhibit that tells the story of Ohio’s worst natural disaster.

Location: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH More information: www.dayton history.org/

TOP AHA! A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE BOTTOM CONNER PRAIRIE

AHA! A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE In 2016 a group of moms got together to explore the possibility of creating a hands-on, interactive children's museum for Lancaster, OH. Today, the 8,000-square-foot adventure space that they dreamed up features more than 35 hands-on exhibits and activities for children ages 0-8. The nonprofit museum provides a place for children to learn as they engage in their most important "work" of play.

Location: 1708 River Valley Circle South, Lancaster, OH More information: aha4kids.org

COSI COSI is a world-class children’s museum that is just as fun for adults as it is for kids. In the recently opened Dinosaur gallery, explore a 6-foot-long mechanical T rex model that walks in place, an 8-foot tall Titanosaur femur, a huge threehorned Triceratops cast and a 100-year-old piece of fossilized amber preserving an ancient feather.

Little KidSpace is the perfect place for kids 6 and under to engage in pretend play, climb on play structures and get a bit wet at the water stations. COSI’s planetarium is the largest in Ohio and sends visitors on an unparalleled journey through our universe, while The National Geographic Giant Screen brings movies to life in stunning 3D. Visitors can also take a captivating journey through an ancient land in Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World on display through Sept. 3.

Location: 333 W Broad St., Columbus, OH More information: cosi.org

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THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS The largest children's museum in the world is just a two-hour drive from Cincinnati and it is well worth the trip. Those who have made the trek before will want to return to see the newest addition: a 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area known as Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience that features 12 outdoor sports experiences and three indoor sports exhibits.

The remainder of the 500,000 square feet of indoor space houses exhibits that focus on physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts. Step back in time 65 million years to walk among the dinosaurs in Dinosphere. Little ones 5 and under can enjoy a space all their own in the newly revamped Playscape and visitors of all ages will love the brand new interactive DC Superheroes exhibit open through Nov. 25.

Location: 3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN More information: childrensmuseum.org

CONNER PRAIRIE Indiana’s Conner Prairie is one of the most visited outdoor museums in the country and the state’s first Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can immerse themselves in 19th-century village life and interact with the people, animals, objects and routines of a bygone era in 1836 Prairietown; climb to the top of a four-story treehouse and explore the newly added Fort Hoosier play structure at Treetop Outpost; step into Indiana territory in 1816 Lenape Indian Camp; get in touch with nature at the new White River Overlook; head indoors for some hands-on activities in Create.Connect or the brand new Makesmith Workshop; or fly high above it all on an 1859 Balloon Voyage. With 11 incredible experience areas there is truly something for everyone.

Location: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN More information: connerprairie.org

And there you have it – 5 museums, tons of fun and all just a short drive away!

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 13

back to school checklist Are you ready for the big day?

WORDS BY SUSAN BRYANT

DO find the 4” wide 3-ring binder with colored coded dividers, box of #2 Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils and Yellow Broad Tipped Hi-Liter.

DON’T freak out when you realize you got the school supply list for the wrong grade.

DO carefully select your daughter’s adorable first day of school outfit.

DON’T lose your cool when she insists on wearing her favorite tutu, ratty t-shirt and feather boa instead.

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DO have a relaxed, stress- free breakfast with time to chat about the big day ahead.

DON’T panic when you sleep through the alarm clock and the bus is coming in 10 minutes.

DO make your son feel special with a heartfelt, affectionate send off at the bus stop.

DON’T get offended when he suddenly pretends not to know you – at all.

DO pack a healthy lunch representing all the food groups.

DO take a moment to appreciate the significance of your kids starting another school year.

DON’T give up when the whole thing comes home intact and your son says he ate a bag of FunYuns someone gave him.

DON’T stop yourself from getting a little emotional – this is a big deal, no matter how many times you’ve been through it!

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

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KIDS EAT FREE DEALS CINCY’S BEST SPOTS FOR A MEAL ON THE CHEAP

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

EATING OUT IS GREAT; FOOTING THE BILL FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY IS NOT. SUMMER BREAK IS DWINDLING DOWN, AND CINCINNATI PARENTS WILL SOON BEGIN THE BACK TO SCHOOL WHIRLWIND. IF THE THOUGHT OF ALL THOSE HURRIED BREAKFASTS, PACKED LUNCHES AND L AST-MINUTE DINNERS HAS YOUR HE AD SPINNING, YOU MIGHT JUST NEED A NIGHT OUT. OUR AREA OFFERS PLENTY OF FAMILY FRIENDLY DINING – AND MANY PLACES HAVE KIDS EAT FREE OFFERS. CHECK OUT THIS LIST NEXT TIME YOU NEED A BREAK FROM THE KITCHEN.

(PLEASE NOTE: all kids meals are free unless otherwise noted; some $.99 offers are included as well.)

Applebees

Select Greater Cincinnati locations www.applebees.com/ locations All day Wednesdays, kids 12 and under eat for just $.99 with the purchase of an adult meal. Limit one per adult meal, dine in only. Call to verify store participation.

Bob Evans

All Greater Cincinnati locations www.bobevans.com Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 pm with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Buffalo Joe’s

6130 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield buffalojoes fairfield.com Kids eat free all day Mondays and Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Buffalo Wings & Rings

All Greater Cincinnati locations www.buffalo wingsandrings.com/ Kids eat free on Monday nights with a paying adult ($5 minimum purchase).

Cazadores

750 OH-28, Milford www.loscazadores restaurant.com/menu All day Tuesdays, buy one regular dinner and get one free kid’s meal.

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit

Several Greater Cincinnati locations www.dickeys.com/ promos/current-deals Kids 12 and under eat free every Sunday.

Offer limited to one kid’s meal per $10 adult purchase. Not valid with any other offers or promotions.

Fazoli’s

5990 Fuller St., Florence www.fazolis.com/kids Tuesday nights from 5-8 pm, one adult entrée gets you a kid’s meal for just $.99.

Fricker’s

Three locations in Mason, North College Hill and West Chester www.frickers.com Kids 10 and under eat free every day at Fricker's with the purchase of one adult meal and one kid's beverage. Offer valid for dine-in customers only.

Hofbräuhaus

200 E 3rd St., Newport www.facebook.com/ hbhnewport/ The second Tuesday of each month at Hofbräuhaus Newport is “Family Night” where kids eat free from 6-8 pm with each adult entrée purchase (limit one child’s meal per paying adult).

IKEA West Chester 9500 IKEA Way, West Chester Township www.ikea.com/us/en/ catalog/categories/ departments/ food/#ifs-ikea-family Every Tuesday, get two kid’s meals free with purchase of one adult entrée. Offer valid for kids 12 and under.

LaRosa’s

All dine-in locations around Cincinnati www.facebook.com/ LaRosasPizzeria/ posts/101522 97699080829 On Mondays and Tuesdays, kids 12 and under can enjoy “Spaghetti a Plenty” for just $.99.

Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House 6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe rivertownbrewery.com/ monroe/ During Family Funday Mondays, kids 12 and under eat free from 5:30-7:30 pm with each adult meal purchased.

Skyline Chili

Laszlo's Iron Skillet Restaurant

Select locations around Greater Cincinnati www.skylinechili.com Kids eat free from 5 to 9 pm on varying nights at participating Greater Cincinnati locations. Call your local Skyline to check for participation.

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar

Participating Cincinnati locations www.steaknshake.com/ menu_specials/kids-eatfree/ On Saturdays and Sundays, kids 12 and under eat free with a $9 dine-in purchase. Limit one kid’s meal per $9 purchase.

Old Bag of Nails Pub

West Chester and Harrison Greene locations www.tomandchee.com/ locations/ On Tuesdays after 4 pm, get one free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchased.

1020 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati www.laszlosiron skillet.com Kids eat free every Tuesday at this familyowned, family-friendly restaurant.

Participating Cincinnati locations www.ocharleys.com/ whatsnew Get one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée – all day, every day. Kid’s beverage not included; not valid with any other offers.

5234 Kings Mills Road Unit 11&12, Mason www.oldbagofnails.com/ events/ Get one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée valued at $6.99 or higher. Offer valid any day of the week with coupon available on website.

Qdoba

All Greater Cincinnati locations www.qdoba.com/?utm_ source=Pages On Fridays after 4 pm, get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchased.

Steak & Shake

Tom + Chee

Westshore Pizza

6176 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH westshorepizza.com Tuesday nights are for the kids! From 6-8 pm, kids can enjoy free face painting and pizza.

PLEASE NOTE: this list only contains Kids Eat Free promotions that we were able to confirm via website or by phone. As offers and participation are subject to change, please call the particular restaurant and location you plan on visiting before you go!

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 17

FINDING A GREAT

enrichment program Six questions to ask before signing up WORDS BY KIM DINAN

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

There’s no shortage of enrichment and afterschool opportunities available to kids these days. Music, dance, karate, swimming, theater, art and gymnastics are just some of the options that kids and parents can choose from. But with so many choices available, narrowing down which are the best programs to pursue can be a task. To help with that process, here are a few questions to ask when selecting an activity for your child.

HOW LONG HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN AROUND? Before enrolling your child in an enrichment program, take a look at how long the organization offering the activity has been in business. Look for a wellestablished program that has many happy students and parents. Places with some history will have “tried and true” methods and know what works for their participants. See if staff turnover rate is an issue as well. Finding a program with instructors that stay year after year is a good sign.

WHAT IS THE TEACHER TO CHILD SUPERVISION RATIO? Having enough instructors for students ensures that your child is well-monitored and getting the kind of specialized attention he or she might require. “The teacher to child ratio is extremely important,” says Emily DiNardo, owner of The Art Spark. “The younger the child, the lower we keep our ratio. When kids come for our preschool programs, we have one teacher for every four students.” With older children, the ratio can increase with one instructor supervising more children.

ARE THE INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE, WELL-TRAINED AND GOOD WITH KIDS? Staff should be upbeat and encouraging and kids should be having a positive and fun experience.

Instructors should be qualified to teach the age and ability level of the children in their class. “In my program, teachers that I have teaching my younger August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 19

kids don’t necessarily teach my older kids,” says Kristy Flesch, owner of Gotta Dance Studios. Sheila Vail, owner of Indian Springs Music Academy, emphasizes the importance of instructors staying current on new developments in their field. “If instructors are participating in professional associations and attending conferences and pursuing their ongoing education, that’s a real gift to their students.” When it comes to sports, an instructor should have experience not only as an athlete, but in teaching the sport as well.

ARE ALL STAFF PROPERLY SCREENED AND IS THE FACILITY CLEAN AND SAFE? Dropping your child off for their class or lesson means you are entrusting other people with the care of your son or daughter. Find out if staff are properly screened, background checks are performed, and first aid and CPR certifications are required. Take a tour of the facility, inquiring about the number and location of exits, making sure there are fire alarms and a fire escape protocol and asking

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about safety procedures for tornadoes, etc. If the enrichment program includes one-on-one instruction, ask how those interactions are monitored. As Vail says, “To put a child into a room with a teacher and shut the door is not acceptable anymore.”

HOW DO CHILDREN PROGRESS THROUGH THE PROGRAM? Find out how kids typically advance through skills and how it is determined when they are ready to move on to new levels. This may mean that your child has a curriculum they must complete or a series of physical skills they must master. “You want to make sure that your child is continuing to learn,” says Flesch.

Understand this process before signing up to avoid unnecessary surprises later.

ARE KIDS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THEIR OPINION ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE? Great afterschool and enrichment programs want to hear how they are doing – both positive and negative comments. And they want to know what kids think – not just their parents. Organizations that strive to truly provide a good experience for their participants welcome honest feedback because they know this input can help make their program better.

Finding the right program for your child requires a little bit of legwork in the beginning, but seeing your efforts pay off is worth the effort. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your child learn and grow in a new environment – because that’s what an enrichment program is all about!

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 21

start the school year

OFF RIGHT PRACTICAL TIPS FROM PARENTS AND TEACHERS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION

Whether this is your first year sending a child off to school or you’re an old pro, it’s always helpful to learn how others are handling the shift from laid back summer days to regimented school schedules.

Read on for the tips and tricks that parents and teachers use to help get their kids and students off to a good start.

from parents young r mom who had a he ot an om fr d ne t the This is a tip I lear little anxious abou a t ge to s nd te ho l smooth stone child like mine w ol year. Find a smal ho sc w ne a of t ar st ytime he or she in their pocket - an b their worry ep ke n ca ild ch ur yo n ru something, they ca them wash all feels upset about ve ha y, da e th e end of into the stone. At th ay by rinsing their stone in the sink. aw ible the day's worries to handle an intang ay w te re nc co a ds of two This can give ki Susanne, mom idea like anxiety. –

In our house, nightly preparation makes fo r efficient school mor nings.

For instance, we alw ays make sure to lay out ou are emptied and hung r clothes the night before, backpacks on are placed near the din the same hooks every night, and shoes ing kids to put them on be room table to make it simple for our fo re breakfast. And on "night before" breakf e of our favorite ast preps includes m aking a maple oatmea crockpot recipe that l is perfect for co – Lauren, mom of oler fall mornings. three

We keep the first few weeke nds after school starts fai rly clear to allow for rest and family time. I try to give my self and the kids an extra meas ure of grace as big emotion s spill out while we adjust to new teachers, new schedu les and the end of summer. We celebrate the first days ba ck to school with little things lemonade and ice cream sa like a special dinner, or ndwiches at the bus stop, or a fun family adventure after the first week is over.

– Heather, mom of fiv e My best piece of advice is to begin talking about what the transition to the school year will look like long before the first day of school. I want to calm my children's nerves, as well as my own, as much as possible, so we talk about the changes that will take place in August all summer long. We talk about things like riding the bus, making new friends, having a new teacher, and other situations they might find themselves in within a new environment. I want to take the worry out of the unknown for them, so they can begin a new year with confidence and excitement. – Andrea, mom of two

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

from teachers and d about teachers e de in m en op be nts to . Let th I encourage pare the start of a new school year on the d at se s er ba t student pe ceived judgemen es. Hope for on ec pr t ou ith w nc st experie year unfold her parents or pa a magical year for your comments of ot be may turn out to the best, and it mily, Elementary Teacher child! – E

Get to know your child's teacher and be prepared to work together with them. Establish a positive relationship with your child's teacher and stay actively involved in your child's school year. This will give your child increased motivation for learning, better behavior, and an overall better attitude toward school. You and your child's teacher are on the same team!

– Erica, Pre K Director and Teacher

Establish a schedule a week before school starts, such as morning and bedtime routines and expectations. Practice reading, sight words and math facts in a designated area where the child will do their homework. Discuss what your child can expect on the first few days so they feel prepared and confident. Have your student practice their student number or ID. Get a good night's sleep the night before school and remember to bring candy for the teacher - chocolate is always a favorite!

– Krissy, First Grade Teacher

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 25

PARENTING

WORDS BY DEB KRUPOWICZ

Ask the Teacher Starting off a new school year, first day jitters and managing the beginning of classes

Q:

MY SECOND GRADE SON ENDED THE SCHOOL YEAR ON A TERRIBLE NOTE. HE DID NOT TREAT HIS TEACHER RESPECTFULLY OR GET ALONG WITH HIS CLASSMATES FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF SCHOOL. ALL SUMMER LONG HOWEVER, THINGS HAVE GONE WELL AT HOME AND WITH HIS BASEBALL COACH. SHOULD I ASSUME HIS PAST BEHAVIOR WAS JUST A FLUKE, OR SHOULD I TALK TO HIS NEW TEACHER ABOUT IT?

A:

There is a good chance that whatever was triggering your son’s undesirable behavior at the end of last school year is ancient history now. However, the best approach would be to meet with his new teacher prior to school starting, if at all possible.

Describe the specific behaviors your son was demonstrating and offer as much insight as possible into the surrounding circumstances. This should not be an attempt to excuse away any bad behavior, but a way to help the new teacher understand what was happening. Tell the teacher about the strategies that you and his previous teacher used to address the situation – including what worked and what didn’t.

This conversation will not result in the teacher overlooking your son’s positive traits, but it will help him or her to be prepared with a plan right away if any of the previous problems resurface. Teachers are often willing to let some things slide at the start of the year, but it is probably in your son’s best interest that any poor behaviors are addressed immediately before a pattern is formed. Your initiation of this conversation 26

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

will help establish a strong line of communication and collaboration with the new teacher that will help your child start the year on positive footing.

Q:

OUR DAUGHTER GETS SO ANXIOUS ABOUT THE START OF SCHOOL THAT SHE DOESN’T SLEEP MUCH AT ALL THE LAST FEW DAYS OF SUMMER VACATION. THEN SHE IS IRRITABLE AND EVEN MORE STRESSED OUT. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP HER BE RESTED AND READY SO HER SCHOOL YEAR GETS OFF TO A GOOD START?

A:

Begin by trying to calm some of her anxieties. Invite friends over to reestablish connections with children from her class. Even if those friends are not in her room this year, it will make lunch and recess easier if she has already reconnected with people she will see at school. If possible, visit the school building, walking the halls to the new area of the school where her class will be so that she feels comfortable getting to her new room. Spend a few minutes chatting with the building secretary. Being greeted by a familiar person when she walks in will help get the day off to a positive start.

Consider reintroducing the school schedule a few days earlier than usual. Getting her body back into the routine of an early wake up and an earlier bed time may help. Attempt to have meal times that are similar to those she will have on school days. Have her get ample exercise throughout the day so that she is physically tired at bedtime.

As summer vacation comes to a close, it can be tempting to eke out every last minute of fun and excitement. For many children though, the sudden shift in routine that comes with the first day of school can be hard to manage. If you can have your daughter start winding down and getting into a familiar routine before school starts, you can make this transition for her less stressful and more positive.

Q:

SO MUCH HAPPENS IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. HOW DO WE KEEP OUR KIDS FROM BEING OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL?

A:

When you consider how taxing it can be to start a new job, it’s easy to understand how starting a new school year can be just as overwhelming to kids.

Familiar things, like classmates and building surroundings, are dwarfed in comparison to adjusting to a new teacher, having a different routine, understanding increased expectations and handling new academic challenges. Talk with your child about your own experiences when you’ve had to start something new, emphasizing the importance of taking things one day at a time.

Once kids have a few days under their belts, they usually adapt.

To help this process along, keep other non-school activities to a minimum for the first few weeks of school. If possible, cancel any lessons or practices that are not essential. This will allow some down time for your child to relax and get back into the swing of school.

Even if your child does not have much homework at the beginning of the year, get in the habit early of reviewing what was covered at school that day. This will help cement what your student has learned and increase their likelihood of retaining information.

That retention will help build confidence, which is the perfect antidote to feeling overwhelmed.

ASK THE TEACHER is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students.

Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@ cincinnatiparent.com.

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 27

RESOURCES

SPONSORED LISTINGS.

PRESCHOOL &

EDUCATION GUIDE CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

THE CAMPUS AT KIDS FIRST We have FULL DAY Kindergarten! Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevance-based curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner.

7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, www. theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, info@ theCampusKF.com

CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available.

Transportation available to/from Mason schools.

Limited space - now enrolling!

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, www.ChaiTots.com, Ages/Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CHCA is a vibrant, multidenominational, college preparatory school serving students Age 2- grade 12.

We’re investing $9MM to deliver new levels of student engagement through expanded facilities including an expanded Early Childhood Learning Center, Innovation Labs, a Greenhouse, and Engineering and Applied Science Labs. CHCA is leading the way to higher levels of cognitive, relational, and spiritual engagement for each student.

11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Natalie Pfister, Enrollment Director, Phone: (513)2470900, Email: admissions@chca-oh.org, www.chca-oh. org, Ages 2 - Grade 12, Enrollment: 1350

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

THE COMPASS SCHOOL Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding ReggioInspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children.

Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. NAEYC Accredited. Call today for your personal tour.

9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Meghan Schymanski, Phone: 513-683-8833, Fax: 513-683-8456, Email: compass.meghan@gmail. com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL At HPCUMC Preschool, our goal is to encourage the development of each child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, as well as spiritual growth in order to prepare each child for life-long learning. We provide a learning environment where student-centered learning takes place through exploration, play, experimentation, and discovery.

Children are encouraged to try new tasks, use their imagination, make friends, follow directions, focus their energy and develop a love of learning. HPCUMC Preschool is a five-star awarded Step Up to Quality school. Registration for the 2018-19 school year is now open. Registration materials available online now.

1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Julie Vail, Phone: 513-979-8191, Email: jvail@hpcumc. org, http://hydeparkpreschool.org, Grades: 30 months to 5 years of age

ST. PAUL NURSERY SCHOOL We are now registering for the fall 2018 classes for 3's, 4's and 5 year olds. We have degreed teachers, we have a secured building, we are a peanut free program and we have spacious classrooms. Call 931-9062 today and ask for Mrs. Rieman to set up a tour!

6997 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231, Contact: Karen Rieman/Director, Phone: 513-931-9062, Email: stpaul3@fuse.net, stpaulnurseryschool.com

YMCA OF GREATER CINCINNATI The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers state licensed before and after school care at over 85 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

1105 Elm Street, Cincinnnati, OH 45202, Contact: Trish Kitchell, VP Youth Development, Phone: 513-362YMCA, Fax: 513-651-3540, Email: tkitchell@MyY.org, www.MyY.org, Grades: Ages 3-12, Enrollment: Stop by any YMCA of Greater Cincinnati location or check with your local school district.

MONTESSORI

CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY Authentic Montessori environment, serving toddler through 6th grade. Small class sizes allow each student to progress at an individual pace. Part-time preschool and extended day are available. Our school is a place of discovery, curiosity, respect and enthusiasm. Come take a tour and see for yourself.

1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Kristin Patterson, Phone: 513-742-5800, Fax: 513-7425870, Email: info@centralmontessoriacademy.com, www.

CentralMontessoriAcademy.com, Grades: Toddler-Grade 6, Enrollment: 100

CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Children's Meeting House Montessori School has been proudly educating students from preschool through 6th grade using the principles of the Montessori philosophy since 1972. CMH offers a variety of preschool, enrichment and before/after school options to meet each family’s needs. Partner with our devoted staff of experienced and Montessori trained teachers throughout your child’s most developmental years. CMH – where learning happens, naturally. Find out more or schedule a tour on our website.

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Casey Reed, Director, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: reed@cmhschool.com, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI Providing programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational environment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas KY. Visit chmschools.com for all location addresses & phones.

Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Email: susan@ chmschools.com, www.chmschools.com/, Grades: 3 - K

LITTLE SPROUTS MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio.

7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, www.little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessori-credentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day,

half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition.

ISACS and AMS accredited program.

3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513)281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, www.newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 135

NON–PUBLIC

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CCS has been creating lifelong learners, creative thinkers, passionate disciples, and visionary leaders for over 40 years. Our graduates are welcomed at universities because they’ve become the natural learners and inquisitive students that God created them to be. CCS knows that faith and learning go hand-in-hand. Outstanding. Proven.

Aftercare, outdoor classroom, STEM, Rosary Procession, household intergrade leadership, Latin, professionally coached musical theater, extracurriculars.

6543 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243, Contact: Elaine Nolte, Assistant Principal, Phone: 513-561-8020, stgertrudesch.org, Enrollment: 338

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a collegepreparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school.

Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH, 45014, Junior/Senior High Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield, OH, 45011, (513) 892-8500, Contact: Lisa Coombs, Admissions Director, lisa.coombs@ cincinnatichristian.org, www.cincinnatichristian.org, Grades: PS - 12

2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@ summitcds.org, www.summitcds.org

ST. GERTRUDE SCHOOL

BRAIN BALANCE OF CINCINNATI

and many more. We will then explain in great detail how we can help their child function better in their day to day school and activities. This insight is accomplished by an 3 hour assessment, and meeting with the Director on the results, and an introduction to the program to show the parents how we will accomplish setting their child up for success in the present and future.

12084 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Sherry Martz / Owner, Phone: 513-707-0125, Email: smartz@brainbalance.com, www.brainbalance.com

SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER For more than 45 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here.

2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Carmen Mendoza, Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513 871-6428, Email: cmendoza@springer-LD.org, www.springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

SPECIAL NEEDS

Saint Gertrude School offers academic excellence in the Dominican tradition: preaching Truth, practicing virtue, and loving one another in Christ. Students from 21 school districts. IOWA testing ranked 4th among 90 Cincinnati Catholic grade schools.

Brain Balance provides a parent an insight into their child's brain and explains to them why their child is struggling with focusing, making friends, reading comprehension, as well as many neurological challenges such as Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, ODD,

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY EDUCATION GUIDE

contact

KATIE@CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 29

SPECIAL NEEDS

WORDS BY MAGGIE LOISELLE

How to Write Great IEP Goals What special education experts recommend for the best outcomes Understanding a child’s strengths and weaknesses should also be very specific – for example, parsing out whether a student’s trouble with reading lies in fluency or comprehension.

Some evaluations take a few minutes and should be done throughout the school year; others are performed annually or every three years.

If you don’t understand the statistics involved, ask for an explanation, Mavriplis says. “Parents need to know what the scores represent so they can tell if their child is making meaningful progress. If the results show my son went up by 10 points but everyone else went up 50 points, [he is] falling behind.”

2.

ARE MY CHILD’S GOALS S.M.A.R.T.?

Back to school means new classmates, new teachers and, for many students with special needs, a new set of all-important IEP goals.

An IEP – short for Individualized Education Program – spells out annual educational goals for children who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Parents and school staff meet to discuss and set new IEP goals every year, in what can be a nerve-wracking annual process.

Here are three questions that special education advocates suggest parents ask to help build stronger IEP goals.

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1.

WHAT ARE MY CHILD’S CURRENT ABILITIES? Crafting great IEP goals starts with understanding what educators refer to as present levels of performance – in other words, where is your child academically, socially and physically right now? The answer should rely on objective data from regular testing and evaluations, not subjective beliefs or past trends.

“If you don’t have an objective measure of where your child is now, you need to ask your team to slow down and get some data so you can objectively decide where they are now, where they should be and then chart a course to close the gap,” says Ellen Mavriplis, executive director of Montgomery-based Inclusion Advocates, which specializes in special education consulting.

Strong IEP goals are objective and detailed. A common acronym for setting goals is to make sure they’re S.M.A.R.T. – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Other areas that should be addressed in each IEP goal include what services will be provided, by whom, where, when and for how long.

It’s also important to note that the term “goal” and “objective” mean different things in IEP speak. A goal is the larger target, while an objective or benchmark is a measurable short-term step to reach the goal. “Writing a five-sentence paragraph with 90 percent accuracy could be a goal, while improving the individual percentage of correctness for grammar, capitalization and punctuation could be objectives,” says Al Early, a longtime educator and founder of Millwood Group consulting, a special education advocacy firm.

It’s crucial that a child’s IEP determine how a goal and its objectives will be measured using an appropriate progress monitoring tool and appropriate frequency. “Without setting benchmarks, we’re not going to really know how we’re doing until the very end,” Early says. “By that point, we aren’t able to make adjustments, and the child will fall further behind.”

3.

ARE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ADDRESSED IN THE GOALS? In addition to academic progress, IEPs can also address what are known as functional skills, which include things such as social skills, executive functioning skills and behavioral skills. While parents may run into resistance when proposing non-academic goals, experts point out that functional skills serve to support multiple educational objectives.

This is where it’s an especially good idea to voice concerns you have about your child’s skills before the IEP meeting, such as when you set up your annual conference. That way, school staff have time to brainstorm ideas and can invite specialized experts, such as an occupational therapist, to the IEP meeting.

As stressful as setting IEP goals for the year can be, experts remind parents that nothing is unchangeable – set a timeframe, watch the data and adjust as needed. “There’s no

one book or a certain three articles or the perfect workshop you can go to where you will learn everything about the IEP process.

You learn as you go, just like parenting,” Early says. “No one knows your kid as well as you do. No one is going to be with your kid as long as you are. You are the expert.”

LOOKING FOR

MORE GUIDANCE?

Ask your local advocacy organization for IEP resources specific to your child’s disability.

Also check out “What Is an IEP” by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (www.ocecd.org/ Downloads/What%20is%20an%20 IEP%20Book%20Rev%2011%20 2015.pdf) and Wrightslaw.com’s comprehensive description of various tests and measurements (wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/ tests_measurements.html).

3.

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 31

THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHT

WORDS BY KIM DINAN

Local Spotlight: Sidekicks Made Providing comfort to local children experiencing homelessness

Sidekicks Headquarters explaining that the doodlie is theirs forever, it will play on their team, be their friend and go on adventures with them. That’s the final package the child receives.

WHO MAKES THE DOODLIES?

Every year, 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness in the U.S. and 39% of them are children.

Local residents Macy Meyer, Andy Meyer and Jamie Maier decided to have a positive impact on the lives of homeless kids by making custom stuffed creations that offer comfort to children in transition. Cincinnati Parent spoke with Macy about their organization, Sidekicks Made, and the impact their work has on kids in need.

We realized that transitional objects are very important in the development of kids, so we dove into the idea of letting kids design their own stuffed animal.

HOW DOES YOUR PROCESS WORK?

Jamie and I both have little stuffed animals that we have had since we were kids and we have stayed attached to them. We shamelessly sleep with them even though we are now 23 and 24 years old. I asked the shelter, do these kids have something like that? Do they have something that they can transition from place to place with, that has value to them, rather than leaving and having to attach to something new?

We go into a shelter, talk with the kids and explain that they are going to be the superheroes for the day and we will be their sidekick. We read them a book we wrote that explains the relationship that the child can have with their stuffed creation – we call them doodlies. The kids then go and draw whatever they would like their doodlie to look like using the stencils we created. We have a set number of pattern pieces and 13 colors for kids to choose from. After they do the drawing we have a one-on-one conversation about what they want their doodlie to look like. One of our biggest focuses is that we both understand what the child is going to get in return. We want them to know we are going to return what we said we would return.

That’s not always something they can trust in terms of adults in their lives.

PHOTO CREDIT SIDEKICKS MADE

When we do return we bring a waterproof drawstring backpack for them to keep their doodlie in. There’s a box of crayons in there and a note from

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START SIDEKICKS MADE? Jamie and I got started as our senior capstone at University of Cincinnati. We wanted to find something we were passionate about and narrowed it down to homelessness. We decided to interview anyone and everyone in Cincinnati that has anything to do with homelessness and the idea spurred out of one of our first interviews with a family shelter.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

We have volunteers hand cut the fabric in every color. Right now we have our volunteers sewing together each of the body parts so we can have them in stock.

The hand sewing part to construct the animal is in my hands right now. We don’t have a production team yet.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED? We have a volunteer sign-up section on our website. We are going to run workshops to teach people how to sew. If you don’t know how to sew you can cut.

WHY IS WHAT YOU DO SO VALUABLE? I think I can speak for my husband Andy, and Jamie in saying that we know the comfort and stability that we have when we are holding our childhood pillow pets. For me to think that a child doesn’t have that is heartbreaking. Why would I want a child to go without that if it’s been so important in my life?

Want to learn more about Sidekicks Made?

Visit their website at www.sidekicksmade.org.

FAMILY DAY AT STRICKERS GROVE

SAT 12

calendar OHIO RIVER PADDLEFEST

FRI 03

AUGUST 2018 WEDS 01

THURS 02

LITTLE TYKES What has six legs, wears its skeleton on the outside and can fit in your pocket? You guessed it: bugs! Nurture your child’s love of the creepy and crawly by getting up close with these amazing players in the animal world. For ages 3-6. FREE.

SPECIAL NEEDS DAY AT SCENE75 The first Thursday of every month, Scene75 offers a Special Needs Day for local families. The program has been developed to help improve social and motor skills, hand and eye coordination, reaction time and recognition - all in a safe, controlled and fun environment. Registration is $10/child ($14.99 for siblings). *Ongoing *SN

Time: 11 am, Location: Winton Woods/Winton Centre, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.

SAT 11

ZAK MORGAN IN THE PARK Play in the Park is a weekly outdoor concert series at Kennedy Heights Park. Grammy-nominated Zak Morgan makes his debut appearance on Aug. 1 with selections from Welcome to Zakland. FREE. Time: 6:30 pm, Location: Kennedy Heights Park, www.facebook.com/CincyParks/

THURS 02 - SUN 05 CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA

SAT 18

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

GLIER’S GOETTAFEST A weekend stuffed from top to bottom with live entertainment, family-focused goetta games and super inventive food, what makes it all so grand is the gathering of the goetta-lovin’ community.

Time: Check website for festival schedule, Location: Newport on the Levee, http://www.goettafest.com

Time: All day, Location: Scene75 in Milford, https:// www.scene75.com/about/cares/special-needsprogram/, Phone: 513-965-4050

STORY TIME WITH CAROL MCCLOUD

*CP PICK

Twelve years ago, Carol McCloud wrote her first children’s book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids. In her newest book, Buckets, Dippers and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness, bucket filling is taken a step further by introducing the idea that, in addition to an invisible bucket and dipper, everyone also has an invisible lid. In this fun, family-friendly event, Carol McCloud will read and discuss her newest book using fun songs and role plays. FREE. Time: 10 am, Location: Blue Manatee, https://www. bluemanateebooks.com/author-events/, Phone: 513-731-2665

SMALE FAMILY FUN DAY *CP PICK Join us for live performances, free face painting, a balloon artist, stilt walker, giant lawn games, clowns and so much more! Family Fun Day happens at Schmidlapp Event Lawn. FREE. Time: 10 am – 1 pm, Location: Smale Riverfront Park, www.facebook.com/events/2224009410948282/

FRI 03 CREATURE FEATURE Join the nature interpreter at the wet playground to see a few live animals before the little ones play.

FREE. Time: 11 am, Location: Woodland Mound/Parky’s Wetland Adventure, https://www.greatparks.org/ calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SAT 04 BB RIVERBOATS SUPER HERO CRUISE Attention Young Superheroes! Come for this two-hour cruise complete with official Super Hero Training. Bring the whole family to learn the ins and outs of being a Super Hero and test out your skills as you learn them. After you have mastered your special powers, show them off on the dance floor as we throw a DJ Dance Party with all the Super Heroes! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 12 pm, Location: BB Riverboats, http:// bbriverboats.com/cruises/super-hero-cruise, Phone: 1-855-213-3944

MISS JOANIE’S WHEN THE SUN SHINES CONCERT Joannie Whittaker will perform with a special guest appearance by Zak Morgan. CDs will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds to benefit Friends of the Library. No registration required.

FREE. Time: 11 am, Location: Madeira Branch Library, http:// cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6028

OHIO RIVER PADDLEFEST Paddlefest starts at Schmidt Recreation Complex in Cincinnati’s East End and takes out at the Gilday Riverside Park. Food trucks, vendors and exhibits will be at the Finish Line Festival!

Time: All day, Location: Gilday Riverside Park, http:// www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org

SUN 05 READ TO A THERAPY PET Our furry friends from Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati will be in the store for customers of all ages to read to and pet! This is a fantastic way for kids to practice their reading skills with a sweet, nonjudgmental listener! Since this is an all-ages event, Blue Manatee staff will read a few favorite books about furry friends. FREE. Time: 2-3 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, https://www.bluemanateebooks.com, Phone: 513-731-2665

SUNDAY SUN-DAY SUNDAE The Sun is the star attraction and you can learn all about our nearest stellar neighbor. Sunday Sun-day Sundae includes short talks about the Sun, tours of the historic buildings and safe viewing of sunspots and solar flares from our telescopes (weather permitting). As a special treat there will be free ice cream sundaes for those in attendance.

No reservations needed; all ages welcome. FREE. Time: 1-4 pm, Location: Cincinnati Observatory, https:// www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/publicevents/ upcoming-events-2/, Phone: 513-321-5186

MON 06 PRESCHOOL MAGIC: SCIENCE ROCKS! Explore the magic of nature through stories and hands on science experiments. We'll learn about and explore the different types of rocks and make our own pet rock to take home. Ages 3-6.

Registration required. FREE.

Playbarn. Program only: $2/person; package: $6/ child, $4/adult. Register by two days in advance.

Time: 9 am, Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

WEDS 08 - SUN 12 HAMILTON COUNTY FAIR Features pig racing, Big Top Circus, demolition derbies, farm animal petting farm, livestock and poultry displays, blacksmith demonstration, remote control car racing, wood carving display and much more.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, www.hamiltoncountyfair.com

WEDS 08

Time: 1:30-2:15 pm, Location: Green Township Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6095

SUMMER CINEMA AT WASHINGTON PARK: STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket and enjoy a fun evening on the civic lawn. FREE.

TUES 07

Time: 9 pm, Location: Washington Park, https:// washingtonpark.org/event/summer-cinema-4/201808-08/?event

BIG KID CRAFTERNOON: FAUX TIE-DYE Decorate a Blue Manatee t-shirt with a not-toomessy tie-dye technique! Each participant will receive a white Blue Manatee shirt (sized youth XL) and can bring an additional shirt or garment to decorate. Program is $8/child ages 5 and up.

Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Time: 4:30 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, https://www.bluemanateebooks.com, Phone: 513-731-2665

ROCKIN’ JUMP SENSORY JUMP TIME Rockin’ Jump hosts a sensory-friendly jump time the first Tuesday of the month from 6-8 pm.

During this time, the tvs and music will be turned off to allow for a more sensory-friendly and less crowded experience. Cost is just $15 for two hours of play for one jumper and one caregiver. *SN Time: 6-8 pm, Location: Rockin’ Jump Cincinnati, https://rockinjump.com/cincinnati/event/special-needsjump/, Phone: 513-373-4260

TUES 07 - SUN 12 INCREDIBLE INSECTS From mosquitoes to ladybugs, what exactly is an insect? Find out about the diversity and wonder of the insect world. We will be discovering all things creepy and crawly. $5/person.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, https://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

THURS 09 CRAFTY KIDS Get creative at the library! Make a craft and take it home with you. No registration required. FREE. Time: 4-4:45 pm, Location: Mariemont Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4467

FRI 10 2018 UNION CENTRE FOOD TRUCK RALLY Union Centre Business Merchants Association gather Cincinnati’s Best Food Trucks at The Square at Union Centre for a Food Truck Rally with live music and family entertainment to fundraise for a worthy local non-profit. This year's beneficiary is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County.

Time: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm, Location: The Square at Union Centre, https://www.facebook.com/ events/162498564369040/

FISHING FEVER Learn the basics of fishing. Go fishing at our catch-and-release pond and see what is splashing around! Bait, poles and equipment are all provided.

Optional package includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s Playbarn. Program only: $2/ person; package: $6/child, $4/adult. Register by Aug. 8.

Time: 9 am, Location: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

WEDS 08 - THURS 09 BARNYARD FRIENDS Participate in an interactive puppet show, and then become a friend of the barnyard when you meet some live animals up close. Optional package includes a wagon ride and time to play in Parky’s

FREE

*Ongoing *SN

*CP PICK

Free for families!

A recurring event Special needs friendly A Cincinnati Parent favorite!

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 35

SAT 11 - SUN 19

2018 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN

WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN The Western & Southern Open is the nation's oldest professional tennis tournament played in its city of origin. While delivering great tennis to the world is the main product, the Western & Southern Open's primary mission for decades has been to use the event as a force for good. Over the past decades the tournament has given just under $10 million to key community beneficiaries.

SAT 11 - SUN 19

TUES 14 - SUN 19 NATURE’S COLORS Have you ever seen a rainbow after the rain or planted one in your garden? Discover nature’s pallet of color all around us. Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Lindner Family Tennis Center, http://www.wsopen.com

SAT 11

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, https://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

1940S DAY AT LUNKEN AIRPORT

*CP PICK

Lunken Airport will be filled with the sights and sounds of the 1940s. Come on down for a day of good old-fashioned fun! FREE for CMC Members; nonmember tickets are $10/adults and $5/kids.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm, Location: Lunken Airport, https:// www.cincymuseum.org/events/1940s-day

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. *CP PICK Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical Jr., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and Broadway musical. Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue the princess and find acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek Jr. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Time: Shows at 3 and 7 pm, Location: Aronoff Center for the Arts, https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/ shrek-jr. Phone: 513-621-2787

SAT 11 - SUN 12, SAT 18 - SUN 19 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Thomas, Thomas Everywhere! From the moment you pull in to LM&M, you know you’re going to be treated to something special. The train depot is totally transformed into Imagination Station, complete Sir Topham Hatt - and, of course, Thomas! At the station, you’ll find a veritable Thomas festival, complete with bounce houses, circus performers, mini golf, train tables, Thomas tattoos and stamps, a place to meet Sir Topham Hatt, and lots of other Thomas-themed activities.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: LM&M Railroad, https://lebanonrr.com/dowt/, Phone: 1-866-468-3399

SUN 12 CINCINNATI REDS FAMILY SUNDAYS Sundays are family days at the ballpark! Enjoy a special ticket offer, live mascot races, face painters and more. Tickets available at reds.com/Family. On Aug. 12, cheer on the Reds as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks!

Time: 1:10 pm, Location: Great American Ball Park, https://www.mlb.com/reds/tickets/promotions, Phone: 513-381-7337

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TUES 14

FAMILY DAY AT STRICKER’S GROVE Stricker's Grove is a family owned and operated business. On Family Day, enjoy unlimited rides, roller coasters soft drinks and parking for just $12.50 per person (kids 2 and under are free).

Time: 1-9 pm, Location: Stricker’s Grove, http://www. strickersgrove.com, Phone: 513- 738-3366

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: JULIUS CAESAR “Et tu, Brutus?” This historical account of Brutus’ struggles with the demands of honor, patriotism and friendship come to life in an evening production of this timeless tragedy presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Refreshments will be available for purchase, and children’s crafts and activities will be offered prior to the performance, which begins at 7 pm. FREE. Time: 5-9 pm, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Great Lawn, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

MON 13 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Hear some fun stories and make two cool crafts to get the school year off to a great start! Program is $8 per child ages 5-9. Pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Time: 1 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, https://www.bluemanateebooks.com, Phone: 513-731-2665

MAKER MONDAY: TIE DYE AT THE LIBRARY Tie-dye clothing items at the library (all materials provided). FREE. Time: 4-5 pm, Location: Pleasant Ridge Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-4488

MOVIES UNDER MOONLIGHT: PADDINGTON Get the family together on Tuesdays for Movies Under Moonlight! Come early, lay down blankets and chairs and enjoy pre-event entertainment beginning two hours prior to showtime. FREE. Time: 6:30 pm, Location: Liberty Center, https://www. facebook.com/events/606271409710149/

WEDS 15 CREEK ADVENTURE Summertime is perfect for venturing down an ancient limestone creek bed to delight in the geology and the critters. A limited number of containers and nets will be available for use. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet. FREE. Time: 2 pm, Location: Winton Woods/Locust Dell Picnic Area, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

THURS 16 TELL A JOKE DAY OPEN MIC Step up to the LePage stage to tell your favorite jokes for National Tell a Joke Day! Jokes must be appropriate for all ages (They can't embarrass the grownups). We'll have a signup sheet at the event so everyone gets a turn to tell their joke and members of the manaTeam will tell some of their favorites as well. FREE. Time: 4:30 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, https://www.bluemanateebooks.com, Phone: 513-731-2665

THURSDAY ART PLAY: EDIBLE ART Contemporary art is often inspired by food. Stop by the UnMuseum and create art from edible materials. Don’t miss out on all the yummy fun!

Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga in the UnMuseum following this Art Play session. FREE for CAC members; $5 for nonmembers.

Time: 10:30-11:30 am, Location: Contemporary Arts Center, https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/ programs/family-programs/thursday-art-play, Phone: 513- 345-8400

FRI 17 BAT NIGHT: THE TRUTH ABOUT BATS Meet a live bat up close and personal as Kathy Edelen of EchoBats, Inc. dispels myths about these mysterious nocturnal flying mammals and why they’re protected. After the program, kids can go out and use high-tech equipment to listen to bats as they search for food. Program is free for members and included in non-member admission.

Time: 7:30-9 pm, Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, https:// calendar.cincynature.org/, Phone: 513-831-1711

CAMPFIRE FUN Bring your roasting sticks and s’more supplies to the fire, which will be ready at 6 pm. A program with live animals, songs, stories and campfire fun begins at 7 pm. FREE. Time: 7 pm, Location: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve/ Amphitheater, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SAT 18 CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA *CP PICK Held each August in New Richmond, OH, the Cardboard Boat Regatta features some of the finest hand-built boats you’ll see on the water - all are made from everyday materials like cardboard and duct tape. Past regattas have featured elaborate riverboats, dragon boats and floating swan boats, all of which passed the test of floating on the mighty Ohio.

FREE. Time: 1 pm, Location: Downtown New Richmond, www.cardboardboatmuseum.com/2018-regatta.html

SUNROCK FARM PETTING ZOO Would you like to meet some adorable critters? Sunrock Farm will be at the library with their Traveling Farm Animals for a day of barnyard fun! This program is partially funded by a grant from Children Inc. FREE. Time: 2 pm, Location: Covington Branch Library, kentonlibrary. evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 859-962-4077

CAMPFIRE FUN

FRI 16

August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 37

SAT 18 - SUN 19 VISITOR APPRECIATION DAYS As a “Thank You” to Hamilton County for their continued support, Zoo visitors of all ages can enjoy half price admission to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during Visitor Appreciation Days: August 18 and 19.

Time: All day, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, http:// cincinnatizoo.org/events/visitor-appreciation-days/, Phone: 513-281-4700

MY FURRY VALENTINE SUMMER ADOPTION EVENT *CP PICK My Furry Valentine has been such a huge success, they’ve added a new summer adoption event! As always, this event will feature hundreds of adoptable pets (dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and other small critters) from dozens of different rescue and shelter groups from around the Greater Cincinnati area. Adoptable animals are gathered at a centralized location under one roof to make it easier to find your perfect pet.

MON 20 TODDLER STORYTIME Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Recommended for ages 18 months to 36 months. No registration required.

FREE. *Ongoing Time: 10:30 am, Location: Oakley Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6038

TUES 21 - SUN 26 MUD PIE MADNESS Why is mud important to humans and lots of different animals? Have a little hands-on mud pie fun and find out. Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden, https://www. greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

WEDS 22 NASA @ MY LIBRARY Join us each month for a fun and exciting science activity, using activities from NASA and the Space Science Institute. FREE. Time: 4 pm, Location: North Central Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6068

THURS 23 ANIMALS TALES Nature has many stories to tell. Families are invited to enjoy a nature-themed story. FREE. Time: 11 am, Location: Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

FRI 24

Time: 12-5 pm on Saturday and 10 am-5 pm on Sunday, Location: Sharonville Convention Center, https://www. myfurryvalentine.com/event-details/

4TH FRIDAY ON THE GREEN: ADELEE & GENTRY Features music from sister duo Adelee & Gentry, plus food trucks: Just Jerks, Fabulous Funnel Cakes and More, Baking Diva Cupcakes and Joe’s Mojo. FREE.

SUN 19

Time: 7 pm, Location: Village Green Park, http://www. fairfield-city.org/861/2018-Summer-Concerts

FC CINCINNATI MEET & GREET Meet players of your favorite soccer team! Wear your FC Cincinnati spirit wear and get special food discounts throughout the park! Then spend the day enjoying Sunlite Water Adventure, taking a spin on the rides or playing mini golf.

Time: 1-3 pm, Location: Coney Island, https:// coneyislandpark.com/plan-your-visit/hours-and- map/

PJ LIBRARY BACK-TO-SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL Let’s get together to enjoy ice cream, share our favorite memories from the summer, and make new PJ Library friends before we all head back to school! Registration required. FREE. Time 3-5 pm, Location: Mayerson JCC, https://www.mayersonjcc.org/pj-library- back-school-ice-cream-social/, Phone: 513-761-7500

TAFT JR.: GREEN ART

*CP PICK

Get green this Funday! Re-use materials to make a brand-new craft, look for examples of nature in the Taft collection, and learn about natural paints and artists’ tools. Join us at 2 pm for the interactive “STEAM! Powered Recycling” program by Crystal Clear Science Inc. Stop by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden station to discover how going green can help wildlife and meet a few of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors from 3-4 pm.

Time: 1-4 pm, Location: Taft Museum of Art, http:// www.taftmuseum.org/events/fundays, Phone: 513-241-0343

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FRI 24 - SUN 26 CHARM AT THE FARM VINTAGE MARKET A one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a breathtaking setting. The open-air vintage market is located on a 56-acre formerly award-winning Clydesdale horse farm in quaint, Lebanon, OH. Time: Check website, Location: 4953 Bunnell Hill Road in Lebanon, https://www. charmatthefarm.com

SAT 25

BB RIVERBOATS PRINCESS CRUISE

All Royal Princesses are invited to BB Riverboats for an enchanting afternoon aboard the Princess Cruise. Enjoy a unique cruise featuring a DJ, dancing and appearances by some of your favorite fairy tale princesses that we all love. Bring

your "Little Princess" onboard and

enjoy an afternoon that will truly be a

"Royal" experience.

Time: 12 pm, Location: BB Riverboats, http://bbriverboats.com/cruises/ princess-cruise, Phone: 1-855-213-3944

PJ LIBRARY BACKTO-SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

SUN 19

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK Enjoy a free evening of popular music, from Bach to the Beatles, with the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight!

Don’t forget to bring your blanket or lawn chairs.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. FREE.

CINCINNATI REDS BARK IN THE PARK

WEDS 29

Time: 7 pm, Location: Sharon Woods/Cardinal Crest Meadow, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SUN 26 CHEETAH RUN 5K Run for a purpose! The Cheetah Run proceeds benefit the Cincinnati Zoo, one of the oldest nonprofits in the city. Your support helps us continue providing world class care for the animals you love!

Time: 8 am, Location: Cincinnati Zoo, http:// cincinnatizoo.org/events/cheetah-run/, Phone: 513-281-4700

MON 27 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. Recommended for ages 3-6. No registration required. FREE. *Ongoing Time: 1:30 pm, Location: Symmes Township Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6001

TUES 28 DOG MAN: LORD OF THE FLEAS RELEASE PARTY Celebrate the release of the newest Dog Man book

by Dav Pilkey with this after-school party at Blue Manatee. We'll have snacks, games and giveaways, and you'll get to take home a copy of Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas! Event is $5 per child or FREE with pre-order of the book; ages 6-10. Preregistration is required. Register (and pre-order your book) online at bluemanateebooks.com.

Time: 4:30 pm, Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, https://www.bluemanateebooks.com, Phone: 513-731-2665

WEDS 29 CINCINNATI REDS BARK IN THE PARK Ticket packages are available for dogs and their owners and includes pet activities, samples and more in the Kroger Fan Zone. Dog packages must be purchased in advance of game day.

Time: 7:10 pm, Location: Great American Ball Park, https://www.mlb.com/reds/tickets/promotions, Phone: 513-381-7337

THURS 30 FREE STROLLER BARRE CLASS Stroller Barre is a 60-minute cardio and strength interval class designed to improve posture, stability and mobility. The workout combines moves inspired by barre, ballet, Pilates, fitness and yoga to help you regain your posture and alignment and strengthen your body from the inside out. Class is recommended for moms at least 6-8 weeks postpartum; all fitness levels welcome. FREE. Time: 9:30 am, Location: Smale Riverfront Park, http:// www.cincinnatiparks.com/calendar/

THURSDAY ART PLAY: ART GARAGE SALE Our Art Play families have made a lot of cool projects this summer, but there always seems to be leftover materials when we’re done. Join us as we clean out our GIANT supply closet and offer up some of our favorite activities! We’ll have loads of materials and lots of fun. Stick around for some kid-friendly yoga in the UnMuseum following this Art Play session. FREE. Time: 10:30-11:30 am, Location: Contemporary Arts Center, https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/ programs/family-programs/thursday-art-play, Phone: 513- 345-8400

FRI 31 PIRATES OF THE OHIO CRUISE Ahoy Mateys! Board the Captain's boat for an afternoon cruise full of fun and games for the entire family. The kids will pick up their free pirate hat and eye patch before boarding this popular cruise on the Ohio River. Get your pirate tattoo or participate in one of our pirate games to see if anyone will have to "Walk the Plank." See if you can use your treasure map to collect your bounty before the cruise pulls back into dock. Ever wonder why BB Riverboats flies the "Jolly Roger"? Listen to the Captain's commentary as you cruise by all of the sights!

Time: 3 pm, Location: BB Riverboats, http:// bbriverboats.com/cruises/pirates-of-the-ohio-cruise, Phone: 1-855-213-3944

FRIDAY NIGHT FLOAT Get some pointers on kayaking on flat water and then head out to enjoy Winton Lake. All equipment is provided. Participants must fit properly in provided lifejackets and not exceed 275lb kayak capacity. For ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the water. Cost is $15/ person, register by Aug. 28.

Time: 7:30-9 pm, Location: Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost, https://www.greatparks.org/calendar, Phone: 513-521-7275

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY NIGHT It’s a special after-hours program for families with special needs. This open house event is designed to provide an opportunity for a low stress visit to the library to explore the collection, activities and educational resources. No registration required.

FREE. *SN

Time: 6:30-8 pm, Location: Anderson Branch Library, http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, Phone: 513-369-6030

ongoing events BLOOMS AND BERRIES OPEN PLAY

*CP PICK

Daily through Aug. 17 New for 2018 - the Play Area at Blooms & Berries is now open in the Spring and Summer. Enjoy the brand-new sound garden, the Giant Slide, Farm Animals, Giant Spider Web, Tug of War and more.

Special limited time Grand Opening Admission rate of just $3.50 per person, with season passes also available!

Time: Check website for hours, Location: Blooms & Berries, https://www.bloomsandberries.com/springsummer-play-area/ August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 39

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS: THE ART OF ROBERT MCCLOSKEY *CP PICK Through Sept. 9 Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McCloskey celebrates the writer and illustrator whose classic children’s books have captivated children of all ages for generations. The recipient of two Caldecott Medals and three Caldecott Honors, McCloskey was a major force in twentieth century children’s literature.

Time: Open during Museum hours, Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/art/ exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/make-way-forducklings/, Phone: 513-721-2787

THE ULTIMATE STUNT SHOW Through Aug. 19 The Ultimate Stunt Show returns to Kings Island this summer. With edge-of-your-seat thrills including a Double Motorcycle High Wire act, the Globe of Fear and the Wheel of Destiny, the Ultimate Stunt Show will thrill and amaze guests of all ages July 30 through August 19. Free with admission.

Time: Daily, Location: Kings Island, https://www. visitkingsisland.com/play/events/ultimate-stunt-show

EVERYTHING THOMAS AT ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTION Aug. 1-Sept. 16 Join us for our celebration of Thomas the Train with Thomas-themed train layouts, videos, scavenger hunt, coloring and crafts. Enjoy our kid’s train ride PLUS see all our Thomas & Friends merchandise all 15%-50% off!

Time: Open daily, Location: Entertrainment Junction, https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar/, Phone: 513-898-8000

AN APOTHECARY SOUL GARDEN Daily through Aug. 19 Visit Krohn Conservatory’s summer garden full of healing plants and beautiful flowers. This tranquil landscape features plants that inspired generations of pharmaceuticals. Visit the apothecary and learn about the medicinal properties of your favorite herbs.

Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am-5 pm, Location: Krohn Conservatory, http://www. cincinnatiparks.com/krohn/

SUMMER CINEMA Through Aug. 29 Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and enjoy a fun, relaxing evening over on the civic lawn. FREE. Time: Movies start at 9 pm, Location: Washington Park, https://washingtonpark.org/event/summer-cinema4/2018-05-30/?event

EVERYTHING THOMAS

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM August 2018

MISSION AEROSPACE Open daily Kids dream of becoming pilots and astronauts, and most adults never quite grow out of that dream! This May, the Cincinnati Museum Center is giving kids the chance to reach for the stars. This interactive exhibit features over a dozen experiments, puzzles and activities are packed into an a-maze-ing journey of twists and turns through an interactive aeronautical labyrinth. Kids will learn about the history of rockets and flight, explore aeronautics technology and test the laws of aerodynamics by creating advanced paper airplanes and rockets.

Time: Open daily, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, http://www.cincymuseum.org/mission-aerospace, Phone: 513-287-7000

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Shows select dates through Sept. 1 Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its tradition for over a decade of performing Shakespeare in the Park in communities across the tri-state area with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar this summer!

Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and open to the public. There are no ticket or RSVPs required and all performances are general admission.

Time: Check website for schedule, Location: Various venues around Cincinnati, https://cincyshakes.com/ shakespeare-in-the-park/

CARLOAD DAYS AT THE BEACH WATERPARK Saturdays in August Every Saturday through August 25th after 4pm, pay just $50 for Beach admission per vehicle! Valid for up to 10 wristbands for persons in a single vehicle; parking included!. Please note that all passengers must be wearing a seat belt.

Time: After 4 pm, Location: The Beach Waterpark, http://www.thebeachwaterpark.com/event-calendar/, Phone: 513-657-2921

CHOCOLATE: THE EXHIBITION Through Jan. 6, 2019 Chocolate: The Exhibition features multiple galleries, each a stop on chocolate’s global historical tour. Chocolate begins with a life size cacao tree in an American rain forest and ends with a look at the modern-day product. Follow chocolate’s story yourself, from king to kid, rainforest to wrapper. #ChocolateAtCMC Time: Open daily, Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, https://www.cincymuseum.org, Phone: 513-287-7000

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY DINOSAUR GALLERY AT COSI Open daily COSI’s newest exhibit makes for a fun day trip for Cincinnati families. Highlights include a 6-foot-long mechanical T. rex model that walks in place; an 8-foot tall Titanosaur femur; three-horned Triceratops cast; 100-year-old piece of fossilized amber preserving an ancient feather and full-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Included with COSI admission.

Time: Open daily during museum hours, Location: COSI, https://cosi.org/exhibits/dinos, Phone: 614-228-COSI

RING OF FIRE Open daily Explore this all-new exhibit where your family will meet the Giant Pacific Octopus, Moon Jellyfish and Japanese Spider Crabs. Included with admission.

Check website for exhibit opening dates.

Time: Open daily, Location: Newport Aquarium, www.newport aquarium.com/Coming-in-2018, Phone: 1-800-406-3474

PLEASE NOTE AT CINCINNATI PARENT, WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.

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August 2018 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 41

FUN & WACKY calendar AUGUS T 2018

C I N C I N N AT I PA R E N T

SUN

MON

TUES

WEDS

THURS

FRI

1

5 FRIENDSHIP DAY

6 WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY

12

8

7 CAT DAY

3

4

WATERMELON DAY

SISTERS’ DAY

10

11

9 BOOK LOVERS DAY

PLAY IN THE SAND DAY

S’MORES DAY

LIGHTHOUSE DAY

13 LEFTHANDERS DAY

2 COLORING BOOK DAY

GIRL FRIENDS DAY

SAT

14 CREAMSICLE DAY

15 RELAXATION DAY

16 ROLLERCOASTER DAY

THRIFT SHOP DAY

ELEPHANT DAY

19 ORANGUTAN DAY

20

CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE DAY

21

22

23

EAT A PEACH DAY

POET’S DAY

18

17

24 STRANGE MUSIC DAY

HONEY BEE DAY

25 BANANA SPLIT DAY

BURGER DAY

27

26 TUG-OFWAR DAY DOG DAY

28 BOW TIE DAY

29

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS DAY

30 SLINKY DAY

31 TRAIL MIX DAY

SOURCE: www.daysoftheyear.com

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