Kid's Directory May 2024 Edition

What begins as scribbles will one day be your child’s expression of their thoughts and creativity.

By age 3, scribbles may begin to look like letters. At this age, children start to understand that pictures and writing are tools for communication.

Click the orange banner on our website to find star-rated quality early childhood educators who lead your child to literacy with research-based lessons, story, and learning through play.

Ballet Arkansas is ranked among the Top 100 Ballet Companies in America! www.balletarkansas.org

Kid's Directory advertising partners are proud to be the most family-friendly businesses and organizations in central Arkansas. From education to experiences, events, and fun-filled activities, they know everything about making kids' lives better for everyone. Join the“AD”venture of partnering with

Because we are where families are the most, each print and online promotion can include your camps, classes, and events to help boost engagement.

THE KID CALENDAR

Kid-Approved Things To Do

SATURDAY, MAY 4

501 FESTIVAL

SOMA- EAST DAISY L GATSON BATES DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK

501FEST IS A HUGE CELEBRATION OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE THAT SUSTAIN IT. AS STAMPED BY THE CITY, MAY 1ST (0 5/01) IS OFFICIALLY 501 DAY. EVERY YEAR ON OR AROUND THAT DATE, GATHER FOR A DAY OF FESTIVITIES THAT INCLUDE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, A MARKETPLACE FULL OF L OCAL VENDORS, FOOD AND FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

LITTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET

LITTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET

LITTLE ROCK RIVER MARKET

EVERY SATURDAY, FROM MAY 4 UNTIL AUG 31, THE MARKET IS FILLED WITH FARMFRESH PRODUCE, A BOUNTIFUL ARRAY OF LOCALLY PREPARE D COTTAGE FOODS, AND HANDMADE ARTS AND CRAFTS. MANY PRODUCE VENDORS AT THE MARKET ACCEPT SNAP BENEFITS. SNAP TOKENS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE FARMERS MARKET MANAGER’S TENT IN THE CENTER OF THE MARKET. THE MARKET IS ALSO A PROUD PARTICIPANT IN THE DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS (DUFB ) PROGRAM, WHERE PATRONS CAN HAVE UP TO $20 WORTH OF SNAP TOKENS MAT CHED FOR FREE TO USE AT THE MARKET.

MARKET MANAGER’S TENT IN THE CENTER OF THE MARKET. THE MARKET IS ALSO A

SUNDAY, MAY 12

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

LITTLE ROCK ZOO, CAFE AFRICA

IT'S THAT DAY OF THE YEAR THAT WE CELEBRATE OUR FIR ST CHEERLEADERS, OUR BIGGEST FANS, AND OUR MOTHERS. BRING YOUR MOM TO TH E LITTLE ROCK ZOO, WHERE SHE CAN ENJOY A $2 OFF ADMISSION DISCOUNT FOR HER SPECIAL DAY. PLUS, THERE WILL BE SPECIAL ANIMAL AMBASSADOR ENCOU NTERS, AND KIDS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR MOM.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

SATURDAY, MAY 25

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT

SATURDAY, MAY 25

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT

LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER

LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT

LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER

JOIN US FOR A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT ON THE LITTLE MAUM ELLE RIVER. LEISURELY FLOAT THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS AND RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENC E THE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE OUR WETLANDS HERE AT PI NNACLE

JOIN US FOR A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT ON THE LITTLE MAUM ELLE RIVER.

LEISURELY FLOAT THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS AND RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENC E THE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE OUR WETLANDS HERE AT PI NNACLE

MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING A SACK LUNCH, WHICH WE'L L ENJOY AT A PICNIC SITE ALONG THE RIVER TRAIL. BE SURE TO BRI NG SUNSCREEN AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES REGISTRATION; CONTACT THE VISITOR CENTER FOR MORE I NFO AND TO GET SIGNED UP. IF COMING IN A GROUP, CARPOOLING IS RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE IS INCLUDED.

MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING A SACK LUNCH, WHICH WE'L L ENJOY AT A PICNIC SITE ALONG THE RIVER TRAIL. BE SURE TO BRI NG SUNSCREEN AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES REGISTRATION; CONTACT THE VISITOR CENTER FOR MORE I NFO AND TO GET SIGNED UP. IF COMING IN A GROUP, CARPOOLING IS RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE IS INCLUDED.

JOIN US FOR A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT ON THE LITTLE MAUM ELLE RIVER. LEISURELY FLOAT THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS AND RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENC E THE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE OUR WETLANDS HERE AT PI NNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING A SACK LUNCH, WHICH WE'L L ENJOY AT A PICNIC SITE ALONG THE RIVER TRAIL. BE SURE TO BRI NG SUNSCREEN AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES REGISTRATION; CONTACT THE VISITOR CENTER FOR MORE I NFO AND TO GET SIGNED UP. IF COMING IN A GROUP, CARPOOLING IS RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE IS INCLUDED. AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES

learn about more fun @kidcentralar.com

learn about more fun @kidcentralar.com

ALSO SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS THERE TOO!

ALSO SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS THERE TOO!

learn about more fun @kidcentralar.com ALSO SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS THERE TOO!

READINESS Kindergarten

Do you have a child or grandchild starting school in the fall? Help them get ready for kindergarten with fun activities that build knowledge, behavior and skill levels.

Get week-by-week activities and reading suggestions for learning at home in our free Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar.

Partner with your quality child care provider to give your child or grandchild the opportunity to start kindergarten with confidence.

Visit our website to find star-rated quality early educators who help children prepare for kindergarten through age-appropriate and positive learning experiences.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

A

Scan the code below to find the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar and more. ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161

Create to Learn

BY LEARNING TO CREATE

by Katherine Daniels

"Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought."

– Albert Einstein

To create or make is not just about the final bypro duct of a person’s time spent or talent applied. It’s al so about the process that takes them through, from sta rt to end. By providing your youth, and even you, the space to be in the moment of creating and making, you open up new worl ds and possibilities, both mentally and physically, nurtur ing a positive foundation of self-confidence and mental h ealth.

Introducing children to creative classes and learni ng laboratories offers many benefits that contribute s ignificantly to their academic and personal development. These environments educate and inspire children to explor e their interests, develop new skills, and engage with the world innovatively. The impact of such educational experi ences can be profound, fostering creativity, critical thinkin g, and a love of learning that will serve them throughout their l ives.

Creative classes come in many forms, and each with its un ique benefits. For example, art classe s, including painting, drawing, and sculptur e, enhance fine motor skills, improve v isual learning, and encourage non-verbal expre ssion and communication.

Music classes, whether instrumental or vocal, boost memory and language skills and cultivate patience and disc ipline. Drama and theater programs improve verbal and non-v erbal communication, enhance empathy, and build confidenc e. Dance classes promote physical fitness and coordina tion and teach the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Creative writing and storytelling workshops improve literacy and vocabulary, encouraging imaginative thinking and pe rsonal expression.

On the other hand, learning laboratories offer a hands-on, experiential approach to education, allowing children to explore scientific concepts, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in an interactive environment.

Robotics labs teach programming skills, logical thi nking, and problem-solving. Science labs make abstract concept s tangible, fostering curiosity and analytical skills . Coding and game design workshops introduce children to the bas ics of software development and digital creativity, prepar ing them for a digitally driven world. Maker spaces encourag e innovation and design thinking, allowing children t o bring their ideas to life through 3D printing, electronic s, and construction projects.

"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." – Maya Angelou

Where To Start

Step 1— Align the creative activities with the chil dren's interests. Kids are likelier to engage in tasks tha t resonate with their passions and curiosities.

Step 2—Encourage them to explore and experiment wit hout the fear of making mistakes. By creating a positive environm ent, they will build self-esteem and feel more comfortable learnin g to be creative.

Step 3— Allow them to choose their experience. When kids feel they have control over their learning, they are more lik ely to be invested in the process and take pride in their achievements .

Here are a few local spaces you should consider for the next creator or maker adventure:

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts - arkfa.com

Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub - arhub.org

Central Arkansas Library System - cals.org

Code Ninja - codeninjas.com

iCode School - icodeschool.com/littlerock

Museum of Discovery - museumofdiscovery.org

The Muddy Pig - muddypigstudio.com

The Painted Pig - paintedpigstudio.com

UALR Donaghey College STEM Summer Camps - ualr.edu/ cstem

For The Mom’s For The Mom’s & BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

by Katherine Daniels

In 2017, Halle Berry tweeted, "For me, motherhood is learning about the strengths I didn’t know I had and dealing with the fears I didn’t know it existed."

The role of a mother, often understood based on cul tural expectations, encompasses responsibilities that ext end far beyond the basic needs of feeding, clothing, and sh eltering a child. Plus, any person or village can fill a mothe r role, bringing additional nuances to the caring role. It involves nurturing others in their care for emotional, psych ological, and social development, requiring an extraordinary blend of patience, resilience, and unconditional love.

This delicate dance of duties not only shapes the l ife of the child but also leaves an indelible mark on the moth er's mental health. Essentially, the mother-type person is resp onsible for developing those in their care. Because of this, th e mental health of a mother is a pivotal factor in the emoti onal and psychological well-being of her children. The relen tless pursuit of being a 'perfect mother' can lead to str ess, anxiety, and even depression, as the societal pressure to ex cel in this role can be both overwhelming and unforgiving.

For The Mom’s

Motherhood brings immense joy but also significant stress, which can impact mental health. Here are some strat egies for mothers to improve their mental well-being.

Acknowledging about the care. right sometimes good BIG moms life

Creating a strong, supportive community environment can significantly share the pressures of motherhood. Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, but connec ting with other mothers who understand the unique challe nges can provide comfort and advice. This support can co me through family, friends, or mothers' groups, both o nline and in person. Sharing experiences and solutions ca n help mothers feel less alone and more empowered to handl e the stresses of parenting.

Practice self-care. Yes, we've heard the trendy slo gan, but it's a necessary practice for maintaining mental he alth. Mothers often put their needs last, but it's import ant to remember that taking care of oneself is not selfish —it's essential. This can mean setting aside time for act ivities that promote relaxation and happiness, such as read ing, exercising, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a qu iet moment to breathe. Adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity can also significantly im pact mental well-being.

Seeking professional help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it's consulting wit h a therapist, joining a support group, or talking to a healthcare provider about mental health concerns, g etting help is a proactive step towards better mental heal th. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, yet o ften underdiagnosed, conditions that can significantly i mpact a mother's life. Recognizing the signs and seeking he lp early can make a substantial difference.

Acknowledging the challenges and understanding that it's not about being perfect, but instead, it's about being present with the best possible mindset you can share with those in your care. And if you need to take a time-out, you can, but then get right back in. Yes, being a mother is a gift. But i t's also hard, sometimes unrewarding, and even messy at best. Keep up the good work, moms - you've got this. Just do your bes t.

BIG LOVE to all those who are, were, and are trying to be moms to someone. Special thanks to the leading moms in my life who’ve been my rock, truth speakers, and soul whisperers. Please

Email Us To Share For A Chance To Win A $25 Chik-Fil-A Gift Card !!

kat@kidcentralar.com

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