Kid's Directory May 2024 Edition

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OUR ADVERTISERS Agape Church............................................................... 20 All For Kids.................................................................... 14 Arkansas Academy of Dance......................................... 12 Arkansas Better Beginnings .................................... 5, 13 Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.....................................9 Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Nutrition...........................3 Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Research...........................3 Arkansas Innovation Hub............................................. 17 Arkansas Military & First Responders Academy..............2 Arkansas Soccer Club.....................................................12 Ballet Arkansas.................................................................7 Barksdale Federal Credit Union......................................4 Central Arkansas Pediatric Dentistry............................ 26 Conway Tennis Center.................................................. 15 Dancers’ Corner............................................................. 23 Fancyful Parties................................................................6 Grow Learning Centre................................................... 23 Hippos & Fish...................................................................6 Jacksonville Parks & Recreation................................... 14 Jax's Gym...................................................................... 21 Lake Nixon.................................................................... 11 Little Rock Zoo............................................................... 10 Midtowne Church..........................................................20 Miki the Monkey.......................................................... 10 Old Statehouse Museum............................................. 14 Salon Jadore ................................................................ 22 Shuffles & Ballet II........................................................ 15 Tasha Teaches...................................................................4 The Decker School......................................................... 19 The Painted Pig............................................................. 18 UALR Summer Laureate University for Youth.............. 28

PLUS MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS.............................................8 CREATE TO LEARN.......................................................... 16 MOTHERHOOD & MENTAL HEALTH.............................. 24

Published by Kid’s Directory, LLC A KD Consulting Company Information: (501) 975-6776 team@kidcentralar.com KidCentralAR.com This Directory is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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Play to learn

LITERACY

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

Your Child’s Journey to Writing What begins as scribbles will one day be your child’s expression of his thoughts and creativity.

Here’s how you can help make that happen: Read to your baby every day. The spoken word is nutrition for your baby’s brain development just as milk is food for her bones.

By age 1, she will have a vocabulary of about 70 words, but she may choose to use only a few.

Lead him to letters. Display his name in his room. Provide alphabet blocks and books. Sing the alphabet song. Point to words as you read to him. Help him make the connection between marks on paper and the real world.

Provide writing tools. Using crayons, pencils and markers is a step toward writing words. A flattened cardboard box or paper grocery bag makes a fine canvas.

Barely gripping a crayon gives way to holding a pencil between the thumb and forefinger between ages 2 and 3.

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.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161

Show him the importance of writing through dramatic play. Pretend the main character of the story has to write a lot. Is he a police officer, a waiter, shopkeeper, receptionist, doctor, news reporter or teacher?

Model writing daily. Children love to imitate. Let him see you write.

Around age 3, his scribbles will begin to look like letters. He may draw something and tell you what it is. First comes the drawing, then the name.

Praise her drawing and writing efforts. Between ages 3 and 5, she will plan the picture before she draws it. She has reached a milestone! She has mastered symbolic thinking.

She understands now that the marks on paper are symbols for something else – a cat or a person. Next she’ll read and write!

See the next page for activities to help your child develop the fine motor skills needed for writing.

Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-501-682-8590

Scan the code below to visit our Family Resource Library for fun learning activities to enjoy at home.

Also en Español.

Swimming Mermaids FANCYFUL.COM

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Interactive Children’s Series

May 11 - 12

Snow White

Tickets $10 - $15 Ballet Arkansas is ranked among the Top 100 Ballet Companies in America!

www.balletarkansas.org

Join the“AD”venture

of partnering with

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.

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 FAMILY-FRIENDLY KID-APPROVED LOCAL RESOURCE. VISIT KIDCENTRALAR.COM TO LEARN MORE

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 (05/01) 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 LOCAL VENDORS, FOOD AND FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 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 PREPARED 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 MATCHED FOR FREE TO USE AT THE MARKET.

SUNDAY, MAY 12 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH LITTLE ROCK ZOO, CAFE AFRICA

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

SATURDAY, MAY 2525 SATURDAY, MAY SATURDAY, MAY 25 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CANOE FLOAT LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER

LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER JOIN US FOR A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT ON ON THETHE LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER. JOIN US FOR A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER. JOIN US FLOAT FORFLOAT A GUIDED CANOE FLOAT ON THE LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER. LEISURELY THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS LEISURELY THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS FLOAT THROUGH BALD CYPRESS GROVES, ALONG STREAMS ANDLEISURELY RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENCE THETHE AND RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENCE AND RIVERBANKS TEEMING WITHOUR WILDLIFE, AND EXPERIENCE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE WETLANDS HERE AT PINNACLE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE OUR WETLANDS HERE ATTHE PINNACLE UNIQUE HABITATS THAT DEFINE WETLANDS HERE AT PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING A OUR SACK LUNCH, WHICH WE'LL ENJOY AT AT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING A SACK LUNCH, WHICH WE'LL ENJOY MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. BRING TRAIL. A SACK BE LUNCH, WHICH WE'LLSUNSCREEN ENJOY AT A PICNIC SITESITE ALONG THETHE RIVER SURE TO BRING A PICNIC ALONG RIVER TRAIL. BE SURE TO BRING SUNSCREEN A PICNIC SITE ALONG THE RIVER TRAIL. BE SURE TO BRING SUNSCREEN ANDAND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THISTHIS PROGRAM REQUIRES APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! PROGRAM REQUIRES AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING! THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES REGISTRATION; CONTACT THETHE VISITOR CENTER FORFOR MORE INFO ANDAND TO REGISTRATION; CONTACT VISITOR CENTER MORE REGISTRATION; CONTACT THE VISITOR CENTER FOR MORE INFO INFO AND TO TO GETGET SIGNED UP.UP. IF IF COMING ININAIN GROUP, CARPOOLING IS GET SIGNED UP. IFCOMING COMING A GROUP, CARPOOLING SIGNED A GROUP, CARPOOLING IS IS RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE ISISINCLUDED. RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE IS INCLUDED. RECOMMENDED. SHUTTLE INCLUDED.

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

Good Catch, Good Care!

Join Arkansas Blue Cross at Dickey-Stephens Park on June 7 to watch the Arkansas Travelers take on the Springfield Cardinals for FREE! Starting May 7, stop by ArkansasBlue in Little Rock, Pine Bluff or Hot Springs to pick up FREE tickets (limit five, while supplies last).

01229.02.01-0424

416 S. University Ave., Suite 110 – Little Rock 509 Mallard Loop – Pine Bluff 1635 Higdon ferry Road, Suite J – Hot Springs

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ABOUT LEARNING

ZO FARI JUNE 3 AMP AUG 2 Learn about wildlife and conservation Enjoy animal interactions Create hands-on crafts Make new friends!

Learn more at LittleRockZoo.com

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Kindergarten

READINESS

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.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161

Getting Ready for Kindergarten A calendar of family activities | August – July

Scan the code below to find the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar and more.

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n r a e L o t Create BY

LEA

RN

T ING

O C

REA

erin

by Kath

TE

e Danie

ls

"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 byproduct of a person’s time spent or talent applied. It’s also about the process that takes them through, from start to end.

By providing your youth, and even you, the space to be in the moment of creating and making, you open up new worlds and possibilities, both mentally and physically, nurturing a positive foundation of self-confidence and mental health.

Introducing children to creative classes and learning laboratories offers many benefits that contribute significantly to their academic and personal development. These environments educate and inspire children to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage with the world innovatively. The impact of such educational experiences can be profound, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.

Creative classes come in many forms, and each with its unique benefits. For example, art classes, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, enhance fine motor skills, improve visual learning, and encourage non-verbal expression and communication.

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Music classes, whether instrumental or vocal, boost memory and language skills and cultivate patience and discipline.

Drama and theater programs improve verbal and non-verbal communication, enhance empathy, and build confidence .

Dance classes promote physical fitness and coordination and teach the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Creative writing and storytelling workshops improve literacy and vocabulary, encouraging imaginative thinking and personal 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.

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Robotics labs teach programming skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving. Science labs make abstract concepts tangible, fostering curiosity and analytical skills. Coding and game design workshops introduce children to the basics of software development and digital creativity, preparing them for a digitally driven world. Maker spaces encourage innovation and design thinking, allowing children to bring their ideas to life through 3D printing, electronics, 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 children's interests. Kids are likelier to engage in tasks that resonate with their passions and curiosities.

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Step 2—Encourage them to explore and experiment without the fear of making mistakes. By creating a positive environment, they will build self-esteem and feel more comfortable learning to be creative.

Step 3— Allow them to choose their experience. When kids feel they have control over their learning, they are more likely 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

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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 cultural expectations, encompasses responsibilities that extend far beyond the basic needs of feeding, clothing, and sheltering a child. Plus, any person or village can fill a mother role, bringing additional nuances to the caring role. It involves nurturing others in their care for emotional, psychological, and social development, requiring an extraordinary blend of patience, resilience, and unconditional love.

This delicate dance of duties not only shapes the life of the child but also leaves an indelible mark on the mother's mental health. Essentially, the mother-type person is responsible for developing those in their care. Because of this, the mental health of a mother is a pivotal factor in the emotional and psychological well-being of her children. The relentless pursuit of being a 'perfect mother' can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression, as the societal pressure to excel 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 strategies for mothers to improve their mental well-being.

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A a th ca ri so g

B m li

Creating a strong, supportive community environment can significantly share the pressures of motherhood.

Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, but connecting with other mothers who understand the unique challenges can provide comfort and advice. This support can come through family, friends, or mothers' groups, both online and in person. Sharing experiences and solutions can help mothers feel less alone and more empowered to handle the stresses of parenting.

Practice self-care. Yes, we've heard the trendy slogan, but it's a necessary practice for maintaining mental health.

Mothers often put their needs last, but it's important to remember that taking care of oneself is not selfish—it's essential. This can mean setting aside time for activities that promote relaxation and happiness, such as reading, exercising, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe. Adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity can also significantly impact mental well-being.

Seeking professional help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it's consulting with a therapist, joining a support group, or talking to a healthcare provider about mental health concerns, getting help is a proactive step towards better mental health.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, yet often underdiagnosed, conditions that can significantly impact a mother's life. Recognizing the signs and seeking help 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 it's also hard, sometimes unrewarding, and even messy at best. Keep up the good work, moms - you've got this. Just do your best.

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.

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