Kid's Directory Arkansas Magazine July 2024

• 20+ years experience

• Preparing your student for success in high school and beyond.Focus on character building (respect, responsibility, friendship)

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• Healthy and nutritious meals for ALL students

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READINESS Kindergarten

Help your child or grandchild start school with confidence.

Kick off kindergarten readiness at your house this summer with the free Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar. The year-long, weekby-week guide helps children learn literacy and math basics and creative activities help them develop the fine motor control needed to hold a pencil correctly and use scissors – essential skills for kindergarten. They are also encouraged to learn to deal with change, develop self-help, problem-solving and various social skills.

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

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

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

THE KID CALENDAR

Kid Approved Things To Do

THURSDAY, JULY 4TH

4 0 T H A N N U A L P O P S O N T H E R I V E R

FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER | POPS.ARKANSASONLINE.COM

FAMILY FUN, FOOD, KIDS ACTIVITIES, MUSIC FROM THE ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE LARGEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN THE STATE! FREE ADMISSION. CHAIRS AND BLANKETS ARE ENCOURAGED. OPEN AMPHITHEATER SEATING IS AVAILABLE BUT LIMITED YOU CAN PURCHASE RESERVED SEATING ONLINE

FRIDAY, JULY 5TH

FOAM PARTY

MAGIC SPRINGS THEME AND WATER PARK | MAGICSPRINGS.COM

MAGIC SPRINGS KICKS OFF FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS! GET TWO EXTRA HOURS OF WAVE POOL FUN WITH A LIVE DJ AND A FOAM DANCE PARTY! THIS EVENT IS FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION OR A SEASON PASS.

WEDNESDAY, JULY

17TH

BEAUTY VISIT & STORY

BOB HERZFELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY | SALINECOUNTYLIBRARY.ORG

PRINCESSES ARE ALWAYS UP FOR ADVENTURE! BEAUTY WILL BE AT THE BENTON LOCATION FOR A STORY AND PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES! THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A PARTICIPANT OF THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE TO COME TO THE EVENT. BUT, THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE IS FREE TO PARTICIPATE AND YOU CAN EARN PRIZES- NO MATTER YOUR AGE.

FRIDAY, JULY 19TH

WORLD ORANGUTAN DAY 2024

LITTLE ROCK ZOO | LITTLEROCKZOO.COM

CELEBRATING AND RAISING AWARENESS OF THIS ICONIC ENDANGERED SPECIES. AT THE LITTLE ROCK ZOO, WE HAVE AN ORANGUTAN FAMILY: BERANI (MOM), BANDAR (FATHER), AND KASIH (INFANT). ENJOY ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SURPRISES TO LEARN HOW WE CAN TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE THESE AMAZING ANIMALS.

SATURDAY, JULY 27TH

CONWAY KIDS’ TRIATHLON

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS HPER CENTER | CONWAYKIDSTRI.COM

THE CONWAY KIDS’ TRIATHLON IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S PREMIERE YOUTH TRIATHLONS.WE PROVIDE A MORNING FULL OF TRIATHLON FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES FROM AGES 6-15. THIS EVENT EMPHASIZES HEALTH, SELF-ESTEEM, SELFCONFIDENCE AND FUN IN A SAFE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.

B E A T T H E

Heat Heat Heat

H o w t o a v o i d h e a tr e l a t e d i l l n e s s e s .

B y : A l i s o n B a l d r i d g e , A P R N , M N S c

c c o r d i n g t o t h e C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e A c c o r d i n g t o t h e C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e

A

C o n t r o l ( C D C ) , a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 , 2 0 0

C o n t r o l ( C D C ) , a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 , 2 0 0

p e o p l e i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s d i e e v e r y y e a r p e o p l e i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s d i e e v e r y y e a r

f r o m e x t r e m e h e a t . f r o m e x t r e m e h e a t .

A r k a n s a s i s k n o w n f o r i t s m a n y o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r o u t d o o r

A r k a n s a s i s k n o w n f o r i t s m a n y o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r o u t d o o r

a d v e n t u r e s a s w e l l a s h o t a n d h u m i d s u m m e r d a y s . W h e n a d v e n t u r e s a s w e l l a s h o t a n d h u m i d s u m m e r d a y s . W h e n

t e m p e r a t u r e s s o a r t o 9 0 + d e g r e e s , o u t d o o r f u n c a n q u i c k l y t e m p e r a t u r e s s o a r t o 9 0 + d e g r e e s , o u t d o o r f u n c a n q u i c k l y

b e c o m e d a n g e r o u s a n d e v e n l i f e t h r e a t e n i n g .

b e c o m e d a n g e r o u s a n d e v e n l i f e t h r e a t e n i n g .

Y o u n g c h i l d r e n , o l d e r a d u l t s , p r e g n a n t w o m e n , t h o s e w i t h

Y o u n g c h i l d r e n , o l d e r a d u l t s , p r e g n a n t w o m e n , t h o s e w i t h

c h r o n i c m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n s , a n d o u t d o o r w o r k e r s a r e a t c h r o n i c m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n s , a n d o u t d o o r w o r k e r s a r e a t

i n c r e a s e d r i s k o f h e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s e s . i n c r e a s e d r i s k o f h e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s e s .

I t i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o t a k e p r e c a u t i o n s t o a v o i d h e a t - r e l a t e d

I t i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o t a k e p r e c a u t i o n s t o a v o i d h e a t - r e l a t e d

i l l n e s s e s w h i l e e n j o y i n g t h e g r e a t o u t d o o r s . H e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s e s w h i l e e n j o y i n g t h e g r e a t o u t d o o r s . H e a t - r e l a t e d

i l l n e s s e s o c c u r w h e n t h e b o d y c a n n o l o n g e r p r o p e r l y c o o l i l l n e s s e s o c c u r w h e n t h e b o d y c a n n o l o n g e r p r o p e r l y c o o l

i t s e l f . T y p i c a l l y , t h e b o d y w i l l s w e a t t o c o o l i t s e l f b u t i n i t s e l f . T y p i c a l l y , t h e b o d y w i l l s w e a t t o c o o l i t s e l f b u t i n

e x t r e m e h e a t s o m e t i m e s t h a t i s n o t e n o u g h , a n d t h e b o d y e x t r e m e h e a t s o m e t i m e s t h a t i s n o t e n o u g h , a n d t h e b o d y

t e m p e r a t u r e r i s e s f a s t e r t h a n t h e b o d y c a n c o o l . T h i s c a n t e m p e r a t u r e r i s e s f a s t e r t h a n t h e b o d y c a n c o o l . T h i s c a n

c a u s e d a m a g e t o t h e b r a i n a n d o t h e r v i t a l o r g a n s .

c a u s e d a m a g e t o t h e b r a i n a n d o t h e r v i t a l o r g a n s .

H e a t C r a m p s H e a t C r a m p s

H e a t c r a m p s H e a t c r a m p s a r e t h e f i r s t s i g n o f a h e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s . a r e t h e f i r s t s i g n o f a h e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s .

C r a m p s a r e u s u a l l y i n t h e l e g s a n d s t o m a c h a n d i n c l u d e h e a v y

C r a m p s a r e u s u a l l y i n t h e l e g s a n d s t o m a c h a n d i n c l u d e h e a v y

s w e a t i n g . I f y o u e x p e r i e n c e h e a t c r a m p s y o u s h o u l d s t o p s w e a t i n g . I f y o u e x p e r i e n c e h e a t c r a m p s y o u s h o u l d s t o p

a c t i v i t y i n t h e h e a t , m o v e t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t , r e s t , a n d a c t i v i t y i n t h e h e a t , m o v e t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t , r e s t , a n d

h y d r a t e w i t h w a t e r . M a s s a g i n g t h e c r a m p s s h o u l d h e l p r e l a x h y d r a t e w i t h w a t e r . M a s s a g i n g t h e c r a m p s s h o u l d h e l p r e l a x

t h e m u s c l e s a n d g i v e s o m e r e l i e f . I f c r a m p s l a s t l o n g e r t h a n 1

t h e m u s c l e s a n d g i v e s o m e r e l i e f . I f c r a m p s l a s t l o n g e r t h a n 1

h o u r , y o u n e e d t o s e e k m e d i c a l a t t e n t i o n .

h o u r , y o u n e e d t o s e e k m e d i c a l a tt e n t i o n .

H e a t E x h a u s t i o n H e a t E x h a u s t i o n

I f h e a t c r a m p s a r e n o t a d d r e s s e d , t h e y c a n l e a d t o h e a t I f h e a t c r a m p s a r e n o t a d d r e s s e d , t h e y c a n l e a d t o h e a t

e x h a u s t i o n . S y m p t o m s o f h e a t e x h a u s t i o n c a n i n c l u d e h e a v y e x h a u s t i o n . S y m p t o m s o f h e a t e x h a u s t i o n c a n i n c l u d e h e a v y

s w e a t i n g , w e a k n e s s , c o o l , p a l e , a n d c l a m m y s k i n , m u s c l e s w e a t i n g , w e a k n e s s , c o o l , p a l e , a n d c l a m m y s k i n , m u s c l e

c r a m p s , d i z z i n e s s , n a u s e a a n d v o m i t i n g , a n d a f a s t , w e a k c r a m p s , d i z z i n e s s , n a u s e a a n d v o m i t i n g , a n d a f a s t , w e a k

p u l s e . I t i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o m o v e t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t , p u l s e . I t i s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o m o v e t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t ,

l o o s e n c l o t h i n g , a n d a p p l y c o o l w e t c l o t h s o r s i t i n a c o o l l o o s e n c l o t h i n g , a n d a p p l y c o o l w e t c l o t h s o r s i t i n a c o o l

b a t h . D r i n k s i p s o f w a t e r a s m u c h a s y o u c a n t o l e r a t e . I f y o u

b a t h . D r i n k s i p s o f w a t e r a s m u c h a s y o u c a n t o l e r a t e . I f y o u

s t a r t t o v o m i t o r i f s y m p t o m s l a s t l o n g e r t h a n 1 h o u r , y o u

s t a r t t o v o m i t o r i f s y m p t o m s l a s t l o n g e r t h a n 1 h o u r , y o u

n e e d t o s e e k m e d i c a l a t t e n t i o n .

n e e d t o s e e k m e d i c a l a t t e n t i o n .

H e a t S t r o k e H e a t S t r o k e

U n t r e a t e d h e a t e x h a u s t i o n c a n l e a d U n t r e a t e d h e a t e x h a u s t i o n c a n l e a d

t o h e a t s t r o k e w h i c h i s a m e d i c a l t o h e a t s t r o k e w h i c h i s a m e d i c a l

e m e r g e n c y . S y m p t o m s o f h e a t s t r o k e i n c l u d e e m e r g e n c y . S y m p t o m s o f h e a t s t r o k e i n c l u d e

c o n f u s i o n , t h r o b b i n g h e a d a c h e , n a u s e a , c o n f u s i o n , t h r o b b i n g h e a d a c h e , n a u s e a ,

d i z z i n e s s , b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e a b o v e d i z z i n e s s , b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e a b o v e

1 0 3 d e g r e e s , r e d , h o t , d r y o r d a m p s k i n ,

1 0 3 d e g r e e s , r e d , h o t , d r y o r d a m p s k i n ,

f a i n t i n g o r l o s s o f c o n s c i o u s n e s s , a n d f a i n t i n g o r l o s s o f c o n s c i o u s n e s s , a n d

r a p i d a n d s t r o n g p u l s e . I t is i m p o r t a n t t o m o v e r a p i d a n d s t r o n g p u l s e . I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o m o v e

t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t w h i l e c a l l i n g 9 1 1 a n d a p p l y i n g c o o l t o a c o o l e n v i r o n m e n t w h i l e c a l l i n g 9 1 1 a n d a p p l y i n g c o o l

c l o t h s o r s i t i n a c o o l b a t h . D o n o t t r y t o d r i n k a t t h i s p o i n t . c l o t h s o r s i t i n a c o o l b a t h . D o n o t t r y t o d r i n k a t t h i s p o i n t .

T I P S T O A V O I D H E A T - R E L A T E D I L L N E S S

P l a n o u t d o o r a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e m o r n i n g a n d e v e n i n g a v o i d i n g

t h e h e a t o f t h e d a y . S t a y i n d o o r s o r i n t h e s h a d e d u r i n g t h e

h o t t e s t p a r t o f t h e d a y , t y p i c a l l y f r o m 1 1 a m - 3 p m .

W e a r l i g h t w e i g h t , l o o s e c l o t h i n g .

C u t d o w n o n e x e r c i s e d u r i n g t h e h e a t . I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o s t a r t

s l o w l y a n d g r a d u a l l y i n c r e a s e y o u r p a c e w h e n w o r k i n g o r

e x e r c i s i n g i n t h e h e a t .

A v o i d h o t a n d h e a v y m e a l s . T h i s c a n i n c r e a s e y o u r b o d y

t e m p e r a t u r e .

U s e t h e b u d d y s y s t e m . W h e n w o r k i n g o r p l a y i n g o u t d o o r s ,

n e v e r g o a l o n e . H e a t - r e l a t e d i l l n e s s e s c a n c a u s e c o n f u s i o n

s o i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t o h a v e a b u d d y w h e r e y o u c a n m o n i t o r

e a c h o t h e r .

N e v e r l e a v e a p e r s o n o r p e t i n a c a r u n a t t e n d e d .

T e m p e r a t u r e s c a n r i s e d a n g e r o u s l y i n a s l i t t l e a s 1 0 m i n u t e s .

H Y D R A T E U P

S t a y i n g h y d r a t e d i s a n i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f p r e v e n t i n g h e a t - r e l a t e d

i l l n e s s . A n a v e r a g e p e r s o n n e e d s t o d r i n k a p p r o x i m a t e l y ¾

g a l l o n o f w a t e r d a i l y , b u t t h o s e n e e d s c a n v a r y d e p e n d i n g o n

a c t i v i t y , a g e , a n d h e a l t h .

H o w t o s t a y w e l l - h y d r a t e d t h i s s u m m e r -

A v o i d s u g a r y , c a f f e i n a t e d , a n d a l c o h o l i c d r i n k s .

D r i n k w a t e r o f t e n . D o n o t w a i t u n t i l y o u f e e l t h i r s t y . T h e g o a l

i s t o d r i n k 8 o z e v e r y 1 5 - 2 0 m i n u t e s . B e c a r e f u l n o t t o d r i n k

m o r e t h a n 4 8 o z i n a n h o u r a s t h i s c a n m a k e t h e s a l t

c o n c e n t r a t i o n i n y o u r b l o o d t o o l o w a n d c a u s e a m e d i c a l

e m e r g e n c y .

I f y o u a r e s w e a t i n g a l o t , c o m b i n e w a t e r w i t h s n a c k s o r a

s p o r t s d r i n k t o r e p l a c e t h e s a l t a n d m i n e r a l s y o u a r e l o s i n g

i n s w e a t .

P a y a t t e n t i o n t o t h e c o l o r o f y o u r u r i n e . A d a r k

y e l l o w / o r a n g e c o l o r c a n i n d i c a t e t h a t y o u a r e n o t d r i n k i n g

e n o u g h . I f y o u r u r i n e i s d a r k b r o w n y o u n e e d t o s e e k m e d i c a l

c a r e i m m e d i a t e l y .

S u m m e r i s a g r e a t t i m e t o e x p l o r e t h e g r e a t o u t d o o r s , b u t

y o u h a v e t o t a k e p r e c a u t i o n s t o p r o t e c t a g a i n s t t h e e x t r e m e

h e a t . R e f e r e n c e s

h t t p s : / / w w w . c d c . g o v / e x t r e m e - h e a t / a b o u t / i n d e x . h t m l

h t t p s : / / w w w . w e a t h e r . g o v / s a f e t y / h e a t - i l l n e s s

h t t p s : / / w w w . r e d c r o s s . o r g / g e t - h e l p / h o w - t o - p r e p a r e - f o r - e m e r g e n c i e s / t y p e s - o f - e m e r g e n c i e s / e x t r e m e - h e a t - s a f e t y . h t m l

h t t p s : / / w w w c d c g o v / e x t r e m e - h e a t / p r e v e n t i o n / i n d e x h t m l

The Academies of Math & Science, a national

Title I tuition-free charter school network, welcomes its first class this fall.

The Academies of Math and Science (AMS), a network of tuition-free, public K-8 charter schools, is proud to announce the opening of our first Arkansas campus, AMS Little Rock this fall. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our first class of K-8 students and families in the Little Rock community!

AMS, a longstanding Arizona Title I charter school network that has been in operation for more than twenty years, has achieved coveted A ratings B ratings for all our Arizona campuses. These exceptional results highlight the tremendous effort of AMS students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality education. These letter grades emphasize AMS’s dedication to growth and excellence in closing the educational gap, particularly among underserved student populations.

Kate Bracher, a seasoned education professional, is honored to be the Executive Director for AMS Arkansas. With a decade of dedicated service to students and families in Texas as a teacher, campus leader, and strategist for a statewide initiative, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

“As a parent or guardian, we understand how important and personal it is to make the right school choice for your child. AMS will offer “the Best Education in the Best Environment” for every student who walks through our doors.”

Kate obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University and will earn her Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University in the summer of 2024.

Kate’s vision for AMS Little Rock is clear and compelling. She believes that every child, regardless of their background, deserves an exceptional educational experience that empowers them with choice and opportunity. As a leader, she is committed to fostering a culture of high expectations and collective partnership between staff, students, families, and the broader community, all working together to make this vision a reality.

Join our First Class at AMS Little Rock, home of the Owls! We look forward to this journey with your family!

Michala Patterson, Elementary School AP, and Kate Bracher, Executive Director and Founding Principal.

––– Kate Bracher –––

• Rigorous STEAM curriculum

• Focus on character building (respect, kindness, responsibility, friendship)

• Affordable before and after-school care

• Free nutritious meals for all students

• Zero tolerance bullying policy

• Safe, secure campus environment

• Variety of K-8 clubs & sports options

Getting Cultured

Experiencing an appreciation for diverse societies, their lifestyles, and interests. by Kat Daniels

P h o t o : W i l l N e w t o n / A D P H T

W h e n s o m e o n e s a y s t h e y l i k e a r t s a n d c u l t u r e , i t g e n e r a l l y

i m p l i e s a n a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r a v a r i e t y o f i n t e r e s t s , o f t e n i n c l u d i n g

v i s u a l a r t s s u c h a s p a i n t i n g , s c u l p t u r e , a n d p h o t o g r a p h y ,

p e r f o r m i n g a r t s l i k e m u s i c , t h e a t e r , a n d d a n c e , a s w e l l a s

l i t e r a t u r e , f i l m , a n d a r c h i t e c t u r e .

I t a l s o s u g g e s t s a n i n c l i n a t i o n t o w a r d s e x p l o r i n g a n d v a l u i n g t h e

d i v e r s e t r a d i t i o n s , c u s t o m s , a n d s o c i a l p r a c t i c e s t h a t d e f in e

d i f f e r e n t c o m m u n i t i e s a n d h i s t o r i c a l p e r i o d s .

S o w h y g e t c u l t u r e d ? W h y d o e s t h i s m a t t e r ?

A p e r s o n w h o e n j o y s a r t s a n d c u l t u r e i s l i k e l y t o e n g a g e i n

a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s v i s i t i n g m u s e u m s a n d g a l l e r i e s , a t t e n d i n g

c o n c e r t s a n d t h e a t e r p r o d u c t i o n s , r e a d i n g b o o k s , w a t c h i n g f i l m s ,

a n d p e r h a p s e v e n c r e a t i n g t h e i r o w n a r t . W h e n s o m e o n e i s o p e n

t o t h e s e e x p e r i e n c e s , i t t e n d s t o f o s t e r a d e e p e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g

a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n o f t h e h u m a n c o n d i t i o n , e n c o u r a g i n g e m p a t h y

a n d a b r o a d e r p e r s p e c t i v e o n l i f e .

T h i s a p p r e c i a t i o n c a n e n r i c h o n e ' s l i f e ,

p r o v i d i n g b o t h i n t e l l e c t u a l s t i m u l a t i o n

a n d e m o t i o n a l f u l f i l l m e n t

A r t s a n d c u l t u r e p l a y a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n e n h a n c i n g s o c i a l a n d

A r t s a n d c u l t u r e p l a y a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n e n h a n c i n g s o c i a l a n d

c u l t u r a l a w a r e n e s s . W h e n c h i l d r e n a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s p a r t i c i p a t e

c u l t u r a l a w a r e n e s s . W h e n c h i l d r e n a n d t h e i r f a m i l i e s p a r t i c i p a t e

i n c u l t u r a l e v e n t s , f e s t i v a l s , a n d e x h i b i t i o n s , t h e y g a i n a b r o a d e r

i n c u l t u r a l e v e n t s , f e s t i v a l s , a n d e x h i b i t i o n s , t h e y g a i n a b r o a d e r

u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f d i f f e r e n t t r a d i t i o n s , h i s t o r i e s , a n d p e r s p e c t i v e s .

u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f d i f f e r e n t t r a d i t i o n s , h i s t o r i e s , a n d p e r s p e c t i v e s .

T h i s e x p o s u r e f o s t e r s e m p a t h y , t o l e r a n c e , a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r

T h i s e x p o s u r e f o s t e r s e m p a t h y , t o l e r a n c e , a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r

d i v e r s i t y , w h i c h a r e e s s e n t i a l q u a l i t i e s i n o u r i n c r e a s i n g l y

d i v e r s i t y , w h i c h a r e e s s e n t i a l q u a l i t i e s i n o u r i n c r e a s i n g l y

i n t e r c o n n e c t e d wo r l d . B y l e a r n i n g a b o u t a n d c e l e b r a t i n g v a r i o u s

i n t e r c o n n e c t e d wo r l d . B y l e a r n i n g a b o u t a n d c e l e b r a t i n g v a r i o u s

c u l t u r e s , f a m i l i e s c a n s t r e n g t h e n t h e i r o w n b o n d s a n d c r e a t e

c u l t u r e s , f a m i l i e s c a n s t r e n g t h e n t h e i r o w n b o n d s a n d c r e a t e

s h a r e d e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t e n r i c h t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s .

s h a r e d e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t e n r i c h t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s .

I n a d d i t i o n , f o r c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s , i n c o r p o r a t i n g a r t s a n d

I n a d d i t i o n , f o r c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s , i n c o r p o r a t i n g a r t s a n d

c u l t u r e i n t o t h e i r l i v e s c r e a t e s a w e l l - r o u n d e d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d

c u l t u r e i n t o t h e i r l i v e s c r e a t e s a w e l l - r o u n d e d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d

e n r i c h i n g t h e i r o v e r a l l q u a l i t y o f l i f e . E x p o s u r e t o v a r i o u s f o r m s

e n r i c h i n g t h e i r o v e r a l l q u a l i t y o f l i f e . E x p o s u r e t o v a r i o u s f o r m s

o f a r t i s t i c e x p r e s s i o n s t i m u l a t e s c r e a t i v i t y a n d i ma g i n a t i o n i n

o f a r t i s t i c e x p r e s s i o n s t i m u l a t e s c r e a t i v i t y a n d i ma g i n a t i o n i n

y o u n g m i n d s . E n g a g i n g i n t h e s e a c t i v i t i e s e n c o u r a g e s c h i l d r e n t o

y o u n g m i n d s . E n g a g i n g i n t h e s e a c t v i t i e s e n c o u r a g e s c h i l d r e n t o

t h i n k o u t s i d e t h e b o x , d e v e l o p p r o b l e m - s o l v i n g s k i l l s , a n d

t h i n k o u t s i d e t h e b o x , d e v e l o p p r o b l e m - s o l v i n g s k i l l s , a n d

e x p r e s s t h e m s e l v e s i n u n i q u e w a y s . T h i s c r e a t i v e o u t l e t c a n a l s o

e x p r e s s t h e m s e l v e s i n u n i q u e w a y s . T h i s c r e a t i v e o u t l e t c a n a l s o

b o o s t t h e i r c o n f i d e n c e a n d p r o v i d e a s e n s e o f a c c o m p l i s h m e n t ,

b o o s t t h e i r c o n f i d e n c e a n d p r o v i d e a s e n s e o f a c c o m p l i s h m e n t ,

w h i c h i s c r u c i a l f o r t h e i r e m o t i o n a l a n d p s y c h o l o g i c a l g r o w t h .

w h i c h i s r u c i a l f o r t h e i r e m o t i o n a l a n d p s y c h o l o g i c a l g r o w t h .

I n a d d i t i o n t o s o c i a l a n d p e r s o n a l b e n e f i t s , e n g a g i n g w i t h a r t s

I n a d d i t i o n t o s o c i a l a n d p e r s o n a l b e n e f i t s , e n g a g i n g w i t h a r t s

a n d c u l t u r e c a n a l s o h a v e e d u c a t i o n a l a d v a n t a g e s . S t u d i e s h a v e

a n d c u l t u r e c a n a l s o h a v e e d u c a t i o n a l a d v a n t a g e s . S t u d i e s h a v e

s h o w n t h a t c h i l d r e n w h o a r e i n v o l v e d i n a r t i s t i c a c t i v i t i e s t e n d t o

s h o w n t h a t c h i l d r e n w h o a r e i n v o l v e d i n a r t i s t i c a c i v i t i e s t e n d t o

p e r f o r m b e t t e r a c a d e m i c a l l y . T h e s k i l l s t h e y d e v e l o p t h r o u g h t h e

p e r f o r m b e t t e r a c a d e m i c a l l y . T h e s k i l l s t h e y d e v e l o p t h r o u g h t h e

a r t s , s u c h a s c r i t i c a l t h i n k i n g , a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l , a n d

a r t s , s u c h a s c r i t i c a l t h i n k i n g , a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l , a n d

p e r s e v e r a n c e , a r e t r a n s f e r a b l e t o o t h e r a r e a s o f l e a r n i n g .

p e r s e v e r a n c e , a r e t r a n s f e r a b l e t o o t h e r r e a s o f l e a r n i n g .

F u r t h e r m o r e , a r t s e d u c a t i o n c a n m a k e l e a r n i n g m o r e e n g a g i n g

F u r t h e r m o r e , a r t s e d u c a t i o n c a n m a k e l e a r n i n g m o r e e n g a g i n g

a n d e n j o y a b l e , t h e r e b y i n c r e a s i n g s t u d e n t s ' m o t i va t i o n a n d

a n d e n j o y a b l e , t h e r e b y i n c r e a s i n g s t u d e n t s ' m o t i va t i o n a n d

e n t h u s i a s m f o r s c h o o l .

e n t h u s i a s m f o r s c h o o l .

B y p r i o r i t i z i n g a r t s a n d c u l t u r e i n t h e i r l i v e s , f a m i l i e s c a n p r o v i d e

B y p r i o r i t i z i n g a r t s a n d c u l t u r e i n t h e i r l i v e s , f a m i l i e s c a n p r o v i d e

c h i l d r e n w i t h a w e l l - r o u n d e d e d u c a t i o n t h a t p r e p a r e s t h e m f o r

c h i l d r e n w i t h a w e l l - r o u n d e d e d u c a t i o n t h a t p r e p a r e s t h e m f o r

f u t u r e s u c c e s s .

f u t u r e s u c c e s s .

(and, no, it isn't making more money) (and, no, it isn't making more money)

by LaTasha Moore, Uniting Communities Through Language by LaTasha Moore, Uniting Communities Through Language

HOLA! I HOLA! I started becoming fluent in the Spanish language over 10 years started becoming fluent in the Spanish language over 10 years ago. When I would tell people about my language learning journey, the ago. When I would tell people about my language learning journey, the most common response I would get is "Whoo! You are going to be making most common response I would get is "Whoo! You are going to be making that big money!" Everyone has a different definition of what a large amount that big money!" Everyone has a different definition of what a large amount of money is, so I can't say exactly what they consider to be "big," but the of money is, so I can't say exactly what they consider to be "big," but the message behind their words was clear: by me learning another tongue I message behind their words was clear: by me learning another tongue I was setting myself up to make more money than the average person. was setting myself up to make more money than the average person.

This idea has stood the test of time. When I speak with groups of young

This idea has stood the test of time. When I speak with groups of young people today about how learning Spanish can help them, one of their first people today about how learning Spanish can help them, one of their first answers is that they can "make more money." answers is that they can "make more money."

While this kind of thinking isn't wrong, it puts the focus on the wrong thing. While this kind of thinking isn't wrong, it puts the focus on the wrong thing. There is a plethora of benefits of learning a foreign language, but financial There is a plethora of benefits of learning a foreign language, but financial gain isn't the most important. Instead, one of the greater benefits for our gain isn't the most important. Instead, one of the greater benefits for our children is that they become global citizens and lose the sense of children is that they become global citizens and lose the sense of entitlement and perfection that develops from the cushioned lives we live entitlement and perfection that develops from the cushioned lives we live today. today.

When our children learn another person’s language, they learn their

When our children learn another person’s language, they learn their culture by default. They become aware of other nations’ histories, culture by default. They become aware of other nations’ histories, concerns, and present-day problems. They learn that life goes far beyond concerns, and present-day problems. They learn that life goes far beyond how we do things here in the U.S. and allows them to better connect with how we do things here in the U.S. and allows them to better connect with the non-natives they encounter daily. How can your child relate to the the non-natives they encounter daily. How can your child relate to the student in their class who just arrived from Nicaragua, speaks no English, student in their class who just arrived from Nicaragua, speaks no English, and is wearing sandals in 30-degree weather when they've allowed their and is wearing sandals in 30-degree weather when they've allowed their morning to be ruined because you simply told them they couldn't have morning to be ruined because you simply told them they couldn't have Starbucks? Early language and culture acquisition gives our children the Starbucks? Early language and culture acquisition gives our children the advantage of seeing the world through a multi-perspective lens and advantage of seeing the world through a multi-perspective lens and teaches them at a young age what really matters in life. teaches them at a young age what really matters in life.

This is a life-long benefit that goes far beyond the value of the “big money” your child can make. The financial gain only benefits them. The ability to better connect with people of varying backgrounds benefits all of us.

SCIENCE Play to learn

Quality early educators know children learn best when they’re having fun. What may appear to be plain good fun and a fair chance of getting wet, is actually an introduction to science.

While playing at the water castle, children learn to experiment and observe. Their early educators encourage problem-solving by asking, “Why do you think that toy floats? What happens if you pour water into the boat? Why do you think the shovel didn’t float? What else do you think will float?”

Visit our website to find star-rated quality early educators who help children prepare for school with hands-on, positive learning experiences.