Kiddos Magazine Issue 2 - Fall and the little things

KL KLA AS SCHOOL CHOOL OF OF B BRICKELL RICKELL

REGISTER REGISTER NOW NOW FOR FOR S SCHOOL CHOOL YEAR YEAR 2 2013-2014 013-2014

KLA SCHOOLS IS TURNING 5!

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• INCORPORATES INCORPOR ATES AN AN APPRECIATION APPRECIA FOR ATION F OR NATURE NATURE

•R REGGIO EGGIO EMILIA EMILIA IINSPIRED NSPIRED

OF THE • STATE STATE O FT HE ART ART FACILITIES FACILITIES

• CHILD CENTRIC CURRICULUM

RESPECTFUL ESPECTFUL • FOSTERS FOSTERS R RELATIONSHIPS BET WEEN REL ATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PARENTS, PARENTS, CHILDREN CHILDREN & TEACHERS TEACHERS

• SMALL SMALL CLASS CL ASS SIZE SIZE • SUMMER SUMMER SESSIONS SESSIONS

FOR FOR IINFORMATION NFORMATION P PLEASE LEASE C CALL ALL 305.377.0391 305. 377.0391 OR V VISIT ISIT U US S AT AT www.klaschools.com w w w.klaschools.com KLA KL A S SCHOOL CHOOL OF OF BRICKELL: BRICKELL: 6 600 00 S SW W 1ST A AVENUE AV VENUE BR BRICKELL, ICKELL , FL FL 33130 33130 KLA KL A S SCHOOLS CHOOLS IN IN FLORIDA: FLORIDA: AVENTURA, AVENTUR A , BRICKELL, BRICKELL , C COCONUT OCONUT C CREEK REEK CORAL COR AL G GABLES, ABLES, DORAL, D O R AL , N NORTH ORTH BAY BAY VILLAGE VILL AGE & PEMBROKE PEMBROKE PINES. PINES.

INSPIRED INSPIRED B BY YT THE HE REGGIO R E G G IO E EMILIA MILIA APPROACH APPROACH

contents OCTOBER

•

NOVEMBER

2 013

issue 2 F E AT U R E 6

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Teaching your Kids An Attitude of Gratitude This Thanksgiving

in every issue 5 CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Miss Rosa From PBS KIDS

H E A LT H 8

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4 Things Parents Should Know About Nut Allergies

10 FASHION The Perfect Costume

12 SNACKS Fun Halloween Lunch Ideas

E D U C AT I O N

16 SAFETY

14 |

Is It Math or Magic?

Don’t Take A Chance!

18 |

The Joy Of Reading

20 PLACES The Little Farm

22 COOL STUFF Fall Essentials GAMES / SPORTS 24 |

4 Reasons Why Our Kids Should Participate in a Soccer League

23 TOP 10 Shop In Your Area

28 BOOKS REVIEWS COMMUNITY 26 |

Suggestion For Your Kids To Read This Month

A Home Away From Home 29 MOVIES REVIEWS What Is New In Theaters

on the cover Credits MODEL: Megan Chic Photography CLOTHING: The Children’s Place LOCATION: The Little Farm

PHOTOGRAPHY: Simply

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30 PROGRAMS New Moms’ Finding

31 FAMILY EVENTS Where To Go With Our Kiddos

kiddos

publisher’s notes

Fall and the gs! little thin As fall approaches, we couldn't be more excited. Changing leaves… a second spring.

credits PUBLISHER – EDITOR

Veronica Lepere

Everything around us brings joy with breezes of hope and gratitude.

A time for us to reflect on all the things we are blessed for. A time to appreciate the little things we are surrounded by and understand what is truly important and what makes every day so special.

We all love Thanksgiving celebrations, share precious moments with family and friends, our kids enjoy decorating, helping around, cooking or making greeting cards. Thanksgiving is the best time to talk to our kids about family values, traditions and gratitude.

In our second issue, “Fall and The Little Things” we provide you with useful ideas about “Teaching your Kids an Attitude of Gratitude This Thanksgiving,” and how to start a new tradition where you can nominate your kids for a Gratitude Award when they do something nice. For all the moms out there that are still stuck with costume ideas we help them in 5 steps on how to find “The perfect costume for their Kiddos!” and for “Trick or Treat” night we also provide “Don’t Take a Chance” safety tips that can make the difference between spending Halloween in an emergency room or at home.

EDITOR

Estefania Arosemena CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Estefania Arosemena Ana María Hanssen Sue Kirchner Lissette Mendez Soraya Rivera-Moya Miami Children's Hospital CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Elsy Aumann Graphic Vision Creative Group

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Veronica Lepere vlepere@kiddosmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION

Maximiliano Lepere PHOTOGRAPHER

Michelle Barreneche Simply Chic Photography

Christmas is around the corner and we have another exciting issue to write. Have a safe Halloween and a great turkey day!

KIDDOS MAGAZINE P.O. Box 431492 Miami, Fl. 33243 786.260.8492 info@kiddosmagazine.com

P.S. Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving every single day!

kiddosmagazine.com Kiddos Magazine is produced by

V&L Design LLC © 2013 Kiddos Magazine VERONICA LEPERE Publisher / Editor vlepere@kiddosmagazine.com

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kiddos | October • November 2013

Volume 1. Issue 2. Kiddos Magazine is printed bi-monthly in the U.S.A. © 2008 V&L Design LLC. Title is protected through a trademark registration in the U'S. Patent Office. All rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

kiddos

celebrity interview

Miss Rosa: A FRIEND AND TEACHER FOR PRESCHOOLERS BY: Estefania Arosemena

PBS KIDS HOST MISS ROSA, INTERPRETED BY ACTRESS JENNIFER PEÑA, HAS BECOME A TEACHING SENSATION FOR CHILDREN PRIOR TO ENTERING KINDERGARTEN.

I

n her everyday explorations, she teaches young kids new lessons through art, songs, dance, storytelling, humor and advice. This lovable teacher of Costa Rican and Puerto Rican descent started her career as a high school teacher in Florida; without ever leaving her other passion behind as an actress. When Jennifer Peña left teaching, she got the opportunity to work with PBS KIDS allowing her to fulfill her acting career, while being a teacher all at the same time. Jennifer Peña came in contact with day care workers, kindergarten teachers and homecare providers who taught her what she needed to know about the preschool audience prior to hosting her TV segments.

PBS KIDS host, Miss Rosa, appears before and after programs to introduce educational concepts and encourage kids to explore the world around them. She has had the opportunity to provide teachers and families with everyday new lessons, books, mobile apps and online resources to help improve their kids’ thinking skills. PBS KIDS does a really good job in making sure they really focus on education in their programming. Miss Rosa also hosts live shows for preschoolers at PBS station events in communities across the country.

These shows implement several teaching methods like visual, audio, repetition and call & response. The great advantage about these methods is that they are designed to be used by real teachers inside the classroom. “It is very important to get kids excited about learning at this particular age… my major drive when hosting the show is making sure that kids are having fun, while learning along the way,” Miss Rosa told Kiddos Magazine.

As a bilingual teacher, Miss Rosa constantly switches back and forth between English and Spanish. This gives both parents and children the chance to learn new Spanish words everyday. According to Miss Rosa, it is very important for Hispanics re-

siding in the US to learn more about their cultural roots.

No matter your kids’ cultural background, the show will give them the opportunity to learn Spanish and be motivated to become bilingual individuals as they grow.

Miss Rosa believes this is a pretty big deal and an advantage for our kiddos in today’s competitive world.

When kids are not watching Miss Rosa on-air, they can still navigate PBS KIDS online resources and continue to build their understanding of the ideas and situations presented on the show.

PBS KIDS makes sure Miss Rosa presents ongoing learning adventures for the preschool audience.

For more information about Miss Rosa’s live stage show and any other educational children’s television shows aired on PBS KIDS you can visit: www.pbskids.org

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

5

TEACHING YOUR KIDS AN

attitude of gratitude this thanksgiving WRITTEN BY: Sue Kirchner

Ideas to teach your kids to be more grateful and thankful for what they have.

T

hanksgiving is the perfect time of year to work on teaching your kids to be more thankful for what they have.

We get so caught up in the Holiday madness of traveling, hosting dinners, shopping, and making Holiday wish lists that sometimes it's nice to take a breath, sit down as a family and talk with your kids about how lucky your family is, how grateful we should be, and how to say thank

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you for more than just gifts. It's a tricky concept to teach young children, who are naturally self-centered, but by starting when they are young you can help lay the foundation to be grateful and think of others.

We try a variety of activities to help our kids develop more of an attitude of gratitude. Here are some ideas we've found to create a more grateful family.

Model gratitude. As parents, we need to do a good job of modeling how to be grateful. When someone helps you, your kids will hear you say "thank you" and emulate your behavior in the future. Write thank you notes when you get a gift. Bring a hostess gift when your friends invite you to dinner. Tell your kids when someone does something nice for you that makes you happy.

They'll definitely learn how to show gratitude and how easy it is to make someone happy. Most importantly, thank your kids when they do something super special for you.

Daily thanks. Every day at dinner, in the car, or before bedtime ask everyone in the family to share one or two things they are grateful for each day.

Some families do this at the dinner table while praying, others keep a daily journal. Whatever works best for your family, make sure you do it consistently.

Lend a hand. There is no better way to show how fortunate your family is than to help someone who is not.

Have your kids volunteer with you.

Have your kids help you rake leaves from your elderly neighbor's yard.

Collect non-perishable food in your neighborhood and deliver it to a local food pantry.

Make gratitude fun. Start a new tradition where you can nominate another family member for a Gratitude Award when they do something nice. You can make this a weekly award or collect nominations throughout November and announce the good deeds in front of the whole family at Thanksgiving dinner. Have the kids help you write

thank you notes to special people in your life for their help throughout the year - a neighbor who drives your kids to school; the babysitter who is always there for you; your Scout Leaders who give so much of their time to make sure your kids are having fun.

Start a new tradition where you can nominate another family member for Instead of a a Gratitude Award Secret Santa, have your kids when they do play a game where they are secret helpers. something nice.

Have them secretly do a chore

or nice deed for someone else. Then see if the recipient can guess who helped them. Or, before the relatives come over for Thanksgiving dinner, have your kids make Thanks and Giving trees. Every night in November, the whole family writes down something they are thankful for on a leaf and pastes it to the Thanks Tree. They also write something Giving they did on a leaf and paste it to the Giving tree.

It's a cute way to decorate for Thanksgiving and the whole family will love reading what the kids wrote.

Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach and kids party planner. Sue and her family fun ideas have been featured on TV, newspapers, magazines, blogs, as well as her own family fun site ChocolateCakeMoments.com.

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

7

health 4 THINGS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

about nut allergies NUTS CAN BE A TASTY AND HEALTHY SNACK. BUT FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALLERGIC, THEY CAN CAUSE QUITE A BIT OF TROUBLE. HERE ARE FOUR THINGS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS COMMON FOOD ALLERGY. BY: Miami Children’s Hospital

“

N

uts are one of the most common allergy-causing foods, affecting over 20 million people in the U.S. And many studies show that these numbers are steadily increasing,” said Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, Director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Miami Children’s Hospital. “While the exact cause of these type of allergies is still unknown, allergic reactions happen as a result of the immune system overreacting to proteins in this type of food, treating them as harmful invaders and fighting them with antibodies that release chemicals into the body.”

Symptoms Vary With Each Child Allergic reactions to nuts are different in each individual, and can even be different with each encounter with the allergen. “The release of antibodies in response to a nut allergy can affect a child in many different ways, from the gastrointestinal tract and skin, to the lungs and cardiovascular system,” explained Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo. As a result, symptoms can range from hives and coughing, to stomachache or vomiting.

Nut Allergies Can Be Life Threatening Allergies to nuts generally cause mild reactions in children, though in some cases, it can result in a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, particularly in those children with a severe allergy to peanuts.

your child has a nut allergy, even exposure to a small amount of a potential allergen could lead to anaphylaxis, and you should never try exposure to nuts at home,” noted Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo.

Prevention is Key

Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, fainting, and if not treated, can result in death.

An Allergist Can Best Diagnose a Nut Allergy If you suspect your child may have a nut allergy, talk to your pediatrician.

He or she can determine if your child could benefit from seeing an allergist.

An allergy specialist will likely ask you questions about your family history of allergy-related conditions such as eczema or asthma, as well as what type of symptoms your child experiences when exposed to certain nuts.

The allergist may also choose to order tests as a way to see how your child’s body reacts to an extremely small amount of the nut they may be allergic to.

If your child is diagnosed with a nut allergy, make sure you investigate items that may contain nuts, including certain cookies, candy, ice cream and certain sauces before keeping them in your home. Peanuts are also known by many other local names, including earth nuts, ground nuts, goober peas, monkey nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts, so make sure you read labels thoroughly. You should also talk to family members, friends, as well as your child’s teachers and coaches so that everyone can practice caution with certain foods around your child. Also be sure to inform servers at restaurants so that they can exercise precautions and keep your child’s food away from dishes that may contain nuts.

“When your child has a nut allergy, the most important thing to remember is to have an emergency plan,” said Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo. “Keeping an epinephrine auto-injector available at all times can help ease symptoms of severe allergic reactions. You should also designate someone to administer the shot in your absence. The auto-injector should be available wherever the child is. "

“It’s important to remember that if

For more information, visit mch.com 8

kiddos | October • November 2013

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kiddos

fashion

5 STEPS TO HELP MOMS FIND

The perfect costume FOR THEIR KIDDOS WRITTEN BY: Estefania Arosemena

WE ALL KNOW THAT HALLOWEEN IS A FUN TIME THAT BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER. “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN?” IT’S THE QUESTION THAT ANIMATES OUR KIDDOS’ CONVERSATIONS EVERY OCTOBER.

M

any moms out there are still stuck with ideas to choose the right costume for their kids without breaking the bank! So, what are the five things you need to take into consideration ahead of time? Rest assured that this article would help you pick the perfect Halloween costume for them.

Steps

1

Find their own style and share ideas with them. Ask your kids about what they want to be this Halloween. Do they want to be funny, scary, perky, angry or cute?

Yet, try to find a costume as someone or something that reflects their personality. After you pick the perfect look, then ask yourself if you feel like designing your own homemade costume or what are the top Halloween stores in your local area to shop for kids’ costumes.

2

Decide on a budget. Your budget is what makes the world go around. That said, budget concerns shouldn't be at the forefront of your worries, but rather just something to keep an eye on.

Halloween costumes can range from cheap to very expensive so make sure to know how much do you want to spend this year. If you are looking to spend very little to no money at all, we recommend

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kiddos | October • November 2013

you visit your closest thrift shop.

You can get adorable costume ideas! If you have a solid budget and are looking to spend a little more, it is recommended that you be willing to spend around $30 $50 on each costume. Don’t forget to browse for coupons or gift cards that are always available before Halloween.

3

Plan in advance. If you are one of those creative moms who are planning on making their own Halloween costumes, make sure that you have enough time. We recommend that you gather all the fabric and accessories you need at least two weeks in advance. This will give you space to design your costumes, try them on your kids and run to the store if any adjustments are needed. In the case that you are buying a costume, do not wait until the last minute since stores get very crowded and usually the best costumes are already taken.

Are you throwing a Halloween bash? If the answer is yes, here are some must haves: Candy and loot bags, appetizers, desserts, a punch bowl, spooky music, pumpkins, candles and frightening décor to create the right atmosphere.

4

Think about the weather. Since Halloween falls in October, chances are it is going to be fairly chilly.

You want your family and children to be comfortable, especially if you are planning on going trickor-treating around the neighborhood. If this is the case, try to have your kids dressed up with warm clothing underneath their costumes. Also, take with you as many umbrellas as you’ll need if there are any chances of rain during the time you’ll be out. If you are invited to a Halloween party; that’s a different story! Just make sure to take a jacket or sweater for you and each one of your kids in case it gets too cold.

5

Consider group themes. Group costumes are fun and cool! Dressing up with your whole family under one particular theme can be a great way to share ideas, get reunited and be creative. Seeing a bunch of people, of all ages, dressed in similar characters can be hilarious! Just think ahead to find a group costume that everybody likes.

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

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kiddos

snacks

Fun Halloween Lunch Ideas WRITTEN BY: Sue Kirchner

TIME TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN – WHETHER IT’S APPLES, PUMPKINS, SQUASH, SOUPS, OR HALLOWEEN TREATS, THE KIDS LOVE TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN COOKING UP THEIR FAVORITE DISHES OR MAKING SPOOKY TREATS.

Time together in the kitchen allows us to talk and connect over food, creating memories and having fun.

I’ve come up with some fun ideas for Halloween lunches that you can make together with your kids.

Spooky Sandwiches – Take Halloween cookie cutters and make lunch more special by cutting sandwiches into spooky shapes. Cut the eyes out of the top piece of bread to let the color of red jelly in a PB&J peek through.

You can cut shapes into cheese or lunch meat and serve it with crackers as an alternative to a sandwich.

String Cheese Ghosts – Use food markers to draw a ghost face on string cheese for a fun snack. You can use

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kiddos | October • November 2013

food markers to draw spooky faces onto grapes, too.

Jack ‘o Lanterns – Take a sharpie and draw a face on the outside of a cutie or mandarin orange to look like a pumpkin. Use a black food marker to draw a pumpkin faces on mini carrots.

Banana Ghosts – Cut a banana in half and use mini chocolate chips as eyes for a Ghost Banana snack.

Want to make lunch even more special? Serve all of these food ideas in a muffin tin or bento box with a different food in each slot or include a Halloween joke or note in their lunch box.

Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach and kids party planner. Sue and her

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education

is it math or magic?

INSPIRED BY THE WISDOM OF THE EAST AND MERGED WITH THE CREATIVITY OF THE WEST, MATH MONKEY HAS CONNECTED THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS IN DESIGNING A REVOLUTIONARY MATH PROGRAM FOR KIDS. WRITTEN BY: Estefania Arosemena

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ne of the creators of Math Monkey, Professor Kenneth Williams, is one of the world-renowned scholars who have brought Vedic Math teachings to today’s culture.

He helped create the Math Monkey curriculum about seven years ago through his math studies and the many books he’s written. This ancient method has given kids the chance to change their way of thinking about math. It shows kids effective short cuts in solving any math problem.

Children are able to simplify even the most complex problems to a level they can master. Whether your kiddos are mathematically advanced or beginners in the subject, they can benefit from Math Monkey by building skills that will help them reach their full potential.

Math Monkey Knowledge Centers first originated in Weston, Florida in 2006. The city of Miami is proud to have one of six Math Monkey Knowledge Centers that exist in the US. Since kids’ brains are like sponges, they get to absorb the most infor-

“Children’s brains are more flexible in the early years; the best time to input the root of mental sharpness, power and confidence in a child,”

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mation in their early stages of childhood. According to Elena Suarez, Director of Math Monkey of Pinecrest, the program can help kids at all levels, but she believes that the greatest impact can be made on kindergarten and first grade students. “Children’s brains are more flexible in the early years; the best time to input the root of mental sharpness, power and confidence in a child,” Ms. Suarez told Kiddos Magazine. This brain training can be achieved by taking advantage of the math skill development process and the analytical games offered at

kiddos

Math Monkey of Pinecrest. This fantastic program gives young learners the opportunity to fall in love with math in an engaging environment that helps them to build mental agility, memory, creativity, independence and concentration skills.

fun

Card Match Cut the squares and play this fun memory card game with a friend to sharpen your visual-memory skills.

If you decide to enroll your kids in Math Monkey, they’ll be given a free evaluation to determine their level of math. Kids will be placed in one

of the troop levels (Lemur, Spider Monkey, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Baboon, or Gorilla) where they will be able to nurture their interests and move beyond what they are learning at school. This enrichment program offers classes once a week for one hour and students can enter at any time.

For more information about Math Monkey of Pinecrest’s enrichment programs contact Elena Suarez at 305.971.MATH (6284). mathmonkeymiami.com

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kiddos

Safety

Don't Take A Chance!

CALL POISON CONTROL WRITTEN BY: Lenys Klumpp

Last year there were 11,900 poisonings in Miami-Dade County. Fifty percent of these poisonings involved children under the age of 6 exposed to poisons in their homes. As children begin to explore their world and imitate adults, their risk for accidental poisonings increases. Eating colorful pills and drinking bright colored liquids may seem like fun to a child but can be very harmful and even deadly.

As we approach the Fall and welcome Halloween with the excitement of dressing up, there are important safety tips that can make the difference between spending Halloween in an emergency room or at home.

It is recommended that children be fed before taking them out trick or treating; this reduces the urge to snack on candies that haven't been checked while going door to door.

Check all candy before eating it.

Make sure that all candies are wrapped and look new. Do not eat unwrapped candy or cough drops.

Do not eat home made foods such as cookies or cup cakes unless you know the family.

Use non-toxic face paint or makeup for the skin. Be sure to use skin safe paint to avoid products that may have talc or hydrocarbons, which can be toxic. If make-up is swallowed call your Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 222.1222 for immediate expert advice.

If you're using dry ice for a ghostly drink, be sure to wear protective clothing. Place a few pieces of dry ice in a small bowl with hot water on top of the punch, instead of directly in the punch bowl. Do not use dry ice in individual glasses.

Florida Poison Information Center Network / Miami

For any question about an accidental ingestion, call poison control for free and confidential advice 24/7.

Have a Safe Halloween!

Coloring Fun

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kiddos | October • November 2013

SHARE THE

LOVE JOIN THE

CLUB! Join today at any Miami area Regal Cinemas to start earning great rewards for the whole family! it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

17

education

the joy of reading TWENTY MINUTES A DAY OF READING TO YOUR CHILDREN EXPANDS THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND IGNITES THEIR IMAGINATION. IT IS ALSO A FUN ACTIVITY THAT AFFECTS THEM IN MANY POSITIVE WAYS THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES. WRITTEN BY: Ana María Hanssen

T

he sound of language is one of the first things children are exposed to. In the womb, they learn to recognize their Mom’s voice, and its melody and rhythm. Once they are born, the sound of words open a wonderful path to imagination even before they notice the existence of printed words on a page.

Several studies have proven the positive and long-lasting effects of reading to children since early childhood. Reading aloud to children for a minimum of 20 minutes a day boosts their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It also helps them develop

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language and listening skills in preparation to understanding the written word. When kids are exposed to books, learning to read becomes a natural process and habit.

Having bright, smart children is on the top list of wishes of every parent.

Most parents, however, don’t know they have the power to increase their children’s learning potential simply by making books a part of their daily life.

For Lissette Méndez, Director of Programming for the Center for Literature and Theatre at Miami Dade College, reading at bedtime is not the only way of exposing kids

to books. You can incorporate reading anytime, anywhere. Take a book to the park. Have books in the car.

Bring the magic of books to dinner time.” One of the programs that Méndez is in charge of is called Read to Learn/ Books for Free, which encourages children and parents to read together by placing bookshelves full of free books in locations throughout Miami-Dade County where parents and children visit together often, including clinics and doctors' offices, the Juvenile Justice Center, and Community Service Centers.

For Mendez, parents should be aware of the importance of reading

since early childhood. “Reading helps to teach critical thinking skills,” she says. It also helps create strong bonds between parents and children and is key in preparation for school years.

No matter how young your children may be, as a parent you can guide them by pointing to the pictures and saying the names of the various objects you see. This draws attention to images and associates words with both pictures and real-world objects, and starts opening an endless path of fun adventures and knowledge for your kids.

As they grow older, you can encourage them not only by choosing their favorite character in a story, but also by asking them about their choice.

In this way, you support comprehension skills and help them expand their minds in deeper ways.

Life as a parent can be hectic at

times, but you should read to your children at least once a day or as often as you can. As Dr. Seuss wisely says, “the more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

So give your kids the gift of books and let them fly!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

• Center of Literature and Theather @ Miami Dade College and its programs, visit http://www.thecenteratmdc.org/site/programs/reading/read-to-learn.html • Miami Book Fair and programs for kids visit http://www.miamibookfair.com

Publisher's favorite children's book

The Day An Angel Ran Into My Room Author: Anabelle Valenzuela-Alarcon As a child I grew up believing I was always protected by angels and never alone. In this fallen world, children need help from guardian angels because they don’t know about how to try to protect themselves from danger.

Every child is constantly under the watchful care of guardian angels. Jesus Christ implies when he tells his disciples about children in Matthew 18:10 of the Bible:

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

This book is dedicated to all kids especially those that do not have anyone.

It is a very inspirational story that I recommend to anyone that believes!

Veronica Lepere Publisher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

First-time Miami author Anabelle Valenzuela-Alarcon grew up all over the world, including Europe, the United States and her native Honduras. For the past 19 years, she has lived in Miami with her family. She worked in the communications field for the last 20 years and was inspired to write this book by her children and spiritual teachers such as Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson. To order, visit: www.sbpra.com/anabellevalenzuela

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

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kiddos

places

The Little Farm Another World Worth Seeing THE LITTLE FARM IS A TRADITIONAL FAMILY FARM THAT OFFERS OUR KIDS SPECIAL EVENTS, BIRTHDAYS AND FIELD TRIPS. WRITTEN BY: Estefania Arosemena

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his unique place started as a 4-H project in the early 70s by a science teacher who decided to bring the animals to a school for her class to study. Other teachers started to imitate this unique idea and requested the animals to come to their schools as well. Thus, The Little Farm was born and since then it has been entertaining hundreds of kids throughout South Florida.

It is not a secret that children learn and remember best when they have hands-on experience. Whether it’s educational or for fun there is always quick learning in the process. The

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kiddos | October • November 2013

Little Farm offers old-fashioned wholesome family fun! As of today, The Little Farm visits approximately 300 schools a year and offers about 50,000 students the chance to see farm animals up close.

The farm opens to the public on weekends and also hosts birthday parties and a couple of special events such as the annual Pumpkin Patch in October and the Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.

By taking a family trip to the farm, your kiddos we’ll have the chance to have a pony ride, touch a variety of

farm animals; goat, sheep, goose, duck, piglet, rabbit, hen, rooster, and turkey as well as possibly milk a goat and find out about the lifecycle of the butterfly.

In a modern city like Miami, where most kids have limited exposure to the rural world, The Little Farm is a great place for them to learn more about farm life. It is a fun family activity and a whole other world that is totally worth discovering.

For more information call 305.258.3186 or visit thelittlefarm.us

eP Public Library System Miami-Dade www.m ww.mdpl dpls.o org rg

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kiddos

cool stuff

Fall

halloween

graphic tees

Essentials halloween

hair accessories Available at Little Green Moppet

For Boys and Girls, available at The Children’s Place

stay-warm

jackets Available at The Children’s Place

Kayla & Eli

discover jazz

by Stephan Earl Available at kaylaandeli.com

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kiddos | October • November 2013

kiddos

top ten

kydoo.us

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pbskids.org

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games / sports 4 REASONS WHY OUR KIDS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN A

soccer league WRITTEN BY: Estefania Arosemena

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occer is a fun sport that teaches our kids the importance of regular exercise, discipline and teamwork.

It is not only the most popular sport in the world, but also makes a great hobby to help our kids build social skills and lead a healthier life. Soccer is an aerobic sport that helps players to become fit and agile. Nowadays there are leagues of all ages, levels and genders. With the advice of a professional coach, you can easily choose a soccer league that matches your child’s needs.

1. Increase Their Level Of Fitness Soccer players increase their level of fitness through cardiovascular exer-

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kiddos | October • November 2013

cise, which helps them to maintain a healthy heart and lungs. This aerobic sport also helps to build muscle strength, agility and speed. Regular training will reduce your child’s chances of becoming overweight and developing type 2 diabetes. Our kiddos will have tons of fun, while increasing their energy levels over time.

2. Build Social Skills Beyond the physical fitness aspect of the game, soccer requires our children to work as part of a team. Thus, they are required to have good communication skills with other players and cooperate as a team to achieve common objectives. According to U.S Soccer Players, soccer helps our

kids not only to build social skills, but also to develop self-confidence.

3. Become More Competitive The teamwork essential to succeed in a soccer league, allows our kiddos to identify with their team’s victories.

This causes them to become better players and encourages competition.

As your kids’ league improves over time, medals and other forms of recognition will further inspire them to be the best league in town! Just by putting the skills that they have learned into practice and competing to be better players every day will make them real winners in life.

4. Thinking In Broader Terms Having our kids enrolled in soccer will give them a better understanding of its fundamentals and why is it the most popular sport in the world.

This broader thinking will increase their interest in watching professional soccer games and high-profile events

such as the FIFA World Cup. Exposing our children to these soccer events increases their interest in diversity. By following other teams around the world, they are more likely to be interested in learning about other countries, languages and cultures.

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

25

community

a home away from home THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF SOUTH FLORIDA OFFERS FAMILIES A PLACE TO CALL HOME WHILE THEIR CHILD IS RECEIVING CRITICAL MEDICAL TREATMENT IN AREA HOSPITALS. WRITTEN BY: Soraya Rivera-Moya

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or 30 years, our Ronald McDonald Houses have provided a “homeaway-from-home” for 42,000 pediatric families in need of comfort and care during a challenging time. Annually, more than 500 families come through our doors, looking for a warm place to rest their head and find solace. In South Florida, we have two houses: one in Ft. Lauderdale on the grounds of Broward Health and Chris Evert Children's Hospital and one in Miami on the grounds of Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

The Ronald McDonald House in Miami and Fort Lauderdale rely heavily on its strong network of corporate donors, community leaders, individual donors, staff and volunteers to fulfill its mission.

Each year, these volunteers donate hundreds of hours to support families in need and help support RMHC’s operating costs. The volunteers help create a warm and special atmosphere that makes RMHC a “home-away from home” for the families and seriously ill children.

Here are some ways you can get involved with your friends, family, coworkers and/or classmates.

Adopt-A-Meal program provides a much-needed support service to families who are taking care of their sick children, and often don't have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. After a long day at the hospital or clinic, a

hot meal is a welcome gift. Volunteers can either use the pantry items at the Ronald McDonald House or bring their own supplies to cook for as many as 30 to 40 people (depending on which House).

Conduct a Wish List drive at your school, work place or church to help the Houses in their everyday needs.

We want to make sure the families have what they need to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Just like any other House, we need items but in bigger quantities.

Pop Tab recycling program provides a wonderful way to raise funds. Every year the program generates between $8,000 and $10,000 dollars to help

...anyone can also make a monetary contribution.

About 90% of the revenue used to operate the facilities comes from individual donors.

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kiddos | October • November 2013

cover operating costs. When you bring your tabs to the house, in any kind of container, our volunteer empties these into large trash cans. Once we have collected approximately 500 pounds, our driver takes the tabs to the scrap metal dealer, who gives us money based on the weight and the current market value of aluminum.

In addition, anyone can also make a monetary contribution. About 90%

of the revenue used to operate the facilities comes from individual donors. For more information on how you can adopt a meal, conduct a wish list drive or participate in the pop tab program please visit rmhcsouthflorida.org or call 1 (305) 324.5683.

Soraya Rivera-Moya is the Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida

Nannies & Sitters Carefully Selected & Professionally Screened

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kiddos

books reviews All authors are part of Miami Book Fair Internationals’ Generation Genius Days literacy programs, Friday, November 22-Sunday, November 23.

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1. The Lost and Found Balloon by Celeste Jenkins: Molly O’Doon ties a note to her red balloon, lets it loose, and off it goes on a buoyant adventure. Who will answer Molly’s letter? Someone in a different state or a faraway country? Or maybe, a new friend much closer than she could ever imagine. This whimsical, imaginative tale, won the General Mills Spoonful of Stories contest and is perfect for babies and toddlers.

2. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer.

When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) mentions her one unfinished goal – to fly – Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. Perfect for pre-schoolers and up, this is the book every little girl should own.

3. Otto’s Backwards Day by Frank Cammuso: Someone stole Otto’s birthday! When Otto follows the crook, he discovers a topsy-turvy world where rats chase cats and people wear underpants over their clothes. Quirky and goofy, this book is perfect for early readers.

Tools for educators and parents helping children learn to read can be found at toon-books.com 4. Battling Boy by Paul Pope: Monsters roam through Arcopolis, swallowing children into their shadowy underworld. All are desperate, but when its salvation comes in the form of a twelve-yearold demigod, nobody is more surprised than Battling Boy himself.

It's time to meet an electrifying new hero. The first kids’ graphic novel by a rock star comics artist is gluing even the most reluctant readers to the page. Perfect for boys with energy to spare and

Lissette Mendez is the Director of Programs for the Miami Book Fair and the Center for Literature and Theatre at Miami Dade College. She believes every child should own books, and that reading is the key to children’s success. Anyone who agrees, and wants to contribute by donating books or money, should contact her ASAP: lmendez@mdc.edu.

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kiddos | October • November 2013

superhero dreams—meaning ALL boys.

5. The Mischievians by William Joyce: Strange smells. Disappearing remotes. That itch you just can’t reach. It’s not your fault! It’s the Mischievians, an ancient race of global mischief-makers who do all the things that embarrass you.

All the things that bug you. All the things that YOU get blamed for!

This most creatively designed and entertaining book will delight grownups as much as children.

Joyce is a true creative master.

6. Poseidon: Earth Shaker by George O’Connor: The fifth installment of the Olympians series of graphic novels turns the spotlight on that most mysterious and misunderstood of the Greek gods, Poseidon.

Perfect for third graders up, this series has been adopted by schools all over the country for its meticulous

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approach to the legends and engaging comics format. Kids think it immensely entertaining. It will captivate fans of Percy Jackson.

7. March: Book One by Congressman John Lewis, Nate Powell and Andrew Aydin: Congressman John Lewis is an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence has taken him from an Alabama sharecropper's farm to the halls of Congress, from a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington, and from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first AfricanAmerican president. One of the most important books this year, this first part of a graphic novel trilogy is stunning—both the story and the art that brings it to life.

Perfect for... everyone.

kiddos

movies reviews

October and November brings a teenaged singer seeking fame, a classic Shakespearean tale, time-traveling turkeys, a book thief, a fierce heroine, and a snow princess.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters.

october GRACE UNPLUGGED

PG FOR THEMATIC ELEMENTS AND BRIEF TEEN DRINKING. IN THEATERS 10/4.

OK FOR KIDS 9+.

REEL PREVIEW: 3.5 OF 5 REELS. WWW.GRACEUNPLUGGED.COM

AJ Michalka (from "Aly & AJ," for Disney Channel fans) stars as Grace Rose Trey, an 18-year-old Christian singer/songwriter who's beautiful, talented and restless. She performs at church each Sunday with her gifted father Johnny (James Denton, "Desperate Housewives"), the praise music director at Freedom Community Chapel, a small-town Alabama church. A former rock star, Johnny Trey charted a Billboard number one single 20 years ago, but when the hits stopped coming, he found Christ and a new life for his family, far from Hollywood. One day without warning, Grace heads to Los Angeles seeking fame with the help of Johnny's ruthless former manager Frank "Mossy" Mostin (Kevin Pollak). Will the experience cause Grace to reject her faith, or rediscover it? This inspirational film is food for thought for tweens and teens thinking about leaving everything behind for fame and fortune.

ROMEO & JULIET PG-13 FOR SOME VIOLENCE AND THEMATIC ELEMENTS. IN THEATERS 10/11. OK FOR KIDS 13+

William Shakespeare's timeless tale of love and tragedy gets a makeover in this update starring Douglas Booth as Romeo and Hailee Steinfeld as Juliet. Directed

by Carlo Carlei ("The Flight of the Innocent") and adapted by Julian Fellowes ("Downton Abbey"), this

film tells the familiar story of innocent young lovers snarled up in a bitter feud between their warring families, the Montagues and Capulets. Determined not to let their family stand in the way of true love, Romeo and Juliet run away to wed in secrecy. Alas, happily ever after is not to be. Paul Giamatti, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Damian Lewis, Ed Westwick and Stellan Skarsgard co-star in this beautiful and romantic production.

november FREE BIRDS

PG FOR SOME ACTION/PERIL AND RUDE HUMOR. IN THEATERS 11/1. OK FOR KIDS 6+.

This cute animated comedy from Relativity Media finds two mismatched turkeys traveling back in time to save their own kind from being on the holiday menu every year. The great voice cast includes Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler and Colm Meaney, with Jimmy Hayward ("Horton Hears a Who!") handling directing duties.

THE BOOK THIEF NOT YET RATED; LIKELY PG. IN THEATERS 11/15.

OK FOR KIDS 10+.

Sophie Nelisse plays a young girl living with foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson) in Nazi Germany who begins collecting forbidden books and sharing them with the Jewish refugee hiding in her home. This touching war drama adapted from Markus Zusak's book is directed by Brian Percival ("Downton Abbey") from a screenplay by Michael Petroni ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys").

GONE WITH THE WIND

FROZEN

RATED G. IN THEATERS 11/22.

OK FOR KIDS 7+.

NOT YET RATED; LIKELY G. IN THEATERS 11/27.

OK FOR KIDS 5.

Everything old is new again when the 1939 classic "Gone With the Wind" returns to the big screen.

You know the story: A spoiled Southern girl named Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) is hopelessly in love with married Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). Enter Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), the black sheep of a wealthy Charleston family, who is instantly fascinated by the feisty, self-centered Scarlett. All set against a backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

After the kingdom of Arendelle is cast into eternal winter by the powerful Snow Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), her sprightly sister Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with a rough- hewn mountaineer named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his trusty reindeer Sven to break the icy spell.

Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee co-directed this Walt Disney Animation Studios production based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale "The Snow Queen."

BLACK NATIVITY DELIVERY MAN PG-13 FOR THEMATIC ELEMENTS, SEXUAL CONTENT, SOME DRUG MATERIAL, BRIEF VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE. IN THEATERS 11/22.

OK FOR KIDS 13+.

Vince Vaughn continues his trend of playing slackers in this Disney/Dreamworks comedy from director Ken Scott. The former sperm donor discovers that he is the biological father of 533 children, and that 142 of them have filed a lawsuit to learn his true identity. But these days he owes money to the mob, and his pregnant girlfriend can't stand the sight of him. Learning of the lawsuit, David considers letting the truth come out, and finds that sometimes the best fathers are those who seem the least fit for parenting. Cobie Smulders and Chris Pratt costar.

PG FOR THEMATIC MATERIAL, LANGUAGE AND A MENACING SITUATION. IN THEATERS 11/27. OK FOR KIDS 9+.

Director Kasi Lemmons updates Langston Hughes' play for the screen in this musical drama with a positive message. Jacob Latimore plays a street-smart Baltimore teen who lives with his single mom Naima (Jennifer Hudson). It's Christmas, and this year Jordan is traveling to New York City to stay with his distant relatives Reverend Cornell (Forest Whitaker) and Aretha Cobbs (Angela Bassett).

When their strict rules prove too oppressive for the rebellious teen, Jordan decides he'd rather spend the holidays with his mom, and embarks on an eye-opening journey that teaches him the true importance of faith and family.

Jane Boursaw is founder and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane, a family entertainment site specializing in movies, TV and celebrities.

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

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kiddos

programs

NEW MOMS’ FINDING

Munchkin Fun! FOUNDER OF MUNCHKIN FUN, VALERIE SCHIMEL, IS A WORKING WIFE AND MOTHER OF THREE GIRLS UNDER SIX.

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he loves, lives & breathes the joys and chaos of motherhood and is all about practical solutions. Valerie is always looking to make parenting more fun for all of us so we can spend time enjoying our kids, not scheduling them.

As a result, Munchkin Fun came to life. The site is like a Ticketmaster for kids classes and camps through-

out the city of Miami. It is a single place where families can find, enroll in and pay for programs that have been screened by moms, for moms.

The mom team personally screens every business in its network and only includes businesses where they would send their own kids. In other words, you know it’s safe to send yours!

No more random Google searches or unreliable word of mouth buzz.

Munchkin Fun is your new solution for soccer, ballet, mommy & me, camp and everything in between.

You can book from your phone, your tablet or your computer 24/7.

Or call them at 1 (888) 982.8618 for personal recommendations just for your kiddos.

Book now at MunchkinFun.com and sign up for their newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun!

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kiddos | October • November 2013

kiddos

fa em a tiul ry e e v e n t s

where to go

with our

OCTOBER SUNDAY

kiddos

SATURDAY

26th

3er Annual Gables Bike Day From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm This family-friendly, FREE, and fun event will get residents out of their cars and onto the streets and sidewalks. The streets of Miracle Mile will be closed to auto traffic. Bike tours, kids area, live music, market.

American Heart Association - Miami Dade Heart Walk Marlins Park. 501 NW 16 Avenue. Miami, Florida 33125. At 8:00 am Day-of activities include a walk/5K run, health screenings, heart-healthy refreshments, children’s activities and entertainment. Free event. Fundraising is encouraged. Make a donation or start a team today at www.miamidadeheartwalk.org

FRI. – SAT. – SUN.

SUNDAY

20th

25th - 27th Miami International Children’s Film Festival The first annual Miami International Children's Film Festival, a partnership between the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the prestigious New York International Children's Film Festival, will be held at the Cinema. For schedule and tickets information visit www.gablescinema.com

Howl-O-Ween at Pinecrest Gardens Admission - $3 Adults, $2 Children, Children under 2 and pets admitted free. Pet Costume contest and parade. $10 Donation. A community celebration benefitting the Friends Forever Humane Society. Guests will enjoy a day full of activities such as a Pet Fair, vendors, doggie fun zone performance course, and a costume parade.

26th

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

26th - 27th Halloween Spooktacular at Jungle Island From 10:00 am - 5:00 pm each day For more information, call (305) 400-7000. Event Activities: Included with Park Admission.

Trick-or-Treat Stations, Bubba Gump Spooktacular Costume Contest -2pm (for children ages 3-10).

SATURDAY

9th Krafts 4 Kids at Pinecrest Gardens “The Three Sisters” From 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Admission: $5. “The Three Sisters” of the Iroquois Nation. Children will learn the story of the first Thanksgiving. Each will take home a cornbean-pumpkin to plant in their garden. Space is limited, please call in advance for reservations, (305) 669-6990.

27th

SATURDAY

Kidgits Spooktacular event at The Falls 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm - Center Court Halloween is here and The Falls is inviting all little ghouls, goblins and boo-tiful princesses to come have a frightfully good time at the Kidgits Spooktacular.

NOVEMBER

FRI. – SAT. – SUN.

22nd - 24th 30 Miami Book Fair International Downtown Miami - Street Fair Children’s Alley activities, including theater, arts-and-crafts, storytelling and readings by children’s book authors. Comics and graphic novels are once again featured, with the school of comics on Friday and a new section just for kids and teens, as well as presentations over the weekend by renowned graphic novelists and illustrators.

SATURDAY THURSDAY

31st Cool de Sac’s “Monster Mash” Halloween Celebrations at Dolphin Mall, Shops at Sunset Place, The Village at Gulfstream Park 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Bring your little mosters for dance room & games, Halloween theme activities. Visit is in costume any time from October 28th to 31st. And pay only $5 for admission!

23rd Miracle on 136th Street Parade at The Falls - at 4:00 pm Strike up the band! The official start of the Holiday season will get underway when the 17th annual “Miracle on 136th Street” Holiday Parade marches in to The Falls. See local marching bands, bag pipers, stilt walkers, a junkanoo band, Brazilians dancers, local dignitaries, costumed characters, celebrities and more. Culminating with the arrival of Santa.

it’s just about kids | kiddosmagazine.com

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...is looking for

NEW FACES

SEND YOUR CHILD’S PICTURE TO:

info@kiddosmagazine.com

or call 786.260.8492

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kiddos | October • November 2013

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33

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kiddos | August • September 2013