Countyparents feb 2011

PRESCHOOL GUIDE

MARCH 2010 • FREE PAGE

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FEBRUARY 2011 • FREE

Save the date

Party

Summer Camp & Education Fair March 12 10am - 3pm

PLANNING

Free Admission

Teaching Toddlers to

SHARE Getting off to a

CALENDAR OF EVENTS PARTY PLANNER Healthy Family PAGE

19

Good Start on

Tips for safe social networking

Making the Grade PAGE

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Calendar of Events PAGE

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At the moment learning becomes personal.

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CONTENTS F EBRUARY 2011

FEATURE 9

Teaching Toddlers to Share BY

PAGE

9 DEPARTMENTS

GUIDE 12

D ENISE Y EARIAN

5

Preschool Guide

Noodles Cool Kids: Student Pages; Community Connections: March of Dimes; Show ‘n Tell: Family Games

14

Family Fun Guide Party Planner: Party Planning and Valentine’s Crafts BY

D ENISE Y EARIAN

Calendar of Events

19 21

Healthy Family Minimizing CT Scans

Reel Life with Jane B OURSAW

Growing Up Online

12

25

Kids’ Media

BY J ANE

PAGE

PAGE

BY

C AROLYN J ABS

Reading Corner BY

H ARFORD C OUNTY P UBLIC L IBRARY

25

Making the Grade 10 Ways to Build Your Toddler’s Vocabulary BY

D ENISE Y EARIAN

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Contact Us: Mail: Delta Graphics & Communications P.O. Box 1666 Bel Air, MD 21014

Sunshine and Brightness At this point in the season, winter seems to stretch on endlessly. But, there’s sunshine on the way!

Phone: 410-893-1511 Fax: 410-893-2727 Email: delta@aboutdelta.com Web site: www.CountyParents.com Advertising: Peter Fernandez, ext. 107, peterf@aboutdelta.com Editorial: Joan Fernandez, ext. 105, joanf@aboutdelta.com Contributing Writers Jane Louise Boursaw, Carolyn Jabs Denise Morrison Yearian Calendar/Resource listings: Visit www.CountyParents.com to submit events via an online form in the Calendar section, fax 410-893-2727 or mail to Delta Graphics, Inc., P.O. Box 1666, Bel Air, MD 21014

County Parents is published monthly by Delta Graphics & Communications. Copyright © 2011 Delta Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. County Parents is distributed free of charge in family-friendly locations as well as direct mailed.

Submissions and Letters to the Editor are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or to comment editorially on all material submitted. Unsolicited material cannot under any circumstances obligate this publication to claims for charges. Enclose a SASE for any material to be returned.

Plans are well underway for our annual Education & Summer Camp Fair which will be held on March 12th from 10am to 3pm at St. Margaret Elementary School in Bel Air. Save the date for a fun, informative and free day!

For more fun ideas, you can now turn each month to our Party Planner. This month’s section gives some general tips on party planning to kick-off the section along with a couple of Valentine’s Day projects. And, of course, check out our calendar of events for family-friendly outings.

We are also introducing a new section this month, Kids’ Media. Reel Life with Jane covers reviews of upcoming movie and DVD releases and Reading Corner, by the Harford County Public Library,will continue to feature childrens’ books. In addition we’ll cover online; this Growing Up Online column helps parents think through and then guide their kids through the challenges of safe social networking. So, stay tuned!

Much of this issue is devoted to all things Toddler and Preschool. Our annual Preschool Guide gives you a start if you’re exploring preschools. In Making the Grade, Denise Yearian outlines “10 Ways to Build Your Toddler’s Vocabulary” Developmentally, as well, our feature focuses on the challenge of fostering sharing in young children.

Shining a spotlight on kids in our community is also important. In Cool Kids, read about six Harford County seniors recently selected as student pages for the Maryland General Assembly. J. Patrick Whitehurst, coordinator of the student page program in Harford County, says they are “..wonderful representatives of everything that is bright in Harford County.

County Parents reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services herein. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of published material, Delta Graphics, Inc., its principals, employees, or any of the authors presenting information within the County ParentsTM magazine and web site cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.

The contents of the magazine and web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

OPEN HOUSE: February 11th 4

www.COUNTYPARENTS.com

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

March of Dimes Harford County Area

T

here is an ongoing need for volunteers to assist with special events. Job details include helping with set-up, registration, kids activities and food preparation. Yearly events include the Walk-a-thon every April, Golf event and Signature chef auction. Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and requirements for participation vary by event.

March of Dimes, Central MD Division 175 W. Ostend Street, Suite C-2 Baltimore MD Contact Person: Heather Lynch Phone: 410-803-0620 http://marchofdimes.com hlynch@marchofdimes.com

(410) 879-3566

(410) 838-1114

www.tots2teensdental.com

NEW PATIENTS! Mention County Parents Magazine and receive Toothprints FREE!

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COOL KIDS

Six Harford County Seniors Head to Annapolis

Six high school seniors were recently selected to serve as student pages for the 2011 Maryland General Assembly, including Ryan Eilerman of The John Carroll School, Marianna Fleischman and Zachary Hutcheson of C. Milton

P

ages were selected after Wright High School, Samantha Harris of Joppatowne High process pages endured and announcing, “You are wondersubmitting an application and participating in an School, and Sara Stifler of The John Carroll School (not ful representatives of everything that is bright about extensive interview before a shown, Rea Peck of Joppatowne High School).

Harford County Public Schools 12-person committee, consistand The John Carroll School.” ing of students and educators The pages will serve in the 2011 legislafrom around the county, who tested under President Obama, a student page tive session that begins in January and the applicants on their knowledge of himself in 2000, also offered bits of advice to continues through April. They will spend politics and other various topics. the pages. “You are fortunate to serve the two, non-consecutive weeks with host A Student Page Breakfast was held great state of Maryland,” said Mr. Waskey. families in Annapolis while serving in in December at Aberdeen High “You will gain valuable insight and experience either the House of Delegates or the MarySchool, and the newly-elected pages for your future. Have a good time in land Senate. They will perform various spent the morning getting to know Annapolis, and make Harford County proud.” tasks such as filing books, running errands each other and the elected officials and sitting in on meetings and hearings. they will assist during the session.

Valuable experience Although they will be absent from school They were afforded the opportunity J. Patrick Whitehurst, 19-year coordinator of for a total of two weeks, pages are still to ask questions as well. the student page program in Harford County expected to make-up any work they miss The keynote speaker, Mr. Jason and Fallston High government teacher, also while attending the session.

Waskey, administrative assistant spoke, detailing the competitive selection 6

www.COUNTYPARENTS.com

Family Games for Family Fun

A

t Parents' Choice, they are big fans of games that bring the family together for learning, fun and laughter. With the chill of winter keeping many of us indoors more than usual, we thought it timely to highlight just a few of their latest award-winning game selections that offer creative challenges for kids - and parents - of all ages. These games would be a great addition to any gift list or for your next family game night. For further recommendations visit parents-choice.org to see more of their time-tested favorites.

Mummy's Treasure Game The Mummy's Treasure Game is a fun game in which even young children learn to strategize to win the game.

The games theme is one of "mummies, treasure hunters, and treasures".

The game comes with four game cards called "excavation sites" that look like a bingo grid, five dice with six different pictures of treasures on them, and multiple game "tiles" that have pictures that match the dice treasures on them. The goal of the game is to cover one's entire game card. This is a very fun game that teaches problem solving and promotes strategizing throughout. It has good long term appeal and will be enjoyed by children of all ages (though the most ideal age range is probably 6-11 years old).

Parents’ Choice Gold Award Ages: 6 months & Up Manufacturer: HABA Price: $12.00

in different locations. On each player's turn s/he calls out the name of any object on the board, then covers the picture with a game piece, and waits until all the other players have located and covered the same object on their boards.

Play continues until one player wins by creating a continuous path that connects one colored border to the matching color border on the opposite side of the board.

Ages: 6 & Up Manufacturer: Gamewright Price: $15.99 Trango Trango is a game in which two to four players take turns linking together triangular pieces to form shapes (ranging from a simple 4piece triad to a 10-piece spade) while simultaneously blocking others from doing the same. The game requires pattern recognition on a mixed-up playing field and strategic thinking to prepare for the next big design. 2-player games move swiftly; 4player games take longer but leave more opportunities for surprising moves. The game is conceptually simple but challenging in practice, making it quick to learn but still a potential long-term family favorite.

Parents’ Choice Recommended Ages: 8 & Up Manufacturer: ThinkFun, Inc. Price: $19.99

Can You See What I See? Bingo Link It takes sharp eyes, good memory, a little planning, plus a bit of luck to make a continuous path of objects that connects the same colored border on opposite sides of the hexagonal game board. Each player's game board contains 61 images. Although each picture is on every board, they appear

All reviews are ©2011– Parents’ Choice. Parents’ Choice is the nation’s oldest nonprofit consumer group dedicated to reviewing children’s toys, books, video, software, audio, magazines, television and websites. The Parents’ Choice Award seal is recognized throughout the country as the premier mark of children’s media that educate, entertain, and instill positive social values.

Learn more about Parents’ Choice at www.parents-choice.org.

w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | FEBRUARY 2011

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MAY 2011

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Check out our upcoming Party Planner for ideas that will make your party planning easier. From food and favors to entertainment and away-from-home options, we've got you covered. Skip the anxiety and have fun!

If you have a party-related business, then you should be in the County Parents Magazine Party Planner!

Reserve your print ad by the deadline below. You can also log on to CountyParents.com to add your business to our Party Planner.

Space Reservations

3/18/11

For more information call 410-893-1511, or email countyparents@aboutdelta.com 8

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FEATURE

Teaching Toddlers to Share BY

DENISE MORRISON YEARIAN

When toddlers have play dates, territorial battles are bound to ensue.

To foster sharing skills in young children, experts suggest parents start early, look for learning opportunities and offer plenty of praise.

L

isa Crim, early childhood program director, says parents should lead by example. “Children naturally want to mimic adults so as soon as your child can hold objects, begin modeling the behavior. If you’re eating a cookie, break it in half and give part to your child while you explain, ‘I’m sharing this cookie with you,’ so he starts to associate the word with the action,” she says.

Tonjia Coverdale believes “show and tell” is an effective way to teach her 14month-old sharing skills, and she does it through every day child’s play. “This morning at a Mommy and Me Montessori class, Anna was playing on this little staircase and another child tried to join her, but Anna pushed him off,” says the continues—

WANT

TO FOSTER SHARING SKILLS IN YOUR TODDLER? CONSIDER THESE 12 TIPS. 1. Start early. Children can’t cognitively grasp the concept of sharing until they reach the developmental age of 3 or 4, but parents should set the expectation and foster learning opportunities early on.

2. Show and tell. Children often imitate what they see others doing.

When you have opportunities to share food, a toy or another activity with your child, talk about how you are sharing so he begins to associate the word with the action.

3. Pretend play. Imaginative play can provide powerful lessons in sharing. Place a puppet in each hand and have them discuss and act out sharing scenes. Then invite your child to join in. Tea parties and play kitchens are good platforms too.

4. Read books. Read children’s stories about sharing then talk about past experiences: “Do you remember when you shared your toy with Jordan yesterday? That’s what the children are doing in the book.”

5. Talk it up. Before play dates remind your child how much fun it is to play with his friends and tell him he will need to share his toys.

6. Stash special items. Have a designated basket to place special toys that don’t come out during play dates.

For some children, it will be helpful to be part of the process; other kids won’t understand.

7. Have duplicates on hand.

Having more than one of a given toy will allow children to play alongside of and imitate one another. It may also avoid an altercation.

8. Include cooperative activities. Group activities such as drawing, finger painting, Playdough or blowing bubbles can be used to teach sharing skills. As the children participate in these activities, talk about sharing and how well they are playing together.

9. Include adult interaction.

From time to time it may be helpful if you participate in your child’s group

play so you can support him in being kind and sharing. It may even stop a squabble.

10. Promote with praise. When you see your child sharing, bring it to his attention. Kids want to please their parents so be sure to offer plenty of praise.

11. Set up sharing situations. Create opportunities for your child to develop empathy and sharing skills. Have him help you make a batch of cookies then hand them out to his friends. Or encourage him to draw a picture or make a card for a friend.

12. Major misdemeanors. If your child grabs a toy while playing with a friend, tell him he must give it back and wait for his turn to play with it. Offer an alternative toy as a distraction. If it turns into a tantrum, remove your child from the situation and sit next to him until he calms down. If one child hurts another over a toy, remove it from the play area.

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Teaching Toddlers to Share from previous page

mother of two. “I stepped over, took her by the hand and looked her in the eye to make sure I had her attention. Then I said in a firm but loving tone, ‘This staircase is for everyone to share. Let this little boy play with you.’ I then put the child back on the staircase and they began to play on it together.”

ANIMATED ACTIVITIES CAN PROVIDE POWERFUL LESSONS IN SHARING. “Children love to engage in imaginative play so it can be a natural platform for teaching these skills,” says Early Childhood Educator Fran Walls. “Place a puppet in each hand and have them talk about and act out sharing situations. Tea parties and play kitchen are great avenues too.”

That’s what Joy Krupka uses. “Mikayla has a small kitchen set where she pretends to cook, and she’s eager for me to share what she has made,” says Krupka of her 2-year-old. “First she’ll feed me then she’ll give herself some and we’ll talk about how she’s sharing. If her father is home, she’ll give some to him too.”

Juvenile books that parallel sharing and giving can be used to reinforce these skills, particularly when reflection is part of the process.

“Read children’s stories about sharing and then talk about past experiences: ‘Do you remember when you shared your toy with Jordan yesterday?’ That’s what the children are doing in the book,’” says Crim. “Parents can also help little ones create a personalized sharing book with

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Following is a list of subject-related juvenile books.

Let's Share

by P. K. Hallinan

Mine! Mine! Mine!

by Shelly Becker

Share and Take Turns

by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.

Sharing: How Kindness Grows

by Fran Shaw

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easy-to-do pictures and words that focus on real people in their lives.”

Before play dates talk it up. Remind your child how much fun it is to play with friends and tell him he will need to share his toys. Even so, realize truly treasured items may need to be stashed for a spell.

Coverdale does this. “When children are coming to play, I’ll get Anna to help me put away things I know she really likes and will be reluctant to share. As we put them into the basket I’ll say, ‘We’ll see these toys later,’ then we take them upstairs so they are out of sight, out of mind,” she says. “Then I’ll pull out duplicates—identical toys she or [her 4-year-old brother] Benjamin have received during birthdays and holidays— so there’s more than one of the same item for the children to play with.”

Good idea, says Walls. “Having similar items allows children to play alongside of and imitate one another. It may also avoid an offense.”

Crim says collaborative activities work well too. “In addition to unstructured playtime with toys, pull out a large roll of paper and box of crayons or give each child a handful of Playdough—any kind

of group activity will do. As the children work together, talk about sharing and how well they are interacting with one another,” she says.

Active participation in child’s play may nip a battle in the bud and teach kids to give and take. It has with Coverdale’s kids. “The other day Anna was playing with Benjamin’s trains and he started to get upset. So I suggested he get on one

an abundance of praise. And remember be patient. Although you are laying the foundation, don’t expect your child to begin grasping the concept until he reaches age 3 or 4.

That’s what Krupka is holding out for.

“The other day we were at a friend’s house and Mikayla grabbed a toy cell phone the other child was playing with— not one but three times! Then she started

“Read children’s stories about sharing and then talk about past experiences: ‘Do you remember when you shared your toy with Jordan yesterday?’ That’s what the children are doing in the book.”

Lisa Crim, Early childhood program director side of the train table and I put Anna on the other. Then I directed them to take turns rolling the train back and forth to one another,” she says.

Most important, when you catch your child sharing, capitalize on it by offering

to cry. I put her in my lap until she calmed down, then we talked about it,” she says.

“I know this is just a developmental stage, but I’m hoping the more we talk about it and put sharing into practice, the more likely she’ll be to outgrow it.”

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PRESCHOOL GUIDE Advent Child Development Center 2230 Rock Spring Rd. Forest Hill, 410-638-9445 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years Awakening Child Montessori 2529 Conowingo Rd., Bel Air 410-836-0833 Grades PK-1 Bel Air Athletic Club 658 Boulton St., Bel Air 410-838-2670, Ages 2-4 Bel Forest Christian Academy (Preschool) 603 Vale Rd., Bel Air 410-838-6074 Grades PK-8 Celebree Learning Center 1203 Agora Dr., Bel Air 410-803-8435 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years Celebree Learning Center 2111 A Laurel Bush Rd., Bel Air, 410-515-8750 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years Celebree Learning Center 2312 Belair Rd., Fallston 410-877-7110 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years Celebree Learning Center 1517-A Rock Spring Rd. Forest Hill, 410-836-3003 Ages 6 weeks-10 years Celebree Learning Center 9 Newport Dr., Forest Hill 410-836-9912 Ages 6 weeks- 10 years Celebree Learning Center 3321 East Joppa Road, Carney 410-668-9883 Celebree Learning Center 10626 York Rd, Cockeysville 410-666-4080 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years

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Chestnut Grove Child Development Center 3701 Sweet Air Rd., Phoenix 410-592-9122 Children’s Center-N Harford 707-8 Highland Rd., Street 410-879-9319 Ages 3-5 Children’s Christian Center 21 Linwood Ave., Bel Air 410-420-8304 Ages 3-12 Childtime Children’s Ctr 804 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air 410-893-1580 Ages 6 weeks - 10 years Childtime Learning Center 1322 Policy Dr., Belcamp 410-272-7172 Ages 6 weeks - 12 years Christ Our King Co-op Nursery 10 Lexington Rd., Bel Air 410-838-4698 Ages 3-4 Churchville Presbyterian Daycare & Preschool Center 2842 Churchville Rd., Churchville 410-836-2148 Ages 2-10 years Davidson Early Learning Center 1701 Edgewood Rd., Edgewood 443-850-9546 Fallston Child Care Center 1503 Fallston Rd., Fallston 410-879-4399 Ages 3-8 Family Education Center Rd. B, Hollingsworth Manor Elkton 410-287-1100

www.COUNTYPARENTS.com

First Presbyterian Preschool 224 North Main St., Bel Air 443-655-5016 Ages 3-4 Forest Hill Nursery School 2230 Rock Spring Rd. Forest Hill, 410-838-0868 Ages 3-4 Free State Montessori School (Preschool) 12536 Harford Rd., Fork 410-592-3324 Grades PK-8 Gilpin Manor Elementary School/ MRDC Head Start Gilpin Manor Center 203 Newark Ave., Elkton 410-749-1142 Goddard School, The 2017 Emmorton Rd., Bel Air 410-569-9888, Ages 1-6 Goddard School, The 460 Granary Rd., Forest Hill 410-420-0666 Ages 2-10 Goddard School, The 4960 Mercantile Road White Marsh, 410-933-3833 Ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, Summers only up to 10 years old Goddard School, The 4630 York Road, Sparks 410-472-2232 Ages 6 weeks - 6 years, After School K - 2nd grade Going Places Daycare 2124 Nuttal Ave. (2124 Craig Ln.) Edgewood, 410-671-7600 Ages 2-12 Going Places Daycare 201 East Cecil Ave., North East 410-287-5757 Ages 2-12

Good Shepherd Children’s Center P.O.Box 457, Joppa 410-679-3390 Ages 3-4 Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool 1515 Emmorton Rd., Bel Air 410-838-8457, Ages 3-4 Good Shepherd School (Preschool) 800 Aiken Ave., Perryville 410-642-6265 Harford Christian School (Preschool) 1736 Whiteford Rd., Darlington 410-457-5103 Grades PK-12 Harford Community Preschool 401 Thomas Run Rd., Bel Air 410-836-4191, Ages 3-4 Harford Day School (Preschool) 715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air 410-838-4848 Grades PK-8 Hickory Child Development Center 2430 Conowingo Rd., Bel Air 410-838-8290 Grades PK Holly Hall Elementary School - Judy Center 233 White Hall Rd., Elkton 410-996-5050 Immaculate Conception Extended 112 Ware Ave, Towson 410-427-4800 Immaculate Conception School (Preschool) 452 Bow St., Elkton 410-398-2636

Karing For Kids Learning Center 758 W. Bel Air Ave. Aberdeen 410-272-1779 Ages 2 years to 5th grade Kiddie Academy of Elkton 100 Kiddie Lane, Elkton 410-398-1110 Ages 2-8 Kiddie Academy® Child Care Learning Centers 3415 Box Hill Corporate Center Dr., Abingdon 410-515-0788 Ages Infant-12 Kiddie Academy® of Bel Air 2235 Old Emmorton Rd., Bel Air, 410-515-0111 Ages 2-12 Kiddie Academy® of Forest Hill 2003 Klein Plaza Dr., Forest Hill 410-893-5252 Ages 6 weeks - 12 years Kinder Care 3325 Trellis Lane, Abingdon 410-569-2987 Ages 6 weeks - 12 years Kinder Care Learning Center 1317 Woodbridge Station Way, Edgewood, 410-538-4480 Ages 2-12 Kinder Care Learning Ctr 2901 Kensington Pkwy., Abingdon, 410-515-3100 Ages 2-12 KinderCare Learning Center #1117 4901 Silver Spring Rd. Perry Hall 410-931-1200 Learning Express 1317 Allenby Court, Bel Air 410-838-9336 Ages 3-4 Lil’ Learners Day Care 700 Cagney Ct., Bel Air 410-803-8875 Maryland School for the Blind 3501 Taylor Ave., Baltimore 410-444-5000 Merritt Park Head Start 1782 Merritt Blvd., Baltimore 410-288-0706 Monarch Montessori School (Preschool) 6 Asbury Rd., P.O. Box 609 Churchville 410-836-9560 Ages 2-6 Montessori Manor (Preschool) 3526 Sweet Air Rd., Phoenix 410-472-1771 Ages 18 months - 6 years Mount Aviat Academy (Preschool) 399 Childs Rd., Childs 410-398-8063 MRDC Head Start Elkton Center 100 Fletchwood Rd., Elkton 410-392-8229

MRDC Head Start Havre de Grace Center 617 Congress Ave., Havre De Grace, 410-939-5449 Ages 3-5 MRDC Headstart Aberdeen Center 100 E Bel Air Ave., Aberdeen 410-272-6366 Ages 3-5 MRDC Headstart Edgewood Center 2002 North Cedar Dr., Edgewood 410-612-9002 Ages 3-5 New Covenant Christian School (Preschool) 128 St. Mary’s Church Rd., Abingdon 443-512-0771 Ages 3-4 Northeast Christian 7515 Harford Rd., Baltimore 410-254-2668 Ages 3-4 Our Lady of Fatima (Preschool) 6400 East Pratt Street, Baltimore 410-633-5882 Ages 6 weeks-PreK4 Our Lady of Grace School 18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton 410-329-6956 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Extended Care 1702 Old Eastern Ave., Essex 410-686-0859 Our Lady of Mt Carmel Children’s Center at Our Queen of Peace 10001 Bird River Rd., Baltimore 410-686-0859 Ages 6 weeks-PreK4 Our Lady of Victory School 4416 Wilkens Ave., Baltimore 410-242-3688 Play Place America Daycare 880 Otsego St., Havre De Grace 410-939-7065 Ages 3-5 years Redeemer Classical Christian School (Preschool) 6415 Mount Vista Rd., Kingsville 410-592-9625 Ages 3-4 Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer School 1216 Chesaco Ave., Baltimore 410-686-3316 Saint John the Evangelist Before and After Care 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes 410-592-9585 Saint Joseph School 105 Church Lane, Cockeysville 410-683-0600 Saint Joseph School (Fullerton) 8416 Belair Rd., Baltimore 410-256-8026 Saint Pius X School Before and After 6432 York Rd., Baltimore

410-427-7400 Saint Stephen School After School Care 8028 Bradshaw Rd., Kingsville 410-592-7617 Saint Ursula School 8900 Harford Rd., Baltimore 410-665-3533 Salem Lutheran Childrens Center 3825 Norrisville Rd., Jarrettsville, 410-557-6612 Ages 3-10 St John’s Parish Day School 11901 Belair Rd., Kingsville 410-592-6503 Ages 3-4 St. James Academy (Preschool) 3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton 410-771-4816 Grades K-8 St. John the Evangelist School (Preschool) 13311 Long Green Pike, Hydes 410-592-9585 Grades PK-PreK4 St. John’s Lutheran School 13300 Manor Rd., Glen Arm 410-592-8019 Ages 2-K St. Joseph’s Child Development Center 7601 Osler Dr., Towson 410-337-1117 St. Margaret School (Preschool) 205 Hickory Ave., Bel Air 410-879-1113 Grades PK-8 St. Paul’s Plus Preschool 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville 410-823-0061 Ages 2-K Stonewall Day Care Center, Inc 601 Mountain Rd., Fallston 410-893-0414 Ages 6 weeks - 6 years The Arena Club 2304 Churchville Rd., Bel Air 410-734-7300 Ages 3-4 The Montessori School (Preschool) 10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville 410-321-8555 ages 2-13 Tiny Tot School of Bel Air United Methodist Church 21 Linwood Ave., Bel Air 410-838-6399 Ages 3-4 Trinity Lutheran Child Care Center 1100 Philadelphia Rd. Joppa 410-679-4000 Ages 2-5 Western YMCA Family Center 850 S. Rolling Rd., Catonsville 410-747-4951 Wilson Day Care Center 551 Franklin St. Havre De Grace 410-939-5770, Ages 2-5

YMCA Balt. County Head Start - Towson 1801 Glen Keith Blvd.

Baltimore, 410-668-8315 YMCA Child Care at UMBC 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, 410-455-6830

YMCA- Emily Harris 27 Main Ave., Catonsville 410-788-8802 Young School 5009 Honeygo Center Dr., Perry Hall, 410-248-1120 Ages Infant- K

Preschool listings were developed through online submissions, surveys, and from local agencies.

To submit your preschool for consideration; please visit www.CountyParents.com and click on Schools

w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | FEBRUARY 2011

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Having a Valentine’s Day Party?

Here are a couple of fun activities to incorporate into the festivities:

PARTY PLANNER

Party Planning B Y D ENISE Y EARIAN

P

arties are a perennial favorite.

Whether you’re throwing a Valentine’s Day party or planning a birthday bash, consider these tips.

GUEST LIST When deciding how many guests to invite, consider your child’s age. Some experts recommend the number of guests equal one to one-and-a-half times your child’s age. For example, a 4-year-old’s party would have 4 to 6 guests; an 8year-old’s would have 8 to 12 guests.

Most important, keep the number manageable.

TIMING Plan the event to run two or three hours. For children under age 5, ninety minutes is sufficient. To get a grip on how much time you need, make a list of planned activities and the approximate time each will take. If you hire an entertainer, find out what services he offers and how long his activities will take.

Party entertainers can run anywhere from five minutes to two hours, and most are

willing to accommodate your plans and schedule.

ACTIVITIES When planning activities, consider the number of children coming, their ages, the party’s theme, and where activities will take place. Choose ones that are easy to explain and involve everyone. Plan more than you need in case the activities move faster than you anticipated or the children lose interest in one of the games.

ORDER OF EVENTS Start the party with an activity that occupies the children until all the guests arrive. Then switch to a few active games-relays, tag, etc. This will release the children’s energy before sitting down to eat. Quieter games can be played right after eating and/or before the parents return. For younger children, it may be a good idea to have a video on hand so little ones can rest toward the end of the party.

FOOD, FAVORS & DECORATIONS Keep food, favors and decorations options simple and find ways to incorporate your theme. For food, try a variation of an old favorite. Be creative in the presentation. Cut sandwiches into interesting shapes, string fruit on a kabob, and let children make their own mini pizzas or decorate their own cupcakes. For favors, fill a bag with a mixture of sweet, healthy treats. Or make one of the party activities a take-home favor.

GET HELP If you are planning the party at home, get an extra pair of hands (or two or three!) to help. Ask a few close friends or relatives to stick around and assist you.

Or hire a teen.

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CUPID’S CATERPILLAR Items needed: Cardboard egg carton; red and pink paint; paintbrush; construction paper; scissors; markers; glue; pipe cleaners; sequins, buttons, beads and lace.

Cut out one row from an egg carton to create the caterpillar’s body. Paint it red or pink. Cut a small, heart-shaped face from construction paper and glue onto the front side of the carton. Cut pipe cleaners in half and poke into the head to make antennae. Embellish with sequins, buttons, beads, and pieces of lace.

LACED-UP CANDY HEARTS Items needed: Red or pink craft foam; scissors; hole punch; tape; yarn; candy.

Cut two 5-inch hearts from craft foam.

Place the two hearts together and punch holes ½-inch apart, ¼-inch from the edge. Place a small piece of tape on one end of the yarn. This will be the end you pull through the holes in the hearts. To lace both hearts together, start at the top and pull the taped end of the yarn through one hole, leaving 2 inches of yarn. Make sure the stitches loop around the edge of the heart.

Continue sewing until you get 2 inches from the top. Fill the heart pouch with candy. When it is full, finish lacing the heart until you reach the starting point. Tie the two ends of the yarn into a bow. Snip off the taped end.

LOVELY PLACEMATS Items needed: 12- x 18-inch red or pink construction paper; stickers; doilies; stencils; glitter glue; crayons; markers.

Decorate a large sheet of construction paper with stickers and doilies. Use stencils, glitter glue, crayons or markers to create a unique design. To make a fork and spoon holder, glue the lower half of a doily to the paper, leaving the top free to slip in the utensils. Personalize the placemat by having children print their name on the mat.

SWEET DREAMS PILLOW CASE Items needed: Plain white pillowcase; crayons; 8 ½- x 11-inch paper; newspaper; iron; ironing board.

Ask party guests to bring a plain, white pillow case.

Sketch a picture, design and/or words that include “X’s” and “O’s,” emblems of affection. Copy picture onto the pillowcase, first with a pencil then with crayons. Trace over all lines and fill in objects with color. With an adult’s help, place newspaper into the pillowcase, just under the crayon design. Put pillowcase onto the ironing board, lay blank paper over your design and press with a warm iron until the crayon wax melts.

Calendar of Events

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CLICK CLACK MOO Amoss Center, Bel Air

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Tiny Wonders: Clever as a Fox A former teacher works to cultivate a child’s (ages 2 – 5 year olds) natural curiosity through stories, music, crafts, movement and dramatic play. 10-11:30, Eden Mill Nature Center. $

3 & 17 THURSDAYS Nature Storytime

Join us for a children’s story and craft related to a theme about nature. 11 am - noon, Eden Mill Nature Center. FREE

CLICK CLACK MOO All day long Farmer Brown hears "click clack moo, clickety clackety moo..." The cows are typing and protesting their working conditions! A hilariously "moo-ving" new musical about compromise, based on the awardwinning book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. (Recommended for Ages 3-8).

7:00pm – 8:00pm,Amoss Center, Bel Air. $

TUESDAY

Nature Stories & Crafts Cute as a Mouse Look for us at these events!

Visit www.CountyParents.com to search the calendar of events by month and by type of event.

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times on all calendar listings.

ment required. Adult must accompany child.

10:30 am -11:15 am or 12:30 pm- 1:15 pm.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, $

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Do you know Maisy, Mickey or Dot and Jabber? They're cute story mice who bring lots of laughter. Join us as we read about them and other mice friends, plus make a take home craft! Advance registration/pay-

THURSDAY

Adoptive/Foster Mom's Night Out Connect and find support with other moms who share the bond of adopting or fostering.

Open to prospective adoptive and foster moms, too.(Bel Air area). 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Open Door Café. Sponsored by Grafted Families, 410-914-7238

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4 FRIDAY

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Ladew Topiary Gardens Monkton

SATURDAY

Nature Drawing for the “Non –Artist” Join our naturalist and sketch or draw an animal, skull or another natural object. 1 – 2 pm for ages 6 – adult, Eden Mill Nature. $

Rainbow of Hope- Children's Program at Father Martin's Ashley The Rainbow of Hope Children’s Program is designed to help children (ages 6 -14) who live in a home with addiction. Through art, games, a puppet show and other fun activities, children learn about the disease of addiction and how to express and cope with many of their feelings. Call for reservations. Father Martin's Ashley, Havre de Grace, 410-273-2227.

This Little Heart of Mine - Family Valentine Party We’ll read a story, craft and decorate heart shaped cookies. Pre-registration is req. 1:00 pm – 2:00pm; Eden Mill Nature Center. $. continues—

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Calendar of Events 13 SUNDAY

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fountain! 3pm, Harford Community College (Susquehanna Gym). Min. age 21 years. $.

Dress in your Victorian finest and join us for a lovely story time and tea in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Ages 5 – Adult, 11:00am – noon, Reg. req., Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. $.

Knowing how to tie a few types of knots is a great skill for making life a little easier. Learn some basic knots and what they are used for.

Great program for scouts. Ages 8 to adult. 3-4 pm, Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, $.

ONGOING Tots & Dots

13 - 14 SUN./MON.

22 TUESDAY

5 course dinner and wine pairing prepared by "Pairings Bistro". Reservations req. 5:00 – 10:00pm; Rockfileld Manor, $150/couple.

A former teacher works to cultivate a child’s (ages 2- 5 yrs.) natural curiosity through stories, music, crafts, movement and dramatic play. Tiny 10-11:30am, Eden Mill Nature Center. $.

Mommy and Me Valentine Tea

Valentine’s Dinner

Valentine’s Cruises Romantic Sunday Afternoon Cruise and the twinkling lights of evening scenery. Both are two hour cruises. Feb. 13, 2-4pm or Feb 14, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Reservations req. The Lantern Queen, (410) 939-1468, $.

FEB 19 SATURDAY Natural Crafts

Create a beautiful craft using objects found in nature. Ages 4 -10 years. Pre-registration required. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Eden Mill Nature Center. Donations toward the craft requested.

Alice in Wonderland Follies Join Alice on her adventures in Wonderland with the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and, of course, the Queen of Hearts. The New York Theater Ballet provides exquisite, high-quality dance entertainment perfectly suited to the youngest audience members, yet sophisticated for the most discerning dance enthusiast. 7pm, Amoss Center. $

Night Hike Join us on a guided hike with our naturalist.

Learn about night vision and experience hiking on the trails at night without using a flashlight! Pre-registration req. 6:00om, Eden Mill Nature Center. $

All Tied Up

Tiny Wonders: Play With Me!

A teacher led, 45-minute parent-child interactive class. You and your child will have fun as we explore, learn and play together. All kids 5 and under are welcome. Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30am – 10:15am, Tiddlywinks, Bel Air, 443-371-6420. $

23 WEDNESDAY

Nature Stories & Crafts - Animal Tails Come hear some tales about various animals with tails and how they use them and make a fun take home craft! Advance registration / payment is required. Adult must accompany child. 10:30 – 11:15am; 12:30 – 1:15pm.

Ladew Topiary Gardens. $

26 SATURDAY

Night in the Museum Gala Watch as the museum transforms itself overnight! Enjoy specialty foods, entertainment, dancing, and much more! Call for tickets. 7 - 11 pm, Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, $.

Toys, Books, Parties & More FREE Snow day crafts!

When schools are cancelled due to snow join us for a free craft activity at the store. Craft themes will be posted on our web page before 10:00am.

Junior Naturalist: Nature in ME! Have you ever slept like a log, swam like a fish, or snored like a bear? Let’s determine what in nature we have in ourselves! Parents do not attend these sessions. Ages 6 – 9 years. 10:00am – 11:30am Eden Mill Nature Center. $.

27 SUNDAY

HCC Wine Expo 2011 Sample over 200 fine wines from around the world from 35 vendors and enjoy hors d'oeuvres, delectable desserts and a chocolate

17 North Main Street Bel Air, Maryland 21014 443 371 6420

www.tiddlywinkstoys.com

A Very Special Island for Your Very Special Treasure Immediate openings available for all ages in our adapted classrooms, as well as our NEW Traditional Preschool Room for 2-3 year olds!

• Hours: 7am – 6pm • Family social events • Serving Children 6 weeks to • Referrals for specialized 21 years services • After school care available • Day care vouchers accepted • Therapeutic environment for children with special • Outpatient Physical & needs Occupational Therapy

2105 Laurel Bush Rd., Suite 104 Bel Air, MD 21015 • 410-569-1141 www.treasureislanddaycare.net Mary Gerlich, PT, DPT, Director • Jennifer Crockett, OTR/L, Co-Director

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Calendar of Events Celebrate Black History Month Events at your local library.® indicates Reservations Required.

Bunjo Butler - West Baltimore African Talkin’ Drum*® Meet professional entertainer Bunjo Butler as we celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans to American culture. Mr.Butler will entertain with stories, songs and proverbs from the African oral tradition like Imani and the Talking Eggs, Julius Lester’s Tales of Uncle Remus: Adventures of Br’er Rabbit and other Coretta Scott King award-winning books.

Grades 4 and up.

Abingdon, Sat Feb 6, 2:00 pm; Havre de Grace, Wed Feb 24, 6:30 pm.

Clowning Around® Journey through the history of clowning. The fun and antics begin as we conduct a mini clown college. Grades 3 and up. Aberdeen, Sat Feb 27, 1:30-3:00 pm

Ewww! Gross! ® Slimy, smelly, messy and creepy fun. Grades 1 and up. Bel Air, Wed Feb 24, 6:30 pm

Interactive Story Time with Author/Artist Gyleen Fitzgerald ® Local author Gyleen Fitzgerald will present an interactive storytime based on her children’s

book, The Dream, a Magical Journey in Colourful Stitches. Havre de Grace, Sat Feb 6, 2:00 pm

Lincoln’s Birthday BASH ® Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with stories, crafts and presidential birthday cake.

Ages 2-5. Aberdeen, Fri Feb 12, 10:15-11:00 am

Minds At Play ® Explore a fun and educational theme each month. Stories, activities and crafts. Grades K5. Jarrettsville, Wed Feb 17, 10:30 am

Freedom’s Crusade: Stories from the Civil Rights Movement ® A look at the past with stories about the Civil Rights Movement. Grades K-3.. Edgewood, Wed Feb 24, 4:00 pm.

Ivory Coast Mud Painting ® Listen to stories and create a striking Senufo design using mud paint and your imagination.

Grades 1 and up. Joppa, Sat Feb 13, 2:00 pm.

Science is Not a Color ® Explore the accomplishments of black scientists throughout history. Grades 3-8..

Aberdeen, Wed Feb 17, 6:30-8:00 pm

Underground Railroad in Your Backyard ® Explore local sites along the Underground Railroad on the Chesapeake Bay with storyteller William Starke. Grades 1-adult.

Edgewood, Sat Feb 6, 11:00 am

Children’s Programs at Harford County Public Library indicates Reservations Required.

®

Back to the Beach Party ® Journey to the sea with beach games and crafts. Grades K-2. Abingdon, Thu Feb 18, 6:30-7:30 pm

Cabin Fever ® Shake off your winter blues with outrageous and exciting indoor games. Grades 3-8.

Edgewood, Wed Feb 3, 4:00-5:00 pm

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Calendar of Events Story Times

Groundhog Soup? Say What?

Aberdeen Ages 2-5

indicates Reservations Required.

Mon Feb 1 10:15-11:00 am

®

After School Story Time® Grades K-2. Bel Air,Wed Feb 17, 4:30 pm Babies Love Books ® Playgroup follows for meeting and mingling.

Ages 6-24 months.

Abingdon, Wed Feb 3, 17 10:15 or 11:00 am Edgewood, Fri Feb 5, 19; 10:30 am Havre de Grace, Wednesdays, 10:30 am Joppa, Mon Feb 8, 10:30 am

Diaper Gang Story Time Ages birth-23 months. Bel Air Saturdays 10:30 am; Mondays 10:30 am

Drop-In Story Time All ages

Aberdeen, Mondays 10:15 am; Fridays 10:15 am

Abingdon, Fridays 10:30 or 11:30 am Bel Air, Wednesdays 10:30 am; Saturdays 10:30 am

Fallston, Fridays 10:30 am Havre de Grace, Fridays, 10:30 am Jarrettsville, Fridays, 10:30 am Norrisville, Wednesdays, 10:30 am Whiteford, Wednesdays,10:30 am Faster, Higher, Stronger ® Ages 3-K. Bel Air, Thu Feb 18, 11:30 am

Hug-a-Bye Baby ® Bond with your infant and learn about resources in the library for you and your baby.

Birth to 5 Months. Abingdon, Mon Feb 8, 10:30 am

It’s Story Time! All ages Edgewood, Wednesdays, 10:30 am Jammy Jamboree ® Ages 3-K. Bel Air, Thu Feb 11, 6:30 pm Milk and Cookies ® All ages. Fallston, Thu Feb 11, 7:00-7:45 pm Monkey Around with Curious George ® Ages 2 and up. Norrisville, Wed Feb 10, 10:30 am

Sing Me a Story ® Ages 2-K with Caregiver.

Aberdeen, Mon Feb 8, 10:15 am

Sleepy Time Story Time ® All ages. Fallston, Tue Feb 23, 7:00 pm Tales at Twilight All ages

Aberdeen, Wed Feb 24, 6:30-7:30 pm Tales for Twos Abingdon, Wed Feb 10, 24; 10:15 or 11:00 am Toddler Tales 18 months-36 months. Registration required.

Fallston, Mon Feb 1 11:00 am

Trucktown Fun Ages 2-5. Aberdeen, Fri Feb 5 10:15-11:00 am Valentine’s Day Registration required.

Abingdon, Ages 3-K,Mon Feb 8, 10:3011:30 am; Tue Feb 9, 6:30-7:30 pm. , Ages 2-K,Thu, Feb 11, 1:30 pm

ORGANIZATION CONTACTS Aberdeen HCPL 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen 410-273-5608 Abingdon HCPL 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon 410-638-3990 Bel Air HCPL 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air 410-638-3151 Darlington HCPL 1134 Main Street, Darlington 410-638-3750 Eden Mill Nature Center 1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville 410-836-3050 Edgewood HCPL 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood 410-612-1600 Fallston HCPL 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston 410-638-3003 Hays House Museum 324 Kenmore Avenue, Bel Air 410-838-7691 Jarrettsville HCPL 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville 410-692-7887 Jerusalem Mill 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville 410-877-3560 Joppa HCPL 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa 410-612-1660 Ladew Topiary Garden 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton 410- 557-9466 and press 5 Norrisville HCPL 5310 Norrisville Rd., White Hall Whiteford HCPL 2407 Whiteford Rd, Whiteford

We welcome information about events of interest to families.

Listings are free and need to be submitted for consideration 6 weeks prior to the first of the month in which they are to appear.

Include date, time, location, telephone and email for questions.

Visit www.CountyParents.com to submit events via an online form in the Calendar section, fax 410-893-2727 or mail to County Parents, P.O. Box 1666, Bel Air, MD 21014

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HEALTHY FAMILY

Sounding the Alarm: Doctors Urged to Minimize CT Scans in Children A CT scan can mean the difference between an accurate and a wrong diagnosis, timely and delayed treatment and, in some cases, life and death. But because CT scans and other tests that use X-ray technology expose the body to often large doses of radiation, their unnecessary, repeated and excessive use may increase cancer risk, especially in children.

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adiologists from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and elsewhere are sounding the alarm and urging judicious use of radiation-based imaging in children.

Some 7 million CT scans are performed in children every year in the United States, many of them avoidable, the doctors say.

“CT scans save lives and have revolutionized medical diagnostics, but as physicians, we should remind ourselves that every CT scan we order now stays with a child for a lifetime,” said pediatric radiologist Melissa Spevak, M.D., during a recent presentation at Hopkins, the first of several she is giving to help educate fellow physicians, nurses and radiology technicians about ways to reduce radiation exposure in children. Her efforts are inspired by the “Image Gently” campaign of the Society for Pediatric Radiology and the Alliance for Safety in Pediatric Imaging.

Not only are children’s growing tissues

and rapidly dividing cells more vulnerable to the effects of radiation, but exposure to radiation at an earlier age gives cancerous mutations that much more time to develop into full-blown disease, Spevak says. And because of the difference in body size, a single CT scan can deliver a much higher dose of radiation to a child than to an adult.

Before ordering a CT scan, Spevak says doctors should ask the following critical questions: “Is this the right test for this condition?” and “Can I obtain the answer in another way?” If the answer to the first question is yes and the answer to the second question is no, the next question should be, “What is the minimum dose that will give me the answer?”

Parents should ask the same questions of their doctors and should consider carrying a list with the types and dates of

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HEALTHY FAMILY Sounding the Alarm: Doctors Urged to Minimize CT Scans in Children from previous page

all imaging tests their child has had.

Conversely, doctors should ask parents about previous imaging tests and estimate the child’s cumulative dose.

To minimize radiation, doctors suggest the use of alternative imaging technologies like MRI and ultrasound whenever possible, imaging only the indicated body area, avoiding multiple scans, and using the lowest amount of radiation based on the child’s size or age.

“CT scans save lives and have revolutionized medical diagnostics, but as physicians, we should remind ourselves that every CT scan we order now stays with a child for a lifetime” Melissa Spevak, pediatric radiologist, M.D.

Cumulative Cancer Risk The safe threshold for radiation exposure has not been defined, but cancer risk is cumulative, rising in proportion to the dose received, with each subsequent exposure increasing that risk, according to a 2005 landmark report by the National Academy of Sciences.

Exactly how likely one is to develop cancer from medical imaging remains the subject of debate, but a 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that up to 2 percent of all cancers in the United States may stem from medical radiation. Epidemiological studies have shown increased cancer among people exposed to nonmedical radiation at doses ranging from 5 to 150 millisieverts (a unit of radiation exposure). The natural environmental radiation people absorb per year is between 3 and 3.5 mSv. An abdominal CT scan in an adult person delivers anywhere between 1 and 30 mSv or up to nine years worth of natural environmental radiation in a single dose. But an abdominal scan in a newborn may result in a much higher dose if the CT scanner settings are not adjusted to the infant’s smaller size. By comparison, a set of dental X-rays delivers 0.005 mSv, a chest X-ray delivers 0.01 mSv, and a mammogram delivers around 3 mSv.” Founded in 1912 as the children's hospital of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers one of the most comprehensive pediatric medical programs in the country, with more than 92,000 patient visits and nearly 9,000 admissions each year. Hopkins Children’s is consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation. Hopkins Children’s is Maryland's largest children’s hospital and the only state-designated Trauma Service and Burn Unit for pediatric patients. It has recognized Centers of Excellence in dozens of pediatric subspecialties, including allergy, cardiology, cystic fibrosis, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, pulmonary, and transplant.

Hopkins Children's will celebrate its 100th anniversary and move to a new home in 2012. For more information, please visit www.hopkinschildrens.org

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BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Media

Growing Up Online

Getting off to a Good Start on B Y C AROLYN J ABS

Now that a quarter of the people online are also on Facebook, it’s no surprise children want to be there too. Getting a first Facebook page has become a rite of passage just like picking out a first backpack or having a first sleepover.

T

he official age for using Facebook is 13 but younger kids often pester their parents for their own pages.

How young is too young? Research can’t answer that question. Scientists don’t yet know how the breezy and often superficial messages typical of social networks are changing adult relationships much less those of children.

Fortunately, teaching kids to use social media responsibly is easier now that so many parents have direct experience with its opportunities and perils. If you don’t already have your own Facebook page, set one up before your child asks. Then at least you’ll be able to explain the difference between sending a private message to a friend and posting on a wall where what you say can be seen by the wider world.

Deciding when your child is ready for an account is tricky. If you start when

your child is younger, he or she will be happy to have your help in setting up the page. That way you can establish the strictest level of friends-only privacy, choose a good password and insist your child include you on the friend list. These safeguards allow you to keep an eye on how your child behaves in the company of online friends, something you should be doing for pre-teens regardless of venue.

Setting up a Facebook page for a child under 13 also forces you to lie about age which may not be the optimum introduction to responsible online behavior. One alternative for young children is Togetherville.com, a site which lets kids play games and have limited conversations with people who are already in a parents’ Facebook network. Other sites such as Habbo.com and Imbee.com are specifically designed for pre-teens but, to

be honest, most kids won’t be interested unless their friends join too.

Whenever you decide your child is ready for the real deal, visit the Parent Section of the Facebook Safety Center (www.facebook.com/#!/help?safety=parents). This comprehensive guide will clear up any lingering uncertainty about how to use the many safety features on the site. Here are a few things you’ll want to emphasize—repeatedly—as your child joins the wonderful world of social networking.

No contact information. Facebook wants you to use your real name so you can connect with people who know you in real life. For younger children, finding high school classmates is irrelevant, so it may be better to use a first name and last initial. Other contact information should also be taboo. No one of any age should

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BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Growing Up Online - Getting off to a Good Start on Facebook from previous page

post an address, e-mail or phone number on Facebook.

Age limits for friends. At first, approve all friend requests if only to be sure your child’s network is limited to children he or she knows in real life.

Once your child starts adding adults— even relatives--he or she will have access to their pages where they will, in all likelihood, discuss their adult lives. Think carefully about whether you really want your child to read political rants from his uncle or see photos from an older cousin’s spring break? As a child demonstrates maturity, the kids only rule may loosen but you should still go through the friend list from time to time to ask how people got there.

Permission policy for photos. For newbies, you’ll want to approve every posted photo—including the profile picture. Even experienced users need reminders that they shouldn’t post salacious or foolish photos of themselves.

Mirror

by Jeannie Baker With Jeannie Baker’s signature collage constructions as illustration, the author takes children through two stories really, each running simultaneously parallel to the other, in a bilingual, but nearly wordless story. The stories involve two children, one of whom is from the Middle East, the child of carpet weavers, who travel to the city to sell a carpet and to purchase a computer. The other story is of a child living in Australia, whose day includes a trip shopping, during which the family purchases the same carpet. The charming illustrations and clever layout make this book a keeper to explore again and again.

Courtesy of Harford County Public Library 22

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They also shouldn’t post, much less tag, photos of others (including family members!) without their permission. That’s especially true if the photo shows something that might be regarded as funny by some and humiliating by others.

Be skeptical about apps. Games and quizzes are part of the fun on Facebook.

Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t supervise apps, so signing up for one may expose your child—and his friends—to spam or even viruses. Encourage younger kids to ask before accepting an app invitation.

With older kids, periodically visit the "Applications and Websites" link at the bottom of the Privacy Settings page.

Clicking on that link brings up a list of apps your child has downloaded and gives you a chance to "Remove unwanted or spammy applications."

What would grandma say? It’s hard for young children to wrap their minds around the idea that what they post on Facebook might make it hard for

BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS them to get into college or land a good job. Asking your child to imagine what grandma would think if she saw a post should cut down on meanness as well as bragging about inappropriate behavior.

Schedule Facebook time. Like television, Facebook can consume hours of time without much to show for it except a sluggish metabolism. Instead of giving kids unlimited access, set up specific times for social networking with clear and well enforced starts and stops. This rule may also help parents who find Facebook is cutting into family time.

As children get older, they should earn more freedom and privacy on Facebook by demonstrating responsible behavior.

You’ll also want to have ongoing conversations about social networking so your child will feel free to talk to you about problems he or she encounters. Among other things, discuss the relationship between size of network and what a child shares. Your child may trust close friends with details about a new crush, a family vacation or an upcoming birthday.

Sharing that information with a wider network may make your family an easy target for bullies or even criminals including identity thieves.

Helping your child learn responsible use of social media is a lot like teaching your child to ride a bike safely or answer the phone properly. The difference is that what your child says and does online can and probably will follow him into adulthood. That alone should be a huge incentive for parents to help their kids master the nuances of social networking right from the start.

Media

Reel life with Jane

Movie and DVD reviews for you and your family B Y J ANE L OUISE B OURSAW Goofy garden gnomes, a faithful boy, and loyal Chihuahuas are heading to theaters and DVDs this month. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new.

GNOMEO AND JULIET in 3D Rating: In theaters 2/11.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: http://gnomeoandjuliet.com/ Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Disney releases an animated movie about garden gnomes based on the work of Shakespeare, voiced by several Shakespearean actors, with a soundtrack by Elton John. Sounds fun!

Not only that, it takes the story and twists it on its side, then flips it over a few times. Garden gnomes Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) have just as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes – and more. Not only are they smack in the middle of feuding neighbors, but they’re also dealing with pink flamingos and lawnmower races, not to mention the fact that they’re gnomes. Will this young couple find lasting happiness? Who knows, but February is a great month to get goofy at the movies.

JOHNNY Rating: Not yet rated; likely PG. OK for kids: 10+.

Reels: 3 out of 5 Website: http://bit.ly/eA0Trw In the vein of ‘What If…’ and ‘Letters to

God’ comes ‘Johnny,’ a story about faith and family. When young, leukemia-ridden Johnny Bell (Jerry Phillips) loses his mom to a drunk driver, he finds himself in the foster care system and looking for a home.

What family would take in a dying kid?

Maybe one that’s already lost a son, as Johnny’s doctor, Drew Carter (Mel Fair), tries to convince his wife (Musetta Vander) to take the young boy into their care. What they don’t realize is that Johnny might have a few things to teach them about faith. Ok, this is the sort of schmaltzy plot that always drives me a little batty, but it’s a meaningful message. Directed by D. David Morin, this movie also stars Lee Majors (‘The Six Million Dollar Man’!) and will likely get a theatrical and DVD release around the same time.

New on DVD ALICE IN WONDERLAND 60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Rating: G. OK for kids: 4+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon This two-disc 60th Anniversary celebration of 1951’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ takes us right back to the classic tale by Lewis Carroll.

Alice (voiced by Kathryn

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Media Beaumont) has all those odd experiences, including shrinking and growing, meeting the White Rabbit, and having tea with the Mad Hatter. This movie doesn’t have the warm charm of some of the other Disney films, but it’s still inventive and colorful.

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 2 Rating: G. OK for kids: 6+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: On Amazon I loved the first Chihuahua movie!

Now everyone’s favorite tiny dogs are back in this comedy that finds newlywed parents Papi (voiced by George Lopez) and Chloe (Odette Yustman) turned upside down with their rambunctious, mischievous puppies. But when their humans end up in trouble, the tiny pups will stop at nothing to save them.

The cast also includes Madison Pettis, Elaine Hendrix, Ernie Hudson, Zachary Gordon and Susan Blakely. This heartwarming tale celebrates family, friendship and loyalty, and offers a litter of bonus features, as well.

CURIOUS GEORGE: A BIKE RIDE ADVENTURE Rating: Not rated.

OK for kids: 3+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon In the Care Bears world, the biggest celebration of the year is the Care-a-Lot Awards, where all the bears come together to award heroes who’ve spread caring and sharing throughout the year. Whether it’s Cheer helping a baby Gobblebug build a new home, Funshine rescuing the Nimbits, or Bedtime and Grumpy stopping a machine from running amok all over town, the Care Bears are always ready for helpful hero fun.

BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

CARE BEARS TO THE RESCUE MOVIE Rating: Not rated.

On DVD 2/8.

OK for kids: 2+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon In the Care Bears world, the biggest celebration of the year is the Care-a-Lot Awards, where all the bears come together to award heroes who’ve spread caring and sharing throughout the year. Whether it’s Cheer helping a baby Gobblebug build a new home, Funshine rescuing the Nimbits, or Bedtime and Grumpy stopping a machine from running amok all over town, the Care Bears are always ready for helpful hero fun.

Harden, and Kevin Zegers, will appeal to both girls and boys interested in American history.

FELICITY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ADVENTURE Rating: Not rated. On DVD 2/15.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: On Amazon This 2005 movie centers on 10-year-old Felicity (Shailene Woodley, ‘Amy’ on ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’) in 1775 Colonial Williamsburg. She’s a tomboy who’d rather spend time with horses, but her mom wishes she’d become a "gentlewoman" – a wife, mother, and housekeeper. During her “gentlewoman lessons,” Felicity meets Annabelle and Elizabeth Cole, whose family are loyalists from England living in the colonies. Their friendship is tested when Elizabeth’s father is sent to prison for showing loyalty to the king. A subplot involves Felicity befriending and caring for an abused horse, but rest assured that all ends well. This movie, which also features John Schneider, Marcia Gay

I love these ‘Baby Einstein’ sets, and what a fantastic way to entertain and engage babies during their first years. This one takes your baby on a soothing journey with classical lullabies by Bach, Brahms and Mozart. They’ll mellow out to relaxing ocean waves, sweet puppet shows and tranquil images. The set includes a DVD, CD and picture book. Also new this month: ‘Baby Einstein: World of Rhythm Discovery Kit’ and ‘Baby Einstein: Neptune’s Oceans Discovery Kit.’

BABY EINSTEIN: BABY LULLABY DISCOVERY KIT Rating: Not rated. On DVD 2/22.

OK for babies!

Reels: 5 out of 5 Website: On Amazon

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM Even the Force can’t save it.

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Coulda been a contender

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Something to talk about.

You want the truth? Great flick!

Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

MAKING THE GRADE

Ten Ways to Build your Toddler’s Vocabulary B Y D ENISE M ORRISON Y EARIAN

Every parent wants to give their toddler a head start with regard to speaking, and experts suggest it’s easier than most people think.

F

You don’t have to spend a bundle on DVDs or flashcards,” says speechlanguage pathologist Amy Nelson.

“Language acquisition is birthed through face-to-face interactions, and by engaging your child in everyday activities and experiences.”

Following are ten simple suggestions on how to build your toddler’s vocabulary.

1 Associate through reading.

“Create an interactive experience by making books come alive for your child,” says Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D., educator and three-time author on this

subject. “When you are reading together, pick up on your child’s interest then relate the content of the book to his life.

If there’s a picture of a dog, say ‘That’s like Grandma’s dog. Where else have you seen a dog?’ So he links what he sees in the book to his own experiences.”

2 Incorporate core vocabulary.

“Choose books that have bright colors, simple pictures and short phrases or sentences that use core vocabulary— nouns such as animals, toys and food,” says Nelson. “Give your child an opportunity to label and repeat words. Also use what speech-language pathologists call

‘Expansion.’ If your child says, ‘Cat,’ you say, ‘Big cat,’ or ‘Sleeping cat’ by adding an adjective or verb to increase his length of utterance.”

3 Encourage repetition. “Children often have a favorite book they want to hear time and again, and that’s okay,” says Golinkoff. “Repeated readings build toddler’s vocabulary and story structure understanding.”

Amy Vitsorek found this to be true.

“Right now [my 2 ½ year old] Maggie is into princesses, so every day she carries around a suitcase that has four princess continues—

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MAKING THE GRADE Ten Ways to Build your Toddler’s Vocabulary from previous page

books in it. She’s memorized the storyline and tells it in her own words by looking at the pictures. Then she’ll ask me to read it to her,” she says.

4 Visit venues. “Take trips to venues that have programs specifically designed for children,” says Nelson. “Children’s museums have a variety of exhibits so toddlers can learn words about opposites such as wet and dry, big and little, up and down. If you go to other sites such as natural history or art museums, scale it down to your child’s level. Focus on basic vocabulary and point out the animals, flowers, shapes and colors you see.”

“Last year when we took Conner to the zoo, I pointed out different animals such as an elephant and talked about its big ears and long nose,” says Danielle Jackson of her now 22 month old. “Later if we saw an animal on TV or in a book, I’d remind him of our trip and encourage him to say its name and make the animal sound.”

5 Out and about. “Everyday outings provide opportunities to talk about what you see at the supermarket, pharmacy, park and doctor’s office,” says Golinkoff. “When you take walks, point out different things and bring back leaves, rocks and sticks so you and your child can count, sort and explore more. When he goes to the pediatrician for a well checkup, trace around his body on the table paper, then take it home and help him label his body parts.”

6 Sing songs. “Interactive songs and rhymes that incorporate movement with melodic or rhythmic patterns are captivating for children and encourage vocabulary expansion,” says Vitsorek, who teaches music to preschoolers. “Ones like ‘Head and Shoulders’ help them learn body part identification; others such as ‘Eentsy Weentsy Spider’ teach directional concepts.”

7 Tinker with toys. “Blocks and simple puzzles offer geometric and spatial language with terms like ‘above,’ ‘below’ and ‘next to,’” says Golinkoff. “Dress up clothes increase language too. Give your child old clothes and play along with his fantasy.”

“Your toddler may not be ready for board games but you can use the game pieces as manipulatives,” says Nelson.

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“You don’t have to spend a bundle on DVDs or flashcards.

Language acquisition is birthed through face-to-face interactions, and by engaging your child in everyday activities and experiences.”

Amy Nelson, language pathologist “Put checkers into different piles according to colors and count them. Or adapt games such as Barnyard Bingo to work on matching, naming and counting.”

8 Interactive games. “I use interactive games such as ‘This Little Piggy’ and ‘Humpty Dumpty’ to build Maggie’s vocabulary,” says Vitsorek. “I’ll stop and leave off a word so she can fill it in. When we’re driving in the car, we also play ‘I Spy’ with colors. As a result, she knows all of her colors.”

9 Narrate routines. “Encouraging talk during our daily routines has been a great way to expand Conner’s vocabulary,” says Jackson. “When he’s getting

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dressed I’ll say, ‘I’m putting on your pants . . . your shirt . . . your shoes.’ He’s already starting to repeat those words.

He’ll say, ‘Sock?’ And I’ll say, “Yes, that’s your sock.’”

10 Review and retell. “Before going to bed, rehash the day’s activities to cement vocabulary your child used during the day,” says Golinkoff. “Or encourage him to recount his experiences to another adult with your assistance.”

Subject-related resources

Einstein never used flashcards

by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta MichnickGolinkoff

How Babies Talk: The magic and mystery of language in the first three years of life

by Roberta M. Golinkoff and Kathy HirshPasek

Toddler sing and sign: Improve your child’s vocabulary and verbal skills the fun way

by Ann Meeker Miller

Why Play = Learning: A call for change

by Roberta M. Golinkoff, Kathryn A. HirshPasek and Dorothy G. Singer