October 2014

October 2014

THE EDUCATION ISSUE!

K-12 HELP

Education counselors can help you find the right school for your child

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Page 38

Find schools and more!

SUBURBAN IMMERSION

Page 51

Forest Lake IB charter school offers both Spanish and Mandarin Page 31

R E W O P E H T C I S U OF M asses may boost Early childhood cl racy skills pre-K math and lite Page 42

Jackson Agee, 7, Eagan

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CONTENTS

Minnesota Parent October 2014

Features

Departments

28

12 CHATTER 14 BABY ON BOARD

ALL DRESSED UP

Get real — and plan like crazy — before traveling with your baby.

Readers share their favorite cute-kid Halloween photos!

By Minnesota Parent's Facebook Fans

38

16 TODDLER TIME Bringing home a baby to a toddler is hard. Don't beat yourself up.

42

31

K-12 COUNSELING

THE POWER OF MUSIC

ANOTHER WORLD

Families are increasingly turning to education counselors for help with finding the right schools for their kids.

Early childhood music education isn't just song and dance: It opens pathways to all types of learning.

Why is a languageimmersion charter school growing so fast in suburban Forest Lake?

By Julie Kendrick

By Jen Wittes

By Cali Owings

51

EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

18 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN Help your kids to stick to their new school sleep schedules.

20 IN THE KITCHEN Savor fall with a simple soup.

22 TEENS & TWEENS Tired teens? Don't overbook. And try modeling balance and calm.

24 GROWS ON TREES Not saving for college yet? Do it!

26 BOOK SHELF

Out&About Special Halloween edition!

56

Out&About

60

Personalized books are all the rage.

And they make great gifts, too.

66 FROM OUR READERS Fans share their kids' stories and advice about potty training.

mnparent.com Check out our newly redesigned website for a host of new features:

ABOUT OUR COVER KID

MOMMY — AND DADDY — BLOGS Bloggers from around the Twin Cities share their parenting adventures.

Name: Jackson Age: 7

NEW CALENDAR Use our new easy-peasy navigation to find events and outings!

City: Eagan Parents: Paul and Heidi Agee Siblings: Jayda

WISDOM AND ADVICE Discover a wealth of exclusive stories and strategies (including coping skills).

Favorite movie or book: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (book), Star Wars (movie) Favorite activities: Playing sports (soccer, karate, baseball and hockey) Favorite foods: Spaghetti

6 October 2014 • mnparent.com

PHOTOS BY TRACY ANN WALSH, POSER DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY, POSERDESIGN.COM

DIRECTORIES Browse or search: No place in the Twin Cities has more parenting resources online!

When your family is complete, consider Essure® permanent birth control.

Essure is the only permanent birth control that’s: • Non-surgical • Over 99% effective* • Non-hormonal • FDA-approved and available in the US for over 10 years Essure can help you stop worrying about an unplanned pregnancy. It is a short, 10-minute procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office. There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home about 45 minutes after the procedure and return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The Essure Confirmation Test is given 3 months after the procedure to verify the inserts are placed correctly and your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control.

Essure may be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost† To learn more about Essure and find a doctor, visit essure.com or call 1.877.ESSURE4 (1.877.377.8734)

Indication Essure is a permanent birth control procedure that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy.

Important Safety Information WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

• You can rely on Essure for birth control only after your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results.

Your doctor will confirm that the inserts are properly placed and both of your fallopian tubes are blocked. If you rely on Essure for birth control before having your Essure Confirmation Test, you are at risk of getting pregnant.

• Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use for the 3 months after the procedure.

Some women can remain on their current birth control. Other women, such as those using an intrauterine device or contraceptive (IUD or IUC), will need to switch to another method.

• It can take longer than three months for the Essure procedure to be effective. In rare cases, it has taken up to 6 months. Make sure to continue using an alternate form of birth control up until your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results and confirmed that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

Please see additional Important Safety Information about Essure on next page.

*Based on 5-year clinical study data. †Some restrictions may apply. Visit essure.com/aca to learn more or contact your health insurance provider.

Important Safety Information (continued) WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control. The younger a woman is when she chooses to end her fertility, the more likely she is to regret her choice later.

During the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain, your doctor may be unable to place one or both Essure inserts correctly, part of an Essure insert may break off or puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair the puncture, or your body may absorb a large amount of the salt water solution. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthesia which numbs the cervix. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.

Immediately following the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain and/or cramping, vaginal bleeding, and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experience nausea and/or vomiting or fainting. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body.

During the Essure Confirmation Test: You will be exposed to very low levels of radiation, as with most x-rays. In rare instances, women may experience spotting and/or infection.

Long-term Risks: There are rare reports of chronic pelvic pain in women who have had Essure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may migrate through the fallopian tubes into the lower abdomen and pelvis. It may be necessary to surgically remove the migrated device if the patient is experiencing an adverse event. No birth control method is 100% effective. If you do become pregnant after Essure, the risks to you, the fetus, the pregnancy and childbirth are unknown. Women who have the Essure procedure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if they get pregnant. Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be very serious or life-threatening. If you have the NovaSureÂŽ procedure, a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus to lighten or stop menstrual bleeding, after the Essure procedure, your risk of pregnancy may increase. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives.

Unknown Risks: The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old. The safety and effectiveness of reversing the Essure procedure, of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after the procedure, or to you and your fetus if you get pregnant after the procedure are not known.

Adverse Events: During the procedure, the most common problem reported was mild to moderate pain (9.3%).

Some of the women in the study reported moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%) on the day of the procedure. A smaller percentage of women reported nausea/vomiting (10.8%) and vaginal bleeding (6.8%).

Essure inserts do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Talk to your doctor about the Essure procedure and whether it is right for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Essure, BAYER, and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. Š 2014 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ, 07981 All rights reserved.

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Printed in USA

September 2014

E A R LY C H I L D H O O D F A M I LY E D U C A T I O N

Celebrating 40 Years of Educating Minnesota’s Families

Educating and supporting parents as their children’s first and most important teachers

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From the editor

School choice? Plenty!

E

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NELSONFARM.COM 5 Fun Weekends of Family Entertain ment 9/27 to 10/26

Corn Maze by Flashlight Oct 10, 11, 17, 18 from 7-9pm

ducational choice is just one of the reasons Minnesota is a great place to raise our kids.

Though traditional public schools here are some of the best, many Minnesota parents often take advantage of other avenues to education such as open enrollment in a school outside their home district, plus charter schools, magnet schools, language-immersion programs, schools for gifted and talented kids, online schools, private schools and homeschooling.

And many of our schools boast strong STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), plus language instruction starting in kindergarten. IB (International Baccalaureate) programs abound in Minnesota as well.

And that’s all to say nothing of the countless out-of-school avenues we gave for further learning in Minnesota — including music, dance, art, science, math, nature and sports — that make other states green with envy. (Check our Education Resources listings in this magazine to see what I’m taking about!)

In this issue, our annual Education edition, you’ll find stories about some of the biggest trends shaping education in Minnesota.

I was surprised to learn about a new trend taking hold on the East Coast, and now in Minnesota: There are now K-12 education counselors who help families find the right school for their kids, starting well before kindergarten. They cater to families just entering the system as well as those whose kids are having trouble in their current school and need some solutions, stat.

Another hot topic is early childhood music education. In the Twin Cities, the popularity of these programs — which are typically open to infants and older — has exploded.

Finally, another major movement in education is language immersion. And it’s not just taking off in the heart of the Twin Cities. In Forest Lake, more than 700 students are learning Spanish and Mandarin from within an elementary IB curriculum. And it's a tuition-free charter school, not pricy private.

Though my son attends a traditional public school, we had the choice of a free Mandarin program in our district (Hopkins), including busing! I grew up in a small town with a single school, so the novelty isn’t lost on me. More important: My son’s school offers not just on-site before-and-after care, but also late-start, non-school-day and even vacation care. Yes, that includes summer (with field trips)! As a two-working-parent family, this offers us huge flexibility and, most of all, choices!

For Special Events, Activities and Daily Schedule Visit Our Website.

Sarah Dorison, Editor

10 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Nelson Farm MNP 1014 V6.indd 1

9/17/14 9:37 AM

Vol. 29 • Issue 10

Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com General Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 cdamlo@mnparent.com Editor Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 editor@mnparent.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Eric Braun Dr. Peter Dehnel Vincent Francoual Zoe Gahan Julie Kendrick Shannon Keough Cali Owings Jen Wittes Jennifer Wizbowski Creative Director Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson

Are you currently pregnant or had a baby during the previous month and interested in participating in a telephone-based health and wellness program?

The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth • Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) • Program delivered to you via the mail and phone • Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly • Must not take antidepressants • Must have a history of depression • You will receive $100 for your time

Call 612-625-9753 or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 1212 S3.indd 1

11/15/12 2:37 PM

Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 kmanson@mnparent.com Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 distribution@mnparent.com Advertising 612-825-9205 sales@mnparent.com 60,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at news stands statewide.

Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just $12 a year. Call 612-825-9205 for more information.

Minnesota Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications.

POSTMASTER send address changes to: MINNESOTA PARENT, 1115 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Minnesota Parent is copyright 2014 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Address all material to address above.

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9/11/14 3:50 PM

mnparent.com • October 2014 11

TOO MUCH CANDY?

EXPLAINING CANCER Imagine finding out you have breast cancer at age 39. Then picture trying to tell your sons, age 3 and 6.

That’s what Katy Tessman Stanoch of Minnetonka had to do, along with explaining her surgery (a double mastectomy) and chemo treatments.

Immediately, she and her husband tried to find a book they could read to their boys to help them understand.

“We were at a loss about how to help them through this journey called cancer. I wanted a book that instilled hope and explained the basics of cancer,” Stanoch said. “I never found that book.”

So Stanoch, diagnosed in 2009, decided to write her own book about how to talk to young children about cancer.

In Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, illustrated

by Jessica Bailey of Minneapolis, two young boys share what it’s like to have a mom go through cancer. They use the metaphor of a weed in a garden to explain how cancer doesn’t belong — and needs to be removed — from a person’s body.

Stanoch, now five years cancer-free, will do a reading of her book at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Excelsior Bay Books in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Learn more at excelsiorbaybooks.net.

Is there such a thing? Kids on Halloween night will say, “No way!” But, parents, you know how easy it is to end up buried in sugary treats. What can you do? Check out the national Halloween Candy Buy Back program: Enter your ZIP at halloweencandybuyback.com to quickly find numerous Twin Cities dentists and orthodontists willing to pay $1 per pound of candy. (Email or call ahead just to confirm details for local events, typically held Nov. 1 or shortly after.) Collected candy goes to Operation Gratitude, an organization that creates care packages for troops in the U.S. military. Now that’s sweet!

SLEEP, BABY, PLEASE! To a new parent, nothing sounds better than a little extra sleep! But how can you get it? The Amma Parenting Center Book of Sleep ($12.95) by the Edina-based parenting center’s founder, registered nurse and midwife Sara Pearce, offers advice. New this year, the book offers an alternative to a cry-it-out sleep training.

Amma’s trademarked Sleep Stoplight curriculum (developed by Pearce and also taught in local classes) takes you from your baby’s birth to his or her first birthday.

Learn more at ammaparentingcenter.com.

12 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Shannon

Keough

Baby hits the road

B

efore I had kids, I had fantasies about what it would be like to travel with them.

I saw myself in a stylish-yetdurable wrap dress, my weightless baby perched on a hip as we gazed out over some gorgeous vista in the American Southwest.

I used to seek out blogs written by parents who were traveling the world with their young ones for inspiration. The message was always more or less the same: Life doesn’t need to change when you have kids! Love to travel? Well, simple! Just bring them along!

I naively took these accounts of prancing around Southeast Asia with an infant and a toddler at face value. It didn’t

14 October 2014 • mnparent.com

occur to me that they might be heavily edited to avoid sharing the details about what really happens when you cross four time zones with an infant.

“I can’t believe some parents just give up traveling when they have kids,” I thought to myself. “That will never be me.”

Well, we haven’t given up traveling, but it’s certainly not as idyllic as I’d imagined.

What follows are some of my lessons learned thus far about traveling with small children, so that you may have a better trip.

Plan obsessively When it comes to traveling with children, spontaneity isn’t recommended. Although babies are really quite portable, they

frequently require a wide range of accoutrements. Write down everything you could possibly need. For example, if you need to drag along a breast pump, like I do, don’t forget to bring along extras of those tiny little valve things (which you will surely wash down the drain if you don’t have a spare).

Prepare for the plane Like all things parenting-related, it’s best to expect the worst about the plane ride so you’ll be pleasantly surprised if things go well. Bring a large package of earplugs and offer them to your neighbors if the baby starts wailing. Pass around a bag of goodwill candy.

Offer to buy your row-mate a drink if

your little one spits up on her skirt. And for the love of all things sacred, just buy a seat for your not-quite-2-year-old if you’re flying to Hawaii. (We didn’t, and we’ve got the PTSD to prove it.)

Sleep may tear you apart One of the basic facts of life is that travel is going to mess up your kid’s sleep. The more time zones, the worse it’s going to be. My suggestion is to bring along as many of your “sleep associations” as possible — like special blankets and sound machines. Tack up towels over the windows to block out the infernal morning sun.

Still cramming your four-person family into one room at the in-laws? It might be time to look at Airbnb.com for some nearby rentals.

Lower your expectations Last fall, a few months before Felix was born, Nick, Lydia (age almost-2) and I took a trip to Kauai. And it was great! But it was definitely a different kind of great.

That is, Nick and I had a clear vision of what kind of trip we’d be having if we were, say, on our honeymoon, and not on our first big trip with our daughter.

It’s very important to banish these thoughts from your mind! Traveling with children is a big lesson about living in the moment.

Focus only on what's happening at that exact second and how you can make it as enjoyable as possible — and don't let your thoughts wander to the particulars of how this trip would’ve played out when you were young and unencumbered.

And remember — your little one’s days of being helpless and squirmy are numbered.

One day she’ll graduate from the carrier on your back to join you on the trail. And the nights you spent soothing her back to sleep at 4 a.m. in a tiny hotel room will be nothing but a fond memory.

Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and two children.

Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

Jen

Wittes

Toddler meets baby: Sibling love?

M

y daughter was 2 when her brother was born. I did a million things wrong and a few things right, or so it seemed at the time.

I involved her in the pregnancy. I read the “new baby” picture books. I took time — precious, bleary-eyed time — just days after his birth to sit with her and do puzzles.

She got a new sandbox “from the baby” and was asked to help often: Bring wipes to the changing table. Sing Baby a song.

But then, I had listened to the advice of others who insisted that she would wean voluntarily during pregnancy — because the milk would dry up or taste funny from the new hormones. By the third trimester, this hadn’t happened and I didn’t have the heart or the energy to take action.

Besides, we were only down to five minutes at bedtime. We were weaning.

Shockingly difficult I attempted tandem nursing for about two minutes before feeling certain that death by aggravation and overstimulation was indeed possible. I sobbed in my bed — exhausted and swimming in guilt — with the baby in my arms. “I’m sorry, Honey, but the baby needs this milk.”

Yes, I said that. It was the hard truth and was what my biological instincts felt to the core.

I’m pretty sure there were books and

16 October 2014 • mnparent.com

experts who would have told me that it was the absolute worst thing to say. But it was honest and it happened and my daughter and I found other ways to be close. She went on to both hate and adore her little brother, as big sisters do.

She embraced the big-girl status, she regressed, she threw fits, she snuggled close while I nursed and presented her favorite toys to the baby. It was everything you’ve ever heard about introducing a sibling. It was lovely and it was also so hard.

In my personal experiences and also from my years of work as a postpartum doula, I can say with certainty that adding a second child to the family when the first is a toddler is one of the most difficult

transitions a parent can make — shockingly difficult, and rocky.

Processing emotions Delta Larkey, a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in St. Paul said: “Children experience a myriad of emotions with the introduction of a sibling — jealousy, uncertainty, happiness, fear. Often, the feelings trace back to, ‘What now? What will happen to me, to us, to what I know?’”

Which is why my proclamation about milk might have been the right choice after all. If nothing else, I was clear. This is what’s happening now. We need to find another way. And, also, I love you so much.

Larkey suggests allowing children to demonstrate their wild range of emotions in whatever way they can — as long as it’s safe.

“For example, some children will want to play at being a baby,” she said. “It can be very helpful to allow the child to do this and to respond positively: I’m so lucky, now I have two babies! I love them both.”

Parents often worry about reinforcing this behavior, but Larkey said allowing children to work through those feelings and impulses is the fastest path to letting them go. At the same time, it never hurts to follow a game of baby-pretend with, “Babies can’t have cookies. Aren’t you lucky? You can.”

They aren’t alone Many toddlers experience meeting a new sibling. And, true to their nature, they handle it in their own darn way — with delight, wonder, defiance and tempest.

Though I refer to this time as rocky, I have every confidence that the kids come out just fine. The mistakes and strokes of genius we present as parents when going from one kid to two have little bearing on later sibling rivalry.

That will happen, as will some level of camaraderie.

It’s rocky for you, Toddler Parent, because it’s a big shift in the relationship with your firstborn. Suddenly, your 2-year-old seems ready for college. What is he doing in diapers?

Your first love is no longer your only.

Your child is no longer the center of the universe. But who is? There’s health in opening your big parent heart and there’s health for your child, in sharing the spotlight.

You’ll make your mistakes. You will — like me — choose inopportune times to potty train or wean. You will be awesome and fun on very little sleep, and you will be human. And your child will be lucky for all of it.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

Sunday and Monday nights.

If your child has problems with this variation in her schedule, waking her up at about the same time throughout the week, including weekends, can be helpful.

If your 3- or 4-year-old takes a long nap in the late afternoon, he’ll likely have problems falling asleep at his normal time. You could allow him to sleep only 20 to 30 minutes — if he’s truly tired — instead of letting him take a full nap. He may be hard to wake up from such a shortened nap, but the less desirable alternative could be your child staying awake until 11 p.m.

Finally, each evening, be sure to create a 20- to 30-minute transition time before your child’s ideal bedtime. Going straight from an action-packed movie or intense video game can make immediately falling asleep challenging. Try some quiet reading time, softly recall the best parts of the day or quietly tell family stories to wind your child down each night.

Peter

Dehnel, MD

I’m wondering about the value of the many well-baby visits required for my 6-month-old. She seems very healthy. Why do they need to see her so often?

How can I get my kids to better embrace their fall sleep schedules?

Sleep issues are common for infants, children and teenagers. It’s rare for families not to have to deal with this issue after summer breaks, especially. The best advice is patience and age-appropriate expectations.

One of the biggest obstacles to a good

18 October 2014 • mnparent.com

sleeping schedule is a lot of variation in the time children go to bed, especially for school-aged children.

If they really need to go to bed at 9 p.m. on weeknights, but then stay up to 11 p.m. on weekends, they’ll likely have problems getting to bed on

Children should have routine well-child visits quite frequently, especially during the first two years. Though it can feel taxing, this schedule of visits was developed by expert pediatricians during the last several years. It’s seen as a best practice for monitoring a child’s growth and development, encouraging age-appropriate nutrition and immunizations, informing parents of important safety tips and setting expectations between visits.

Infants and toddlers are rapidly changing and there’s much parents can do to create a better — and safer — environment for young children.

In addition, signs and symptoms can emerge that will alert your clinician to other things that might need to be evaluated with a young child.

Finally, for a small group of children with significant health needs, helping to

establish a close working relationship with a clinic is created through frequent visits.

And, remember, you need to take care of yourself as well. Often, parents become so busy they forget to go in for their regular check-ups. Preventive visits for adults are generally recommended annually. How often you see your doctor depends on your gender, age and family history. Ask your doctor how often you should be seen.

Do toddlers respond to ice treatment after an injury the same way adults do? It’s nearly impossible to apply ice to a bump on a 2-year-old child, but is it worth trying?

Ice can be very helpful in treating a variety of toddler injuries, but its use may require some creativity on your part.

Wrapping an ice bag or pack in a wash cloth or Ace bandage can also be helpful, but you’ll have to be careful to avoid frost bite with children.

Unlike adults, toddlers can only endure ice at short intervals. Typically, setting an icing schedule of 10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off is appropriate. Mouth injuries are more easily treated with popsicles and ice cubes that a child can suck on to minimize swelling.

The good news is many toddlers don’t need as much ice treatment as an older child or adult would need, due to much smaller forces generally being involved.

And, it’s generally helpful to remember pain control with many of these injuries, so the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) can also be useful.

Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board-certified pediatrician and medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Send questions to drdehnel@mnparent.com.

This column is intended to provide general information only and not medical advice.

Contact your health care provider with questions about your child.

Photo by Brenda Maurseth

By Chef Vincent Francoual

Butternut squash soup 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds) 2 tablespoons of butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cut squash lengthwise, carefully, into two halves and scoop out the seeds.

1 small onion, diced

Drizzle olive oil onto a rimmed sheet and place the squash halves cut side down.

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

Bake for 45 minutes or until fork-tender. Cool slightly and scoop out the squash.

(It’s easier to scoop out the squash if it’s still warm.)

1 quart of vegetable stock or water ½ cup of heavy cream

Melt the butter in a large soup pot. Add the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Olive oil

Mix in the squash.

Salt and pepper, to taste

Season the soup with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Serves 4

Stir in the vegetable stock (or water) and the heavy cream and simmer for 30 minutes.

Cool the soup slightly and carefully puree in batches in an upright blender for three minutes or until creamy (or use a handheld immersion blender and puree it right in the pot).

Add additional salt, pepper or nutmeg to taste.

Chef Vincent Francoual has been the chef/owner of Vincent, A Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis since its inception in 2001.

In 2013, he and Brenda Maurseth welcomed a daughter to the family — their “petite fromage,” Chloe Neige.

Francoual is enjoying his adventures in fatherhood and is quite sure Chloe will follow in his culinary footsteps.

20 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Jennifer

Wizbowski

Finding quiet amid chaos

I

t’s October: Papers are strewn in lockers and backpacks. Pencils, once tall and sharp, are now short and stubby from long math problems. Club meetings and fall sports practices are in full swing. And your kiddo looks … tired.

In fact, you’re tired — tired of running around and trying to figure out how to have a family meal together (and actually use all the pages you’ve wishfully dog-eared in the latest issue of Real Simple).

Our kids have greater expectations on them than you or I did in the age of rotary dial: Activities are full-time. Homework is, too. And then there are tests — and their social lives — to keep up with, too.

What can we do to help them?

22 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Create moments of quiet I’m a firm believer in space. In fact, as an introvert, I probably require more than the most (and certainly more than anyone in my family). I get my energy from spots of quiet in my day. I find that walking my dog for 15 minutes by the lake, or even time in my car with no one in it can really lift the “pressure of doing” for me.

I still have things to get done, and it doesn’t lessen the load. But a break allows my brain some time to think freely and it reminds me that my life isn’t totally dictated by the daily grind.

Both of my kids are very social and while my overload alarm rings a lot more easily than theirs,

I’ve learned I have to watch them carefully for signs of burnout and over-commitment, too.

The thing is, it’s hard to say no. Friends want to hang out, there’s a fun opportunity after a game or there’s an extra practice called.

In and of themselves, these are good things. But what if one of these good things comes up and it’s a week when you can see the contradictory combination of weariness and those Oh, please, can I? looks on their faces? What do you do?

Walking the walk We parents have to model balance. And it doesn’t come easily. Life’s pressures have a way of pulling at all of us.

But I believe the best way for our kids to learn is by watching us find balance in the midst of all the daily struggles.

In an eye-opening discussion with Judy Bandy, a local registered nurse and life coach for families of kids with ADHD, I was reminded that not only is balance modeled, but parents also must come back to the priorities we’ve set for our kids: Is it the end result, the A (grade, team or school) or is it how they’re growing as people — their whole selves?

It was a fantastic reminder for me: What do I really care about as I struggle to help manage all the things going on in our lives? And parenting goals: Do I have them? What are they?

One thing I am sure of: It won’t be the same week to week, year to year. We’ll have to take it as it comes. We’ll have to recalibrate.

But it’s worth it to me, to find moments for all of us with space and breath so that, as a family, we can learn the importance of simplicity and rest — and for it to inhabit our daily existence.

Jennifer Wizbowski is a freelance writer who lives in Excelsior with her husband, tween daughter and teenage son. Send comments, questions and story ideas to jwizbowski@mnparent.com.

mnparent.com • October 2014 23

Eric

Braun

Saving for college: Not so daunting!

W

hat happens when you start to think of sending your little one off to college?

If you’re like most parents I know, your thoughts quickly flit from Pomp and Circumstance — and I can’t wait to see where she ends up! — to a sick, empty feeling in your stomach that comes from thinking about the cost.

Paying for college. The mere idea can make a parent’s head spin. If your strategy so far has been to hope for a scholarship, it’s time to make a more solid plan.

I’ve long been a practitioner of the head-in-the-sand approach to college savings, but I knew I needed to do better. So I picked up the phone and called some financial planning experts, and I checked in with a few friends who have sent or are soon sending kids to college.

What I learned made me feel a whole lot better. It can be boiled down to three big ideas: 1: No, the whole college-saving thing isn’t so complex or unrealistic that your only option is opting out.

2: No, you don’t have to save the entire amount of your child’s future college bills.

3: Yes, you can make and stick to a college savings plan that won’t upend your lifestyle.

24 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Wrapping your head around those three ideas can be a good start to feeling more empowered about saving for college. I also asked the experts for a few practical tips for people just getting started on saving.

Here’s what they advised: Don’t overthink it. Saving for college isn’t

rocket science. For instance, it’s not nearly as complex as the machinations most of us deal with just trying to get kids out the door each morning. Saving for college boils down to a simple game plan: Every month, put a little bit of money away.

Take advantage of free online tools. For me, it helps to put these into two categories: 1: Tools to help you know how much to save. For this, the excellent site FinAid.org offers a Savings Plan Designer; the same site also has several other helpful savings calculators.

2: Tools to help you decide where to save. Heard about a million conflicting descriptions of 529 plans? Visit College Savings Plans Network (collegesavings. org) to get unbiased information, compare features across plans, and get help deciding which, if any, 529 plan is right for you. The tax advantages make 529s a good bet for most families. But you can always opt for another kind of savings account; start with your bank or credit union if you have questions.

There’s no magic number.

You can’t know for sure how much money you’re going to need for college. But it’s a safe bet you’re going to need some. The advice I got was to save what you can. Depending on your family’s circumstances that could be $200, $100 or even $10 a month.

It all helps.

Start early. There may not be a magic

number, but the fact remains: The earlier you start, the more interest will work in your favor. Here’s a simple example that even a math-phobic English major like myself can understand: If you start saving

ONE FAMILY I KNOW CUT OUT CABLE WHEN THEIR SON WAS IN 10TH GRADE, PUTTING THAT EXTRA $70 A MONTH INTO SAVINGS. IT LEFT THEIR SON WITH AN EXTRA $2,500 FOR COLLEGE.

when your child is born, interest will make up 37 percent of your total savings. If you start when your child enters high school, interest will only account for 10 percent of your savings.

It’s never too late to start saving. It’s true: Starting early is best, but if you didn’t get started as early as you might’ve liked, don’t throw up your hands. You can still build a good-sized account by thinking creatively about how to boost it.

One family I know cut out cable when their son was in 10th grade, putting that extra $70 a month into savings. It left their son with an extra $2,500 for college.

They told me it was just the tip of the iceberg: Once they were in the savings frame of mind, they started squirreling away other sums, too, and soon had five times that amount saved.

Another family I know similarly waited until their kids were in high school to start saving. But for four years they earmarked every pay raise and tax return for college — and ended up with a decent chunk saved.

In the end, the only bad plan for saving for college is no plan at all.

Eric Braun is a Minneapolis writer, editor and dad of two boys. He’s currently working on a financial literacy book for young readers.

Learn more about his other published works at heyericbraun.com. Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com.

You can get there. We can help.

Visit www.MN529today.com or call 1-877-338-4646

GET PERSONAL! Personalized books for kids have been big for a while, but now the trend has expanded to include photos of your kid right in the book — and audio recordings from loved ones.

Need a gift for a friend’s kid or new baby? Give one of these instead of a third copy of Goodnight Moon.

I See Me! My Farm Friends from I See Me! — a cool Plymouth-based publishing company — is all about introducing adorable farm animals to kids.

This hardcover book comes customized with your child’s name and photo on nearly every page. Its interior pages are glossy and sturdy, not quite board-book quality, but tough and super cute.

Recommended for ages newborn to 6. iseeme.com $29.95

Lost My Name The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name and The Little Boy Who Lost His Name tell the story of your child as he or she tracks down all the missing letters of his or her name. Because every name’s unique, each personalized tale features a different cast of characters, all beautifully and whimsically illustrated.

Kids with an O in their names will meet the glamorous Ostrich. Those with Bs will cross paths with a sleep-deprived Bear — and so on — all customized to spell out your child’s name.

Put Me in the Story This company specializes in personalizing popular books such as On the Night You Were Born and I Wished for You: An Adoption Story as well as favorite characters such as The Berenstain Bears and Elmo, using your child’s name throughout the book, plus a photo. Coming soon: Hello Kitty and Charlie Brown personalized books.

Recommended for ages 1 to 8. putmeinthestory.com $24.99 to 29.99

Recommended for ages 2 to 6. lostmy.name • $27.99

The World According to …

The personalization in this book is up to you: First you receive a gift box with markers and questions to ask your child about his or her life. You send your child’s drawings and answers back in the provided return envelope. Pages will be printed, bound and mailed back to you as a completed book. Though no age range is specified for this book (available online only), it’s ideal if your child can somewhat legibly write his or her name, draw a simple self-portrait and answer questions. potterybarnkids.com • $39

26 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Flatten Me Create a picture book that showcases your child … or your child’s personal hero — Grandma? Grandpa? Dad? Mom? — in pictures! Heroes in the My SuperSomeone books tame zoo animals, jump from the North Pole to Taipei, juggle boulders and chomp on pizza with a silverback gorilla. You can also turn your child, through picture-personalized books, into a mermaid, a pirate, a potty-training pro and other characters.

Recommended for ages 4 to 104. flattenme.com • $29.95 to $39.95

50 audiobooks in 1 The Sparkup Magical Book Reader enables parents, grandparents, friends and others to create personalized audio recordings of any illustrated children’s book, so the children in their lives can feel connected to them, even when they’re far away.

This device — which can store up to 50 books at a time — attaches to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page with a built-in camera. Afterwards, any time the device is re-attached to that book, the camera recognizes the images and plays the appropriate recording for each page.

Recommended for ages 3 to 8. sparkupreader.com • $59.99

Reader photos

ALL DRESSED UP! Ready for Halloween? Check out these cute-costumed kids from Minnesota!

Leah and Liam Porter, 3 months, and the family dog, Samson, Little Canada

Ella Greene, 8 months, Farmington

28 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Charlie and Julia Hanson, ages 4 and 10 months, Rogers

Ian Gabriel Chacon, 6 months, Apple Valley

Fun on the Farm!

Ah, autumn. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore Minnesota’s family farms.

Here are a couple Minnesota Parent picks to get you inspired and motivated!

Pumpkin Patch Olivia Moe, 9 months, Bloomington

Cole Helgeson, 3, Waconia

One of the ultimate destinations for fall family fun in the Twin Cities is Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival in Shakopee.

(See severscornmaze.com.) But if you're looking to avoid crowds — and need something a bit more relaxed and less expensive — check out Dehn’s Pumpkins in Dayton. Pick a pumpkin from a 10-acre field, explore a 5-acre corn maze, frolic in a covered corn pit, take a hay ride, pet farm animals, jump in a bouncy house and buy inexpensive gifts, novelties and refreshments. You can even try your hand at a gourd slinger.

Find the farm at 17270 125th Ave. N., Dayton, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis. dehnspumpkins.com

Apple Orchard

Elijah Daniels-Kriz, 7 months, Burnsville

Sophia Liu, 2, Eden Prairie

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Send your Halloween pix to editor@mnparent.com and we’ll share them on our Facebook page, where you’ll also find the latest parenting news, updates, giveaways and more. See facebook.com/ MNParentMag.

The Jacobson family has grown apple trees on this picturesque farm — Pine Tree Apple Orchard — since 1904. Today the family grows more than 25 apple varieties, plus pumpkins in fall and strawberries in summer. Apple harvest goes until late October, and apple sales continue on-site through February. Fall attractions include wagon and pony rides, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch, plus sales of homemade apple cider, caramel apples, apple desserts, jams, jellies and gifts.

Find the farm at 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, about 30 miles northeast of downtown St. Paul. pinetreeappleorchard.com

More?

Looking for something closer to your home? Search the extensive Minnesota Grown Directory of family farms, including more than 100 apple orchards, plus fall raspberry patches, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, wineries and more.

See minnesotagrown.com or order a free printed copy by calling 888-868-7476.

Sam and Max Hargis, 1 and 3, Prior Lake

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30 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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Otro mundo

ANOTHER WORLD Demand for Spanish and Mandarin language immersion is fueling growth at a popular Forest Lake charter school.

By Cali Owings

Otro mundo

ANOTHER WORLD

When

Melissa Navratil and her family hosted a woman from Colombia as part of an international exchange program, she expected her two oldest daughters, in fourth and sixth grade, to be able to chat at least a bit using the Spanish they’d learned at their immersion school.

But she didn’t expect her son — a first-grader at the time — to speak so easily and fluently in the car on the way home from the airport.

“I just heard this little voice talking for the first time,” she said. “You don’t hear them speak the second language at home. That was the first time I truly understood what the program was doing with the kids.”

Navratil’s three children, now 15, 13 and 10, picked up their Spanish at Lakes International Language Academy, a public charter school in Forest Lake offering immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin.

Since 2004, Lakes International Language Academy, or LILA, has offered a combined language immersion and International Baccalaureate curriculum for grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

Programming started with 177 students.

This year, thanks to a growing Mandarin program, more than 730 kids are attending the school, which opened a new building for grades 4, 5 and 6 this year, across the street from its original campus, housed in a former hospital.

LILA is offering two sections of kindergarten in Mandarin (25 students each) and four sections for Spanish this year, said the school’s assistant director, Shannon Peterson.

Peterson attributes the school’s growth to the “lose nothing, gain everything” philosophy of the immersion program, which she’s seen pay off as students, including her own daughter, mature through the school system.

Students gain another language, she said, without losing the ability to use English. They also learn everything they need to meet state standards and beyond.

32 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Students at Lakes International Language Academy participate in many activities that promote health and wellness, such as the Kinder Olympics with gunny sack races.

And with a second language, immersion-educated kids will be able to communicate with more people, definitely more than their parents, Peterson said, adding: “Who wouldn’t want to give that to their child?”

How it all began It took Peterson and other dedicated parents several years to bring LILA’s immersion program to Forest Lake.

At first, a coalition of families seeking the curriculum sought to make it a part of the Forest Lake School District. But the school board voted down the proposal.

While a few families supported the idea and hoped to one day enroll their children in such a program, Peterson said members of the community spoke out against the idea before the school board vote. There was outcry against the proposal, including the

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mnparent.com • October 2014 33

Otro mundo

ANOTHER WORLD

Think your child can’t draw like this?

Think again.

Photo by Sofya Barth Children in the Mandarin program at Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Park show off some of their work.

Catherine Yanish, Age 11

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34 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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idea that children would say The Pledge of Allegiance in another language.

Without the district’s backing, it took three years to establish a public charter school.

The parents recruited Cam Hedlund, who was working as an administrator in a Lino Lakes school, to serve as its executive director.

Since then, immersion programs have become extremely popular in the Twin Cities and beyond.

The Forest Lake School District now offers its own partial-immersion programs for elementary schoolers and continuing programs for LILA graduates in the junior high and high school.

“They’re full and we’re still full,” Peterson said, adding that LILA has a waiting list for its Spanish program every year.

Finding locally trained teachers to tackle the teaching demands of both IB and immersion can be tough, Peterson said. More than 70 percent of their instructors are from other countries. Many are authorized to teach as “non-licensed community experts” based on their language skills, a designation assigned by the state Board of Teaching. LILA’s wide pool of teachers, however, means students are exposed to several different dialects in the target languages and develop a — Kristi Sherman more diverse vocabulary, Peterson said.

Another way the school boosts learning in its target languages is by hosting 20 language ambassadors every year to help out in classrooms. Each kindergarten section has its own ambassador. Most of the exchange-program ambassadors, who typically come from China, Taiwan, Spain and South and Central America, are recent teaching graduates or are about to graduate with a teaching degree in their home country.

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“Once they get past the third grade, you start to see it pay off. It really is amazing how they catch on to both the English and the Spanish.”

LAKES INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY LILA is a tuition-free K-6 public charter school and IB World School.

Learn more at lakesinternational.org or call 651-464-0771.

Keeping the faith Immersion isn’t for everyone, of course. In fact, a big challenge for many parents of students in immersion schools is the initial fear that their children might not be reading or writing in English as quickly or as well as their monolingual peers.

Kristi Sherman, a Forest Lake mom of four LILA students, was worried when she noticed kindergartners in traditional schools reading before her kids.

Parents often experience what Peterson calls “the second-grade panic” when they realize it takes more time to develop both languages simultaneously.

Despite her initial concerns, Sherman said all of her kids, including her youngest going into third grade in the Mandarin program, are reading in both languages.

“Once they get past the third grade, you start to see it pay off,” she said. “It really is amazing how they catch on to both the English and the Spanish.”

Navratil said parents are required to take a leap of faith with immersion. Many students, she said, often end up doing better than their peers later on in elementary school.

Her second daughter, Grace, now 13, posted low test scores in reading in third grade. By fifth grade, her reading skill level exceeded state standards.

Navratil has high praise for the school’s visionary leaders. Her children’s additional languages, she said, are gifts to be treasured.

“I see this as opening incredible doors for them,” she said. “They can work in a field and be able to communicate with people who do the same thing in different countries.”

Sherman said the IB curriculum, meanwhile, is helping her raise more independent-thinking kids.

mnparent.com • October 2014 35

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Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake incorporates learning activities across grade levels. For example, sixth-graders may help first-graders practice reading and speaking in the target language.

Though that autonomy can sometimes cause ripples at home when it’s time to do chores, she feels it will pay dividends in the future.

“They are challenging children. They don’t just follow,” she said. “They are big dreamers and big thinkers.”

Navratil, after teaching in the public school systems for several years out of college, chose LILA because she knew she wanted something different for her children.

She even considered going back to teaching at a private school so she could enroll her three kids there. Instead, she found the free public immersion program at LILA. She now feels her family has “won the lottery” by getting her kids in the door at the school, where about 30 percent of the students come in from outside the district.

Starting young When it comes to choosing immersion for younger kids, many parents hesitate. They barely feel ready to send their child to school, much less to a different world in terms of language.

At full-immersion schools like LILA, lessons are given entirely in the target language — and the classrooms don’t have any posters or materials in English.

Students are allowed to speak English with each other in the hallways, at lunch and during recess. They can also speak English with non-teaching staff in the building for comfort.

Peterson said the first few days of kindergarten in another language can be extra long and tiring, but the transition isn’t much different than the overall transition into kindergarten.

To showcase kindergarten programming, LILA offers preview classes for children ages

36 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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WHAT'S AN IB PROGRAM? Many schools, including non-immersion schools, offer IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. IB curriculums take a multidisciplinary approach by framing subjects such as social studies, science, literacy, math and art within larger themes or “units of inquiry.”

IB curriculums approach education from an international context. For example, state education standards include study of the Revolutionary War. The IB curriculum addresses the standard, and also teaches students about how exploration and expansion can lead to the restructuring of societies, regardless of place or time.

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2 to 4 and their parents.

Spanish teacher Katie Henry’s typical lessons — delivered entirely in Spanish — are “a lot more song and dance” than teaching in English, she said.

In kindergarten, teachers almost have to “start over every day” to move the students from “Dora Spanish” to fluency.

But it works, Henry said.

“It’s amazing how quickly they really do pick up the depth of how much we teach,” said Henry, who is in her sixth year of teaching at LILA. She said her students leave kindergarten with more Spanish language acquired than she had in college.

When she was learning the language for only one hour a day, she was able to read and write, but she couldn’t speak it well.

She moved to Guatemala, where she had to use Spanish, and finally gained fluency.

Sherman, who studied German when she was in school, can relate to the inadequacy of non-immersion programs.

She wanted her children to learn languages more deeply and to be able to make connections with more people.

Sherman said: “You get to learn so much about another culture.”

Cali Owings is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Minnesota Parent.

mnparent.com • October 2014 37

K-12 counselors With so many schools to choose from in Minnesota, families are turning to education experts to help them choose the right path for their children.

By Julie Kendrick

38 October 2014 • mnparent.com

M

elissa Pederson, a Minneapolis mother of two, knew there was a problem when her very bright daughter stopped liking school. Teachers were frustrated with her work, despite the girl’s high standardized test scores and expansive vocabulary.

What was happening?

Pederson contacted Loran Meccia, director of the Center for K-12 Guidance at CollegeSphere, a locally owned educational consulting service.

Meccia suggested an independent evaluation, which revealed that the girl was “twice exceptional.”

“It was a good news/bad news moment,” Pederson said.

The evaluation showed her daughter was exceptionally bright, but had some difficulty with a few areas of executive function.

For example, she had trouble understanding some directions, but didn’t even realize that she wasn’t understanding them.

Teachers saw this as defiance, and the girl was feeling misunderstood in the classroom.

The information from the evaluation left Pederson wondering what to do next.

That’s where Meccia — a former school psychologist, classroom teacher and mother of three — really made a difference.

“She helped me understand how to best support my daughter and also support her teachers, making a better academic environment for everyone,” Pederson said.

Meccia went to meetings at school with Pederson, talked to teachers and the principal, and, Pederson said, focused on practical problem solving.

“She knew what to ask for, and, most importantly, how to ask for it in a way that seemed to work for all parties,” Pederson said.

The result?

“It completely turned things around, and my daughter is excited to be back in school,” Pederson said.

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K-12 support Educational consulting for college-bound teenagers has long been available to Twin Cities families looking to find the right universities for their kids.

And CollegeSphere, founded three

mnparent.com • October 2014 39

years ago, offers those services, including college discernment, admission, placement and career coaching.

But — as educational choice in Minnesota has grown in recent years — there’s been increasing demand for education counseling services relating to school-age children, Meccia said.

“The trajectory gets set young,” she said.

“With Minnesota’s rich landscape of school choices, if you don’t get a placement in kindergarten, it can be harder to get into that school system later.”

For parents who are new to the area — or looking to buy a home — finding the right school for their children, regardless of their age or special needs, can be overwhelming.

Options can include open enrollment, charter schools, magnet schools, language immersion programs, gifted and talented schools, virtual/online schools, private schools and homeschooling.

Meccia often works with families on kindergarten placement.

Though parents may live in one district, they might need advice and strategies for open enrollment in another (perhaps more desirable) district nearby. Or a family might want to find a private school — a significant investment — but they might not know the ins and outs of the local scene the way Meccia does.

“There are nuances,” she said.

Making school work Other parents seek out Meccia when, for one reason or another, school just isn’t working out for their child.

“There are so many reasons this can be happening,” Meccia said. “Perhaps the child has a learning difference that hasn’t been identified or that isn’t being addressed, or the child is highly gifted and is not being sufficiently challenged or supported.

Sometimes, there’s a style difference between a child and the educational environment.”

Meccia helps parents figure out what to

40 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Photo by Adaire Criner Melissa Pederson and her daughter meet with Loran Meccia, a K-12 education planning consultant and gifted and talented specialist with CollegeSphere, a St. Louis Park-based education counseling company. In addition to attending meetings with staff at Pederson’s daughter’s school, Meccia also meets frequently with the family at Pederson’s fabric shop, The Linden Tree, in south Minneapolis.

do after they’ve received a neurological-psychological evaluation.

“I can help them work within their current school environment, or perhaps find a different placement for their child to thrive,” Meccia said. “I speak the language of special education and gifted and talented education. I’m a translator, an advocate.”

Meccia’s own personal and professional experiences have deeply informed her work.

“I’m a parent of three kids who have very different learning styles,” she said. “I’ve also been a classroom teacher, and understand what it’s like to work with a wide scope of students.”

When Meccia worked as a school psychologist, she was often limited in what she could recommend to families.

“Now, as a private consultant, I don’t have those same parameters, so I can offer a range of options,” she said. “I can really be a bridge between the clinical and educational settings with families and educators.”

COLLEGESPHERE 1650 West End Blvd., Suite 100, St. Louis Park mycollegesphere.com, 651-428-0425 How much does it cost?

The Kindergarten Launch package — which includes a parent interview, preschool progress report review, resources, recommendations and two hours of in-person meetings — costs $300. Other K-12 packages cost $875 to $1,750. College/career planning packages start at $795 and go up to $3,000.

WHAT IS 2E? Twice exceptional (also known as 2e) is a term for intellectually gifted and talented children who also have a diagnosed or suspected disability, such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, depression, anxiety or any other disability that interferes with learning.

New class for gifted girls CollegeSphere is offering a new symposium for twice-exceptional girls and their families, starting Oct. 6 at the new established Arete Academy of Exceptional Education in Hopkins.

CollegeSphere developed the course — Girls Exceptional Minds Symposium — to reach a largely underserved population among gifted girls in grades 4 to 8 who often feel isolated or misunderstood because of their unique learning needs. Learn more at 2a2e.org.

College bound?

Though there are numerous college-counseling services in the Twin Cities, CollegeSphere is still finding plenty of families with teens in need of college planning and career counseling.

With the costs of higher education skyrocketing steadily, families don’t feel like they can take a trial-and-error approach to finding the right colleges for their kids, said Kristin Edwards, the CEO of CollegeSphere and the director of the company’s Center for College Planning.

Minnesota’s student-to-counselor ratio is one of the lowest in the nation — about 800 to 1, Edwards said.

That amounts to an average of 38 minutes of college counseling per Minnesota high school student (during their entire high school career), according to the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

And with more than 4,000 colleges in the U.S., looking for a perfect fit isn’t an easy job.

In fact, 1 in 3 college students eventually transfer schools, a costly endeavor for families.

In an effort to fill a huge demand for counseling, some Twin Cities schools, such as Chanhassen High School, have begun teaming up with CollegeSphere.

CollegeSphere’s official partnerships with schools and school guidance counselors can include career-development and college-planning presentations for students, discounted counseling rates and scholarships.

Edwards said families with students with special needs, learning disabilities or highly specific career paths particularly appreciate the help a dedicated college counseling service can provide.

CollegeSphere, in fact, has a consultant who specializes in finding higher education for students with unique needs.

“There are many colleges that have great support for kids with learning disabilities,” Edwards said. “It always goes back to finding that best fit.”

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Julie Kendrick is a contributing writer for many local publications.

She lives in Minneapolis and blogs at kendrickworks.blogspot.com.

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Early childhood music education may help boost early math and literacy skills.

THE POWER OF

music

Early childhood music education isn’t just fun, experts say.

It opens important pathways to all types of learning.

42 October 2014 • mnparent.com

By Jen Wittes Photos by Kris Drake / Courtesy of MacPhail Center for Music

S

Shakespeare called it “the food of love.” It can calm nerves, ignite passions and sooth a broken heart. It’s a part of nearly every celebration and ceremony. Some might call it the common language of our world.

What would your favorite movie be without it? What would life be without it?

We’re talking, of course, about music.

And it’s not just for grown-ups, of course.

During the past few years, family music programs designed for younger children — ages newborn to 5 — have become increasingly popular.

It’s no wonder. Children love music!

In fact, many babies grant us that first heart-melting, non-gassy smile when we dare to sing the ABCs or You Are My Sunshine.

Beyond play But music isn’t just fun and games. Thanks to a growing body of research that has shown music education isn’t just a way to play with young kids, its role in early childhood education has grown.

“Exposure to musical experiences early in life can benefit overall development, build social and emotional skills, build cognitive skills, increase language capabilities, improve memory, strengthen impulse control, build school readiness, as well as set the foundation for instrument-specific learning,” said Dianna Babcock, director of early childhood music education at the nonprofit MacPhail Center for Music.

Babcock and her colleagues at MacPhail, which offers music education classes for all ages throughout the Twin Cities, are working on a three-year research project to measure the impact of early music education on the development of executivefunctioning skills — also known as self-regulation skills — in young children.

So far, the findings indicate an increase in preschoolers’ pre-math and pre-literacy abilities.

What does that mean, exactly?

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Launching learning Does music actually make your child smarter?

Well, sort of.

Researchers and early childhood music education practitioners say music — which engages three of the five senses when a child participates by watching, listening and clapping — opens the child mind to far more.

“Researchers are just beginning to understand that music learning somehow turns on a switch for all learning.

"This knowledge becomes especially important when you add in the fact that 90 percent of brain development happens before age 5,” said Clarice Auluck-Wilson, director of Music Together in the Valley, which has numerous locations in the Twin Cities.

That’s why so many early childhood music teachers agree “the younger, the better.” Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are sponges for knowledge and skill. And music can be a powerful way to tap into that.

“Making music uses every part of who we are — our voice, feet, hands, memory, imagination, breath, heart, mind and soul,” said Auluck-Wilson. “What other learned life skill can make such a claim?”

Taking advantage of the many learning pathways opened by music education, Keidy Lora-Palusky offers classes that teach young children music and language at the same time.

Her Minneapolis-based program, known as Viva! Music and Movement in Spanish, offers a language immersion experience set to music.

EXPLORE THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE! Taking your children out to see live music is a good way to get them interested in the musical process, too. Local favorites such as The Okee Dokee Brothers and the Teddy Bear Band play free shows year-round throughout the state, usually with an opportunity to picnic, explore a park or take in other fun activities.

The Minnesota Orchestra also offers one-hour family concerts, which are free for kids. (Adult tickets cost $15.) See minnesotaorchestra.org. And the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra offers free family concerts for ages 3 to 6 (Start the Music!) and ages 6 to 12 (xplorchestra!). See thespco.org.

Festivals such as Rock the Garden at the Walker Art Center can also be family friendly if you plan ahead and set reasonable expectations.

44 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Most early childhood music programs allow families to try one class for free or attend an open-house session before signing up.

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mnparent.com • October 2014 45

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Early childhood music education engages three of the five senses when a child participates by watching, listening and clapping or trying to keep the beat.

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Lora-Palusky (or “Tia Keidy,” as the kids call her) created her program two years ago and has been delighted to pass along the songs she sang as a child with her grandparents.

“More and more people are looking for ways to expose their young children to another language,” she said. “I also introduce them to musical instruments, rhythm and dancing. It has been a wonderful experience and parents and children are loving it.”

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How to get started?

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Parents: Your enthusiasm for music is what will — both in a classroom setting MN Council for Gifted MNP 1014 12.indd 1 8/22/14 9:16 AM and at home — instill a love for music in Do you have your child, according to music education specialists. twins or siblings You can start by breaking out the pots ages 6-11? and pans, putting on your favorite songs and dancing around the living room, of Want to earn $60? course.

If so, you may be eligible to Structured classes, often led by early participate in a new study in the childhood music specialists, however, can Family Interaction & Development Lab! add a new dimension to learning music.

In the Twin Cities, parents won’t have For more information, call (651) 523-2935 or email developmentlab@hamline.edu trouble finding a wide variety of classes. In

46 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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fact, there are so many — MacPhail, Music Together, Kindermusik, Musikgarten and many more — it can be almost overwhelming.

Most of programs, however, allow you to try one class for free or attend an open house before signing up. Additionally, community centers, churches and preschools often offer similar programs, often for reduced costs.

Popular programs Music Together is one of the most popular early childhood music programs with classes in more than 2,500 communities and more than 40 countries, including more than 50 locations in the Twin Cities.

Locally, Music Together-trained instructors offer classes under business names such as Ensemble Music, Minnemusic, Music Together West Twin Cities, Music Together in the Valley and many others.

Music Together programs offer classes “for children birth through age 7 — and the grown-ups who love them.”

Though there are some introductory classes just for younger infants, typically babies, toddlers and preschoolers are

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RESOURCES Brighter Minds Music brightermindsmusic.com Joe Alaspa Guitar Lessons joealaspa@gmail.com

Grades 1–8 Information Event:

Kindermusik • kindermusik.com MacPhail Center for Music • macphail.org

Wednesday, November 5 6:30–8:30 pm

Music Together • musictogether.com Musikgarten • musikgarten.org St. Joseph’s School of Music stjoseph-schoolofmusic.net Viva! Music and Movement in Spanish vivaspanishandmusic.weebly.com

placed in mixed-age classes.

Why? Younger children enjoy watching the older children and in turn, the older children learn and build confidence by teaching the little ones.

Ages 5, 6 and 7 attend mixed-age Big Kid classes. Parents, meanwhile, can take guitar classes to further boost a family’s musicality and bring the familiar Music Together songs home to the living room.

Kindermusik and Musikgarten — two other popular national brands of musiceducation programming — offer similar curriculums.

Though all three of the programs are based on some pretty sophisticated neuroscience, they’re not complicated in practice: Children are intrinsically musical — and they learn basic music principles most easily in a fun and interactive program with a parent or caregiver.

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mnparent.com • October 2014 47

LISTEN UP! Check out two early childhood music education experts’ favorite songs for children. You'll find 77 titles, including silly songs such as On Top of Spaghetti and Itsy Bitsy Spider as well as more serious tunes such as Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dona Nobis Pacem.

You can also read about the research studies that have shown the educational benefits of early childhood music education.

See tinyurl.com/pbsmusiced.

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“Not only do music and movement stimulate all areas of the brain simultaneously, but both — especially when done in conjunction — produce and release dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that makes you feel good,” said Molly Breen, a St. Paul-based licensed Musikgarten teacher and children’s choir director.

Joining together in song can be magical, especially at a young age, and can create a sense of community, too, for children and parents alike.

Preschool for Ages 3 – 5 Years Keitha Peacock, a mother of two in St. Full-Day Kindergarten through Grade 6!

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toddler, is learning to interact with her peers in a formal setting similar to a preschool. Another important benefit: “When winter is long — and a toddler is full of energy — it sure is nice to have a place to go where she can move and burn off some of that energy in a safe and enjoyable manner.”

Erinn Letts of Maplewood, whose kids are age 10, 7 and 4, started taking Music Together classes when her oldest was 6 months old.

“I’m what they call a veteran,” she said.

“Before being a stay at home mom, I was a teacher. Every class I’ve ever taken has been judged through those eyes. Music Together has several aspects that impressed me. First is the consistency.

Young children thrive on consistency.

Knowing what will come next makes them feel relaxed and lets them open their minds to learning and focus on the intended stimuli.”

Letts was also pleased with the wide variety of music used in class.

“It amazed me that every single collection provided my young ones opportunities to hear so much musical diversity,” she said.

Pat Gene of Minneapolis said her son, who takes music education classes at MacPhail, has always loved music.

“We’ve noticed since he could sit up that he would immediately move to the beat of music — and he still busts a move whenever he hears a fast, catchy tune,” she said.

“Sometimes I can’t get him out of the car in the morning if there’s a song he likes.”

Last fall, Gene’s son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“We feel as though music is one of his ‘calming’ agents when he gets a bit distressed,” she said.

Future virtuoso?

If you dream of a day when your child will be able to take up an instrument more complicated than the pots and pans, then early, age-appropriate, enjoyable instruction lays the groundwork for that, too, music education specialists say.

Just as children quickly learn language — utilizing their fast-acting, sponge-like brains and without much in the way of inhibition or ego — children can often easily learn basic rhythm and even how to sing in tune.

Competence in and familiarity with the basics will not only provide a foundation for future learning, but will also allow your child to approach further musical endeavors with confidence. As your child ages out of early childhood programs, the time is ripe to reap what you have sewn.

Many children successfully start an instrument as early as age 6 or 7.

Joe Alaspa, a Twin Cities-area guitar teacher and member of the Duluth-based band Cities Never Sleep said, “If the child begins early in life, the instrument becomes a part of their being. It’s always been there.

As they get older, knowing the basics of their instrument frees them up to focus on advanced training at an age when the brain is extremely receptive to learning.”

Alaspa, like the early childhood music instructors, emphasizes fun in his teaching method, following the child’s interests and whims.

This can be as simple as teaching a student part of his or her favorite song, with lessons in technique along the way.

Music shouldn’t be a chore, at least not when a child begins learning.

“Music is life,” Alaspa said. “It’s one of the purest forms of personal interaction I can think of.”

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

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EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE Charter Cyber Village Academy Cyber Village Academy is a charter school serving students in grades 3–12 in a unique hybrid model that blends on-campus and online instruction. Strong test scores; great climate! Perfect for families wanting to stay highly involved in their children's education!

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Twin Cities German Immersion School K-8 Public Charter, German Immersion School, serving 450 students from all over Twin Cities. Curriculum combines German and Minnesota national standards. Teacher, plus native assistant teacher in every classroom, 10:1 ratio. English instruction in grade 3, Spanish in Middle School.

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Stages Theatre Company

Minnesota Children's Museum

Stages Theatre Company is committed to the enrichment and education of children and youth in a professional theater environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth.

1111 Mainstreet Hopkins 952-979-1111, option 4 stagestheatre.org

At Minnesota Children's Museum, hands-on play builds lifelong learning. Each of our galleries is uniquely designed with a child’s busy brain in mind. Every visit is packed with experiences guaranteed to nurture creative thinking, fuel fun, and cater to the curious at heart.

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St. Paul's historic Landmark Center boasts four FREE museums showcasing art, music, and history. In addition to historical exhibits, families will experience the incredible Gallery of Wood Art and the inspiring Schubert Club Museum of keyboards and hands-on musical experiences.

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With Theatre Arts Training classes and professional productions for toddlers through teens, Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) was named by Time Magazine as the number one theater for families in the U.S.A. Tickets start at $10.

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Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts offers musical theater training in dance, voice, and drama to students ages 3 years and up. Broadway and local theater veterans teachers lead 12-week programs with final performances. Financial aid available.

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mnparent.com • October 2014 51

EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE Parent Aware

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Situated on a 110-acre area of our Environmental Educational Preserve, the Dodge Nature Preschool brings the natural world into the lives of young children.

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St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development St. David’s Center is dedicated to building relationships that nurture the development of every child and family. We serve more than 2,400 families throughout the Twin Cities annually with centerand community-based Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention & Treatment, and Life-Phase Services.

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French Academy of Minnesota, The The French Academy, a total Frenchimmersion private school serving students 33 months - grade 5, offers a curriculum combining Minnesota and French national standards. In true French style, nativespeaking teachers empower children to become responsible, respectful, and active learners.

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International School of Minnesota, The (ISM) ISM is a private, non-sectarian, college prep school for preschool (age 3) – grade 12. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, students experience an international learning community where cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated.

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Liberty Classical Academy Building Moral Leaders for Tomorrow!

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mnparent.com • October 2014 53

EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE Minnehaha Academy As a pre-K–12 school of distinction, we focus on academic excellence while integrating Christian faith and learning.

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St. Bartholomew Catholic School St. Bartholomew provides an outstanding Catholic faith-based education for students in grades pre-K–6. Students experience a strong core curriculum with fine arts and Spanish in all grades. Service learning permeates the school year. Small classes with a focus on respect and selfdiscipline help students achieve academic excellence and spiritual growth. Call to schedule a tour!

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54 October 2014 • mnparent.com

Visitation School Visitation School provides an excellent academic program within a Catholic environment. Visitation is coed from preschool - grade 6 and Minnesota’s only all-girls college preparatory school in grades 7–12.

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ADVERTISER LISTINGS Minnetonka Public Schools Among the state’s highest performing school districts, Minnetonka is recognized nationally for classroom technology. Small class sizes allow personalized learning.

Every school offers a language immersion option (Chinese, Spanish, or English) beginning in Kindergarten. Specialized programs for highly gifted students.

952-401-5000 minnetonka.k12.mn.us/enroll Clear Springs Elementary School: 5701 Cty Rd 101, Minnetonka 952-401-6950 Deephaven Elementary School: 4452 Vine Hill Rd, Deephaven 952-401-6900 Excelsior Elementary School: 441 Oak St, Excelsior 952-401-5650 Groveland Elementary School: 17310 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka 952-401-5600 Minnewashta Elementary School: 26350 Smithtown Rd, Excelsior 952-401-5500 Scenic Heights Elementary School: 5650 Scenic Heights Dr, Minnetonka 952-401-5400

White Bear Lake Area School District The White Bear Lake Area School District serves nearly 9,000 students in programs ranging from Early Childhood offerings to high school graduation. Students at all levels achieve outstanding results though community partnerships, world language experiences, and International Baccalaureate opportunities.

4855 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake 651-407-7500 isd624.org Elementary Schools (Gr. K-5): Birch Lake Elementary 1616 Birch Lake Ave, White Bear Lake Hugo Elementary (Gr. K-1): 14895 Francesco Ave N, Hugo Lakeaires Elementary: 3963 Van Dyke St, White Bear Lake Lincoln Elementary: 1961 6th St, White Bear Lake Matoska International IB World School: 2530 Spruce Place, White Bear Township Oneka Elementary (Gr. 2-5): 4888 Heritage Pkwy N, Hugo Otter Lake Elementary: 1401 Cty Rd H2, White Bear Township

Vadnais Heights Elementary: 3645 Centerville Rd, Vadnais Heights Willow Lane Elementary: 3375 Willow Ave, White Bear Lake Middle Schools (Gr. 6–8): Central Middle School: 4857 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake Sunrise Park Middle School: 2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake High School Campuses (Gr. 9–12): White Bear Lake Area High School North (Gr. 9–10) 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake White Bear Lake Area High School South (Gr. 11–12) 3551 McKnight Rd, White Bear Lake White Bear Lake Area Learning Center (Gr. 9–12) 2449 Orchard Ln, White Bear Lake

Specialty Academy of Whole Learning Academy of Whole Learning is the exceptional school for exceptional learners.

We provide a personalized learning path integrating academics, social, and life skills for qualifying students with an autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability, grades 3–12. A primary program will be opening for the 2015-16 school year.

9400 Cedar Lake Rd, Ste 7 St. Louis Park 763-231-2700 twls.org

rich artistic experiences, all of which are appropriate to the age of the child.

Students transfer successfully from mainstream middle schools.

Urban Minneapolis 612-767-1502 clws.org

Groves Academy Groves is Minnesota’s foremost authority on teaching students with learning disabilities and attention disorders. Groves’ learning program provides an independent day school for grades 1–12, and 45 workshops, webinars, and special events annually. Services include teacher training, diagnostic assessments, tutoring, support for young adults, and summer programs.

3200 Hwy 100 S St. Louis Park 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

Mad Science of Minnesota Schoolhouse Chess of Minnesota Hands-on interactive and educational programs allow your child to explore their interest in science or chess. We bring our programs to you, whether an in-class field trip, large group assembly, or entertainment for a birthday party, preschool - grade 6.

Mad Scientists come to you!

(All of MN & Western WI) 651-793-5721 mn.madscience.org

Northern Clay Center Art Academy, The City Pages Winner: Best of the Twin Cities! Year-round traditional drawing and painting classes and camps for students ages 5-18 years. Exceptional student/ teacher ratio. Homeschool Program. A Renaissance Program for adults also offered. See samples of student artwork; visit our website. Call for a brochure.

651 Snelling Ave S St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net

Northern Clay Center facilitates a variety of exciting ceramic classes and outreach opportunities for kids ages 6 years and up.

We offer pottery and sculpture classes for all skill levels. Visit our website for more information.

2424 Franklin Ave E Minneapolis 612-339-8007 northernclaycenter.org

City of Lakes Waldorf School Serving 250 children in pre-K - grade 8, Waldorf’s rich and varied curriculum includes rigorous academic work and

mnparent.com • October 2014 55

Out About PARENT PICK

ZooBoo Î The Como Zoo is transformed for the holiday into a family-friendly, non-scary celebration as a fundraiser for the plants and animals of the zoo, including live entertainment, animal visitors and crafts.

When: 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18–19 and 24–26 Where: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: $6 per person. Ticket fourpacks are available for $22.

Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201

SoftBums MNP 1014 V6.indd 1

OCT. 1–31

9/18/14 11:17 AM

HowlZooWeen Complete Cremation Services Professional • Dignified • Economical

Minneapolis Chapel 4343 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-2435

Î Celebrate fall babies — and things that go bump in the night — throughout October at the zoo. Enjoy the fall colors and experience up-close encounters with creatures both cute (baby moose and lynx kittens) and creepy (bats and tarantulas).

Participate in hands-on education programs and, on weekends, enjoy games, face painting and live music. On Oct. 31, members of the zoo can trick or treat at the zoo indoors. Pre-registration is required and participants will be limited to the first 2,000 members to sign up.

When: Oct. 1-31 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Look online for specific event costs.

Info: mnzoo.org

Edina Chapel 7110 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (952) 924-4100

OCT. 17–18 The Cremation Society™ of Minnesota “We are Minnesota’s Cremation Specialist” Serving the entire state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Owned and Operated by the Waterston Family.

www.cremationsocietyofmn.com 56 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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St. Louis Park Halloween Party Î Celebrate the season with nature-themed games, trails and refreshments at this 33rdannual event.

10/17/13 10:40 AM

When: 6:30–9 p.m. Oct. 17–18 Where: Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. Louis Park Cost: $8 for residents, $9 for nonresidents registered by Oct. 8, $10/$11 after Oct. 8. Pre-registration is required.

Info: stlouispark.org or 952-924-2540

OCT. 24 Halloween Extravaganza Î Take the scary trail or the friendly trail, depending on your interests. Then take part in story time, wagon rides, face painting and a costume contest.

When: 5:30–10 p.m. Oct. 24 Where: Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul Cost: $6 for members, $9 for nonmembers, free for ages 2 and younger.

Info: dodgenaturecenter.org or 651-455-4531

OCT. 25 Skate-O-Ween Î The Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis hosts this open skating event, with free

Halloween Calendar lessons and demonstrations. Costumes are encouraged!

When: 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Augsburg College Ice Arena, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: fscmpls.org or 612-359-6490

50th & France Pumpkin Fest

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Î Balloon-twisting artists, horse-drawn trolley rides, trick-or-treating and other seasonal activities await visitors at this annual event.

When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: 50th & France business district, Edina Cost: FREE Info: 50thandfrance.com or 952-922-1524

Monster Mash Halloween Party Î Take part in age-appropriate games, activities, dancing and treats.

When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Lynnhurst Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4914.

Howl-o-Ween Î Trick-or-treat among owls, wolves and bears, show off your costumes, sip apple cider at the campfire, decorate your own trick-or-treat bag and enjoy treats.

When: Noon–4 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Wildlife Science Center, Columbus Cost: $8 for adults, $6 for children Info: wildlifesciencecenter.org or 651-464-3993

Halloween at the Art Park Î Don your costume and enjoy the holiday with a trick-or-treat tour and a craft activity.

When: 1–4 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Caponi Art Park, Eagan Cost: $5 suggested donation Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412

mnparent.com • October 2014 57

Out About Van Cleve Halloween Party Î Bring your little ghosts and goblins out for age-appropriate games, activities, dancing and treats — a low-scare but highfun event for families.

When: 2–4 p.m. Oct. 25 Where: Van Cleve Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4926.

Poppy ‘14, Accepted to MIT, enrolled at Stanford and future Ph.D. student

OCT. 26 Great Pumpkin Halloween Festival Î This Sundays at the Landmark event includes a costume parade, crafts and entertainment.

When: 1 p.m. Oct. 26 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org Diana ‘03, MIT Graduate and Neuroscience Ph.D. Candidate, University of Minnesota

DISCOVER

Trick ‘r Trolley Î Wear your Halloween costume and hop on a trolley for a ride, a story and a treat.

When: 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Where: Minnesota Streetcar Museum, Minneapolis Cost: $5 per passenger. Purchase tickets at Wild Rumpus Books, Minneapolis.

Info: trolleyride.org or 952-922-1096

Minnehaha Academy Admission Information Programs

October 23, 6:45 p.m.

Grades PreK–8 4200 West River Parkway, Mpls.

October 27, 6:45 p.m.

Grades 9–12 3100 West River Parkway, Mpls.

OCT. 29 Halloween Hijinks Puppet Show Î Sing along and laugh with animal puppets, make a seasonal craft and enjoy a snack at this event geared toward ages 2 to 5.

When: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Oct. 29 Where: Maplewood Nature Center Cost: $5 per child. Register online.

Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com

PreK–12 Christian Education Bus Routes Throughout Metro Tuition Assistance To schedule a tour call 612-728-7756 or visit MinnehahaAcademy.net 58 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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Preschool Family Halloween Party Î Ages 4 and younger and their parents are invited to a party with special

9/18/14 10:50 AM

activities. Costumes are encouraged.

When: 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 29 Where: Lyndale Farmstead Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4948.

OCT. 30 Pershing Pumpkin Party Î Come one, come all to a special play time for costumed preschoolers.

When: 10–11:30 a.m. Oct. 30 Where: Pershing Park, Minneapolis Cost: $2 per child. Pre-registration required.

Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4928.

North Commons Halloween Party Î Have a festive, safe and fun Halloween with a bouncy house, carnival games and candy.

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 30 Where: North Commons Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4921.

OCT. 31 Matthews Halloween Party and Parade Î Games and treats follow the parade, which starts at 4 p.m.

When: 4–6 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Matthews Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4950.

Sibley Halloween Party Î Make the park your first stop on your trick or treating route for family-friendly games, a costume contest, spooky fun and treats.

When: 4:30–6 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Sibley Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis

Halloween Calendar

Teaching children skills for a lifetime, not just playtime.

Le Tout Petit Programme A Bilingual French/English Program for children ages 18 to 33 months

Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4954.

Grand Opening October 6

Spooktacular Party ÎÎCelebrate the season with s’mores, a hayride and a bonfire.

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Armatage Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4921.

Bottineau Halloween Party ÎÎThis is the place to trick or treat if you’re looking for family fun.

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Bottineau Field Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4958.

Fuller Halloween Party ÎÎDon’t miss out on carnival games, spooky craft projects and treats.

When: 6:30–8 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Fuller Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4963.

Serving Preschool through Elementary Ages

A true French school...in Minnesota.

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FALL FUN

Half Peck Play Area with a Monster Truck, Pirate Ship, Tractor & Train • Mountain Slide Goat Habitat

Minnesota’s Destination for FAMILY FUN Hwy 169 & Cty Rd 3, Belle Plaine, MN

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TheFrenchAcademy.org 9/16/14 4:31 PM

31st Annual

Scarecrow Contest & Festival Sept. 6–Oct. 26

100 Scarecrows on Display Wagon Rides • Giant Haystack Jump Petting Zoo • Maze

Weekend Activities

Barrel Express Train • Pony Rides Live Music

Tour Groups Welcome Make Your Group Tour Reservation Today

Tour info 952•873•3006 To enter scarecrow contest visit emmakrumbees.com

$6,900 in Prizes!

6/20/14 1:47 PM

Luxton Halloween Party ÎÎThis annual event features treat-bag giveaways and activities, too.

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Luxton Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4925.

Windom Halloween Party ÎÎEnjoy food, games and entertainment and treat bags.

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 31 Where: Windom NE Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: Register at tinyurl.com/ halloweenregister or call 612-370-4905.

mnparent.com • October 2014 59

Out About OCT. 3–24

activities. This month’s themes are Hide and Snake, Leaf Jumpers and Time to Sleep.

Preschool Pals

When: 9:15–10:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 17 and 31 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $39 for adult and child, $26 for each additional child, $13 for each additional adult. Pre-registration is required.

Info: parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack or 651-407-5350

Î This ongoing program is for preschoolers ages 3½ to 4 with activities encouraging child-directed exploration of the zoo’s animals and their habitats. October sessions will cover spiders, birds, snakes, bugs and bats.

When: 9:30–11:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 10, 16, 17, 24 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: $20 per class for zoo members, $25 for non-members. Package discounts are available. Advanced ticket purchase is required.

Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200

OCT. 3–31 Frogs and Polliwogs Î This fall series for ages 2 to 5 (with an accompanying adult) includes a story time, nature hike and other nature-themed

OPENING OCT. 3 Flight of the Butterflies Î This 45-minute Omnitheater film tells the true story of the 40-year quest of one scientist — and a legion of citizen scientists he recruited to help him — to find the monarch’s secret winter hideaway. Afterward, visit the museum’s Butterfly House to experience the creatures up close.

Have a Wild Birthday at Como Zoo!

Fun Birthday Parties for children ages 3 and up!

Call 651-487-8272 for more

information or to schedule your party.

60 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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When: Opening Oct. 3

Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Omnitheater admission is $8 for adults, $7 for kids and seniors and free for museum members. Butterfly House admission is $5 per person (free for ages 4 and younger).

Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

OCT. 4–6 Toddler Time: Frolic with Forest Friends Î Join a zoo naturalist for a story, an animal encounter, a movement activity and an art project at this program for ages 2 to 3 with an adult.

When: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Oct. 4 and 6 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: $15 for one adult and one child for zoo members, $20 for non-members.

Advanced ticket purchase is required.

Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200

mnparent.com/calendar

· Birthday Art Parties · Release Day Classes · Drop–In Paint · Member Specials

Holy Name of Jesus School Kindergarten Cookie Night Parents: Learn about our kindergarten program and take a tour! Kids: Decorate (and eat!) cookies!

Thursday, Nov. 6 • 6:30 p.m.

www.hnoj.org/school • RSVP 763-473-3675

Holy Name of Jesus School MNP 1014 12.indd 1

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PARENT PICK

Super Pet Saturday Î Attend a story time accompanied by a therapy dog from Pals on Paws at 10 a.m., followed by a FutureVet presentation at 11:30 a.m. in which visitors can meet a veterinarian and therapy dog to learn about the veterinarian practice and how best to care for pets at home.

When: 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 18 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: Free with museum admission, $9.95 for ages 1 and older Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

HDAYS. T IR B R E P U S W O R H T SUPER MOMS

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OCT. 4 Twin Cities Birth and Baby Expo Î New and expecting parents will find a wide a range of information for their new chapter of life, thanks to local businesses and organizations that support healthy birth and parenting from diverse perspectives.

When: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Oct. 4 Where: Burroughs School, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: twincitiesbirthandbaby.com

E IT. IT. MOMZ LOVOM R FO K S A Z ID K M S DS • EASY FOR

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12/16/11 4:04 PM mnparent.com • October 2014 61

Out About Fall Bird Banding Day

Fall on the Farm

ÎÎWatch as licensed biologists capture, band and release wild birds to learn about their migration habits, age and populations, followed by a hike with binoculars to observe wild birds.

ÎÎThis Family Zoo Adventure program for parents and their children ages 4 to 9 includes crafts, games, excursions and activities focused on different areas of the animal kingdom. Celebrate fall with a wagon ride, homemade applesauce and a bonfire on the zoo’s farm.

When: 9:30 a.m.–noon Oct. 4 Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

When: 6–8 p.m. Oct. 4 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: $18.50 per participant ($37 minimum, 1 adult, 1 child) for zoo members, $25 per participant ($50 minimum, 1 adult, 1 child) for nonmembers. Advanced ticket purchase is required.

Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200

Harvest Howl ÎÎView wolves, bears, raptors and wolf puppies at this fall celebration. Watch Native American demonstrations, meet local artists and participate in a pumpkinpainting contest.

When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Oct. 4 Where: Wildlife Science Center, Columbus Cost: $8 adults, $6 children Info: wildlifesciencecenter.org or 651-464-3993

OPENING OCT. 10 Dracula: The Musical ÎÎIn this family-friendly spoof on the classic tale of Dracula, a young girl encounters many familiar Halloween and horror

She’s my biggest investment.

That’s why I depend on NARI. Visit narimn.org or call 612-332-6274 to find a NARI-certified professional for your next remodeling project or to become a NARI member.

The NARI logo is a registered trademark of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. ©2008 NARI of Minnesota.

62 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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characters (recommended for ages 7 and older).

When: Oct. 10–Nov. 1 Where: Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, Minneapolis Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors Info: youthperformanceco.org

Zen Ties ÎÎMeet Stillwater, a lovable panda, and follow him on a journey with friends to discover the importance of helping one another.

When: Oct. 10–Nov. 2 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for ages 2–17; $5 lap passes are available for ages 3–4; free for ages 2 and younger.

Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111, ext. 4

mnparent.com/calendar

OCT. 11 Tamarack Tykes: B is for Bats Î Ages 2 to 5 with an adult are invited to learn about bats with bat-related activities.

When: 9:30–11 a.m. Oct. 11 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $3.25 for children, $7.50 for adults Info: parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack or 651-407-5350

Grand Harvest Î Grand Avenue businesses open their doors with special autumn activities, including a scarecrow contest, in celebration of the changing seasons.

When: Oct. 11 Where: Grand Avenue, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: grandave.com or 651-699-0029

OPENING OCT. 15 Design Zone Î Ever wonder what video game developers, musicians or roller coaster designers really do? Learn how they use mathematical concepts in creative problem-solving in this immersive exhibit.

When: Opening Oct. 15 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Free with museum admission ($13, $10 for ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and younger) Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

ATTENTION WOMEN 21-33: Would You Consider Being an Egg Donor?

The Center for Reproductive Medicine is seeking women between 21 and 33 years of age to donate eggs for couples who cannot otherwise achieve pregnancy.

You will be compensated for your time and dedication.

OCT. 17 Write Your Own Silly Story Î Presented by the Loft Literary Center, this program invites children in grades 1 to 3 to practice their writing skills by creating silly stories based on their own lives.

When: 12:30–2 p.m. Oct. 17 Where: Hayden Heights Library, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-793-3934

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For more information: 612-863-5390 or fill out an application online

www.ivfminnesota.com Accredited by: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, American College of OB/GYNs and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

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mnparent.com • October 2014 63

Out About

mnparent.com/calendar

Dinner and a Movie: The LEGO Movie

PARENT PICK

Drop-In Discovery Stations

Î LEGO-shaped pizza, veggies and a LEGO-themed dessert accompany this screening for ages 6 to 13.

When: 6:15–8:45 p.m.

Where: Linden Hills Park Recreation Center, Minneapolis Cost: $8 for residents, $12 for nonresidents, plus a $1 supply fee.

Pre-registration is required.

Info: minneapolisparks.org

Î These family-friendly programs on a range of nature topics offer participants chances to touch artifacts, meet live animals and sample treats from the Discovery Hollow garden.

OCT. 19–26

When: 10 a.m.–noon Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE Info: parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack or 651-407-5350

Sundays at Landmark Î The Landmark Center in St. Paul hosts a variety of free heritage festivals, musical performances and holiday celebrations though May. This month, join the Saint Paul Civic Symphony on the 19th, and enjoy the Great Pumpkin Halloween Festival on the 26th, featuring a costume parade, crafts and entertainment.

from the trees, trace an outline of yourself with festive fall foliage and natural materials, play at the sensory table with leaves and pumpkins, take part in a scavenger hunt and make a leaf crown to wear home.

MORE!

SPECIAL SIZE: 7.375” WIDE BY 3.2” HIGH

When: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org

When: Noon–4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska Cost: Free with gate admission, $12 for ages 13 and older.

Info: arboretum.umn.edu or 952-443-1400

WEEKENDS

Fantastic Foliage Î Discover why leaves change color and fall

Catalina’s Preschool Spanish Learn SpaniSh with Your ChiLd Fun music-based classes for ages 1½-6 & parents

Playing Singing Composing Free Preview Classes Ages 3-Adult CYMS Edina: Edina Community Center 5701 Normandale Rd

CYMS Roseville: Hamline Center 2819 Hamline Ave N

CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!

www.cyms.ws • 612-339-2255

612-922-2222 www.preschoolspanish.com

Maple Tree Cottage

Creative Kids Academy Imagine the Possibilities...

Early Education * 6 Weeks–12 Years

Create

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(612)724.8957

Want to learn about even more local events? Check out Minnesota Parent’s easy-to-navigate online Out&About calendar at mnparent.com/calendar.

Just click on the day you have free — or desperately need an activity or outing — and find things to do.

Have a cool family-friendly event coming up? Send all the details (and photos) to calendar@mnparent.com at least six weeks in advance.

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Free Music, Spanish, Yoga, Storytelling and Karate!

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Have a Wild Birthday at Como Zoo!

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mnparent.com • October 2014 65

From our readers

Potty training

PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

HOW DID YOUR KID GET IT DONE? My kids were both 3 and everyone kept saying it was time, but we knew they weren’t ready.

We followed their lead and it was very easy! One more to go!

— Trina Greene, Farmington

My daughter was trained at 23 months and completely out of diapers — day and night — by her second birthday. We did the three-day naked method and it worked slick. She never did like diapers or feeling wet since the day she was born.

Toby Schmitz, 14 months, of Burnsville delights in the colors and textures of autumn.

Photo by Carolyn Counihan Photography.

— Emy Farley, St. Paul

One day our son is totally ready to potty train and goes willingly, and other days it’s like he’s never heard of this magical ‘toilet’ thing.

— Jennifer Kroshus, Farmington

Sophia Vega Palacios, 7 months, Minneapolis, loves the camera!

Taylor Bertrand, 6, of Eagan was “extremely excited about having a cupcake” at Cupcake in Eagan, said her mother, Megan Sturm.

Alistair Feist, 20 months, Columbia Heights, is “an ebullient little boy who loves to read books, play with his stuffed animals and attend ECFE classes twice a week to mingle with his friends,” says his dad, Josh Feist (jfeistphotography.com).

Autumn Grace Schaupp, 8 months, of Lakeville is “very talkative, happy and observant,” says her mother, Alicia Schaupp, the photographer and owner of Moments of Grace Photography.

I used M&Ms, stickers, toy incentives, etc. It took a long time with my daughter. Finally, we discovered what made it stick — preschool. She was so excited to finally go to school, but she needed to be potty trained. Therefore, she found her motivation!

— Angel Sandriepe, Minneapolis

MORE ONLINE Read our Toddler Time columnist’s advice — and a lot more comments and ideas on potty training — at mnparent. com/toddler-time.

Want to see your kid(s) on this page? Send your favorite photos to editor@mnparent.com.

66 October 2014 • mnparent.com

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