Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine - January 2021

winter wonders

JANUARY 2021 • FREE!

NortheastOhioParent.com

WARM FASHIONS, SKI-WORTHY SLOPES

HANDS UP FOR SCHOOL NEW YEAR, NEW START

SEMESTER RESET

DIGITAL DIVIDE

LEARN & PLAY

MENTALLY PREPARED

EDUCATION IMPACT

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

+

FIND PRESCHOOL OPTIONS

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 1

2 | Family Living at Its Best

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 3

January

insiDE

NortheastOhioParent.com

10

OPEN HOU SES

H ON THE COVER:

2020 Cover Kids Winner Noah Andrews, 3, of Maple Heights, shares with us his preschool experience at our December cover shoot.

Check out th ese schools open ing their (virtual and in-person) doors to fam ilies this winter.

16

08

Plus, Northeast Ohio Parent 2021 Preschool Guide: Find an option that best fits your child’s needs.

Starting on pg. 18.

12

31

Kids learn reallife skills through science, technology, engineering and math. Plus, STEM Showcase on pg. 36.

4 | Family Living at Its Best

30

EDUCATION NEWS

43

Bundle up baby in these winter clothing trends.

Plus, advice for staying warm.

GAINING STEAM

WORTH NOTING How organizations are working to overcome the digital divide, Reading Room and more.

What’s happening at schools and educational organizations across the region.

BUNDLE UP

Help your children overcome virtual school fatigue.

EDITOR’S NOTE Hit the reset on the new year.

Activities for preparing your preschooler for school.

features

GETTING THROUGH IT

06

PURPOSEFUL PLAY

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY KIMSTAHNKEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

14

departments

FAMILY CALENDAR

38

HIT THE SLOPES

What you need to know to get started with skiing. Plus, a listing of places you can have winter fun. Plus, check out Winter Fun Listings on pg. 40 and Winter Hike events on pg. 42.

Squeeze in some fun with ideas from our schedule of local events, including in-person and virtual options.

48

AGING ANSWERS

Winter home heating options available for seniors.

50

#CLEMAMA

Hoping to get things done in 2021.

Gilmour S

Safe

U

M

ME

R CA M

P

LS • OHIO

GATES MIL

2021

Travel through summer safely this year at Camp Gilmour.

With nine weeks of new offerings and old favorites for children as young as 3, Camp Gilmour has something for everyone! From our Day Camp to Preschool Camp, sports camps to arts camps - children will be active, entertained and safe all summer long! We will continue to utilize the successful safety protocols outlined in University Hospitals’ Healthy Restart Playbook to ensure the safety of everyone.

ACT FAST LIMITED ENROLLMENT REGISTRATION OPENS JAN. 4 visit gilmour.org/summercamp

Educating the mind Empowering the heart

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 5

PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor's NOTE

Hit Reset in the New Year I can list all the things — and I am sure you can, too — about 2020 that were depressing and, honestly, downright awful.

But, I won’t. I realized last month that I have to stop worrying and appreciate the things we have in life. Our beloved Scottish terrier, Jagger, died suddenly two weeks before Christmas. He was almost 12. It was really the first time my boys lost a fourlegged family member. Our family is devastated, though the pain of losing him seems small in a global pandemic with hundreds of thousands of people losing loved ones.

We started feeling grateful that we were able to spend quality time together as a family last year. We know now that time is precious, and that’s what we will keep and cherish.

This month, challenges still lie ahead, but I feel a bit more hopeful. I have a new perspective that, maybe, things will finally be OK. That’s why, in this issue, you will find ways to hit the reset button in 2021, especially as we head into a new school semester.

Maybe your kids are going back into the classroom or staying virtual, but the impacts of last year still linger. Let’s make sure everyone is mentally prepared for what’s next (pg. 14).

Get your littlest ones learning at home with preschool play tips (pg. 16), or if you’re planning to send your child to school, we have loads of preschool options.

There’s one way to help my kids stay active this winter — it’s getting outside on our backyard ice rink or snowboarding. It’s already started, and I can’t tell you how joyous my sons were when the first snow hit. They had a socially distant snowball fight with the neighbor kids. Winter, just like summer, provides plenty of opportunities to get outside and be active, including local sledding hills, outdoor ice rinks and hiking trails. We feature some local skiing and snowboarding options — and it’s not as difficult or expensive as you think (pg. 38). Also, Jessica Dill, a mom and former local news anchor-turned-blogger, shares with us some tips and ideas for cozy, warm baby wear.

I am excited to bring back storytime events to you and your families (pg. 46). While many of these are virtual, it’s still important learning — and provides a nice daytime break for you and the kids. I know when my boys were little, storytimes were essential to our existence — and sometimes, sanity.

Finally, I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking a little about summer, which might be filled with a big trip for us — or maybe camp for the boys. Whatever it is, my goal is to start planning early. Looking forward to what’s coming next helps me get through whatever tomorrow brings.

VOL. NO. 8 • ISSUE NO. 01

January 2021 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioParent.com PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell

brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITORIAL:

EDITOR - Angela Gartner

angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - Marisa Palmieri Shugrue marisa@northeastohioparent.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER - Sherry Lundberg

sherry@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING SALES:

Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com Samantha Olp, 330-636-6127 sam@northeastohioparent.com Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohioparent.com Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohioparent.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohioparent.com EVENT MANAGER: Tara Tonsetic, 330-819-7280 tara@northeastohioparent.com DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES: info@northeastohioparent.com

PUBLISHER OF: 2020

Proud member of

Parenting Media

Association

6 | Family Living at Its Best

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 7

Worth NOTING

Digital Equity in Education

How local stakeholders are bridging the digital divide that’s hurting some kids

By Malia Jacobson

T

he past year highlighted the importance of digital access, as schools, workplaces and many essential services moved online. In Northeast Ohio, the year also highlighted the growing problem of digital exclusion: a crippling lack of access to the hardware, software, high-speed internet and technical skills necessary for success.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance studied large and medium-size cities across the U.S. and in 2018 ranked Cleveland as one of the country’s “worst connected” metropolitan areas, with nearly a third of households completely unconnected. The 2019 Connecting Cuyahoga report, funded by the Cleveland Foundation and Cuyahoga County, found that half of local households earning less than $20,000 annually lacked home internet access.

For students in unconnected households, completing schoolwork is a daily struggle: Nationwide, this digital divide prevents one in five high school students from completing homework, according to a Pew Research report. The study found that teens from the lowest income households were more than two and a half times more likely to lack a reliable computer at home, more than twice as likely to rely on public Wi-Fi for homework, and 10 percent more likely to use their smartphone to complete homework, compared to their wealthier peers.

As everything from school information to job interviews to health records moves online, families with less access to technology face a widening opportunity gap, according to the Greater Cleveland Digital Equity Coalition, a group of over 70 organizations advocating for digital equity in Northeast Ohio.

The group’s 2020 letter calling for federal support of digital connectivity initiatives urged legislators to prioritize digital inclusion before

8 | Family Living at Its Best

local students fall further behind: “We urge you to consider the importance of the above priorities, each of which will make a marked difference in closing Cleveland’s digital divide during a period in which broadband access has never been more critical.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY PATHWAYS The Connecting Cuyahoga report revealed that affordability remains a significant barrier to digital equity, according to Cuyahoga County Chief Innovation and Performance Officer Catherine Tkachyk. To establish a sustainable, low cost community internet service, the county partnered with DigitalC, a nonprofit internet service provider, to offer high-speed internet access to local households for $18 per month. Nationally, the average monthly cost for high-speed internet is around $60, per Leichtman Research Group.

Public libraries have long provided computer and internet access for cardholders, but the pandemic limited access to these vital resources. Thanks to a 2020 partnership with the Cleveland Foundation, the Cleveland Public Library System, the Cuyahoga Public Library System and Huntington Bank, local residents could borrow a mobile hotspot from a library to access the internet at home. Speaking with the National Association of Counties, Tkachyk reported that the mobile hotspot program included 710 hotspots available at Cuyahoga County Library branches. During the pandemic, all 710 were consistently checked out.

Then came an even more pressing challenge — scaling digital equity programs to meet the rapidly escalating need for connectivity. Last spring, the pandemic highlighted the need to expand affordable access to reliable high-speed internet as schools across Ohio

transitioned to online classes. A 2020 study by Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) found that two-thirds of the district’s students lacked a device for remote schooling and some 40 percent didn’t have internet access at home.

To bridge the digital divide, the district, which has around 40,000 students, purchased 27,000 laptops and 13,500 mobile hotspots. A few months later, Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Foundation announced a $4 million partnership with T-Mobile to provide 10,000 computers and 7,000 Wi-Fi hotspots to support students learning remotely.

Helping more students and families get online is an important step toward greater digital equity. But without the skills to navigate the digital world, students will continue to struggle. Because digital literacy is increasingly important to school and career success, organizations like DigitalLearn.org and The Literacy Cooperative of Northeast Ohio offer digital skills training for students and parents.

Access to the internet and devices can’t completely solve the problem of digital equity or resolve the digital void revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CMDS CEO Eric Gordon. “When we shut down in Ohio, we told people, ‘go home, stay at home, apply for unemployment online, apply for jobs online, go to school online, go to your doctor online,’” Gordon noted in a recent interview with the Northeast Ohio Solutions Journalism Collaborative. “We need to broaden this conversation… This is not (just) a school problem, this is a problem of the internet not being a public utility in this country.”

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and family journalist.

How to

}

HELP 4 Donate a device or purchase a refurbished one at PCs for People, a local organization working to increase access to technology while reducing electronic waste.

4 Volunteer for organizations that support digital literacy for refugee families with the Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland.

✳

Product Review

“REC-TANGLE” Brain Teaser from ThinkFun

If you want your kids to get off screens, ThinkFun’s brain teasers and other games might provide some entertainment and learning for hours. We learned this at home through the “Rec-Tangle,” for ages 8 and older, which seems like a simple puzzle requiring you to put eight pieces into a rectangle. Well, it wasn’t as easy as we thought. My boys spent countless hours with this puzzle. The best part was they were working together — away from their devices. Also, they were using critical thinking and geometry skills. ThinkFun has other brain teasers and games to get your littlest ones thinking, like “My First Rush Hour “(ages 3 and older), a matching game. Check out thinkfun.com for more information.

Want to get new games? We will be doing ThinkFun giveaways all month! Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for details.

— Angela Gartner

4 Learn more about the Greater Cleveland Digital Equity Fund at cleveland foundation.org/digital excellence.

READING ROOM Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure

By Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes; illustrated by Joelle Murray

In this STEM-themed story, Libby hosts a puppy party for her friends and their dogs. With the help of her friend Rosa and little brother, Libby decorates, stuffs goody bags and bakes delicious cupcakes. But when they realize they’ve forgotten an important ingredient, they use science to solve the problem — just in the nick of time.

Focused

By Alyson Gerber

Clea can’t control her thoughts. She knows she has to do her homework, but she gets distracted. It’s starting to be a problem-not just in school, but when Clea’s playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. She finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be. She’s not sure how to fix the problem, but that’s what she’s going to have to do — find a way to focus.

Telling Time

By David A. Adler and illustrated by Edward Miller

BO GIVE OK AWA Y

Readers follow along as a loveable crew of kid astronauts and their Martian friends go about their daily routines, exploring the differences between seconds, minutes and hours; what a.m. and p.m. mean; and how to tell time on both digital and analog clocks. Ten seconds to lift off!

Are you ready?

Check Facebook.com/NEOhioParent for book giveaway details!

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 9

WINTER OPEN HOUSES LAKEWOOD CATHOLIC ACADEMY

ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL

14808 Lake Ave., Lakewood 216-521-0559, lcasaints.com Jan. 31: Noon-2 p.m.

9200 Olde 8 Road, Northfield 330-467-7921, sbcatholicschool.com Jan 31: 11 a.m.-1 p.m (Virtual)

MENLO PARK ACADEMY

ST. HILARY SCHOOL

2149 W. 53rd St., Cleveland 440-925-6365, menloparkacademy.com Jan. 23 & March 6: 10-11:30 (Virtual)

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland 216-421-0700, clevelandmontessori.org Jan. 13: 5:30 p.m. (Virtual) Jan. 23 (Schedule Personal Tour)

CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

4687 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-0575, cvcaroyals.org Jan. 28 & Feb. 2

INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY 6620 Pearl Road, Parma Heights 440-842-6818, incarnatewordacademy.org Jan. 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3: Personal Tours

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS Akron 380 Mineola Ave., Akron 330-333-5280, juliebilliartschool.org Jan. 20 & March 31: 9-10:30 a.m. (Virtual) Feb. 17: 6-7:30 (In-Person)

Lyndhurst 4982 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 216-381-1191, juliebilliartschool.org Feb. 10: 9-10:30 a.m. (Virtual) Westlake 3600 Crocker Road, Westlake 440-471-4150, juliebilliartschool.org Jan. 20 & March 24: 4-5:30 p.m. (In-Person) Jan. 27 & March 31: 6-7:30 (Virtual) Feb. 17: 6-7:30 p.m. (In-Person) Feb. 24: 9-10:30 a.m. (Virtual)

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-1175, lakeridgeacademy.org Jan. 25: 5:30 p.m.

Upper School & Kindergarten Readiness (Virtual) Jan. 26: 5:30 p.m.

Lower & Middle School (Virtual) Feb. 22: 5:30 p.m.

Upper School & Kindergarten Readiness Feb. 23: 5:30 p.m.

Lower & Middle School

10 | Family Living at Its Best

MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

28370 Bassett Road, Westlake 440-871-8773, montessorichildrensschool.com Call for a personal tour.

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

1375 W. Exchange St., Akron 330-836-9384, theelms.org Jan. 22 & Feb. 19: Noon (Virtual)

645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn 330-867-8720 ext. 343, st-hilaryschool.org Kindergarten Kaleidoscope Virtual Open House Register by Dec. 31: dsinopoli@st-hilary.org K-8 Virtual Open House Register by Jan. 15: dsinopoli@st-hilary.org

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL

500 Mull Ave., West Akron 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school Jan. 31: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Shaker Heights Campus (Grades Junior K-8) 20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights 216-321-8260, us.edu Virtual campus tours available.

3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7571, ruffingmontessori.net Jan. 23: Noon (Virtual) 6923 Stow Road, Hudson 330-342-4200, setoncatholicschool.org Jan. 31: 2-4 p.m.

Hunting Valley Campus (Grades 9-12) 2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley 216-831-2200, us.edu

ST. RAPHAEL SCHOOL

525 Dover Center Road, Bay Village, 440-871-6761, saintraphaelparish-school.com Jan. 13: 10-11 a.m. appointment only Jan. 13: 6-8 p.m. walk-ins welcome

Submit your open house to us at: openhouse@northeast ohioparent.com

- SPONSORED CONTENT -

S C HO L A R

SHIP CON

TEST

N F OR NOW OP E E RS D 6 -12 GR A

Now in its 13th year, the Stop the Hate contest is comprised of two components: Youth Speak Out Essay Writing Contest and Youth Sing Out Songwriting Contest. Both celebrate Northeast Ohio students in sixth to 12th grade who are committed to creating a more S AND inclusive society by IZEaccepting, 0 IN PR ,00speaking standing$up and out against 100 , and bigotry as they ENTSbias TUDprestigious Swin R O F compete for the chance to awards.

S D R AWA OLS and with the help HOenter, C S Each year, aboutR3,000 students D N A , S TE ACHEreaders, arning of 400 volunteer 25opfinalists the Hate Le are named. Since the our new St on e ation tools or m as educstudents Learn more than bi ticontest started, 30,000 in 12 counties across an e cess fre rtal plus ac NortheastPoOhio have participated, and $1.2 million has been ur To l ta Digi op the Hate Take a Stand awarded to students schools. es iti tiv ac l ith optiona Rooted in thew Jewish value of respect for all humanity, the hop with oom Works ing)to give young people a Classrthat rit gw Maltz Museum is proud it continues Book on (s ic erican Mus Roots of Am writing) of all faiths and backgrounds a platform to speak out in support ie Ink (essay Er ke La or of inclusion and diversity. t es nt te co op the Ha Enter the St Out) or (Youth Sing as a class Speak Out) th ou (Y dual as an indivi

To learn more, visit learn.maltzmuseum.org LE ARN.MA

M.ORG LT ZMUSEU

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 11

Bundle A look at winter baby clothing trends and advice for staying warm

W

UP!

By Jessica Dill

inter is upon us in Northeast Ohio, which means a change of apparel. It’s time for layers upon layers of clothing not only for us — for our children.

As parents, we know the most important thing is to make sure our children are snug, warm and safe from winter’s frosty grasp. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still make them look fabulous, right?

Fortunately, there are many fun winter trends geared toward babies this year.

Let’s start with waffle sweaters, one of the biggest trends for babies in 2020. Waffle knit sweaters are woven into small little patterns that look like mini breakfast waffles.

For boys, pair a waffle sweater with a good pair of baby jeans. For girls, grab those knit tights and swing skirts.

Cleveland mom Calli Roberts-Mulvey has an 1-year-old baby named Stella. She says she loves styling Stella for winter.

“It’s all about layers,” Roberts-Mulvey says. “A cute top with a cardigan over it, (or a) vest, sweatshirts, and a warm hat for any occasion.”

Roberts-Mulvey says she sees a lot of stores carrying baby clothing that look like adult clothes.

“Seeing a baby dressed in jeans, boots and a flannel gives me all the heart eyes,” Roberts-Mulvey says.

12 | Family Living at Its Best

Little Footwear You can’t talk about winter in Northeast Ohio without discussing boots. Whether it’s Uggs or Muck Boots, there are a lot of options for baby booties.

Unfortunately, boots often don’t stay on their little feet, but luckily there are companies out there who are trying to make our lives easier.

A company called Ten Little has podiatrists and pediatricians creating its shoes, so they can support your little one’s feet and make sure they stay on.

And then there are Squid Socks, created by an engineer after seeing so many babies remove their own socks. They have silicone inside the cuff, which prevents your baby from taking them off.

If your baby isn’t walking yet, does he or she really need shoes?

“For most babies, barefoot is best for development of early walking and pre-walking skills,” says Dr. Kimberly Churbock, pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic. “Soft-soled shoes like moccasins or grippy slipper socks are good options if you need a little extra coverage between tiny feet and cold floors.”

Cold Protection If you’re heading outdoors, don’t forget baby coats or snowsuits. Just make sure you don’t have your child

wear one in his or her car seat.

“For winter car rides, babies and toddlers should be dressed in warm but thin layers,” Churbock says.

“Bulky or puffy clothing and coats can compress in the event of a crash and leave too much space between baby and his or her car seat straps.”

One option, she adds, is to place your child’s coat on backward over top of his or her already secured car seat harness.

Churbock also recommends external car seat covers. They keep your baby warm and protected, especially when you’re carrying him or her from the car to your destination.

Just make sure you can always see your child’s breathing and comfort.

New parents also have a plethora of options for hats and mittens for their babies.

Crocheted sets are very popular right now, as are matching mommy-daughter beanies.

As for gloves, it’s a good idea to have two or three sets in your diaper bag, since babies are amazing at removing those, too.

Don’t be ashamed if your little one is driving home with mismatched gloves. That happens to the best of us.

By the way, mitten clips are a perfect solution to this problem. Simply attach your child’s mittens to his or her coat sleeves, and you’re all set for a winter walk or a car ride to run errands.

Let’s be honest, though. As cute as it is to see babies in their winter gear, we’re not really keeping them outside in Northeast Ohio winters. Snap that cute sled picture and bring your little one back inside.

Sleep Wearables

But what about bedtime? It’s important not to have toys, pillows or blankets in the crib with our babies until they are 1 year old. So how do we keep them warm?

“Consider dressing your baby in layers similar to what you wear to bed, plus one additional layer,” Churbock says. “Wearable blankets and sleep sacks are an appropriate option for that extra layer.”

Fortunately, fleece is always a fash-

ionable option.

Consider fleece crib sheets or fleece-footed pajamas.

Just make sure you buy pajamas with zippers. Have you ever seen a sleep-deprived parent try to figure out snaps or buttons in the dark? It’s hard enough in the daylight, so make it easy on yourself and buy the zipper pajamas.

Here’s the best part about baby trends: You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your little one look fashionable. There are some great deals at places like Carter’s, Target, H&M and Amazon. And don’t forget thrift shopping.

Kayla Palko-Smith of Berea works at University Hospitals and owns a baby bow company called A Lil Love Bows. She says she has always been a big fan of thrift shopping for her two-year-old daughter, Aubree.

“At first I thought I would never buy secondhand for her, but then I went in and couldn’t believe how much I was able to get,” Palko-Smith says. “I have found so many nice items and name brands too, including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Carhartt and North Face.”

Honestly, who cares about what’s popular this year? As long as your little one is safe and warm, have fun with their style.

Remember, the baby phase doesn’t last forever and one day they’re going to tell you their opinion of the outfit you bought for them. Until then, delight in the dazzling and stylish outfits you can create from the closet while cooped up inside from the cold.

Then layer up and enjoy the enchantment of the winter season and the look of wonder on your child’s face as she catches snowflakes on her tongue… and on her clipped-on mittens.

We offer content for kids, too!

View KidStream videos online at NortheastOhio Parent.com

Jessica Dill is a broadcast journalist turned blogger. The Cleveland native, an award-winning TV news anchor and reporter, is taking a quick break from television to be home with her husband, Michael, and their new baby, Vivian. Learn more at jessicalynndill.com.

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 13

Semester RESET EDUCATION

Getting through it

As virtual school fatigue set in, experts share how parents can continue to help their kids cope.

N

ow that we’re past the anxiety of navigating a COVID-19 holiday season, we can transition to thinking about school again.

The truth is, gearing up to spend another semester as teacher, tutor and tech support is daunting for parents.

“We are just tired,” said Ethan Benore, Ph.D., head of Cleveland Clinic Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health. “We are tired from the stress. Tired of the Zoom meetings.”

For kids, who don’t have the perspective adults do, this feeling can be overwhelming.

“The longevity of this situation is taking its toll on everyone,” says Melody Schilt, a licensed therapist working in Mentor schools for Crossroads Health, a nonprofit mental health provider for individuals and families in Lake County.

In schools mental health providers are seeing a general rise in stress levels, she says, which often leaves kids — and adults — unable to cope with smaller stresses.

Miscommunications become meltdowns and teachers and kids alike are short-tempered from being at such a heightened stress level for so long.

“Constant adjustment is difficult for kids because they really thrive on consistency and structure, knowing what’s coming next,” says Amber Thomas, chief clinical officer of child

FamilyLiving Livingat atIts ItsBest Best 14| |Family 14

By Angie Zam and adolescent programming at Crossroads.

“When you’re in person (for school), you get used to a routine and rhythm,” she says.

“As kids are flip-flopping to virtual, it changes that consistency and routine.”

Thomas also points to other challenges kids face learning in the virtual world, including a lack of nonverbal clues and increased difficulty being creative and even paying attention.

“There’s a different kind of energy that happens when you are with people versus virtually,” she says So, as we send our kids back to school — however that looks in your district — what can we do to ease anxiety and build confidence, putting kids in the right frame of mind to succeed?

BE ON THE LOOKOUT

“If you’re seeing a change in behavior in your kids, that’s a tell-tale sign (of distress),” Thomas says. They might be struggling with trying to learn in a different way or from a lack of socialization. Whatever it is, it can show up in different ways.

Is your talkative kid not sharing as often?

Is your quiet kid asking questions? Schilt says these can be signs of stress.

Another sign: the emotional shutdown.

“We keep thinking, ‘Once summer hits it will be fine,’” she says. “‘Once we all come back from winter break, it will be fine.’ It’s a lot easier to avoid the feeling altogether than actually experience it. The longer they hold that in, the bigger the explosion can come from it because you’re supposed to feel your feelings.”

BE CURIOUS

Ask your child how their experience is without leading or projecting. Instead of asking, “Is it weird looking at your teacher through plexiglass or Zoom?” Try: “How was your Zoom class?”

And when they are willing to talk, listen.

“Allow kids to vent,” Benore says. “Taking two to five minutes to be quiet and listen to your child will help. If they have a reasonable question, try to provide a reasonable answer.

Information can reduce anxiety from this uncertainty.”

Benore also advises caregivers to limit kids from unnecessary media exposure.

“A lot of the information shared right now can tend to heighten one’s fear,” he says.

Because we are living in a time where it seems there are more questions than answers, Schilt suggests we normalize the uncertainty for our kids. Let them know they are not alone in the way they are feeling.

“Make sure you’re the person they come to,” Schilt says. “The answer still might be that we don’t know, but explain to them why you don’t know.”

SCHEDULE SOME FUN

Add structure and consistency but remember the fun factor, experts say. Virtual school brings a lot of task-oriented work, so

add new routines that involve play and find fun ways to experience old routines.

Board games, daily walks and festive family dinners offer a break and a chance to talk.

Maybe you used to go out for Mexican on Fridays. Plan weekly fiestas at home instead.

“Even if your kid can’t go to gymnastics, find ways to nurture that interest,” Schilt says. “We need to continue to encourage their curiosity, imagination and their passions.”

Get creative. Reach out to other parents to share ideas.

Find ways to safely socialize.

“People were really good at doing this in May when we were talking about graduation ceremonies and people driving by and honking for birthdays,” Benore says. “We still need to do it. We’re just tired right now.”

Technology-free nights are important, but remember that not all screen time is a bad thing. In fact, for teens, it may be just what they need.

“Teenagers like to connect, and it’s important for their development,” Benore says. “I think you can forgive yourself if they have the phone or computer with them more than you would like.”

He adds that while social media is a great outlet for teens who may feel isolated, it’s important to set clear rules and expectations.

“Teenagers just struggle thinking things through,” he says. “Help them understand what a good decision is and how to make a good decision. It’s not about just telling them no.”

HELP YOURSELF FIRST

“Kids look to the adults,” Schilt says. “They look for us to set the norm and set the standard.”

The key to helping a kid who is out of sorts and struggling is having a parent who is calm and not struggling themselves.

The experts all suggest calling in support where you can, getting regular exercise and engaging in whatever self-care works for you.

“You have to get in a good place before you can get your kids in a good place,” Thomas says.

“Parents often feel like we have to be the strong ones and you don’t want to fall apart in front of your child, but this is worrisome and it has taken its toll on all of us,” Benore says. “Acknowledge it. Put it in perspective.

This isn’t going to be a great year, but we are going to get through it.”

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 15

Semester RESET PRESCHOOL

Purposeful

P L A Y

Making connections and preparing your preschooler for school

By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

essie Barbarich loves to watch her 4-year-old daughter play. Norah loves to play, whether it’s imaginative play with Barbies or toy ponies, physical play inspired by splashing in puddles or even creative play that brings markers to life so that they do more than add color to paper. Most times, Barbarich notes, Norah’s play mimics things happening in her life or stories or shows she has viewed.

J

Kama Ricks of Maple Heights, and her son Noah Andrews, 3, practice the flashcards provided by his teacher.

Photo by Kim Stahnke

16 | Family Living at Its Best

Barbarich is the visual and performing arts department chair at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby. As an educator, she naturally looks for ways to use Norah’s play to reinforce or build skills she believes her daughter will need to be successful in school. However, like many parents, she finds herself thinking about the impact of the pandemic on Norah’s skill development and the fact that Norah’s play is mostly at home with her family.

Cris Vanek, director of the Teaching Learning Center at Lakeland Community College, has heard from plenty of concerned parents during this time. Currently, this laboratory school (aka a teacher training program) is in complete remote learning mode. As young children have been at home, Vanek has talked with many parents about how to continue building skills while also being receptive to a child’s age, developmental stage and interests.

Vanek notes that parents concerned about building their child’s “school” skills during this unprecedented time have begun using worksheets or traditional workbooks. Vanek says that these tools often neglect the creativity and the social and emotional competencies that are important for children to be successful in school. These include how to take turns, how to interact appropriately when you want to engage others and how to effectively communicate.

“The value in play is the ability to meet the child where they are, and where their interests are, as well as the opportunity to build other skills,” Vanek says.

Noah Andrews, 3, went from an in-person school setting to an individualized at-home learning program due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his underlying condition of asthma, says his mom Kama Ricks of Maple Heights.

She says the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland’s Head Start preschool program has a learning through play concept. Noah works with his preschool teacher one day a week for an hour and a half. His teacher also provides him at-home learning materials. Ricks does the homeschool activities with Noah throughout the week. “‘Learn through play’ is more hands-on,” says Ricks. For example, she and Noah may practice math skills by counting beans the teacher provided in food trays. “I like it because (the teacher) is solely focused on him. I am more involved and feel more connected to his learning, which makes me feel good.”

Most times, during joyful play, preschoolers are actively learning, but they don’t realize they are learning. These are the times that parents can connect with their children and build skills needed for future success.

Promote Learning Through Play Though parents may be missing the resources and support of a preschool classroom for their child’s learning and development, Vanek says families can integrate many of the tools and strategies that quality early childhood classrooms use in order to promote play and support learning in their own home and daily routines.

During a time like this, purposeful play is more important than ever. “When a child engages in play-based learning, whatever is going on with that child or for that child, you learn where they are physically, emotionally, and cognitively,” Vanek says.

Vanek offers these tips for promoting purposeful play: • Promote play by empowering your child to be the “director” in their play. Ask them open ended questions, such as “What happens next? Why? What do you think?” And allow your child to explore. A preschooler’s imagination may take his or her play in unusual or even silly directions, but empower and support your child.

• Integrate purposeful play into daily routines. For instance, to develop literacy skills, play a game of looking for a certain letter as you are driving around town, such as “Let’s see how many Ms we can find,” then find the M on a sign and say the word that M is a part of.

• Label simple things around your home.

In an early childhood classroom, nearly everything is labeled. Using simple masking tape or index cards, label things in your home, too (i.e., cupboards, sink, trash can). Regular interactions become meaningful moments when young learners see the value of the printed word.

• Find ways to interact with and build upon outdoor explorations. For instance, a tree was cut down in Vanek’s yard. Interacting online with the preschoolers she works with at the Teaching Learning Center, she and the children noted the letter “O,” which they found when looking at the rings of the cut tree. Recognizing and then counting the “Os” together is an example of how Vanek uses everyday experiences to extend and enrich a young child’s learning.

• Use dramatic (pretend) play to build skills such as writing. For example, setting the table or getting ready for dinner can become a playful “trip” to a restaurant. Your child can use paper and a crayon to create a menu or take someone’s order. Don’t be concerned about the specifics of letter or word formation.

Children’s self-esteem can be affected when they are asked to write between the lines before they have developed those skills, Vanek notes. The value is in developing fine motor skills (the ability to hold a crayon/pencil) and in connecting that letters, symbols and words have meaning. It’s also important to remember that all children develop differently.

"

The value in play is the ability to meet the child where they are...

"

?

THE TEACHING LEARNING CENTER welcomes parents with questions about their children and play to connect with their team of professionals, Cris Vanek says. It is the center’s goal to be a community resource. To learn more or connect, visit lakelandcc. edu/web/ about/tlcabout or call 440-525-7196.

• Support social-emotional development and communication skills by providing opportunities for children to take turns and to have their voices heard as part of a conversation. Families can practice these skills by Zooming with family, wherever they are, and simply having meals together.

• Read books and create stories. This activity can take many forms, including making up stories together or engaging in traditional book reading. Seeing, while hearing, the print being read aloud is vital in literacy development.

Predicting what will happen, sequencing of stories (beginning, middle, end) and even acting out stories are important skills for literacy. Some children need more stimulation to engage in stories, Vanek says. She suggests that using Play-Doh to “build” characters or re-create scenes is one

Norah, 4, has a tea party.

Photo by Jessie Barbarich

way that children may stay engaged. Additionally, Vanek encourages families to think about acting out favorite stories or even songs together. The physical expression of language is another way to provide meaning and joy.

• Provide opportunities to encourage independence.

Vanek notes how challenging the physical care of young children can be. She understands that many families are balancing work responsibilities differently while also caring for their child, so she recommends considering how to set up the home environment for children to get their own snacks or pick out their own clothes. Or, perhaps families can create a homemade placemat using pictures to show how to set the table, so a child can follow the drawing and be successful in helping themselves and the family prepare for a meal.

By using a few of these suggestions for purposeful play, you will not only see the value of your child’s play, but provide the opportunity for more joyful explorations to help your child develop and be ready for traditional educational environments.

Ricks’ advice for parents is that patience is the key.

“Be mindful of learning patterns and what makes them successful when learning,” Ricks says. “Maybe it’s the time of the day (if your child struggles learning at a certain hour). You have to understand your own child and their needs. As a parent, it’s your job to guide your child and the process of learning. Once he gets back in school, I will continue on with what was given to me.”

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford has a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences with a specialization in child development and is the executive director at Fairmount Center for the Arts. Her passions include outdoor adventures, volunteering to raise potential autism service dogs and writing.

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 17

2021 Preschool GUIDE Find a school option that best fits your child’s needs.

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE

ACCEL SCHOOLS (EK-12)

With over 20 tuition-free, public charter schools in Northeast Ohio, ACCEL Schools is serving families during the pandemic with three learning options: Traditional (5 Days at School), Online (5 Days at Home) & Hybrid (Mixed Schedule). ACCEL Schools offers full-day kindergarten and an early K program for students who turn five years old by January 1. Learn more about ACCEL’s tuition-free, accredited, and award-winning schools today! accelschools.com or 216-583-5230

CANTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Canton Country Day School’s Early Learning Program is created through a collaboration of both Montessori and Reggio Emilia Approach to learning. When combined, these methods offer an enhanced educational experience that meets the needs of a variety of learners. They follow each child’s development through careful observation and promote the importance of community and creativity. Each child has the freedom to discover their world while developing a love of exploring and a joy in learning. 3000 Demington Ave. NW, Canton, 330-453-8279, cantoncountryday.org

18 | Family Living at Its Best

AIRLAWN land Massillon Rd.

286 North Cleveland Massillon Rd. North 286 North Cleveland Cleveland Massillon Child Care • Private Elementary • Summer Cam Child Care •286 Private Elementary •Mas Su

Bath rlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Child Care Private Elementary Summer Enroll in our day giftedElementary program & save money. niversary Coupon 0 rs Years Anniversary Anniversary Coupon FAIRLAWN Care ••all Private ••Summer 286 North Cleveland Massillon R Cleveland Massillon Rd. Coupon Child Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath wn/Bath 700 0-670-1700 330-670-1700 30 Years Anniversary Cou 30 Years 30 Years Anniversar Annive Our children score one to two grades higher Anniversary Coupon 30Years Years Anniversary Coupon 30North Years 30Years Years Anniversary Anniversary Coup Celebrating over 38 years!

30 Anniversary Coupon 286 Cleveland Massill 30 Years 30 Anniversary Anniversary Coup C Fairlawn/Bath airlawn/Bath 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 70-1700 on national tests.

30 Years Anniversary C 30 Years Anniversary Coupo ears Anniversary Coupon LOCATIONS WEST NEWEST LOCATIONS LOCATIONS 30 Years Anniversary Coupon VILLE BRECKSVILLE CKSVILLE Celebrating over 39 years!

Fairlawn/Bath 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 30 Years Anniversary Co NEWEST LOCATIONS NEWEST NEWEST LOCATION LOCAT 30 Years Anniversa NEWEST LOCATION NEWEST NEWEST LOCA LO Child Care • Private Elementary •LOCATION Summer Ca 30 Years Anniversary Cou NEWEST LOCATIONS NEWEST NEWEST LOCAT EST LOCATIONS BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVIL KSVILLE

lle Rd. Snowville 4949 Snowville Rd. Rd. OTHER PROGRAMS NEWEST LOCATIONS 330-670-1700 RLAWN FAIRLAWN FAIRLAWN NEWEST LOCATIONS NEWEST LOCAT Child Care • Private Elementary •FAIRLAWN Summer Camp WEST LOCATIONS FAIRLAWN FAIRLAWN FAIRLAWN ECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE FAIRLAWN FAIRLAWN 4949 Snowville Rd. NEWEST LOCATIO 4949 Snowville 4949 Snowville Rd. R owville Rd. FAIRLAWN FAIRLAWN FAIRL OFFERED 900 0-546-4900 440-546-4900 NEWEST LOCATION FAIRLAWN Child Care • Private Elementary • Summer Child Child Care Care • Private • Private Elementary Elementary • Sum veland Massillon Rd. th 6 North Cleveland Cleveland Massillon Massillon Rd. Rd. NEWEST LOC Child Care • Private Elementary • Summer C Child Child Care Care • Private • Private Elementary Elementary • Sum FAIRLAWN 286 North Cleveland Massillon Rd. 286 North 286 North Cleveland Cleveland Massillon Mass FAIRLAWN inRd. Education Learn more at www.lechaperonrouge.com llaSnowville Moga-Kennedy, StellaM.A. Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in Education 286 Cleveland Massillon Rd. 286 North 286 North Cleveland Cleveland Massillon Mass•R BRECKSVILLE 9Kennedy, for aNorth small additional fee: 4949 Snowville Rd. Avoid the hassle of half-day Kindergarten.

FAIRLAWN 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 Child Care • Private Elementary • Summ 46-4900 FAIRLAWN 286 North Cleveland Massillon 286 North 286 North Cleveland Clevela Ma FAIRLAWN Child Care • Private Elementary • Summ Cleveland Massillon Rd. 286North North Cleveland MassillonRd Rd FAIRLAWN lawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath 286 Cleveland Massillon Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education Child Care • Private Elementary • S Enroll all day gifted program & save money.

4949 Snowville Rd. Avoid the hassle ofinhalf-day Kindergarten.

• SOCCER •our KARATE • GYMNASTICS FAIRLAW 440-546-4900 Child Care • Private Elementary • Su 440-546-4900 286 North Cleveland Massillo 286 North Cleveland Mass orth Cleveland Massillon Rd. Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn 286 North Cleveland Massillon 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath -670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education •Years FIELD BALLET • SWIMMING Enroll• in our all dayOur gifted program & 30 save money. children score one toFairlawn/Bath twoTRIPS grades higher 30Years Years Anniversary CouM 30 Years Anniversar Anniv 440-546-4900 30 Anniversary Coup 286 North Cleveland 30 Years 30 Years Anniversary Annive 330-670-1700 Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bath 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670-1700 330-670 Our children score oneBRECKSVILLE to twoon grades higher 330-670-1700 ror camp enrollment ot apply summer for summer camp enrollment camp enrollment national tests.

BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILL 30 Years AnniversaryC BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILL 30 Years Anniversary 330-670-1700 CKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE 330-670-1700 Fairlawn/Ba on national tests.

330-670-1700 330-670-1700 BRECKSVILLE 30 Years Annivers NEWEST LOCATION ummer camp enrollment NEWEST NEWEST LOCA L 4949 Snowville Rd. *does not apply for summer enrollment 4949 Snowville 4949 Snowville Rd. Rd *does not *does apply not forcamp apply summer for summer camp enrollme camp BRECKSVILLE 30 Years Anniversa NEWEST LOCATION NEWEST NEWEST LOCA LO 4949 Snowville Rd. 4949 Snowville 4949 Snowville Rd. Rd BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVIL BRECKS RECKSVILLE Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education nowville Rd. Stella Moga-Kennedy, Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in Education 4949 Snowville 4949 Snowville Rd. Rd. BRECKSVILLE Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education OTHER PROGRAMS NEWEST LOCAT 330-670-17 Stella Moga-Kennedy, Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in Education 4949 Snowville Rd. BRECKSVILLE ply for summer camp enrollment 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 NEWEST LOCAT 4949 Snowville Rd. *does notTUITION: apply for 440-546-4900 summer camp enrollment WE OFFER EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 ummer camp W l49 NOW for summer for summer camp camp FAIRLAWN FAIRLAW FAIRL OTHER PROGRAMS OFFERED Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A.ininEducation Education BRECKSVILLE FAIRLAWN BRECKSVILL FAIRLAWN FAIRL 4949 Snowville Rd. NEWEST LOC 4949 Snowville 4949 Snow 4949 Snowville Rd. Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. Snowville Rd. OFFERED -546-4900 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 NEWEST LOC 440-546-4900 4949 Snowville Rd. *does not440-546-4900 apply for summer camp enro for a small additional fee: FAIRLAWN 286 North Cleveland Massillon or summer camp Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education 286 North 286 North Cleveland Clevela Ma day) 35.00/day) ($35.00/day) Enroll NOW for summer camp FAIRLAWN a Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education Enroll Enroll NOW NOW for summer for summ ca Stella Moga-Kennedy, Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in Education 286 North Cleveland Massillon Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education 286 North 286 North Cleveland Clevelan Ma BRECKSV 440-546-4900 4949 Snowville Rd. for a small additional fee: 4949 Snowville Rd 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 440-546 440-546-4900 • Infant Care • GYMNASTICS • KARATE • SOCCER FAIRLAW 286North North Cleveland Mass FAIRLAW OW for summer camp Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn/Bat Fairlaw l accepting enrollment o pting fall enrollment fall enrollment 286 Cleveland Mass .00/day) Fairlawn/Bath NOW for summer camp Fairlawn/Bath Fairlawn Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) • BALLET •Enroll FIELD TRIPS 4949 Snowvill •for SOCCER ••for KARATE • GYMNASTICS 440-546-4900 • 2, 3, 4 and 5SWIMMING Year Olds Curriculum 440-546-4900 286 North Cleveland *does not apply summer camp enrollment *does not *does apply not for apply summer summer camp enrollmen campen e Fairlawn/Bath 286 North Cleveland M *does not apply summer camp enrollment *does for not*does apply not for apply summer for summer camp330-670 enrollment camp 330-670-1700 330-67 Fairlawn/Bath ROGRAMS Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. inM.A. Education ng fall enrollment ($35.00/day) 330-670-1700 Enroll NOW for summer c 330-670-1700 Stella Moga-Kennedy, in Education Also accepting fall enrollment Also accepting Also accepting fall enrollmen fall enr •330-670-1700 FIELD TRIPS • BALLET • SWIMMING ($35.00/day) • Phonics and Math *doesnot notapply applyfor forsummer summer440-546-49 camp enrollment Fairlawn/B *does camp enrollment 330-670-1700 Fairlawn/Ba 330-670-1700 cepting fall enrollment

00* 00.00* $400.00* 0.00* 400.00*

00.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* ERED $400.00*

r *does summer enrollment ot applynot forcamp apply summer for summer camp enrollment camp enrollment

$400.00* $400.00* $400.00 $400.00* $400.00*

$400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00* $400.00 $400 OTHER PROGRAMS Alsowith accepting fall enrollment ($35.00/day) BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVIL BRECK • Private Elementary Gifted Student Program

$400.00* $400.0

*does notapply apply forsummer summer campenrollm enrollm BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVIL BRECKS *does not for camp 330-670-17 Enroll NOW for summer camp

Enroll Enroll NOW NOW forsummer summer for summe cam 330-670-17 Enroll NOW for summer camp Enroll Enroll NOW NOW for for summe cam VIRTUAL LEARNING OLDS UP TOapply 12 YEARS OF AGE BRECKSVILL pply for summer camp enrollment AVAILABLE FOR 5 •YEAR Also accepting fall enrollm 4949 Snowville Rd. *does not for summer camp enrollme Before and After School Care 4949 Snowville 4949 Snow *does not *does apply not for apply summer for sum camR BRECKSVILL 4949 Snowville Rd. 4949 Snowville 4949 Snow Enroll NOW for summer camp additional fee: Stella Moga-Kennedy, ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) Enroll NOW for summer camp ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) M.A. in Education Stella Moga-Kennedy, Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in Education BRECKSV Stella Moga-Kennedy, in Education Stella Moga-Kennedy, StellaM.A. Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education M.A. in •Education 4949 Snowville Rd Summer Camp Also accepting BRECKSV s not apply for summer camp enrollment 440-546-4900 440-546-4900 440-54 Enroll NOW for summer c 4949 Snowville Rd *does not apply for summer camp en fall enrollment Also accepting Also accepting fall enrollment fall enro WE OFFER EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN TUITION: 440-546-4900 ($35.00/day) 440-546-4900 440-546 Enroll NOW for summer ca for summer camp lATE Enroll NOW NOW for summer for summer camp camp Also accepting fall enrollment Also accepting Also accepting fall enrollment fall enroll ($35.00/day) Stella Moga-Kennedy, M.A. in Education for a small additional fee: • SOCCER 4949 Snowvil Stella M.A. in Education •INCLUDED WEMoga-Kennedy, OFFER EVERYTHING INOTHER TUITION: Nutritious Hot Meals 440-546-4900 4949 Snowvill OTHER PROGRAMS Alsoaccepting accepting fall enrollment ($35.00/day) 440-546-4900 *does not apply for summer c PROGRAMS Also fall enrollment ($35.00/day) NOW for summer camp StellaMoga-Kennedy, Moga-Kennedy,M.A. M.A.ininEducation Education 5.00/day) ($35.00/day) Enroll NOW for summer ca Enroll Enroll NOW NOW for summ for Stella 440-546-49 •• Spanish and French Instruction •($35.00/day) FIELD TRIPS MMING Also accepting fall enrollme • Infant Care 440-546-49 • SOCCE GYMNASTICS • KARATE Also accepting fall enrollmen • Infant Care OFFERED “Happy Teachers = Happy Children.”

OFFERED oll NOW for camp fall accepting enrollment oting accepting Also fallsummer enrollment fall enrollment ($35.00/day) Enroll NOW for summe • 2, 3, 4 and 5 Year Olds Curriculum ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) ($35.00 • Music Program to Instruments • 2, 3, 4with and Exposure 5*does Year Olds Curriculum *does not apply for summer camp enrollm • FIELD T *does not *does apply not for apply summer forsum sum cam for anot small additional fee: • BALLET • SWIMMING apply for summer camp enrollme for a small additional fee: *does not *does apply not for apply summer for cam • Phonics and Math ccepting fall enrollment ($35.00/day) Enroll NOW for sum • Computers Also accepting fall enrollmen Also accepting Also accepting fall en ($35.00/day) • Phonics and Math *doesnot notapply apply forsummer summercamp campen e • Private Elementary with*does Student Program for •SOCCER SOCCER GYMNASTICS •KARATE KARATE Also accepting fall enrollment •fall •Gifted • Creative• ••GYMNASTICS Art Also accepting enrol ($35.00/da *does not apply for summer Private Elementary with Gifted Student Program • Before and After Enroll School Care *doesEnroll not apply summer c NOW for summer ca Enroll NOW NOW for sum for •for FIELD TR •BALLET BALLET SWIMMING Enroll NOW for summer cam Enroll Enroll NOW for summ for •NOW FIELD TR • •SWIMMING • Yoga •• Summer Also accepting fall Camp • Before and After School Care Enroll NOW forsumme summe small additional fee: ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day ($35.0 Enroll NOW for ($35.00/day) ($35.00/day) ($35.00 • Physical Program • Nutritious Hot Meals •Fitness Summer Camp Enroll NOW for su Also accepting fall enrollmen Also accepting Also accepting fall en ($35.00/day) NOW for sum Also accepting fall accepting enrollment Also accepting Also fall enr ($35.00/day) • State-of-the-Art Buildings • Spanish and French Instruction forOTHER aEnroll small additional fee • SOCCER • KARATE • Nutritious Hot Meals PROGRA Also accepting fallenroll enro ($35.00/d OTHER PROGRAM Also accepting fall ($35.00/da • Music&Program withPlaygrounds Exposure to Instruments • Huge Indoor Outdoor • Spanish and French Instruction • FIELD TRIPS • SWIMMING ANNIVERSARY COUPON

If your child doesn’t turn 5 by Kindergarten Cut Off Date, we offer advanced Pre-K

Come Celebrate NEWESTWith LOCATION ANNIVERSARY Us Shaker Heights COUPON

If yourCenter child doesn’t 3350 Warrensville Rd. turn 5 by

$200 Off Kindergarten Cut Off Date, we offer advanced Pre-K 216-751-0320

Tuition all $200.00 atOFF* Le Chaperon Rouge Tuition Locations

*Does not apply for summer camp Offerenrollment. not valid for Summeronly.

Camp LOCATION New families NEWEST One Coupon Family Limit oneLimit coupon perPer family.

Shaker Heights

$400.00* $400.00 $400 $400.00* $400.00 $400 $400.00* $400.00* $400.0 $400.0 OTHER PROGRAM OFFERED

Also acceptingfall fall •e • GYMNASTICS • KARATE Also accepting OFFERED • Computers OFFERED • Music Program with Exposure to Instruments • Creative Art • for asmall smalladditional additionalfee fe • BALLET • aSWIMMING for • Computers • Yoga GYMNASTICS KARATE • Physical Fitness Program • •S • •GYMNASTICS • •KARATE • Creative Art BALLET SWIMMING • •F • State-of-the-Art Buildings • •SWIMMING • Yoga • •BALLET • Huge Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds

• Physical Fitness Program • State-of-the-Art Buildings • Huge Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds

SHAKER HEIGHTS 3350 Warrensville Center Rd. 216-751-0320

CCOCT19

ER PROGRAMS OFFERED

OFFERED

FAIRLAWN/BATH 286 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd. 330-670-1700

3350 Warrensville Center Rd.

216-751-0320

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

SHAKER HEIGH 3350 Warrensville Ce 216-751-0320

| 19

As the west side’s premier Montessori pre specializing in early childhood developm WestshorePreschool Montessori provides a strong f GUIDE THE CENTERS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

The beautiful, inviting and thoughtfully arranged environments at Westshore Montessori school set the stage for activity that is focused, calm and embodies each element of Maria Montessori’s revolutionary approach.

The Centers for Families and Children operates seven high-quality early learning centers throughout Northeast Ohio, preparing students from birth to age 5 for kindergarten and beyond. They offer an enriching learning environment, engaging activities and highly qualified teachers and staff.

Welcoming classrooms serve children of all abilities. The programs are affordable for all families, offering payment options for private pay, voucher qualified and Early/Head Start eligible families.

216-325-9678, thecentersohio.org

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

440-899-7911 westshoremontessori.org

t!

Even

Coming in the February issue

2021 Northeast Ohio Parent Camp & Summer Programs Guide Camp Fair, virtual and in-person East and West locations, details will be announced soon.

To advertise in this guide, learn more at

NortheastOhioParent.com

Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland Community for over 25 years, providing an Education for Life which celebrates diversity, growth, and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in beautifully prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting.

Apply now for 2021. Contact the Admissions Director, Kate Wright, for information. 12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-0700, clevelandmontessori.org

CORPUS CHRISTI ACADEMY

Corpus Christi Academy’s PreKindergarten focuses on Kindergarten preparation through play.

CCA offers Full and Half Day Pre-K programs for the 2021-2022 School year.

Our Pre-K program offers outdoor discovery, social-emotional development, cooperative learning experiences, and project-based learning activities where the focus is on developing the social, emotional, and academic skills that are necessary to enter Kindergarten successfully. Learn more by calling 440-449-4242 or by visiting corpuschristiacad.org/pre-kindergarten

20 | Family Living at Its Best

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 21

Preschool

GUIDE

FAIRMOUNT EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Fairmount Early Childhood Center creates an environment where learning is fun and play is important. Hands-on learning activities stimulate and challenge the students to encourage social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. Fairmount offers programs for children ages 3 to 5. Half day, all day and extended day programs are available. Contact Preschool Director Karen Leeds for more information. 216-4642600, KML@beachwoodschools.org, beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx

GESU PRESCHOOL

The Gesu Preschool Program for children ages 3-5 provides a nurturing, faith-based environment where learning occurs through “hands on” exploration and interaction, using developmentally appropriate activities and materials. 2450 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, 216-932-0620, ext. 304, gesu.com

GILMOUR’S MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Montessori students enjoy unique opportunities including Spanish instruction; experiential learning opportunities such as collecting eggs from our chicken coop; and after-school activities for those who would like to extend their day. Students then move seamlessly into traditional Grades 1-12, where they continue to develop as curious learners. Toddler (18-36 months) - three or five days/week; half- or full-day.

PreKindergarten (ages 3-4) - five days/week; half-, three-quarter- or full-day. Kindergarten (ages 5-6) - five days/week; full-day. 34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, 440-473-8050, gilmour.org/visit

GROSS SCHECTER DAY SCHOOL

Gross Schechter is a coed Jewish independent school in Pepper Pike for children ages 6 weeks through eighth grade.

Students become critical thinkers as well as passionate, well-rounded individuals with a strong Jewish identity through the program. The school has a personalized, childcentered approach to learning, which leads to student achievement, and its community makes it a second home for Jewish families. 27601 Fairmount Blvd., Pepper Pike, 216-763-1400, grossschechter.org

HANNA PERKINS SCHOOL

Hanna Perkins School is a play-based preschool and kindergarten focused on healthy social and emotional development for success in school and life.

In a nurturing environment of trust and mutual respect, children receive excellent academic fundamentals while developing the emotional foundation for lifelong learning and good relationships. For more than 65 years, the school’s approach has been used to train educators across Northeast Ohio. 19910 Malvern Road, Shaker Heights, 216-9914772, hannaperkins.org

22 | Family Living at Its Best

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 23

Preschool

GUIDE

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken’s Early Childhood program allows your child to experience the joys of childhood while developing foundational knowledge, creative and critical thinking skills, citizenship, and the habits of mind to support lifelong learning. Highlights include introduction to Spanish and Chinese in prekindergarten and afternoon enrichment classes in science, movement, visual and dramatic arts, language and culture, and music.

Applications are now being accepted for 2021-22. Applicants must be 18 months

by September 30. For more information, visit hawken.edu.

HOLY TRINITY

Get social!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Holy Trinity faculty collaborate to create a nurturing Catholic environment within a traditional school setting. All learning is devoted to increasing independence, social skills and developing a love of learning. All teachers are fully licensed and certified by the state of Ohio. Scholastic Big Day in Pre-K, Fundations (reading) and Bridges (math) curriculums are used to develop and practice kindergarten readiness skills in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. 33601 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-937-5363, holytrinityavon.com

LAKEWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

@NEOhioParent

Give your child the right start by choosing Lakewood School’s Early Childhood Program. The path to success starts here with an education designed to meet each student’s academic, social, emotional, creative, and developmental needs. They offer a variety of options for ages 3-5 and all classes include Beck Center Music Therapy at no additional cost. For more information, visit lakewoodcityschools.org or call 216-529-4214.

LE CHAPERON ROUGE

The school’s entire preschool curriculum is offered to every child without charging extra for phonics, math, art, music, social studies, science, French and Spanish, computers, and nutritious hot breakfast, lunch and snack. Locations include Westlake, Solon, Rocky River, Hudson, Avon, Strongsville, Amherst, Independence, Bath, Brecksville and newest location Shaker Heights. For more information visit lechaperonrouge.com

24 | Family Living at Its Best

THE ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING INVI TES YOU TO A

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM You are invited to learn more about our preschool, meet with teachers, visit classrooms and learn more!

Registrations will be accepted online beginning Sunday, January 31st.

If you have any questions, please call the school office at 330-836-9107.

3 Year Old Half Day Morning Program 4 & 5 Year Old Half Day Morning Program Pre-K Full Day Program

For more information, visit stsebastian.org/school

500 MULL AVENUE ~ AKRON, OHIO 44320

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 25

Preschool

MANDEL JCC PRESCHOOL, TODDLERCARE AND PLAYLAND DAY CAMP

The J’s Five Star Step Up to Quality rated Preschool and Toddlercare allows children 18 months to 4 years old to grow and develop in an enriching environment filled with play, exploration and immersive Jewish experiences.

Experienced educators help children learn and gain independence. Children flourish in the highly rated program, featuring an outdoor garden and play areas. Summer Playland Day Camp offers children ages 3 and 4 activities including swimming, arts and music.

Half-day and full-day options. 26001 South Woodland Road, Beachwood, 216-831-0700 ext. 1375, mandeljcc.org/preschool

MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Celebrating 50 years of providing excellence in Montessori Education and enriching the lives of more than 8,000 children. Montessori Children’s School provides individualized curriculum for toddler, pre-primary, full-day kindergarten, and elementary through third grade. Spanish, music and library classes are included with no additional fees. MCS is licensed and chartered by the State of Ohio Department of Education. 28370 Bassett Road, Westlake, 440-871-8773, montessorichildrensschool.com

THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

High quality early childhood programs for ages 3-5 at the University Circle and Ohio City campuses. Full and half day programs are available year-round with small classroom sizes and creative arts curriculum, dedicated to each child’s growth and development — socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. TMS is a five-star Step Up to Quality-rated program with local accreditations from Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Pre4CLE. Financial aid available to eligible families. Email: earlychildhood@ themusicsettlement.org, 216-421-5806 ext. 160. Take a virtual tour today. themusicsettlement.org/early-childhood-preschool/offerings/virtual-tours

26 | Family Living at Its Best

GUIDE

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

For nearly 100 years, Elms students have been encouraged to explore through play-based learning and hands-on activities. Pre-schoolers develop at a pace that matches their individual learning style. Their co-ed pre-school program is designed for 3 and 4-yearolds. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. On our 33-acre campus in West Akron students enjoy gardening, playground activities and urban farming. 1375 W. Exchange St., Akron, 330-836-9384, theelms.org

REDEEMER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Do you desire for your child to be prepared spiritually, academically and socially for life?

Imagine your child growing in their faith, academic and social skills because they are being equipped to excel by caring teachers that are focused on God’s presence.

Imagine your child making a positive difference with the faith they have bolstered and the skills they have developed. At Redeemer Christian School, students become faith-based dream makers and world changers. 2141 5th St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-923-1280, redeemerlutheran.us/school

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is a vibrant co-ed school community for children ages 18 months through the 8th grade. Join us for an Admissions event or personal tour to explore Ruffing’s spacious classrooms and generous outdoor play and learning spaces, meet our Montessori-trained teachers and learn about Ruffing’s rigorous curriculum that prepares students to lead and excel academically in high school, college, and life. Visit ruffingmontessori.net to learn more.

3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7571, ruffingmontessori.net

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 27

Preschool

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL IN ROCKY RIVER

Ruffing Montessori School, located in Rocky River, creates a warm, loving environment for children age 3 through eighth grade to engage in academic pursuits as well as learn the skills of collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Founded in 1959, Ruffing operates in a 46,560 square foot building on 5.25 acres of land. For information or to set up a personal tour, go to ruffingmontessori.org or contact Lori Coticchia at 440-333-2250 or lcoticchia@ruffingmontessori.org.

SOUTH SUBURBAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Established in 1970, South Suburban Montessori School has created an intellectual environment that fosters empathetic, confident, courageous self-learners for five decades. The traditional Montessori method of education is designed to create a space for students to learn who they are, what they are capable of and how they can make a difference in their community and the world. In addition, the school offers music, art and Spanish, as well as small class sizes and a new, gorgeous, student-inspired outdoor learning environment. 4450 Oakes Road #7, Brecksville, 440-526-1966, ssmsmontessori.net

SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL

Spring Garden Waldorf School’s preschool is based on the understanding that young children learn primarily through imitation and play. Daily activities unfold in an unhurried, rhythmic way, giving the child a sense of security and consistency. Teachers focus on fostering the imagination and creativity through storytelling, music, outdoor play (in all seasons) and artistic activities.

Early academic foundations are formed through these activities. 1791 S. Jacoby Road, Copley, 330-666-0574, sgws.org

28 | Family Living at Its Best

GUIDE

ST. BARNABAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

St. Barnabas Catholic School is

a National Blue Ribbon School of excellence ranging from Preschool through Eighth Grade. At St. Barnabas School we are a family, fostering lifelong relationships and a spirit of loyalty and pride. We are dedicated to the spiritual, academic, social, physical and emotional development of all students. 9200 Olde Eight Rd., Northfield, 330-467-7921, sbcatholicschool.com

THE ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING

Established in 2001, the St. Sebastian Parish Center for Early Learning, a Catholic preschool in West Akron, provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for the enhancement of each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and physical potential. Offering full day and half day programs ages 3 to 5. All classes taught by degreed teachers.500 Mull Ave., Akron, 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Valley Christian Academy is a private, Pre-K through eighth grade school in Aurora, Ohio. VCA offers a Christcentered, loving environment and challenging academics. Its quiet and caring environment is home to enrichment programs, a one-of-a-kind STEAM strategy, extracurriculars and three Pre-K options! Schedule a visit! 330-5628191, valleychristian.com

WEST SHORE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

The mission of Westshore Montessori School is to provide an authentic Montessori learning environment where every child may establish a lasting foundation for achieving their full potential in learning and in life. The beautiful, inviting and thoughtfully arranged environments have always embodied each element of Maria Montessori’s revolutionary approach, and now our school is fastidiously taking every precaution to ensure our children stay safe. To begin building your child’s foundation, contact us at 440-899-7911 or westshoremontessori.org.

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 29

Semester RESET EDUCATION NEWS

Allison Rose Act Passes General Assembly, Heads to Governor House Bill 231, also known as the Allison Rose Act, has passed within both chambers of the General Assembly and is headed to the governor’s desk. The bill, which was introduced by Ohio State Rep. Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake), encourages school districts, community schools and STEM schools to create food allergy training for staff members and students.

This bill is named in recognition of Allison Rose Suhy, who passed away in 2017 at age 18. Allison was a freshman at Ohio University when she suffered an anaphylactic reaction due to a peanut allergy after eating a donut.

“We are extremely honored and proud that the General Assembly has overwhelmingly passed the Allison Rose Act, and thankful to all the State Representatives and Senators for their belief in and support of food allergy education,” said Allison’s father Michael Suhy, co-founder of the Allison Rose Foundation. “It has always been our goal to prevent another family from experiencing a tragedy like ours, and with both the Bill and more mainstreamed food allergy education in schools, we are confident this will help save lives.”

House Bill 231 works to remedy the concerns of food allergies by encouraging in-service training for students and staff members at public grade schools. The training helps individuals identify and respond to someone experiencing an allergic reaction; simultaneously, it would also qualify as a professional development activity for the renewal of educator licenses.

Additionally, the bill includes age-appropriate instruction for K-12 students on these allergies and how to assist those suffering from a reaction. Further, it requires the Ohio Department of Education to compile an annual list of organizations to offer free EpiPens to qualifying school districts.

Greenspan notes the bill does not create additional taxpayer-funded programs, rather it increases awareness about existing private programs and pushes for the implementation of allergy safety training within Ohio schools.

“Today, I am grateful to (Ohio Senate) President Obhof and the Ohio Senate for passing the bill and sending it to the governor’s desk,” Greenspan said in a release.

St. Joseph Academy Expands Makerspace Innovation Lab

30 | Family Living at Its Best

St. Joseph Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Cleveland, expanded its science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) offerings with its Makerspace innovation lab.

The new Makerspace innovation lab has expanded to 4,800 square feet, more than four times the size of the former lab. This expanded space creates a larger hands-on area for students to activate their imaginations and bring their ideas to life.

“By incorporating subject matter such as science, math and design, students can create, invent and explore using a variety of tools,” says President Kathryn Purcell in a December release. “The key to making the Makerspace innovation lab a place that students think about using in their design process is to provide our young women with structured opportunities in the Makerspace innovation lab so they are comfortable with the equipment and develop the ‘what if’ mentality.”

The most popular tools in the Makerspace innovation lab include 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, the green screen and digital cameras, according to a release. The space enables students to experiment and apply learning from multiple subjects – such as designing artwork on computers to producing engineering prototypes on a 3D printer.

“By utilizing and experiencing the Makerspace innovation lab, graphic arts, digital media and production labs, and other creative technology tools, St. Joseph Academy students will be exposed to advanced technology tools that will prepare them for college-level education, allowing them to stand out among peers when applying to colleges and universities,” Purcell says. “It will also enable young women to explore STEAM careers, as the possibilities continue to grow for young women as engineers, graphic designers, architects, digital media and other fields.”

Semester RESET STEM

Gaining STEAM

STUDENTS WORKING ON STOCK CARS IN THE SOAP BOX DERBY MINI CAR PROGRAM, THE SOAP BOX DERBY GRAVITY RACING CHALLENGE. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL

Kids learn real-life skills through science, technology, engineering and math activities.

By Ginny McCabe

G

iving kids an opportunity to learn real-life skills through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities helps prepare them for the challenges of everyday life, high school and even their careers. We spoke with several teachers, educators and administrators who shared some of the skills that children can tap through STEM that will help them succeed at school and in the future. Some educators prefer the terms STEAM and STREAM. The A is for art and the R is for reading.

“The biggest benefits of STEM learning are the link to 21st century skills as well as self-esteem, social interaction, confidence and problem solving,” says Kristin Barnes, a STEAM teacher at Menlo Park Academy.

“These skills are important for all subjects and real-life situations as well.”

Learning how to work with others is another big benefit, she says.

“Some students are great at leading, others are great at following,” Barnes says. “Collaboration and group work are meant to bring out the best in all students. Many times, in STEAM class or Maker Space Class, as we also call it at Menlo Park Academy, students will work together to solve problems and strive for an understanding of one another.

Collaboration is an important part of social development.”

STEM TEACHES VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS

Children learn important skills such as communication, problem solving, self-esteem, decision making, creativity and more through STEM and STEAM learning.

Those skills are a focus in the early learning, before school and after school programs at YMCA of Greater Cleveland, says Ana Thomas, vice president of Youth Development.

“We’re doing this on purpose,” she says.

“So, when we are doing an art project, are we leaving room for creativity, are we leaving room for young people to have a voice and choice in how they are creating their masterpiece?”

“Rather than saying, ‘Today, we’re making a duck, and we need you to put the eyes where the eyes go and the mouth where the mouth goes,’ it’s more like, ‘Today we’re going to walk around our neighborhood, see what we find interesting and what we’re curious about, and then we are going to go back to our room and use some different art materials to design one of the buildings we saw on our walk today,’” she says.

Anthony Rohr, principal of St. Sebastian Parish School in Akron says the school’s STEM/STEAM approach is a hands-on, inquiry-based and a cross-curricular process. All of those factors help to build the foundation for student success and prepare students for

high school and careers.

For example, fourth grade students recently worked on a balloon project. They created balloons, developed stories for them and produced videos using the school’s green screen.

“As the students started going through this and working with the balloons, and working with their projects, a lot of the students commented that they were not sure what to do,” he says. “They felt scared and afraid to try something, but we just kept encouraging the students, and we pushed them to try something new. We just encouraged them with a growth mindset that their first idea might not work and to keep going, and through that process, students were able to see their achievements, and their self-confidence levels began to grow.”

STEM HELPS KIDS DISCOVER THEIR PASSIONS

Kids learn many skills from engaging in STEM activities, says Heather Sherman, director, at Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN).

“Of course, students learn technical skills like coding and engineering concepts,” she says. “They also develop soft nontechnical skills learned through problem-solving that can be even more important. Kids learn about how the world works and the world of work when engaging in STEM activities. For - CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 -

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 31

- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 -

STUDENTS AT MC2 STEM HIGH SCHOOL PHOTO BY ROBERT EVANS, OHIO STEM LEARNING NETWORK, MANAGED BY BATTELLE

example, design challenges are often featured in STEM education.”

A design challenge is a chance for a group of students to solve a real-world problem. Design challenges help students develop and flex soft skills, like collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity, she says. Students work together, which helps with negotiation skills. They have to use critical thinking and creativity to come up with a unique solution, then communicate that solution and sell people on the merit and feasibility of the idea.

All of those skills prepare students for the world of work.

Sherman says parents and teachers play critical roles in helping kids learn real-life skills. Kids learn best when given the opportunity to solve real-world problems.

That’s where they develop a strong STEM identity—a belief in their ability to be problem solvers and innovators.

“For so long, people have been blocked out of STEM disciplines because they were told —and eventually believed—they were bad at math, science or other STEM subjects,” Sherman says. “Instead of focusing on what students cannot do, we need to help kids develop their confidence and competence in what they can do. And for many kids, it’s helping them see and capitalize on their innate curiosity and problem-solving skills, and the way to do that is by exposing them to a variety of different career fields, hands-on learning experiences and other nontraditional forms of learning. From there, students may just figure out they are passionate about some area or topic they never would have explored in a more traditional setting.”

EACH CHILD HAS A SUCCESS STORY

At its STEAM summer camps for kids, Classroom Antics helps kids learn through failure, which helps them learn how to solve problems from an early age, says Toby Foote, operations director at Classroom Antics.

“STEM learning allows that because for the most part there’s immediate feedback,” he says. Kids get quick results that they can learn from in STEM education because when they’re tackling a problem, they know right away whether something is working or not.

For example, kids might be building a video game, and for some reason the character won’t move left and right correctly.

Kids can ask questions about what they can do; they can get feedback by going to other people’s consoles to see how they programmed it; or they can have a teacher come over to offer guidance. If they get it right, their character is going to start moving left and right. If they don’t get it right, their character will not move left and right.

“In that aspect, we’re able to tell right away whether we’ve fixed the problem or not,” Foote says.

Ultimately, STEM allows children to explore different interest areas, and it helps them discover their true passions.

“It’s not so much now, but a few years ago, the concept was, ‘Well, my child is

32 | Family Living at Its Best

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 -

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 33

PHOTO BY YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 -

never going to be a coder in life, (so) they don’t need to go to coding camp,’” Foote says.

“I would argue your child is not going to be a soccer star, so they don’t need to go to soccer camp. The point is that we are trying to open up different areas of interest for children to understand where their passions and purpose in life are going to lie, and as parent, we don’t always know what that is.”

HOW TO DO STEM AT HOME

Aida O’Meara, a STEM teacher at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Mentor says COVID-19 has not put a damper on learning nor STEM, although they’ve had to make some changes.

34 | Family Living at Its Best

“Although group work remains a priority, final projects look differently now,” she says.

“Previously, groups designed one prototype or final project; now each student creates their own individual product. During the design process the group works together to develop and design through various collective means.

Then, they continue to discuss and share as each individually produces a final product or prototype. The group together presents their findings and solutions, including each member’s final product or prototype.”

She stresses that parental support is essential throughout the learning process.

Parents can encourage their children to use their engineering and design skills at home.

No matter the age of the child, all children should be encouraged to create, develop and design. For example, she suggests having a special place in the house that’s full of supplies, such as recyclable materials, tape, glue, thread, blocks, tools, Legos, toothpicks, straws, popsicle sticks, lids, containers, boxes, newspaper, dominoes, wood blocks and rods, wire, rocks, sticks, pine cones and other items from nature, as well as a child’s special interest items.

“It’s not necessary to purchase any fancy or

expensive kits,” O’Meara says. “Ask questions, explore topics of interest and spend time together investigating various topics. This will spark an idea. Then, allow your child to take control of their idea and begin designing and exploring. When an idea does not work as planned, encourage your child to try a different approach or variation to the design. There is no failure, only lessons to be learned.”

ACTIVITIES THAT FAMILIES CAN DO TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF STEM SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Cooking (try not using a recipe, or try changing a recipe) • Create and design items for a holiday • Design a garden, indoor or outdoor • Create a new game or modify an existing game • Visit museums • Play board games • Build something together • Try a science experiment

Ginny McCabe is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, media professional, speaker, and teacher. Her work may be seen in Journal-News, Reuters and more. Connect with her at ginnymccabe.com and on Twitter @ginnymccabe.

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 35

STEM HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken’s STEMM program provides guided research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine.

Scientific Research I and II develop scientific reading comprehension, critical thinking and research skills; Scientific Research III develops skills in scientific writing and oral presentation in preparation for Hawken’s annual STEMM Research Symposium, the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) and the Intel Science and Engineering Fair. In 2018, Hawken students garnered three out of four grand prizes at the NEOSEF. For more information, visit hawken.edu.

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Lake Ridge Academy’s K-12 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/design, mathematics) curriculum encourages innovative thinking and problem solving and is augmented by extensive hands-on learning opportunities delivered inside one of the most advanced science and engineering facilities in the area. Its graduates are often sought by leading engineering and research universities. 37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-32711755. lakeridgeacademy.org

36 | Family Living at Its Best

showcase MENLO PARK ACADEMY STEM + ART = STEAM! With Menlo Park Academy’s STEAM courses, your gifted students can work on unique projects that incorporate science, technology, engineering, ART and math. The program is designed for all learners to experience the creativity of combining art with the sciences. These exciting and unique projects come together in our designated Maker Space and Design Lab, equipped with materials and ideas to let your child’s imagination run wild!

2149 W. 53rd St., Cleveland, 440-925-6365, menloparkacademy.com

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL

The Ohio Department of Education awarded St. Sebastian Parish School its STEM designation in 2017. Students participate in hands-on, problem-based learning that is cross-curricular and features collaboration and critical thinking in the classroom and in the school’s Innovation Lab. The goal is to prepare students with the skills and competencies to be successful in whatever path they choose when they leave the school. And for the second year in a row, St. Sebastian Parish School and 20 members from its teaching staff were awarded the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2019-2020 school year. 500 Mull Ave. Akron, 330-836-9107 stsebastian.org

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

MEDICALLY SAFE

S

afe and reliable school operation is the priority for parents and educational staff alike. Studies consistently demonstrate the benefits— social, nutritional, cognitive, language, and academic—of inperson learning for children of all ages. The physical distancing mandates of the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the normal social scaffolding on which typical developmental stages are built. To help reestablish these norms, there are steps we can all take to ensure the safest road forward.

Some school buildings have a large enough footprint to accommodate proper physical distancing, and some have been able to manage the additional safety interventions of Plexiglass barriers and heightened cleaning regimens producing reassuring examples of how schools can function during the pandemic.

For some schools that have not been able to implement these types of interventions, measures can still be taken to protect both the student body and the

Back-To-School Practices

more vulnerable population of teachers and administrators.

Frequent reminders for pupils to maintain proper masking and physical distancing along with available hand-sanitizing stations can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Furthermore, organizing grades or athletic teams into smaller “pods” allows for compartmentalization and early containment of COVID contagion and spares the larger group any increased risk. Creating accessible and reliable online platforms for learning and teaching that allow students or teachers who have had a close contact or who feel under the weather to participate from home will shield the greater school population from exposure by allowing higherrisk individuals to stay involved without endangering others.

It’s imperative to make support available to anyone who needs extra help with Math or English, or even encouragement in the face of increased stressors related to the pandemic.

According to information collected worldwide, children ages 10 years and younger tend to have milder COVID-19 symptoms, and their rate of severe disease (and therefore need for hospitalization) is more than 20 times lower than that of adults. But, complacency could have tragic consequences.

We must remain vigilant and fight the tendency to tire of these necessary precautions.

Maintaining safe protocols during sports participation, school clubs, lunchtime, and other non-academic but school-related activities is essential. Similarly, families of school-aged children must remember that the rate of COVID-19 cases in a school will reflect the incidence of disease in that school’s community, so decisions to participate in social gatherings should be weighed carefully, as these could have negative ripple effects.

Lastly, with several viable commercial vaccines on the horizon, there is hope that an end to the COVID-19 pandemic could be in sight. But like any proactive protective

intervention, its success relies on the public’s involvement.

Together, we can achieve a balance of safety and normalcy until the COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Because the consequences of each of our individual actions impacts everyone around us, we have the power to steer our communities and schools away from harm and toward a safer future together.

by Dr. Carly Wilbur, UH Pediatrician and psi Medical Director

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 37

slope hit the

By Vince Guerrieri

y

“You can ski in Ohio?”

It’s a question Thomas Conti hears regularly.

“When people think of skiing, they think of mountain ranges or specifically going out West,” says Conti, brand manager for Boston Mills/Brandywine, a ski resort in Peninsula.

For those who want to get involved in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, opportunities abound — without a trip to Colorado. There are resorts like Holiday Valley and Peek’n Peak in Western New York, and Seven Springs in the Alleghenies just east of Pittsburgh.

In fact, there are five ski resorts in Ohio, including several in Northeast Ohio, that provide different experiences to skiers.

“The difference is terrain,” Conti says. For example,

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 38 | Family

Boston Mills has a steeper pitch on its hills; Brandywine has longer ski runs but less pitch.

The two resorts were built independently in the 1960s but have been under the same ownership since 1990.

They were sold to Vail Resorts in 2019.

A ski trip doesn’t have to go out of state — or break the bank.

“It can be expensive, but it’s not that expensive to get into,” says Sebastian Wagner, a manager at Village Ski & Snowboard in North Olmsted. “You’re always able to find used gear. In fact, you can rent them at most resorts.”

Wagner, who skateboarded as a youth and picked up snowboarding as something to do during the winter, says kids can start skiing or snowboarding as young as age 3.

“They make skis and snowboards pretty small,” he says.

es “You just want to make sure they have a sense of balance.”

If you’re into the sport enough that you want to buy your own equipment, Wagner’s store has a trade-in program for youth equipment.

“We also have a fleet of constantly changing youth products,” he says.

All people need to have when they come to Boston Mills/Brandywine, Conti adds, are coats, snow pants, face masks and gloves. There’s even a beginner package that includes a lift ticket and rented equipment.

“It doesn’t commit you to the sport,” he says. “You can try it once or twice before you purchase your own equipment.”

SOCIALLY-DISTANT ADVENTURE

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, safe outdoor

Thomas Conti, brand manager for Vail Resorts, including Boston Mills/Brandywine in Peninsula shares with us snowboarding fun in first and fourth photos.

Children of all abilities can participate in snowy, socially-distant adventures like snowboarding, tubing or skiing.

Skiing novice?

Here’s what you need to know to get started.

activities are even more important this winter, Conti says.

“As winter is coming, it can be harder to get outside, to go for a walk or a bike ride,” he says. “During a year of so much uncertainty, winter is certain in Ohio. We want to make the most of it and give people an outlet to embrace it.”

As an individual noncontact sport, skiing requires little adjustment to the pandemic, Conti says.

“Skiing, by nature, is a socially distant sport,” he adds.

“You’re at a distance from other people. You’re wearing face coverings, gloves, goggles. It’s a safe environment for something like this.”

However, changes have been made to the customer experience at Vail’s resorts, which include Mad River Mountain and Alpine Valley in Ohio, in addition CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 39

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

to Boston Mills/Brandywine, to eliminate as many points of contact as possible.

To limit capacity, the resorts are selling tickets online, Conti says. On-site transactions are cashless, dining options are limited to to-go boxes, and the lodge is no longer a hang-out spot. Skiers are encouraged to get equipment and get out to the hill, where they can only ride the lift with people in their own party. Masks are required at all times now, on the slopes or off them.

“We had to reimagine every touch point, from the purchase of tickets to the bar to the lift line,” Conti says. “But the ski resort will still be a comfortable place in the winter.”

The ski season in Ohio, unsurprisingly, is throughout the winter months, but Boston Mills and Brandywine start manufacturing snow in the fall. It’s made from frozen water run through a blower, which uses a scientific process to turn it into snow. The resort opens in November, ramps up around Christmas and stays open into March.

If downhill skiing seems a little too ambitious for you, Lake Metroparks also has a Nordic (cross-country) ski trail, and rents equipment for that. Seth Begeman, chief of outdoor education for Lake Metroparks, says Nordic skiing requires a different boot and ski than downhill skiing does.

“It’s a little more aerobic,” Begeman says of cross-country skiing. “If you can walk, you can ski.”

Like Brandywine/Boston Mills, Lake Metroparks is changing its experience. Rentals of skis — and snowshoes, which can be used on any of the park system’s trails throughout Lake County — was first-come, first-serve. Now reservations are required. The ski center, which previously included a lounge and lockers, is now only open for picking up and dropping off equipment.

Conti notes that even before the ski season started, interest was high — likely due to the pandemic.

“People are just excited to get out and remain active,” he says. “They want to go out, get fresh air, be with your family and embrace winter.”

Skiing, by nature, is a socially distant sport.

Vince Guerrieri is a journalist and author in the Cleveland area. His work has appeared in a variety of places, including Cleveland Magazine, Ohio Magazine, Lake Erie Living, Politico, Smithsonian and Popular Mechanics.

40 | Family Living at Its Best

r e t n wi fun

Beck Center for the Arts

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus, as well as online, in dance, theater, visual arts, and private music lessons.

Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents and have fun. They have something for every interest and every skill level. Looking for entertainment?

Beck Center is streaming virtual productions.

17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 216-521-2540, ex. 10, beckcenter.org/education-programs

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is pleased to offer a mix of virtual programming presented by museum scientists, researchers and educators and in-person attractions.

Visitors will enjoy the new wildly interactive traveling exhibit, Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation, and the new permanent gallery, Current Science. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland 216-231-4600, cmnh.org

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Observe an octopus. Meditate with moon jellies. Peer at poison dart frogs. Wonder over weedy seadragons. Stroke stingrays and stand under a sandtiger shark. Get up-close views of amazing animals (but not other guests) at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Limited capacity; advance tickets. Interactive online family tours & programs also available. 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Lakewood Music Collective

The Lakewood Music Collective is proud to provide music lessons and services to the community.

LMC’s premier staff excels at teaching music.

Each lesson is tailored to fit students’ specific needs and goals.

Whether you’re preparing for music school or dabbling with music for the first time, LMC’s instructors will make sure you leave knowing music, living music and loving music. LMC accommodates students of all abilities and in all styles in person, virtually and in ensembles. 16426 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-227-2886, thelakewoodmusiccollective.com

Lorain County Metro Parks

The Lorain County Metro Parks is the place to be this winter. Hide from the stress of the world and escape to the outdoors to explore the sights of the season. With sledding hills, snowshoe rentals, miles of trails and a chance to see wildlife in winter — there’s something for everyone. Come enjoy nature nearby. For more information on programs, events, opportunities for take-home crafts and virtual programming, visit loraincountymetroparks.com or follow on Facebook.

Pinstripes

Pinstripes is a unique dining and entertainment venue with exceptional Italian/American cuisine and indoor bowling and bocce. Pinstripes offers indoor/ outdoor patio space and spacious private meeting and event spaces.

Enjoy weekend brunch, lunch or dinner specials and our contactless curbside takeout. They look forward to welcoming you to Pinstripes soon. 111 Park Ave., Beachwood 216-415-8010, pinstripes.com/cleveland

Get Social

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NEOhioParent

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 41

Winter Hiking Fun & More ONGOING

Winter One Hour Series. Here are some outdoor experiences and exercise that you can do in one hour: snowfall snowshoeing, cold picnics, bird watching, search for animal tracks, winter forest walks and more. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org Cleveland Metroparks Winter Bucket List.

Cross-country ski the fairways of Sleepy Hollow, sled down Engle Road Hill, take in ice sculptures at Edgewater Pier, discover new trails with the Virtual Centennial Trail 5K, take a naturalist-led winter thrill hike, explore giant snowy trees along White Pine Trail and much more. clevelandmetroparks.com Snowshoeing. If you’re looking for an adventure that can be dialed back a notch, then perhaps snowshoeing is for you. Explore Indian Point Park (upper lot), the Environmental Learning Center, Pete’s Pond Preserve, Hell Hollow Wilderness Area, Hogback Ridge Park and more. lakemetroparks.com

DAY-BY-DAY 1/6

Winter Warm Up. Let’s work off some holiday hyper with a little winter warm up. Meet at the parking lot shelter to read a winter story, play a game and meet an animal. Ages 3-9. 10-11 a.m. Exploration Gateway, 5710-5712 12th St., Canton, 330-409-8096, starkparks.com

1/10

Signs of Life Hike. Join a naturalist on a hike to discover what critters are still out and about during winter. Look for fur, scat, tracks and more. 1-3 p.m. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org X-treme Winter Fun Day. Spend the afternoon having an “X-treme” amount of winter fun outside with friends. Try snowshoes, bring your sled for some fun downhill rides, learn about winter wildlife, and warm up by a fire with hot cocoa and s’mores. Ages 5-10. 1-4 p.m.

Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Road, Chesterland, geaugaparkdistrict.org

1/13

Winter Wandering Hike. Forge ahead into the New Year with a wintry wander through French Creek Reservation. Moderate hiking level.

2-3:30 p.m. French Creek Reservation, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com

1/15

Whatever-the-Weather Venture. It may be a bit optimistic, but we’re hoping for snow for this one. If conditions are just right for snowshoeing, that’s what we’ll do. If not, we’ll take a cold-weather hike. Whatever the weather, let’s get outside. Ages 8-plus. 6:30-8 p.m. Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, 440-2869516, geaguaparkdistrict.org

42 | Family Living at Its Best

1/16

Stars of the Winter Sky. Join a naturalist as we look through telescopes at various celestial bodies in the winter sky. The moon, Mars, and Mercury should be visible. Find the double star in the Big Dipper’s handle. Learn about the constellations that show brightly only in the winter. 9-11 p.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org

1/16-31

Ice Age Adventure. Ice Age animals used special adaptations to help them survive. Use your imagination as you follow signs along the Inner Loop trail to take an interactive adventure with these animals. Allardale West Parking Lot, 401 Remsen Road, Medina, medinacounyparks.com

1/17

Winter Wildlife Survival Hike. Hike the Meadow Loop trail with a naturalist to learn about different strategies our local wildlife uses to survive winter months. 2-3 p.m. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

1/21

Family Hike: Winter Mammals. Stop by to explore the world of winter mammals on a hike through the woods with your family. Naturalists will be there to help guide your experience.

2:30-4:30 p.m. F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org

1/23

Winter Wildlife Tour. Take an outdoor tour to learn more about the resident wildlife ambassadors, rehab patients and what goes on behind the scenes. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sippo Lake Park, Exploration Gateway, 5710-5712 12th St., Canton, 330-409-8096, starkparks.com

1/28

Full Moon Hike. Join the Stark Park staff for a 2 mile hike to celebrate the first full moon of the year. 9-10 a.m. Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, starkparks.com

1/29

Animals Signs Hike. Hike to find signs that animals are out and about even in the winter. 2-3 p.m. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, Avon, 440-937-0764, loraincountymetroparks.com

2/13

Wonders of Winter. Enjoy winter hikes, crafts and activities to uncover life in the forest when the weather turns cold. 1-3 p.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes.org

January CAlenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhio Parent.com

"

rld The Wo s of Game Pick - a - DAY Monday & Tuesdays

Virtual Homework Connection.

Homework getting you down?

Need some help? Sign up for this free tutoring program for middle and high school students. 7-8:30 p.m. Hudson Library, hudsonlibrary.org

Tuesdays

Art for Fun. This virtual class is designed to be a fun way of engaging in a variety of art mediums and most importantly an opportunity for kids to socialize with each other. 10:45 a.m.-noon, 1-2:15 p.m. or 3:45-5 p.m. Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-7507, valleyartcenter.org

1/7

Virtual Scribbles Society.

Students in grades 3-12 join on Zoom to discuss all things writing. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Medina County District Library, mcdl.info

1/10-16

Zingo. Beat the winter blues with this zoo-themed activity bingo game that is fun for the whole family. Walk through the park and complete activities for a chance to win exciting prizes.

New cards and new chances to win each day. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-3752550, akronzoo.org

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events are subject to change. Please check with venues before attending an event to ensure times and availability are valid and to understand health guidelines. Please follow state guidelines, including wearing face coverings, maintaining 6 feet apart from others and washing hands. Please visit northeastohioparent.com for more upcoming events.

Thursdays

After School Paint. Learn the basics of acrylic and watercolor painting from both observation and imagination and how to give paintings the illusion of space and volume using texture, value and color theory, among other skills. Ages 11-18. 4:30 p.m.

Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-5212540, beckcenter.org

Fridays

Preschool Clay. Little hands, big projects! Children ages 4-6 explore clay as they create seasonal-themed items.

Beginning 1/29. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

1/20

Hiding in Plain Sight. Judy Semroc from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will share some fascinating stories and images of camouflage and mimicry strategies used by our local wildlife. Virtual via Zoom. 7-8 p.m. Portage Park District, portageparkdistrict.org

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Zoo Golf Cart Cruise. Golf Cart Cruises allow guests to take a tour of the zoo with minimal steps. Join a knowledgeable staff member for a 60-minute golf cart journey through the African Savanna, on a Wilderness Trek, and finish up on the back roads of Australia.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-635-3391, futureforwildlife.org

Saturdays

Visual Storytelling Class. In this engaging six-week virtual class, children ages 7-9 learn foundational skills and concepts to create their own visual story.

10-11 a.m. The Cleveland Art Museum, clevelandart.org

âœą Submit Your Event to Us! northeastohioparent.com/events/community/add January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 43

Sensory-Friendly Events MONDAYTHURSDAY

Flight. A social skills group that offers different interventions to meet each child’s specific needs and can serve as an alternative for preschool/kindergarten or school preparation for children starting school in the future. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Reaching New Heights, 6960 S. Edgerton, Brecksville, 440-2418366, reachingnewhts.com

THURSDAYS

Move It, Groove It. A virtual exercise class designed by board-certified music therapists that joins the power of music with purposeful movement for people of all abilities. Ages 12 and up. The Groovy Garfoose, 440-2522822, groovygarfoose.com

Sensory-Friendly Jump. Less crowded environment with sound reduction and modified safety measures. 7-8 p.m. Sky Zone, 750 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, skyzone.com

Sib’s Support Club. For children who have a sibling with special needs where they can gain peer support and participate in fun, social activities. Third Thursday of each month. Boys meet 4:15-5:15 p.m. and girls meet 5:30-7 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com

WEDNESDAYS

ONGOING

TUESDAYS

Adaptive Hip Hop Class. This energetic dance class will focus on trends in hip hop dance that are age appropriate and adaptable for any ability. Meets in-person and virtually. Ages 7 and up. 4-4:45 p.m. Beyond Words Music & Dance Center, 6048 Royalton Road, North Royalton, beyondwordscenter.org

Buddy Builders. Designed for children with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome who need help with the subtle details of being a friend.

Participants will cooperate, collaborate and converse.

Ages 8-12. ABA Outreach Services, 6537 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-272-3963, aba-therapy.com

44 | Family Living at Its Best

Commanders of Communication. Designed for children who need to learn to gracefully win and lose games, expand pretend play, compromise and increase flexibility. Ages 5-8.

ABA Outreach Services, 6537 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-272-3963, aba-therapy.com Welcoming Spaces. To help make your visit as enjoyable and engaging as possible, the museum has partnered with Monarch Center for Autism’s Welcoming Spaces Program to develop customized visual, social, communicative, sensory and behavioral supports.

Children’s Museum Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmcleveland.org

1/4-2/22

Adapted Music Lessons.

Individualized lesson format facilitated by a board-certified music therapist. Music Therapy Enrichment Center, 26121 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-2500091, mtecincorporated.com

1/9

The KIDnections Group Virtual Cooking Class. Anyone in your household of any age who can cook or assist with cooking is invited to participate. 10-11 a.m.

The KIDnections Group, thekidnectionsgroup.com

1/16 & 23

Virtual Music Therapy & More.

Virtual hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills, as well as behavior. 10-10:30 a.m.

Connecting for Kids, connectingforkids.org/music

1/19

Sensory Storytime. Children of all ages and abilities are welcomed to this interactive, inclusive storytime specifically designed to support the developmental needs of those with sensory challenges. 6:30 p.m.

Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, 440-942-3200, we247.org

January CALENDAR

Saturdays

Anime and Manga Drawing.

Learn to draw in the styles of anime and manga. Students will learn the characteristics of eye shape, hair styles and other distinct features of this popular drawing style. 12:15-1:15 p.m. Akron Artworks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron, akronartworks.com

Saturdays & Sundays

Anatomy Design Challenge Family Workshop. Design an articulated hand out of recycled materials to complete a series of challenges. Advanced registration is recommended. 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-6942000, greatscience.com Gross Out Science Show. Why are we fascinated with all things gross? Don’t look away! We’re going to explain the science behind the gross things our bodies do. 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience.com

Ongoing

THROUGH 1/15

The Tree of Remembrance. Stop by and hang a weatherproof ornament on our tree in memory of a loved one. Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-2553401, brunners.com

THROUGH 1/18

Winter Riverfest. New holiday event along the Cuyahoga River in The Flats will feature synthetic ice skating, festive light displays, a beer garden, fire pits, a retail shop and an igloo village at Merwin’s Wharf. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. clevelandmetroparks.com

THROUGH 2/15

Winter Wonderland. Both the inside and outside mall will be decorated with beautiful artwork made by Monarch’s students using inspiration from winter animals and imagery.

Eton Chagrin Blvd., 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com The Rink at Wade Oval. Lace up your skates and enjoy the fresh ice on picturesque Wade Oval.

10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, universitycircle.org

day - by - DAY 1/8 & 22

Radio Astronomy. Learn the latest news from the field of radio astronomy and how you can join in science’s search for answers.

7-7:45 p.m. Virtual via WebEx. Geauga Park District, geaguaparkdistrict.org

1/9

Mohican Winterfest.

Weather permitting, the sponsored sculptures will be placed along Main Street around 5 p.m. Friday evening and will remain in place throughout the weekend. If the weather is too warm or rainy, the sculptures may go up Saturday morning instead. Downtown Loudonville, discovermohican.com

Cup of Science (Live). Join Miss Holly on social media to see a fun science video!

Recommended for children 4-6 years old. 4-4:30 p.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library, westlakelibrary.org

1/16

New Year New You for Teens.

Create a vision board. Seeing your vision board regularly, with images and words representing your goals, wishes, and values, helps to ensure that you continue to move towards those things, consciously and unconsciously. Supplies available at 10 a.m.

Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, 440-942-3200, we247.org

Super Science Saturday.

A day filled with awesome hands-on learning opportunities for the whole family. 10:30 am.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils.com

1/25

Online Pet Parade. You know how your pet loves to make an appearance when you’re on Zoom? Well, let’s feature our pets and get a chance to talk about them. Kids of all ages can get a chance to show off their pet. Whether it’s a cat, dog, snake or dinosaur.

4 p.m. Mentor Public Library, mentorpl.org

1/11

Virtual Young Writer’s Club. Get your creative juices flowing and explore the writing process in a fun, welcoming and stress-free virtual environment. Grades 5-10.

7-8:30 p.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library, cuyahogalibrary.org Family Food for Thought - Planning Healthy Meals. Join virtually from the main branch’s Culinary Literacy Center as we help build culinary skills for the entire family.

Learn the basics of nutrition and provide tips for planning balanced and healthy (and delicious) meals. 4-5 p.m.

Lorain Public Library, lorainpubliclibrary.org.

1/13

Family Adventure: Birding Bonanza. Grab a Family Adventure Pack and explore some of Ohio’s year-round residents. Each kit is curated by the education staff to include a bird-themed project and educational supplies for athome discovery. 4:30-5 p.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes.org

1/14

Picasso’s Art Studio @Home.

From Jan. 4-9, pick up a craft kit (while supplies last) for an at-home art experience. Share your art with Miss KT and other participants at an optional Show & Tell Zoom gathering on Jan. 14. 4-4:30 p.m. Highland Square Branch Library, 807 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-2927, akronlibrary.org

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 45

MONDAYS

VIRTUAL Parent & Me Fun

Virtual Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with Miss Jessica! Register to receive a Zoom link. 11:30 a.m-noon.

Fairlawn-Bath Branch Library, akronlibrary.org/events Story Stop on Facebook Live. Enjoy stories, songs and activities from the comfort of your own home.

10:30-11 a.m. lorainpubliclibrary.org StoryTime @ Home. Join the Children’s staff on the ALPL YouTube channel each week for a quick story and rhyme at home. Accompanying craft bags will be available for pickup through Curbside Service each Monday beginning at 10 a.m. All ages. Avon Lake Public Library, alpl.org.

Family Storytime. Join MCDL staff for books, rhymes, songs and fingerplays! All children and their caregivers are welcome.

10:30-11 a.m. Medina County District Library, mcdl.info.

TUESDAYS

Virtual Family Storytime.

Mix and mingle in the virtual family storytime room on Zoom.

Children of all ages and their families can spend some time together while enjoying stories, songs and fun. 10 a.m. Mentor Public Library, mentorpl.org.

Storytime at Home. Do you miss storytime? You can still enjoy stories and songs from home by visiting the StowMunroe Falls Public Library Facebook page. 10 a.m. smfpl.org.

All-Ages Storytime. Get ready to sing, read and share together via Zoom. This storytime will be geared for kids of all ages. 10-11 a.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, cuyahogafallslibrary.org.

DAY-BY-DAY 1/6

Snowman Virtual Family Storytime. Join as a family while we investigate what snowmen really do at night.

6:30- 7 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, reedlibrary.org/home.

1/9

Family Zoom Storytime. If you want to enjoy storytime from the comfort of your own home, here is your chance. Join in as we read books and sing songs in our Family Zoom storytime.

11-11:30 a.m. Heights Library, heightslibrary.org/events.

Lapsit. Children from birth-23 months and their caregivers are invited to participate in this program full of stories, rhymes, bounces and songs. 10:45 a.m.

Kirtland Public Library, kirtland.lib.oh.us Family Storytime Live. Join on Zoom for an interactive storytime featuring books, rhymes, songs, and movement.

For families with children ages 2-6, siblings welcome. 11 a.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library, westlakelibrary.org.

WEDNESDAYS

Toddler Storytime. You and your toddler will participate in stories, songs and movements together, virtually. 10-10:30 a.m.

Wadsworth Public Library, wadsworthlibrary.com.

Kids-N-Tunes. Online class filled with singing, listening, instrument playing and moving alongside your child. Parents/ caregivers learn ways to use music at home while children participate in success-oriented activities to help them learn and grow in a group music environment. 10:30 a.m. Beck Center for the Arts, beckcenter.org

46 | Family Living at Its Best

Preschool storytime. Join their usual storytime, modified slightly to accommodate a fun craft project. Upon registration, families will be notified via email with instructions for picking up the craft materials at your local branch. 10:30 a.m. Geauga County Public Library, divi.geaugalibrary.net.

Baby & Toddler Storytime. Join for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and books. 10 a.m. -10:25 a.m.

Brook Park Branch Library, cuyahogalibrary.org.

THURSDAYS

Storytime with Miss Mary. Miss Mary will share books, rhymes and songs to help prepare children for kindergarten and add joy to their day. Geared towards children ages 0-5 and their adults. 10:30-11 a.m. Akron Public Library, akronlibrary.org.

1/13

Butterfly Hands for Toddlers.

Join Nancy Barnett for a sixweek introduction to signing with your baby using the Baby Signs Program. For ages 18 months to 2.5 years with a grown-up. 11-11:30 a.m. Shaker Library, shakerlibrary.org.

1/15

Pajama Jam Interactive Storytime. Join us for a new kind of interactive storytime on Zoom! Stop by the children’s desk to pick up your Pajama Jam Kit starting the Monday before each program. 10:30-11 a.m. twinsburglibrary.org.

1/18

Toddler Zoom Storytime.

Help your toddler develop literacy and social skills through age-appropriate stories, songs and other activities. 10 a.m.

Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, we247.org.

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND

ONGOING Wonder Lab, Adventure City, Making Miniatures, Arts & Parts, The Meadow, Playlist and Theater. Visitors with autism spectrum disorder and developmental, sensory and learning differences will find support throughout the museum. 3813 Euclid Ave., cmcleveland.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

JANUARY Amazing Anatomy. Become mesmerized by the mechanics of the human body. Tour the special exhibit Body Worlds Rx and the BioMedTech gallery, and participate in Amazing Anatomy activities such as Gross Out Science Show, Cow Eye Dissection Family Workshop and Anatomy Design Challenge Family Workshop. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-6942000, greatscience.com

ONGOING The Glasshouse: Madagascar. Be transported more than 9,000 miles to a remarkable island off the coast of Africa.

Amid a world-class collection of endangered plants are exotic animals, including chameleons, a yellow-throated plated lizard and three radiated tortoises. You’ll also find the largest collection of Madagascan baobab trees and much more. 11030 East Blvd., 216721-1600, cbgarden.org

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

ONGOING Patrick Dougherty’s “Stickwork.” Twisting mazes, towering castles and hedges full of faces that have been featured in more than 300 locations around the world, including Scotland, Japan, Brussels and all over the U.S. 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-9464400, holdenarb.org

THROUGH 5/2/2021 Gustave Baumann: Colorful Cuts. Baumann’s prints portray not only stunning mountain scenery but also indigenous adobe architecture and scenes representing Native American and Hispanic cultures. Through 5/2. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

ONGOING Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation. In this traveling exhibition, you’ll explore the innovative ways wildlife rescuers capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild and care for animals after natural disasters. 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

ONGOING Cleveland 20/20: A Photographic Exploration. A diverse range of local and teen photographers snapped photos throughout the city to ensure Cleveland was documented like never before. 325 Superior Ave., cpl.org

ONGOING Shark Gallery & Sea Tube. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish.

Walk through the 175-foot underwater sea tube. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

HOLDEN ARBORETUM

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING Schuele Planetarium: Twinkle Tots, Stellar Stars, Family Adventures in Space, Sky Tonight and Full Dome Show. 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, 440-871-2900, lensc.org

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

ONGOING Class of 2020 Inductees.

Explore artifacts, instruments and a collaborative installation featuring items from each of the 2020 inductees, including Doobie Brothers, Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G. and more. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-781-7625, rockhall.com

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 47

Help Your Loved Ones With Heating Bills This Winter

R

HEAP Home Assistance Available

esidents who need help with winter energy bills can get assistance through the Cuyahoga County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) and the Ohio Development Services Agency’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The program is accepting applications now through May 31.

DSAS partners with the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging as one of its Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC).

Through this partnership, DSAS can provide residents ages 60 and older (or 18 to 59 with a disability) with assistance on HEAP and a variety of other programs to keep them safe and supported at home.

“Many older adults struggle to pay their energy bills when the temperature drops,” says Danette Allums, chief of DSAS ADRC. “The Home Energy Assistance Program helps residents at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guideline to pay their heating bills. The benefit is applied directly to the

48 | Family Living at Its Best

customer’s utility or bulk fuel bill after Jan. 1, helping to manage heating costs through the winter.”

Residents ages 60 and over can contact DSAS for assistance in applying for HEAP. When applying, individuals must provide copies of the following documents: • Most recent utility bills; • A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers); • Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members; • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members; and • Proof of disability (if applicable).

HEAP is not an emergency program.

The county is offering emergency utility assistance for eligible residents who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through CARES Act funding grants. Visit chnhousingpartners.org/utilityassistance for details. DSAS also offers other types of emergency assistance for older adults.

Applications for HEAP must be received

by May 31. This program is made possible by a grant from the Ohio Department of Aging through the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. Contact DSAS for information and application assistance at 216-420-6700 or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us.

— Submitted by Cuyahoga County

SPONSORED CONTENT

After a year of COVID-19 —

BRING BACK THE DiSNEY MAGiC

By Tricia Scott owner of Visit Mickey Vacations

A

Magical vacation is just a moment away. We all just wrapped up a very difficult year, a year of staying inside, missing our friends and family, single family holidays and without family travel. If this describes you and your family, then I say it’s time to plan your 2021 Family Vacation in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

2021 will be the kick off to the 50th

Anniversary to Walt Disney World, which opened Oct. 1, 1971. Disney will be offering The Rosen special discounts Family at and surprises Star Wars: around every Galaxy’s Edge in corner and we December can’t wait to see it.

2020.

Disney is most known by one word – magic.

Yes, but with Disney, Magic is second only to safety. And, Walt Disney World has delivered on both.

Safety always comes first and Walt Disney World has processes and procedures to keep everyone as safe as possible.Face coverings and social distancing is required, but there are “Relaxation Stations” in every park, where you can sit and relax maskfree. They have drastically reduced the amount of guests allowed in a park per day, they have stopped events that drew large crowds and replaced them with mini events throughout the day. You will no longer need

to stand in a spot for the 3 p.m. parade, just enjoy the magic of mini-parades all day long. There are still a few character dining options, but it’s now done differently.

There are still chances to wave ‘Hi’ to your favorite character, but no more lines to meet them.

What’s the best part of going to Disney during this time? The low attendance.

Enjoy a leisurely walk down Main Street, enjoying the decorations and the details that Disney does so well.Take a picture and not be surrounded by strangers.

Enjoy only minimal waits on most of the attractions and much, much shorter waits on the very popular attractions.

How to go about planning a Magical Vacation? Disney recognizes certain agencies through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner program. Visit Mickey, official travel partner of Northeast Ohio Parents is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and keeps up to date on all the changes happening every day. We’d love to assist you and there is never a charge for our services.

Go to visitmickey.com/quote-neoparent.

WE’LL HELP YOU PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY VACATION!

Call 2021 Walt Disney World ! y a Tod Packages Now Available! ✴ FREE Planning Services O WE D ORK, W E H T L E L A O HAV YOU G FUN! THE

✴ We save you Time and Money ✴ We create No-Hassle Vacations For a free quote, call, email or visit us online at:

www.VisitMickey.com • 440-709-4379 • info@VisitMickey.com January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 49

#CLE MAMA

SARA CARNES • Facebook = Sara Carnes • Instagram = saracarnes4

Get ‘er Done in

2021

Let’s get ‘er done in 2021. It rhymes so well, it just had to be said. I don’t know what it is about the new year, but there is something about starting fresh that gets me motivated. I’m not really big on New Year’s resolutions, but I do come up with a theme to guide the year for me. Last year, it was TRUST. And, well — that word turned out to be fitting, I must say. Now, my word of the year is going to be HOPE. Hope is for all of our futures and that the lessons we learned from this year will stick with us.

It goes without saying that last year we were all on the struggle bus a bit more than normal. But I have to say there were some bright moments that came out of such a tough year. My family and I spent more time together doing crafts, playing, having dinner and more. My favorite part is that a lot of it stuck. For example, we’ve been playing Uno Attack together after dinner instead of doing other things. (By the way, Uno Attack is far superior to regular Uno!) In addition to focusing on hope, I’m going to use this year to make progress. Not perfection, progress. Just like I said — get ‘er done in 2021. I’m making a list of things (even though I’m truly not calling them resolutions) that I want to stick with this year. Some of my goals are personal goals, but others are more general that I think we all could use to stay motivated, healthy and thankful.

Here are six goals to get ‘er done:

50 | Family Living at Its Best

1. Drink more water.

Take half your weight and drink that amount in ounces each day. Grab a refillable water bottle and bring it with you wherever you go. There are some great free apps to help you track your progress.

2. Keep a gratitude journal.

It’s eye opening and helpful to take time each day and process all the blessings around you. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.

3. Read 12 books.

I love going to the library and I love reading! I took on this challenge last year and found so much enjoyment.

4. Eat healthier.

I know this is a common one that so many people try to do but fail. Let’s go back to progress, not perfection. I shoot for the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the time, I’m eating super clean and healthy, but there are some times when I’m going to treat myself.

5. Exercise more.

Find a program that works for you. It might be at your local gym, on a new bike or with an app. If you’re not currently motivated to work out, keep looking for what works for you.

6. Take care of yourself.

Go to the doctor to get your yearly physical, take your vitamins, eat healthy, detox or take an Epsom salt bath. I talk to so many people who tell me they just don’t have time. But, you can’t run on an empty tank. Make it a goal this year to concentrate on your health and taking care of you.

So now you know my word of the year, what’s yours?

January 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 51

52 | Family Living at Its Best