NW Kids Magazine January 2017

L I V E • PLAY • DO

magazine

2017 Schools &

Open House Guide Kids' Eye Health: Understanding blue light Museums for the whole family

nwkidsmagazine.com

JANUARY 2017

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Editor’s Note Hello, 2017. The start of a new year comes with feelings of new beginnings and clean slates. 2016 was a turbulent year for our country at times, and an important reminder to look closely at what is immediately around and dear to us, no matter what’s happening in the greater arena that may cloud our ability to see clearly.

Fittingly, we’re featuring vision this month (what’s cuter than kids in glasses?), with important information on blue light from Myoptic Optometry on p. 12 and a deeply moving poem on p. 38, the latest in our collaboration with the talented student writers at Portland Jewish Academy.

It’s also time to plan for the 2017-2018 school year! My goodness! Luckily, we’re back with our Annual Schools & Open House Guide, this time with a lovely makeover to an even easier to read and reference format. Check it out, starting with some tips on maximizing the open house experience, on p. 16. Over 30 schools await you and your eager little learners!

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, and remember, keep those eyes – and hearts – open to hope.

Karel

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Contents JANUARY 2017 9 Bits & Bytes 12 Blue Light Basics & 3 Ways to Protect Young Eyes 16 2017 Schools & Open House Guide

35 Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds 36 Get Out and Play!

This month’s local adventures 38 The PJA Perspective

Cover and contents photography courtesy of MYOPTIC OPTOMETRY

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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram : @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly

by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle.

Editor / Client Services Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com

Listings Aprende con Amigos.....................................28 Art of STEM....................................................29 Barre3............................................................... 7 Bennett Suzuki...............................................14 Blue Frogs Jump............................................14 Bridges Middle School...................................32 ChildRoots........................................................ 3 Childswork.....................................................28 Chinese American International School........14 Class Academy...............................................29 Cornerstone Montessori.................................14 Engineering for Kids......................................22 Gallagher’s Rug and Carpet Care..................... 8 German International School........................15 iFLY Portland..................................................38 International School......................................32 Jauregui Violin Studio....................................14 KLA School.....................................................34 Little Fruit Farm..............................................28 Montessori School of Beaverton...................32 My Masterpiece Art Studio............................14 6 | NW Kids Magazine

Myoptic Optometry.......................................13 Nectar Frozen Yogurt........................................ 8 New Day School.............................................22 Northwest Chinese Academy........................22 Oregon Children’s Theatre..............................10 Oregon Episcopal School...............................40 Park Academy................................................22 Peanut Gallery...............................................14 Play Fit Fun.....................................................10 Portland Jewish Academy.............................29 Portland Trampoline......................................39 Raindrop Playmates.......................................15 Riverdale School District................................22 Saturday Academy.........................................29 Serpa Audiology............................................38 Sit Still............................................................11 Skinner Montessori........................................30 Small Friends School.....................................22 Smart Baby Preschool....................................14 Spielwerk Toys.................................................. 7 St Cecilia.........................................................31

St Gabriel Episcopal School...........................14 St Matthew School........................................28 St Therese School...........................................14 St Thomas More.............................................28 Sunstone Montessori.....................................22 Swallowtail School........................................33 The Kids’ Backyard Store................................39 The Marylhurst School..................................32 ThriftMouse...................................................... 7 Trillium Preschool..........................................34 Trinity Lutheran..............................................33 Tucker Maxon................................................... 2 Valley Christian Preschool..............................34 Vivid Eye Care.................................................13 West Hills Montessori....................................22 Yeates Academy.............................................34 Yoga Playgrounds..........................................11 Youngset Preschool........................................14 Zenana Spa....................................................11

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BITS & BYTES New in Town LAIKA’s world, in the pocket of the Pacific Northwest LAIKA Studios, the feature film animation powerhouse that brought Kubo and the Two Strings to theaters in 2016, is located just outside Portland in Hillsboro.

Marketing/brand manager Mark Shapiro got together with NW Kids to talk about LAIKA and the fusion of art and science.

LAIKA was awarded a Scientific and Technology Oscar plaque in 2016 for the studio’s innovation in 3-D printing.

Has there ever been pushback against combining technology with art?

Creativity has so many components and it grows with technology. We embrace the collaboration of art and science in our features. We make stop-motion films [with puppets] but our VFX artists enhance scenes with another form of artwork in the style of mind-boggling visual effects.

How can parents make sure their children are exposed to quality animation? What is quality animation, anyway?

You can find exhilarating films through a number of resources, including your own library. But looking deeper, I find great animated content via a number of websites, but I would highlight the National Film Board (Canada) and ACMEfilmworks’s Show of Shows! (animationshowofshows.com).

What’s special about working with puppets?

Puppets have a personality all their own, even when they’re not moving. And when they are animated, there is something about that that gives them this sense of life.

Visit laika.com for more information and to find out about the fifth LAIKA movie, to be announced soon.

-Erin Crouch

Photograph by LIDA NYE PHOTOGRAPHY

1.Fresh from Seattle, Rachel Marshall of Rachel’s Ginger Beer fame has opened her first Portland spot on SE Hawthorne, at the corner of 37th Ave. Both the kiddos and your inner kid will love the creative flavors, like white peach and cucumber + tarragon, while your adult self might indulge in a ginger beer cocktail. Bubbles got your tummy rumbling? Rachel’s also serves fried chicken sandwiches and hush puppies. We’re there, like, yesterday.

3646 SE Hawthorne, rachelsgingerbeer.com.

2.You may have noticed a delightfully airy shop on the NW 19th and Northrup block; we sure did. The Yo Store, or, endearingly, Yo!, features lovingly curated vintage and new items from owner Sarah Radcliffe, whose baby son Finn inspires her kids’ selections, aptly named “Tinies.”

935 NW 19th, yoportland.com.

3. Dekum/Woodlawn favorite Tamale Boy opened its second location – yay!

– on N Russell, as a collaboration with new neighbor Labrewatory. Get yummy appetizers, exclusive to the Russell menu, or stop in for Sunday brunch whenever you manage to get everyone dressed and out the door – it’s served all day.

668 N Russell, tamaleboy.com.

Performances Finding Neverland Jan 3-8, starts at $25 Fly Guy: The Musical Jan 14-Feb 12, $14-32, octc.org The Tail of Sleeping Beauty: With Puppets!

Jan 28-Feb 26, $16-25, nwcts.org Young Playwrights Festival Jan 28, $10, fertilegroundpdx.org NW Kids Magazine | 9

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Blue Light Basics

+ 3 Ways to Protect Young Eyes by MYOPTIC OPTOMETRY

These days, we use screens for almost everything; this goes for our kids, too. Whether it’s following their favorite YouTuber, playing Angry Birds or FaceTiming with Grandma, kids are staring intently at those phones, tablets and PCs. Even schools are replacing books with iPads. Technology is a wonderful thing, but too much can lead to serious side effects. One important topic is blue light and its long term effects on our eyes.

What is blue light?

Blue light or HEV (high-energy visible) light is a specific wavelength of light (380-500 nanometers) that exists all around us and is emitted in large amounts from digital devices and fluorescent and LED lights.

How does blue light help us?

Not all blue light is bad. The sun emits blue light, which helps regulate our sleep patterns. Blue light also helps increase our reaction time and keep us in a better mood.

But what can happen with too much blue light?

Recent research shows that long-term exposure can contribute to permanent retinal damage. Blue light also increases strain to the eyes due to a natural flickering of shorter wavelength light. Blue light exposure is up 38% in kids, who have larger pupils and whose anatomy does not filter as much blue light as that of adults, making them even more susceptible.

How do we protect our kids eyes from excessive blue light?

1. Glasses. Glasses can limit the amount of blue light entering the eye with special coatings or yellow tinted lenses. These glasses can be purchased with or without prescription.

2. Apps. Apps like Flux (justgetflux.com) and Night Shift on iPhones and iPads can reduce the output of blue light by shifting the screen colors to more of an orange hue. These apps are designed to aid in sleep but can easily be programmed to operate all day.

3. Turn it off. Nothing reduces blue light like walking away from the screen.

Play dates, enrolling in classes and reading a good old fashioned book are great alternatives.

Myoptic Optometry is a team of eye care professionals dedicated to providing the best in promoting eye health and education. Find them online at myopticpdx.com or at any of their 3 locations in wonderful neighborhoods of Williams, Laurelhurst or Sellwood.

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2017 Schools & Open House Guide by AFTON NELSON

Feeling a little anxious about making one of the most important decisions in your kiddo's life? We feel you. To help you out, we've put together a handy, easy-to-reference guide of choice area schools and their open house dates, sorted by geographic area.

Photograph by NICK MACDONALD of PERFECT SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHY for CHILDROOTS 16 | NW Kids Magazine

Before you dive in, check out some expert tips gathered by contributor Afton Nelson.

Wondering which school is right for your child? Searching the internet and talking to your friends will only get you so far. If you really want to know what a school is like, you need to go on a tour or attend an open house.

Sonya Rheingold from ChildRoots and Inge Hoogerhuis with Portland Jewish Academy shared their tips for how to get the most out of school open houses.

Overall, pay attention to how the school feels to you. Do the teachers and students look engaged and happy, and are they open to greeting and meeting guests? Trust your intuition. If the school doesn’t feel warm, inviting and enticing to you, it probably won’t be a good fit for your family.

Preschool Questions

Grade School Questions

• What’s the class size and the staff to child ratio?

• What is the school’s disciplinary policy?

• Are meals, snacks and diapers provided?

• How are report cards handled?

• What does child selection process look like?

• What is the educational philosophy?

• Are independent or private schools accredited by independent and reputable accrediting organizations, such as NWAIS or NAIS?

• What would a typical day look like?

• How long has the school been in existence?

• How do you handle conflict?

• Is the school’s financial picture solid?

• Do children play outside daily?

• Are the teachers certified?

• How are naps handled?

• Are there instructional aides?

• How are diaper changes and toilet training handled?

• How long has the average teacher been at the school? What is the turnover?

• How do you ensure my child will be ready for kindergarten?

• How does the school nurture a greater sense of community?

• How does the school communicate with families?

• What is the educational background and experience of the teachers and staff?

• How do families communicate with the school?

• What resources do you have for kids with learning challenges?

• What is your homework policy?

• How are STEAM subjects integrated into the classroom?

• Will the school provide references?

Afton Nelson is a Portland writer and mother who loves exploring the Pacific NW with her three boys. Learn more about her at aftonnelson.com.

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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

DESCRIPTION

AGES/GRADES

NORTH/NORTHEAST Bridges Middle School

Non-profit private school providing individualized instruction and socialemotional support for students with learning differences.

5th-8th grade

Academic excellence, faith formation, before & after school care, accredited.

PreK-8th grade

Small Reggio-inspired preschool nestled in the Cully neighborhood of NE Portland.

2-5 years old

We believe children are strong, competent, inventive and full of ideas to explore.

3-5 years old

5420 N Interstate Avenue 503-285-3833

Trinity Lutheran Christian School

Academic excellence. Inspired by Christ Since 1891.

PreK-8th grade

At Childswork, we nurture wonder, we embrace joy and we foster discovery.

3-6 years old

Vegan school whose mission-driven learning environment provides for the education of body, mind and spirit.

2.5 to 5 years old

Full-time and outdoors, the Trackers Forest School blends academics and nature education.

Grade K,1, 6-7

Tucker Maxon teaches every child to reach their full potential in school and in life.

Early Intervention, PreK, Elementary

716 NE Marine Drive 503-688-2922

St. Therese Catholic School 1260 NE 132nd Avenue 503-253-9400

The Peanut Gallery Playschool NE Portland 503-998-7259

Trillium Charter School

5520 NE Killingsworth Street 503-288-6403

SOUTHEAST PORTLAND Childswork Learning Center 4235 SE Salmon Street 503-234-3611

New Day School 1825 SE Clinton Street 503-231-7425

Trackers Forest School 4617 SE Milwaukie Avenue 503-345-3312

Tucker Maxon School 2860 SE Holgate Boulevard 503-235-6551

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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION

SPECIALIZATION

OPEN HOUSE INFO

WEBSITE

$23,000 annually

Special Education

February 8, 9-10am March 11, 10-11am

bridgesms.org

$5,000-$16,000 annually

Faith-based

January 29, 12:30-2pm March 7, 6-7pm

stthereseschool.org

See website

Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia

February 25, 10am-12pm

thepeanutgallery playschool.com

No tuition or admission fee

Play-based, Whole child

February 16, 5:30-7pm

trilliumcharterschool.org

$2,400-$7,000 annually

Blend of student centered and direct instruction

February 23 and by appointment

trinityportland.org

Variable

Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Constructivist/ emergent curriculum

Tours held several times a month; call for reservation

childswork.org

$651-1,141 monthly

Play-based, Whole child, Neo-Humanist Education

January 7, 10-11am

newdayschool.org

$13,250 annually

Experiential, Whole child, Forest School

January 11

trackerspdx.com/forest/ school

$7,150-7,900 annually

Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Communication

January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, 4-5:30pm

tuckermaxon.org

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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

DESCRIPTION

AGES/GRADES

NORTHWEST PORTLAND Blue Frogs Jump LLC Preschool Eclectic philosophy focusing on

2-5 years old

10207 NW Alpenglow Way 503-925-3919

confidence, skill-building and fostering capable, considerate, responsible learners and community members.

CLASS Academy

CLASS Academy provides a hands-on, multi-sensory, kinesthetic curriculum with small, individualized age/skill blended class sizes.

PreK-8th grade

SGES empowers young learners and their families by honoring discovery, diversity and the joy of learning.

3-5 years old

OES offers an inquiry-based education, where open minds may inquire, explore and grow.

PreK -12th grade

A community of respect; a challenging, engaging academic program. Students think for themselves and work for the world.

6 weeks-8th grade

Bilingual English and Korean preschool offering classes for toddler through pre-K!

20 monthsKindergarten

Independent schooling aspects in a public school setting: small classes, enthusiastic teachers and challenging academics.

PreK-12th grade

At Small Friends children explore, create and collaborate to deepen their understanding of their world.

3-5 years old

A Gospel values-centered Catholic school, dedicated to maximizing the spiritual and educational development of the whole child.

K-8th grade

2730 NW Vaughn Street 503-223-9099

St. Gabriel Episcopal School 17435 NW West Union Road 503-928-1359

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND Oregon Episcopal School 6300 SW Nicol Road 503-768-3115

Portland Jewish Academy 6651 SW Capitol Highway 503-244-0126

Raindrop Playmates 9100 SW Wilshire Street 503-297-7246

Riverdale School District 11733 SW Breyman Avenue 503-262-4840

Small Friends School 7475 SW Oleson Road 503-388-2266

St. Thomas More Catholic School 3521 SW Patton Road 503-222-6105 20 | NW Kids Magazine

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION

SPECIALIZATION

OPEN HOUSE INFO

WEBSITE

$550-1,195 monthly

Experiential, January 21, 10am-12pm Play-based, Eclectic

bluefrogsjump.com

$915-950 monthly

Whole child, Tactile, Kinesthetic, Intentional exploration

January 25

classacademy.com

See website

Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child

January 28, 12:30-3pm or call for tour

stgabrielschoolpdx.com

See website

Experiential, Reggio Emilia

January 10, 7-8:30pm

oes.edu

$8,250-17,760 annually

Project-based learning

Janaury 12, 10am

pjaproud.org

$1,100-1,200 monthly for full time; part time available

Experiential, Language immersion, Play-based, Reggio Emilia

January 28, 10am-1pm; February 11, 10am-1pm

raindroplaymates.org

$10,130-11,950 annually

Experiential

Grade school (PreK-8) tours and high school (9-12) shadow days through February

riverdaleschool.com

$168-215 monthly Play-based

February 2, 7-8:30 pm

smallfriendsschool.com

$6,250-8,470 annually

January 26, January 29

stmpdxschool.org

Whole child, Art, Spanish, Music, Computer Skills, Library

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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

DESCRIPTION

AGES/GRADES

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND (CONTINUED) Sunstone Montessori School 6318 SW Corbett Avenue 503-768-3847

The International School 025 SW Sherman Street 503-226-2496

Valley Christian Preschool 8060 SW Brentwood Avenue 503-292-3537 x146

Youngset Preschool 1838 SW Jefferson Street 503-221-0224

Sunstone is a community that cultivates the curious, compassionate and independent being of every child.

16 months-12 yrs old

Full Spanish, Japanese or Chinese language immersion and inquirybased, International Baccalaureate approach. Since 1990.

3 years old-5th grade

Valley Christian Preschool embraces childhood in partnership with families and God.

2-5 years old

Teachers, children and parents work together to create a play-based learning environment that respects each child.

3-5 years old

German language immersion school that provides innovative learning experiences, creative programming and a diverse, globally-minded community.

PreK-5th grade

Innovative, Reggio Emilia based center providing children with quality early learning experience.

6 weeks-PreK

Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Students integrate academics with explorations in nature throughout their school day.

3-12 years old

BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO German International School 3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton 503-626-9089

KLA School of Hillsboro 1855 NE 48th Avenue, Hillsboro 503-333-2002

Little Fruit Farm Montessori 16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton 503-521-8603

Montessori School of Beaverton 11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Beaverton 503-439-1597 24 | NW Kids Magazine

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION

SPECIALIZATION

OPEN HOUSE INFO

$950-1,750 monthly

Experiential, Montessori, Whole child

January 12, 5-7pm

$10,000-17,000 annually

Language January 24, 6-8pm immersion, Playbased, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

WEBSITE

sunstonemontessori.org

intlschool.org

$125-215 monthly Reggio Emilia

January 17, 6:30-7:30pm

valleychristianpreschool. com

See website

Play-based, Co-op

January 25, 7pm or call for a tour!

youngsetpreschool.com

$11,200-14,500 annually

Language immersion

January 22, 10-11:30am

gspdx.org

$500-1,500 monthly depending on number of days and selected schedule

Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child

January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, 8pm

klaschoolshillsboro.com

$450-1,000 monthly

Montessori

Please call

littlefruitfarmmontessori. com

$8,000-11,000 annually

Montessori, Outdoor

January 7, 2-3pm

msb.org

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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

DESCRIPTION

AGES/GRADES

BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO (CONTINUED) Northwest Chinese Academy 8565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton 503-546-3455

Smart Baby Preschool 21029 SW Brackenwood Lane, Beaverton 971-227-6124

St. Cecilia School 12250 SW 5th Street, Beaverton 503-644-2619

St. Matthew Catholic School 221 SE Walnut Street, Hillsboro 503-648-2512

NWCA is the highest percentage Mandarin immersion school in Oregon, serving a diverse student population.

PreK-6th grade

Committed to providing bilingual English/Russian learning for each child, preparing for early success and school readiness.

2-6 years old

Academic excellence, state-of-the-art learning center and leader in digital learning.

PreK-8th grade

Nurtures students’ hearts and minds to live, learn and serve with the compassion of Christ, united in faith.

PreK ages 3-4, K-8th grade

Developmentally appropriate Chinese immersion program for preschool and kindergarten students; afterschool program for grades 1+.

PreK, Kindergarten; After school 1st-5th grade

To empower students with diverse learning differences, particularly dyslexia.

3rd-12th grade

Educating the whole child; head, heart and hands.

Parent-Child 8th grade

Committed to teaching to where each child is at.

2.5 years old 6th grade

Founded in 1972, Marylhurst honors the journey of each child in a progressive education community.

PreK-8th grade

OUTER METRO AREA Chinese American International School 1855 South Shore Boulevard, Lake Oswego 503-348-3028

Park Academy 1915 South Shore Boulevard, Lake Oswego 503-594-8800

Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm 460 S. Heather Street, Cornelius 503-846-0336

Skinner Elementary Montessori School 5001 NE 66th Ave, Vancouver 360-696-4862

The Marylhurst School 1232 Linn Avenue, Oregon City 503-650-0978

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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION

SPECIALIZATION

OPEN HOUSE INFO

WEBSITE

$3,200-14,933 annually

Language Immersion

January 7, 10am-12pm February 11, 10am-12pm March 7, 9:30am-11am April 1, 10am-12pm May 11, 9:30am-11am

nwchineseacademy.org

Please contact school

Language immersion

January 22

smartbabypreschool.com

$2,190-7,410 annually

Whole child, faith-based

January 22, 10-12:30pm

stceciliaschool.us

$5,075-7,200 annually

Whole child

February 2, 4-7:30pm

stmatthewschoolhillsboro. org

$1,680-9,290 annually

Experiential, Language immersion, Whole child

Personal tours are available September through June. Please call for appointments.

Mornings preferred

caisoregon.org

Contact for tuition

Dyslexia, Language-based learning differences

January 26, 6:30-8pm

parkacademy.org

$7,000-10,100 annually

Experiential, Whole child, Waldorf

January 28, 11am-2pm

swallowtailschool.org

$5,800-8,200 annually

Montessori, Daily French & calligraphy

February 15, 6:30-8pm

skinnermontessori.com

$1,350-8,400 annually

Experiential, Play-based, Progressive

January 28, 10am-1pm

themarylhurstschool.org

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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

DESCRIPTION

AGES/GRADES

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Aprende con Amigos Multiple locations 503-206-8765

ChildRoots Multiple locations 503-235-1151

Saturday Academy Multiple locations 503-200-5858

West Hills Montessori Multiple locations 503-246-5495

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“Learn with friends� through a research-based Spanish immersion program for children 3-5 years old.

3-5 years old

Progressive and thoughtful learning community; nurturing environments where children are treated with compassion, deep respect and love.

6 weeks-6 years old

Follow your curiosity! Classes and camps in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts.

2nd-12th grade

Meeting the social, emotional and intellectual needs of children through joyful exploration and hands-on learning.

Toddler, PreK, Elementary

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION

SPECIALIZATION

OPEN HOUSE INFO

WEBSITE

$395-1,035 monthly

Language immersion

Overlook: January 4, 3-4pm; Feb 18, 6-7pm Irvington: January 21, 3-4pm; Feb 20, 3-4pm

aprendeconamigos.com

$755-1,590 monthly

Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child

1st Monday of each month, 6:30 pm

childroots.com

$79-600 monthly

Experiential, Hands-on, indepth classes taught by industry professionals

Please contact school

saturdayacademy.org

$785-1,060 monthly

Montessori

SW Campus: March 5, 11am-1pm; Lake Oswego Campus: March 12, 11am-1pm

westhills-montessori.com

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Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds by KATIE BOEHNLEIN

Take advantage of tours and free play areas • OMSI’s Science Playground, Sandland, and Discovery Lab are perfect for your little explorers under age six.

• Tour OMSI’s USS Blueback, a unique submarine on display in the Willamette River!

• The Portland Art Museum offers family tours every Sunday at 12:30pm, and admission is always free for kids under the age of 17.

• The Children’s Museum 1.3 acre Outdoor Adventure area is a great place to take fresh-air breaks.

Encourage curiosity • Allow your kids to explore what they’re attracted to, even if it means splitting up your group.

• While at the museum, ask: “What do you like most about this exhibit? What do you want to learn more about?”

Scope out free or reduced admission We all know what winter in Portland means: short days, gloomy skies and insistent rains.

Looking for ways to explore the metro area with your family despite the weather? We’re lucky that Portland has a diversity of museums abound for discovery in the wettest and coldest months.

Ahead, some tips to make museum-going a breeze and more importantly, fun for all involved.

Plan your visit ahead of time • Peruse museum websites before leaving the house to see what’s current and special.

• Sign up for special programs ahead of time.

• PRO TIP: The quietest time to visit museums is usually weekday afternoons.

• Washington County residents: Check out a “Cultural Pass to Adventure” from your local library to visit many of the places below once for free!

• Oregon Historical Society: Always free for Multnomah County residents • OMSI: $2 first Sundays • Portland Children’s Museum: Free first Fridays 4-8pm; free first full weekend of every month for Bank of America cardholders • Portland Art Museum: Always free for 17 and under, free first Thursdays 5-8pm, $5 Fridays 5-8pm • Pittock Mansion: Always free for 6 and under.

(Note: This museum is closed in January) • Fort Vancouver: Visitors Center & Pearson Air Museum always free, reconstructed Fort free for 15 and under • Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum: Always free for 5 and under • Historic Belmont Firehouse: call ahead to schedule free tours Katie Boehnlein is a teacher and writer living in Oregon where you can find her exploring the beautiful natural areas of Portland and Ashland on foot and by bike. She blogs about her nature adventures and travel at kboehnlein.wordpress.com.

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MOCHITSUKI 2017

Get Out and Play!

This month’s local adventures

Thru Jan 8

Jan 5

Your last chance to catch Imago Theatre’s breathtaking multimedia “story-within-a-story-within-a-ship”!

Vaudeville-style performance, exquisite puppetry, shadow theatre and animated set pieces keep you gasping at every turn. $19.50-42.50, imagotheatre.com

Ever wanted to make your own screenprinted poster or t-shirt? Now you can!

Kids will learn how to make their own stencils and how to pull a print. (Poster and fabric swatches provided, but bring your own t-shirt.) Free, multcolib.org/ events/stencil-screen-print-families

La Belle: Lost in the World of the Automaton

Stencil Screen Print for Families

Thru Jan 15 Very Eric Carle Traveling Exhibit

Catch this phenomenal exhibit before it leaves the Portland Children’s Museum. Eric Carle’s books come to life, as children peer through holes left by the Very Hungry Caterpillar or weave a web with the Very Busy Spider. $10.95 (free for kids 1 and under), portlandcm.org

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

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Jan 7 & Jan 21 Lantern Tour: An Evening at the Fort

Learn about the history of Fort Vancouver while watching dramatic reenactments in this atmospheric setting. Warm cider provided at the end of the tour! $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 15, nps.gov/fova

to their villages. Although there is plenty of clowning, there are also some challenging social justice subjects, which make this best suited for young people 12 and up. $20-27, milagro.org

Jan 14

Don’t Let the Pigeon Take Over the Library

The preschool set will be delighted

by Rick Huddle’s musical homage to Mo Willems. Pigeon, Duckling and other favorite characters appear in these charming songs and skits. Free, multcolib.org/events/dont-let-pigeontake-over-library

Jan 28-Feb 6

Chinese New Year Events at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Jan 8

Story and Stroll Sundays: What’s Underground

The Friends of Tyron Creek hold this program several times a week, focusing on different STEAM subjects. Children 2-6 years old will enjoy this exploration of nature, literature and art. Free, tryonfriends.org

Jan 12-21

Milagro Theater presents: El Payaso

This world premiere relates the story of an American engineer who worked with rural Nicaraguans to bring electricity

Lan Su is hosting New Year celebrations for two weeks, including Lion Dances, family friendly craft activities, a Chinese Wishing Tree and much more. Everything is included with standard admission, except for the breathtaking Lantern Viewing Evenings, which start at $15 for young people. $7 for students, $9.50 general admission, lansugarden.org

Jan 29

Mochitsuki 2017

Enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese performances celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Craft activities for kids and food vendors make this festival a hit with the whole family. $4-12, mochipdx.org

Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events NW Kids Magazine | 37

The PJA Perspective

20/20

by HENRY SEAL

My crystalized prize Darting back and forth Stretching cautiously Realizing Dilating Don’t cry tonight You won’t be able to see the blood moon, she said Love is pain Darting back and forth Stretching cautiously Realizing Dreams are seen One instant One shot Your pupils won’t let you down Pain will The earth tears open with light Bleeding a sweet summer aroma that you cannot see Life isn’t through your eyes It’s through your heart Henry, 13, lives in Portland with his two brothers, mom, dad and dog.

He loves playing soccer, skiing and hanging out with family and friends. Writing poetry has always been an outlet for Henry.

Portland Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding journalists from PJA’s writing club for 6th-8th graders to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life – from their perspective.

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