January 2014 Our Kids Magazine by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families

FREE January 2014

NEW YEAR Organized Resolution

25 Fun Things To Do

with your kids in 2014

Pre-K 4 SA

success

stories

Education DirectorY

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Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy Your baby enters their second year and becomes a toddler, here are some milestones to look for: • • • •

Understands prepositions (in, out, on) Identifies actions in pictures Understands pronouns (my, your) Uses words to request objects, to indicate he/she wants more of something

• Follows simple commands • Understands describing words (big/little) • Combines 3-4 words in speech • Produces the following sounds: /m/,/p/,/b/,/w/,/t/,/b/,/h/

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If you child shows a lack of any of these milestones, please talk with your child’s pediatrician to determine if a speech and language evaluation is needed. More information on developmental milestones can be found on our website.

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www.abilitypediatrictherapy.com



table of

CONTENTS January 2014

6 8 9 10 13 15 24 26 28 39 4

volume 30 • number 1

On the Web

Stop Food Battles With Picky Eaters and January Giveaways

Editor’s Note

Commit to Your Resolutions

FYI

• Earn Prizes While Staying Active • Send Us Your Weird Pet Stories

Get Organized

Local and National Experts Offer Tipsfor Parents to Get and Stay Organizd

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

The Basics of Affordable Health Care

education directory

• PRE-K 4 SA - Program is an Early Hit With Parents and Kids • Education Listings

Things to Do With THE Kids

25 Activities to Do Before Your Kids are Grown

BABY

Almost There: Maximizing Late-Pregnancy Nutrition

Calendar

Martin Luther King Jr. March, Ongoing Exhibits and Family Theater

Your Kids in Our Kids

Winter Fun in South Texas

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Cover Composed by Rudy Riojas

Kimberly Dunlap, MA, LPC

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Specializing in Adult Counseling • Parenting the Special Needs Child • Couples Therapy • Grief /Loss • Life Transitions • Older Adult IssuesIndividual and Family Needs • Substance Abuse Recovery Using an individual approach in a non-judgmental, safe & confidential environment, we can identify tools, goals & solutions to meet your needs.

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cover Photo by JENN BROOKOVER photograpHy

January 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

on the

WEB

Your Go-To Online Resource for San Antonio Parents

Spotlight

Stop Food Battles and Gradually Expand Picky Eater’s Palate

January Contests Win Rampage Tickets and More Win tickets to the San Antonio Rampage vs. Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at the AT&T Center. Other January giveaways include: • “Help Your Kids With Language Arts: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Grammar, Punctuation and Writing.” The book is valued at $16.83. • “Unbored: Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun,” a book filled with activities designed to get kids engaged with the wider world. This prize is valued at $18. To be eligible to win any of these giveaways signup at www.ourkidsmagazine.com by 5 p.m. Jan. 25, 2014.

nAntonio.com e for Parenting Information on the Web ntonio.com Parenting Information on the Web onio.com Spotlight

By Christina Katz

When I was a kid, I would eat just about anything with gusto. I was always hungry at mealtime and I would devour whatever my mother put in front of me. So imagine my surprise when my daughter turned out just the opposite – a fussy, 13regarded Great Giftsfoods Your picky eater, who always unfamiliar with suspicion, rejecting most, if not many, of the Kids Can Make Spotlight choices placed in front ofMost her. kids don’t come with big 13 Great Gifts Your What’s a happy-eater-parent to do with afor holiday gifts. spending allowances picky-eater-kid? But they love to give Kids Can Make Win NAPPA Staff Pick, The IfSpotlight you are theMost parent ofdon’t a picky eater,with consider egister by Dec. 20, presents tocome their kids big Jan. 6, 2013.using siblings, parents, Beatrix Girls ($24.99 each, lessGreat judgment and pressure to force your 13 Gifts Your spending allowances for holiday gifts. www.thebeatrixgirls.com), a child to eat what you grandparents want hergive to eat,and and more But they love to Kids Can Make teachers. are new line of collectible pop-star understanding and patience encouraging her Dec. 20, presents to theirin Here Most kids don’t13come with big nifty gifts that 013. siblings, parents, dolls girls are sure to adore. to expand her options of what she is willing to spending allowances holidaycan gifts. yourfor children and More than just dolls, The Beatrix girls are musicians and eat.But they grandparents love to give create themselves, teachers. Here are role models for a new generation of empowered young girls! Does this sound like an exercise in insanity? It presents to their which makes these 13letnifty gifts that Prize includes all four dolls. onlysiblings, is, if youparents, it become one. gifts all more yourof children canthe To enter, visit www.NAPPAawards.com. Contest ends To read more this article, visit www. grandparents and special to receive. create themselves, n teachers. Here are Jan. 25, 2014. ourkidsmagazine.com.

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which makes these . 13 nifty gifts that gifts all the more pp, it lets your kids your children can PLUS: special to receive. “secret test track” create themselves, ■ An easy-to-use Digital Edition of this und the world for which makes these month’s issue ation life. Tengifts all the more s yourtokids ■ PLUS: Calendar of Family Events n. Prize value: $9.99 special to receive. test track” ■ Family-Friendly Business Directory ■ An easy-to-use Digital Edition of this wards.com. world for Contest

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Subscribe to our Weekly Update Newsletter month’s■issue ■ Calendar of Family Events PLUS: ■ Family-Friendly Business Directory • AnEdition easy-to-use Digital Edition of this ■ An easy-to-use Digital of this ■ Subscribe to our Weekly Update Newsletter month’s issue • Calendar of Family Events

Connected

month’s issue

sSanAntonio ■ Calendar of Family Events scribe to our FREE e-newsletter at OurKidsSanAntonio.com • Family Friendly 9 or iPhone from oid Google Play andBusiness iTunes Directory ■ Family-Friendly

Business Directory • Like us on Facebook ected ■ Subscribe to our Weekly Update Newsletter – facebook.com/OurKidsSanAntonio nio • Follow us on Twitter @ourkidsmagazine ur e-newsletter at OurKidsSanAntonio.com es FREE children and families together one from Google Play and iTunes e-newsletter at OurKidsMagazine.com parent you to willour haveFREE the opportunity to teach dou through the entire process. •• Subscribe Subscribe to our Update Newsletter children morals & Weekly values, and help promote

a healthy self-image and self-esteem. d single adults can become parent foster you will have the opportunity to teach children 6 process. Our Kids homes | January 2014 ghparents. the entire Bilingual are morals & values, and help promote A PROFOUND a healthyMAKE self-image and self-esteem.DIFFERENCE eeded. amilies together dults can becomeparent foster you will have the opportunity to teach

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December 2013 | OurKidMagazine.com

editor’s

NOTE

Magazine

Commit to Your Resolutions

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Magazine Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com

Magazine

ith the start of a new year, usually comes resolves by many Americans to do things differently than in past years. But just how many of us actually are successful in these resolves? Magazine A few years ago I stopped making resolutions because by the end of week three or four I had already reverted to the routine I sought to change. When preparing to do this Editor’s Note, I ran across some information that was a bit curious to me. I found that the resolutions made by people in the United States rarely change. That is, year after year, we make resolutions to change a habit we sought toMagazine change the previous year. So what are the top resolutions that appear year after year? According to USA.gov the top 10 resolves made every year include:

■■drink less alcohol ■■eat healthful food ■■get a better education ■■get a better job ■■get fit ■■lose weight ■■manage debt

■■manage stress ■■quit smoking ■■reduce, reuse and recycle ■■save money ■■take a trip ■■volunteer to help others

Magazine

Of the millions of folks that make resolutions each year, only about 8 percent are actually successful, according to the University of Scranton as reported on Forbs.com last year. Experts say the problem with most resolutions is that many of us blindly make them with no plan in place to help us be successful in attaining the resolves. So, instead of resolutions, some people are now setting life goals. The positive thing about life goals is they are long-term and they require thought, commitment and a plan of action. If you are one of the more than 1 million Americans making resolutions in 2014, consider seeking the assistance of an accountability partner – someone who can be honest with you to let you know if you are missing the boat. However, if you choose to select an accountability partner, make sure you are willing to accept their honesty. In this Issue Speaking of resolutions, if you have promised yourself that this is the year of organization in your household, check out “Get and Stay Organized” by Lisa Taylor for tips on how you can make that resolution a reality. Also, read “25 Things to Do With Your Kids Before They Are Grown” by Lara Krupicka for fun, amusing and quirky activities you can do with your kids while they still live under your roof. Happy New Year and happy reading!

Cynthia Ladson Our Kids Editor 8

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

PUBLISHER Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Magazine EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, Ext.102 Proofreader: April Lynn Newell PHOTOGRAPHY: Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. Magazine 104 ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Mary Anne Jones, Ext. 103 Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Annette Wright, Ext. 108 Magazine PRODUCTION Graphic/Web Designer: Rudy Riojas, Ext. 105 DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Tony Smith, Ext. 106

OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-305-4181 ext. 106 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

ed he er. to rs, te ct, n, p, ch ly he ng NE or

family

F.Y.I. Get Fit While Winning Prizes San Antonio Parks and Recreation has rolled out Fit Pass SA, a passport to

free and low-cost wellness opportunities in San Antonio. Participating San Antonians can earn points to win prizes when attending Fit Pass SA events. Fit Pass SA is promoted as an interactive fitness scavenger hunt designed to help participants stay on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Persons interested in participating should:

■■pick up a free Fit Pass SA activity passport at participating locations, Fit Pass

SA events, or download it online at http://www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/FitpassSA.aspx, ■■choose the events or activities listed in this activity passport that they want to attend, ■■follow the program on Twitter @SAParksFitness for event details on Fit Pass SA updates, new event additions, rules and contests, ■■get a Fit Pass SA activity passport stamped by Fit Pass SA staff to earn points for participating andredeem their activity passport for rewards and a chance to win prizes such as bicycles, gift certificates, gaming systems, fitness equipment and more.

INSTRUCTED BY THE OFFICIAL DANCE TEAM OF THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS

DANCE CLINICS FOR ALL GIRLS AGES 5-18

Submit Your Weird Pet Stories

In April, Our Kids Magazine will publish a piece on weird or unusual pets. If your child has a weird or unusual pet, tell us about it in 50 words or less. Also, send us a photo of your child with his or her pet. The information and/or photo may be included in the article or on our special photo page. E-mail the information to cynthia@ourkidsmagazine. com or you can mail information to Our Kids Magazine,P.O. Box 1809, Castroville, Texas 78009, ATTN:Weird Pets.

Dec. 23, 2013 • George “Iceman” Gervin Appearamce

February 9th and 23rd, 2014 Includes an exclusive performance

Dec. 27 & Dec. 28, 2013 • Spurs Player Appearance TBD

at a Spurs home game!

Jan. 3, 2014 • Sean Elliott Appearance

Log on to spurs.com (keyword: YOUTH) or call 210.444.5021 January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

feature

New Year’s Resolution:

Get and Stay Organized By Lisa Y. Taylor

s 2014 takes off, moms and dads everywhere make heartfelt resolutions. Getting organized is the second most popular New Year’s promise that Americans make, according to The University of Scranton. Setting and keeping routines, placing belongings in sensible locations and implementing family teamwork can help parents get and stay organized. “A new year means a fresh start. And with the cold and dreary weather and not much happening in the social arena, it’s a great time to put away the Christmas decorations and get a jumpstart on organizing,” says Esmi Gonzalez, a certified professional organizer and owner of Sort It Out Professional Organizing Solutions.

Build a Command Center To orchestrate each day, families can benefit from utilizing a command center located at a front door or mud room entrance, advises Gonzalez. She designs the centers to include a cork board, calendar and dry erase message board as well as places to store backpacks and shoes. “Personalize each center with your child’s photo and name,” she says. “For the calendar, use different erasable pen colors to identify dental and doctor appointments, school functions, extracurricular activities and chores. The cork board could be used to post party invitations and tickets. Parents can use the message board to write important notices.” Hanging backpacks on sturdy wall-mounted

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

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hooks and placing shoes in a large tray neatly stores items, she adds.

Tackle the Toys and Closet After a flurry of holiday gifts, many parents find it challenging to make space for their children’s belongings. Sorting categories of toys into containers of various colors is a good place to start, says Nina Smith, an organizing expert with The Container Store. She recommends labeling the containers with a category such as “blocks” or with a picture of the contents so that children know where to put their items. The store’s stylish gingham storage bins are commonly used to round up toys and knickknacks. “Toy storage doesn’t have to consist of a big open barrel stuffed with toys in the den,” she says. “Many storage solutions are attractive and functional.” Sometimes, opening a closet results in an unwelcomed avalanche of clutter. Smith offers a few tips that can make it easy for young ones to put away their clothes, shoes, accessories and toys. “Hang small-pocket shoe bags in their closet so that shoes stay off the floor,” she says. “Lower closet rods so that hangers are within easy reach, install door-mounted grids to hang belts, hats, hair accessories and scarves and provide plenty of drawer space for clothes and toys.” Make a Lunch Strategy As much as parents hustle in the mornings, it seems there is hardly time to prepare lunches. To stretch minutes, Gonzalez suggests that kiddos lend a hand in packing lunches. “Place supplies such as baggies, food containers and lunch boxes on the lower pantry shelves and lunch foods, drinks and fruits in the lower refrigerator shelves, so that they can easily reach what they need,” says Gonzalez. Planning lunches for the entire week can also ease the morning rush, Smith adds. The Container Store offers a magnetic weekly meal planner pad to post shopping lists and menus on the refrigerator door. “Prepare fruit, veggies, salads and snacks the night before, and make sandwiches in the morning so that everything is fresh and ready-to-go,” says Smith. “Use smartly-designed containers to

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Family Art Play Weaving Wonders Sunday, January 26 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Create a woven vessel decorated with Native American motifs inspired by the McNay’s collection of Southwestern Art. Learn various weaving techniques. Free with museum admission. Meet in AT& T lobby. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Members may reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon on Friday, January 24.

Image: Marion Koogler McNay, Navajo Weavers. Watercolor on paper. Bequest of Marion Koogler McNay.

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

McNay Art Museum 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 210.805.1768 mcnayart.org

prevent smashed sandwiches or soggy lettuce. And if you’re making multiple lunches, assign each child a different container color so that no one takes the wrong lunch.”

Stick to a Schedule During the long winter break, kids get used to sleeping in later. But following a regular schedule when school starts helps them to feel and do their best. “When they arrive from school, have them begin their routine of snack, homework, playtime and dinner,” Gonzalez says. “In the evening, help them lay out their clothes and place their homework and other paperwork in their backpacks. Also, make sure they put their sports equipment or musical instruments that they need for the next day by the door.” Delegating age-appropriate duties to children can contribute to a tidy household. “Their chores can include feeding the pets and putting their dishes in the sink or dishwasher,” Gonzalez says. “Place a hamper and trashcan in each child’s room and a handheld vacuum in the playroom to enable them to clean up after themselves.” Keeping a family’s schedule and possessions organized can be draining, so Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of parents scheduling time for each other and themselves. “After the kids are asleep, share a stay-at-home date that can be as simple as sitting under the stars with a beverage or watching a movie together,” she says. “Also, try to set aside at least one evening a week to work on a project together, for example planning your next family vacation.” Whether parents enlist the help of an organizing expert or take the do-it-yourself approach, getting and staying organized can enhance their children’s lives into adulthood. “Being organized is learned, not inherited,” Gonzalez says. “Growing up, my mom would always say that, ‘Everything has a home and a place.’ She was so right. Organization helps families be healthy, happy and safe.” Lisa Y. Taylor is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of three daughters.

feature

Basics of Affordable Health Act What is health care reform? “Health care reform” refers to the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), and any state laws passed to put it in place. These laws are intended to help more people get health care coverage and receive medical care. The federal law passed in 2010, requires that everyone in the United States have health insurance by 2014. Fees may be assessed people not having insurance. What if I can’t afford to buy health care coverage? There are two types of financial assistance offered from the government that may be available for consumers who can’t afford to buy coverage. One helps pay your monthly health insurance premium and the other helps with outof-pocket expenses for care. Consumers may qualify for one or both. More information on this process is provided later in this article. Certain financial eligibility requirements must be met in order to quality for assistance. What are the Health Insurance Marketplaces? Marketplaces, also termed “exchanges,” are state or federal places where people can buy health care coverage. Exchanges include websites, call centers and physical locations, therefore making it possible for consumers to get coverage online, over the phone and in person. Besides allowing consumers to enroll in insurance plans, these exchanges make it possible for consumers to compare costs offered by private companies, get answers to questions and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance or special programs. Open enrollment runs through March 2014. Do I have to buy from the Marketplace? No. A Marketplace is just one of the ways people can shop for health coverage. Consumers choosing to do so, can work directly with private insurance companies to secure coverage. However, with a few exceptions,

consumers can only get financial assistance from the government if they buy coverage through a Marketplace. Visit or call an exchange for more information on these exceptions.

What if I have insurance through my employer? Consumers who have insurance plans through their employers generally are considered covered. Any jobbased health plan consumers currently have qualifies as minimum essential coverage. You should verify this with your human resources department or group insurance provider. Can I be turned down for health care coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition? Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage because you have a medical condition. Additionally, you do not have to pass a medical exam to qualify for coverage. How do I sign up for insurance via the Marketplace? You can apply for health coverage in the Marketplace with a paper application, online, via telephone or in person with an assister. • Paper Application. To get a paper application, download the application form and instructions at www. healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual • Online. Go to https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual where you can: 1) Set up an account by providing some basic information. During this time you will choose a user name, password and select security questions for added protection. 2) Complete an online application where you will be prompted to provide information about your family such as income, household members and current health coverage information. 3) Compare options for which you qualify, including private insurance plans and free and low-cost coverage

January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Does your child have ADHD? Do you feel diet affects your child’s behavior? Interested in a non-medication treatment for ADHD? Do you wonder how food affects the brain?

Consider the “Food For Thought” study

Dr. Steven Pliszka at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is conducting a study of the effects of diet on brain function and behavior in children with ADHD.

• The study tests a special diet for treating ADHD and uses a brain scan to study effects of the diet on the brain. • No radiation or painful procedures are involved To be in the study, the child must: • Be between the ages of 8 and 12 years • Be on a special diet for 5 weeks • Not currently be on medication or current medication is not working well

Participants will receive up to $450.00 in compensation for their time and effort. Interested parents should call 567-0136 14

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 4) Enroll after you choose a plan and decide how you are going to pay your premium to your insurance company. You must pay the premium by the date the insurer provides in order for coverage to begin. Coverage can begin as early as Jan. 1, 2014. If you or a family member qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, a representative will contact you to enroll. Households filing more than one tax return should contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-3182596 or (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) before you start an application. Representatives can provide directions to make sure your application is processed correctly. To apply by phone, call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (TTY: 855-889-4325). A customer service representative will work with you to complete the application and enrollment process. You can also apply with the help of an assister who can sit with you and help you fill out a paper or online application. Read section called Local assistance is offered near the end of this article for more details.

How do I know if I qualify for federal assistance? Visit one of the Marketplaces or exchanges to find out if you qualify for reduced premiums and/or reduced cost sharing. Local assistance is offered At present there are more than 20 local agencies and organizations providing consumers assistance in enrolling for insurance through the Marketplace. See contact information below for local assistance. Additionally, consumers wanting to sign up for private insurance on their own can do so by contacting an insurance agent of their choice. ■■For a listing of local organizations and agencies providing assistance in getting signed up go to the online marketplace website at https://www. healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual. Click on Learn and scroll mid-way down the page and click on Find Local Help. There you type in your city and state or zip code. ■■National Contact Numbers Call 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) or visit the federal government exchange online at https:// www.healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual. Source: Affordable Health website: https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual.

feature / Education Directory

Education Directory

Pre-K 4 SA

an Early Hit With Kids and Parents By Renee Haines

n the frontlines of San Antonio’s fledgling Pre-K 4 SA program, success stories are already coming in about the model San Antonio pre-school program that began attracting national attention months before the first two schools opened last fall. “We’re really proud,” says Belinda Gonzalez, a former elementary school principal in San Antonio’s North East School District who now is director of the program’s South Education Center. “It’s exciting to see how quickly things are moving. I’m most excited about how the community has become involved,” says Sandy Weser Chavarria, former director of an early childhood education center in the San Antonio School District. She’s now director of the Pre-K 4 SA North Education Center. Kindergarten-color facades and playgrounds decorate the two centers for 4-year-olds, which will

be joined next fall by West and East education centers under construction. In fact, construction was still under way in December on a playground at the North Education Center, which the kids and teachers turned into a learning experience. Kids drew pictures of construction equipment and played with building blocks that construction workers fashioned from felled trees. Then the kids built a miniature town. “They named the town and elected a mayor,” Weser says. Parents were invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Weser said her center will copy a farmers market started at the south center to teach kids to count and learn about healthy foods. The south center’s Gonzalez says her kids have a construction room, too, where they are drawing floor plans and learning how to measure

January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Education Directory building materials. “They’re future project managers and engineers,” Gonzalez says.

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Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Teaching outside the box The two former public school system educators cite the flexibility to initiate learning activities based on what is happening outside the window or what kids suggest as a difference between their center and long-structured pre-K programs. “We’re expanding and have more flexibility,” Gonzalez says. Weser, at the north center, says, “We have teachers who ask, ‘Can we do that?’ We answer ‘yes.’ We’re very hands-on here,” Weser says. In December children were given magnifying glasses to play sleuth to find letters from the alphabet on hallway charts instead of just looking at them on a piece of paper. “They went on a letter hunt and would say, ‘Look, I see an M like in my name,’” Weser says. “We don’t have barriers here that keep us from thinking outside the box.” The new program began attracting national attention after San Antonio voters said yes in November 2012 to a one-eighth of a cent sales tax increase to fund Mayor Julian Castro’s education initiative for the next eight years. Backed by dozens of studies showing pre-school education can dramatically improve children’s later school success and graduation rates, Castro proposed a full-day program for local 4-year-olds. To be eligible for free enrollment, including meals, kids must be from families at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, be English-language learners, be the offspring of active duty or deceased members of the military, or be current or former foster care kids. The program makes 10 percent of the slots available for other kids at affordable tuition rates. By January 2013, the program had won its first formal national recognition and was named one of the “Top 10 State and Metropolitan Innovations to Watch in 2013” by The Rockefeller Foundation and the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program. The program also has been cited in national news outlets ranging from education trade publications to The Economist. By the numbers The program’s first-year enrollment goal was 350 students per school. Gonzalez said the south center reached 311 by early December after a slower start than the north center, which had 360 youngsters and a waiting list by December. Weser credits her early advantage to the fact that the north center’s partner school districts only offer half-day programs, while the south center’s

Education Directory At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment. All students experience the finest education available in South Texas with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:1) and a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing all State standards.

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Space Available for for Pre-school - Second Grade Begin the Adventure: • Early Childhood & Elementary classes • Dynamic Curriculum • State-of-the-art technology • Outdoor & Discovery classrooms

Pre-K – 8th www.sles-sa.org 210.826.0664 Tour our campus! Notice of Non Discriminatory policy as to students and employment practices. St. Luke’s Episcopal School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs or hiring practices of faculty or staff.

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(210) 824-0579

• Music & Art classes • Certified teaching staff • Small student teacher ratio • Physical Education • Convenient location

603 E. Hildebrand Ave. • San Antonio, Texas • 78212 www.sunshinecottage.org Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, OPTIONSchools International and is a TEA Approved non-public school. Sunshine Cottage is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit educational organization. We accept students regardless of sex, race, affiliation, disability, or national origin.

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• 1950’s Style Soda Shop • Computer Lab and State-of-the-Art Interactive Whiteboard System with Supporting iPads • Country Home Movie Theater • Horseback Riding, Inflatable Water Slides, and Petting Zoo at Adventure Quest

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Fully Accredited by AdvancED, a worldwide organization "Advancing Excellence in Education"

210-687-1002 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Education Directory largest partner district already offers full-time pre-K programs. Both center directors say they expect to reach next year’s enrollment goal of 400 as word spreads about the new program’s innovations, and reach their capacity of 500 students by 2015. The future west and east centers will have the same enrollment goals for 2015. The Pre-K 4 Kids program is not just for children. Each center has a family specialist that helps parents enroll, as well as act as clearinghouses for job and housing information. Parenting education classes with topics that include adult literacy and personal finance take place regularly at the two centers. The centers will also provide professional development training for other area schools’ pre-K through grade 3 educators. Other schools also will benefit from competitive grants that will be awarded to their programs beginning in 2016. Field trips and on-site visits introduce kids and parents to local businesses, museums and libraries. Meanwhile, the two directors say prospective parents are welcome to call or visit their centers to learn more about enrolling kids there or at the two future centers. Parents must enroll through school districts, but center staff can help with the process, they say. “We definitely want to reach out,” says Gonzalez. “When spring comes around, we’re partnering with our school districts to streamline the registration process.”

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Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

A teacher’s perspective Teacher Joan Cauffield came to the north center from pre-school Head Start program at the San Antonio School District. During a brief break one December morning from her colorful classroom filled with chatty 4-year-olds, she confirmed that because the program is so new, teachers are given more flexibility to try new approaches. Cauffield, who a few days earlier had completed 16 parent-teacher conferences, says the parents of her young charges provided the best signal that Pre-K 4 SA is working. All 16 reported positive changes in their children’s communications skills and interactions at home. “My child is now asking so many questions,” Cauffield says one parent told her. Other parents told her their children were spending more time talking to grandparents and other family members. “Parents say, ‘I can’t believe how much they’ve blossomed in just a few months,’” Cauffield says before returning to her lively charges, who were trading random hugs and giggles. “I know what we’re doing is a great thing. I know this is where I need to be.”

Magazine

Renee Haines is a freelance writer based in San Antonio.

Education Directory EDUCATING BOYS FOR LIFE SINCE 1886

Pre-K through 8th Grade

The Winston School San Antonio provides a personalized, college preparatory education to students with high potential and identified learning differences.

Advocating for minds that learn differently. TM

san antonio academy admissions open house Friday, January 24, 2014 Program begins promptly at 9:00 am. 117 East French Place | San Antonio, Texas 78212 R.S.V.P. sa-academy.org/openhouse Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

San Antonio Academy admits students of all race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

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Specializing in Teaching Students with ADHD and Dyslexia. *Financial Assistance Available. (*Partially funded by AT&T Aspire Program)

8565 Ewing Halsell • San Antonio • TX 78229 www.winston-sa.org • 210.615.6544 Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

The Montessori School of San Antonio Admissions Program Saturday, January 18th 9:00am RSVP Requested Summer Program Registration Opens February 2014

PK-3—8th grade 17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 210.492.3553 www.montessoriSA.org MSSA admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Education Directory Charter Schools City Center Health Careers 210-388-0288 214 E. Ashby, San Antonio, TX www.citycenterhc.org info@citycenterhc.org

City Center Health Careers is a tuition free college prep middle/high school. CCHC incorporates a rigorous curriculum with hands on experiences and field trips. Curriculum includes AP courses, GT differentiation, LATIN, and more.

Positive Solutions High School 210-299-1025 1325 North Flores, San Antonio, TX www.PositiveSolutionsInc.net

For a positive learning experience enroll at Positive Solutions High School. We offer general education development, individualized educational plans with individualized instruction.

The Brooks Academy of Science & Engineering 210-633-9006 3803 Lyster Road, San Antonio, TX www.brooksacademy.org

The long term vision for Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering is to build and develop a school for students who aspire to achieve above and beyond what they would otherwise be capable of in a traditional public school environment.

Pre-Schools

St.Monica Catholic School 2 1/2 yrs. to 8th Grade • Before and After School Program • IPads/Laptops 1:1 Grades 3rd-8th • School Sports and Clubs • Summer Fun Program

ouse H n Ope , 2014 1 Feb. m 1-3p

• T.C.C.E.D. Accredited

515 North Street,

Converse Texas 78109 2 miles west of Randolph AFB on FM 78

210-658-6701 www.saintmonica.net St. Monica School admits students of any race, religion and national or ethnic origin.

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Brighter Futures Learning Center 210-566-1999 1213 Borgfeld Rd., Schertz www.brighterfutureslc.com brighterfutureslc@yahoo.com

We strive to meet the needs of all children. Children are encouraged to explore their environment and think creatively. Teachers guide and enhance this process through materials and activities. Come out & take a tour of our beautiful facility.

Country Home Learning Center www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Call 210-687-1002 for nearby location

Country Home Learning Center provides the very best in quality childcare for ages 6 weeks to 13 years, with exceptionally small classes. We offer an innovative, comprehensive educational program in a first-class facility. Students enjoy our ●Waterpark ●Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground ●Putt-Putt Golf Course ●Gymnasium ●1950’s-Style Soda Shop ●Movie Theater ●Computer Lab ●Horseback Riding at Country Home Ranch.

Goddard School 210-494-2779 21785 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio, TX www.goddardschool.com

At The Goddard School professional teachers support the healthy development of children 6 weeks to 5 years and encourage each child’s lifelong love of learning.

Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 830-980-1880 25836 Hwy. 281 N Stone Oak - Bulverde www.kiduskids.com

Infants through Preschool ages learn in a cheerful and safe environment. After school program available. Also offer Spanish classes for Teens and Adults, dance classes for kids and art classes.

The Mustard Seed Early Learning Center 210-688-7003 11555 Galm Road, San Antonio, TX www.mustardseedelc.com

Our mission is to provide a learning community in which each child is growing in all areas of development – social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language.

Suburban School – Happy Acres Camp 210-696-0213 5409 Encino Park Road, San Antonio general@suburbanschool.com www.suburbanschool.com

Suburban School is a year-round School for two-year-olds through fouryear-olds. An enriched pre-school and kindergarten program is conducted for all children from September through May. During the summer, programming varies according to age level. Summer months are optional for five through 10-year-olds in our Happy Acres Day Camp program. Suburban School, a place where children can learn in a unique, natural setting and are encouraged to become independent, caring individuals.

Valley Hi Assembly of God Childcare 210-674-6784 www.valleyhiagdc.com

Children 1 year – Kindergarten learn, grow and pray together. Abeka curriculum, nutritious food, 3 playgrounds plus an air conditioned gym. CCS accepted.

Private Schools Hill Country Montessori School 830-229-5377 50 Stone Wall Dr., Boerne WWW.hcmontessori.org

Nestled on 10 acres in the Texas Hill Country, our mission is to inspire your child to a life-long love of learning. We put great emphasis on insuring we remain true to the Montessori philosophy and true to our mission. Serving children 18 months through 14 years.

Holy Spirit Catholic School 770 West Ramsey, San Antonio, Texas (210) 349-1169 www.hscssa.org

Holy Spirit Catholic School was established to provide a quality education in a caring environment. An ongoing relationship with the parish family enriches the school and furthers the school’s endeavor to help others understand and grow in Catholic tradition. Holy Spirit Catholic School is a leader in its field and is dedicated to providing opportunities

Education Directory for all students to develop a spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundation which will enable them to realize their full potential for a lifetime of commitment and service.

Keystone School 210-735-4022 119 East Craig www.keystoneschool.org

admissions@keystoneschool.org Diverse, motivated students from PK3-12 benefit from an accelerated curriculum and a full array of extracurricular activities taught by dedicated educators on a beautiful neighborhood campus.

La Promesa Christian Academy 210-732-3424 910 Manor Dr.

We offer an affordable education for students grades Pre-K – 8th grade using A BEKA Curriculum. Basic computer and music are included in our curriculum. Low student/ teacher ratio. Some openings available.

Mount Sacred Heart School 210-342-6711 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Road, San Antonio www.mountsacredheart.com

Mount Sacred Heart is a private, coeducational Catholic school committed to quality education. A faith-based community fostering personal uniqueness and development of the whole person.

San Antonio Academy 210-733-7331 117 East French Place, San Antonio, TX www.sa-academy.org

A member of the Academica SouthWest network of schools.

San Antonio Academy educates PreK thru eighth grade boys to succeed in life scholastically, emotionally and physically. At The Academy, boys discover that it is awesome to be smart, loving and hardworking.

San Antonio Christian Schools 210-340-1864 19202 Redland Road, San Antonio, TX www.sachristianschools.org

San Antonio Christian Schools provides a Christ-centered, college preparatory education that integrates biblical truth, learning, and service into a student’s daily life preparation for college and beyond.

St. Anthony Catholic School 210-732-8801 205 W. Huisache Ave., San Antonio, TX www.stanthonysa.org

St. Anthony Catholic School educates a diverse student body in the Catholic faith, Christian values, and academic excellence. Dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual formation, St. Anthony Catholic School prepares students for success in high school, college, and throughout their lives. The school provides young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and neighbors.

St. Luke’s Episcopal School 210-826-0664 15 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio www.sles-sa.org

With God’s guidance, St. Luke’s Episcopal School builds the foundation for academic, lifelong learning and responsible citizenship through a classical education that develops mind, body and soul. January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Education Directory St. Monica’s Catholic School 210-658-6701 515 North St., Converse www.saintmonica.net office@saintmonica.net

At St. Monica our mission is to provide all students a challenging academic curriculum with in a program where Christian values reflecting God’s love are taught, practiced and ever present.

Spanish Immersion

Daycare Learning Center • (Infants, Young Toddlers, Toddlers, Preschool) • After school program (Stone Oak- Bulverde area) Additional NEW services: • Spanish classes for Teens and Adults (Native speaking teachers)

• Dance Classes for kids • Art Classes

www.kiduskids.com

(830) 980-1880 25836 Hwy 281 N., 78258

St. Thomas More Catholic School 210-655-2882 4427 Moana www.st-thomas-more-school.org

We are committed to living as Jesus did: Developing our faith, increasing our knowledge. We strive to provide a superior education program emphasizing essential academic skills that enable the student to successfully continue in his/her education while encouraging excellence and scholastic achievement.

Sunshine Cottage 603 Hildebrand, San Antonio, Texas (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org

Sunshine Cottage teaches children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to listen and talk. Programs: Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center, ParentInfant Program, Audiology, SpeechLanguage Therapy and Pre-K through fifth grade.

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala # 106 www.clowvazar.com Science, Technology, and Anthropology are the main focus of our Year-Round General Education program. Now announcing our Fine Arts program for the 20142015 school year. Visit our YouTube channel and Facebook to see what our students are creating! We also have a Special Education program for high functioning children. Ages 5+.

The Montessori School of San Antonio 210-492-3553 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy. San Antonio, TX www.montessoriSA.org The Montessori School offers a personalized education to support each child’s development while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Montessori methodology promotes persistence, concentration, and independence. The school offers a full range of academics, co-curriculars, and extra-curriculars. Graduates of MSSA demonstrate a strong record of success at competitive high schools and top tier universities.

CATHOLIC...TECHNOLOGY ENRICHED CURRICULUM...COMMUNITY SERVICE                  

PK3-8th Grades Safe, Caring, and Disciplined Environment Consistently High Academic Performance Curriculum Immersed in Catholic Identity State of the Art Interactive Technology Community Service Oriented iPad Integration PK-8th Grades Enhanced Media Resource Center Updated Science Labs State Certified Teachers Two Degreed Counselors Registered Nurse Middle School Honors Program Technology and Fine Arts Electives Extra-curricular Activities and Clubs Twelve Competitive Athletic Programs Home Cooked Lunch Program Student Centered After School Program

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

There is a reason Holy Spirit has been a leader in Catholic Education for 48 years. Come see for yourself… 770 West Ramsey San Antonio, TX 78216 210-349-1169 ext. 8316 or rosenfeld@hscssa.org

Choose an education that is right for your child!

Education Directory The Schoolhouse Initiative @ TJS 210-320-4427 3110 NW Loop 410 www.tjschoolhouse.com

Our After School Program focuses on Homework Help so children do not fall behind in school. Guitar Lessons and French Classes are included in our program.

Trinity United Methodist School 210-684-5214 5319 Newcome Dr. www.trinityums.org

Affordable Private School education for 2 year olds through 5th grade. We offer a child-centered preschool program with music, All Aboard, motor skills and Spanish classes. Accelerated curriculum for 1st – 5th includes music, piano, theatre arts, technology, Spanish, Latin, art library and PE, Smartboard technology. I-pads are issued to 3rd – 5th grade students.

The Winston School 210-615-6544 8565 Ewing Halsell, San Antonio, TX www.winston-sa.org

WSSA is a private, accredited school for students (K-12) of average to above average intellectual ability who have a diagnosed learning disability in one or more academic areas or a learning difference such as ADHD.

Special Needs Monarch Academy 479-3311 5235 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX info@monarchacademy.net www.monarchacademy.net

Our mission is to provide students with special needs a unique learning environment so they may reach their maximum individual potential.

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala # 202, San Antonio, TX www.clowvazar.com

Our General ‘Special’ Education program is designed for students with learning differences who can handle a general curriculum but need modifications and compassionate teachers. Ages 7+.

Sunshine Cottage (210) 824-0579 603 Hildebrand, San Antonio, Texas www.sunshinecottage.org

Academic Enrichment & Tutoring Brain Balance Achievement Center 210-670-2760 1742 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 121

www.BrainBalanceCenters.com The Brain Balance program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We are specialized achievement centers that utilize a drug-free, multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues in many of the behavioral, developmental, and learning disorders that plague so many children today.

Inspiring Excellence 210-509-7951 Over 25 years experience inspiring students to do and be their best. Tutoring phonics, reading, language arts, math, handwriting, STAAR prep ages pre-school through high school. ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia welcome. ESL experience. One on one tutoring.

Language Kidus Spanish Immersion Daycare Learning Center 830-980-1880 25836 Hwy. 281 N Stone Oak - Bulverde www.kiduskids.com Infants through Preschool ages learn in a cheerful and safe environment. After school program available. Also offer Spanish classes for Teens and Adults, dance classes for kids and art classes.

New World Spanish 210-822-2804 or 210-216-3098 5715 Broadway Newworld.spanish@yahoo.com Nwspanish.com We use age appropriate materials and vocabulary; children learn and retain Spanish language naturally with our total immersion program for preschoolers. Young children are quick to absorb pronunciation and vocabulary without any inhibitions through games, songs, hands-onactivities and art projects that are an integral part of each class. Our native speaker teachers make learning Spanish fun at the same time that they help kids build up other important preschool skills: critical thinking, premath, pre-writing, socialization, as well as fine and gross motor skills development.

The Bilingual Child Academy 701-8461 96 Trailcrest Drive, San Antonio, TX bilingualchildsa@att.net www.bilingualchildsacademy.com “Planting Seeds of Learning ~ Creating A World of Inspiration” BCA is dedicated to providing language enrichment classes in a learner centered environment by implementing a carefully selected curriculum and creating a nurturing atmosphere where children of all ages can flourish both socially and emotionally in a global world.

New World Spanish & Adults

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In addition to working on basic basketball skills and having fun in half-day sessions, boys and girls in grades 1-8 help at-risk youth in our community, because proceeds from Camp Assist pay for free basketball camps for youth whose families can’t afford them.

Olympian Fencing Club 2013 Winter Fencing Camp 210-872-2004 info@OlympianFencingClub.com www.OlympianFencingClub.com

Your kids will learn one of the safest and most unique sport of Fencing from Olympian and World class experienced coaches. The Olympic sport of fencing provides a great physical and mental workout and is lots of fun to learn to do. Learning to fence is a challenging mix of physical and tactical training that is equally suited to boys and girls. Our fencing program is provided in a safe environment and we emphasize safety rules at all times. We offer Classes throughout the year as well as Spring, Winter and many Summer Camps. Please visit our website for more info in the upcoming 2014 Spring camp www.OlympianFencingClub.com

January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

feature

25 Things to Do

With Your Kids Before They’re Grown By Lara Krupicka

Let’s face it, our years with children under our roofs slip past us when we’re not paying attention. Suddenly we find ourselves with preschoolers, then grade-schoolers, and pretty soon teens. We do our best to make the most of these years, but sometimes it helps to know we aren’t missing out on our children’s childhood by engaging it full on.

hands to take out the seeds and get up to their elbows scooping out the gooey flesh.

With that in mind, here are 25 activities to get in before taking them to college: Sleep out under the stars. Pitch a tent or just drag blankets and sleeping bags out into your yard or balcony.

Eat ice cream sundaes for dinner. Include fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas among the toppings to make it “more healthful.”

01 02

Visit a lighthouse. Take a picture while you’re there.

Pick apples, blueberries or another fruit. Enjoy eating produce right from the source.

Have a Silly String fight – just because. Launch a sneak attack, but leave an arsenal in plain sight for them to retaliate. Then take what you’ve dished out.

Take them to meet a favorite author or sports star.

Drive around at night looking at holiday light displays. To make it extra enchanting, put the kids to bed first then take them out in their pajamas and give them hot cocoa for the ride.

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Build a sand castle. Or create a sand sculpture – turtles and snakes are easy.

Serve in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

Swim in an ocean. Or at least wade in it up to your knees and feel the rocking motion of the waves.

Carve a pumpkin. Encourage your kids to use their bare

Own a pet (fish, bird, dog, cat, lizard).

Catch lightening bugs – in your hands or in a jar. Have a contest to see who can collect the most.

Climb a mountain or go to the top of a skyscraper. Then take in the view from

up high.

Go on special dates, just parent and child. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s about one-on-one time.

Try skiing – water, cross country or downhill.

Teach them how to waltz, hip-hop or line dance. Get out some music and show them your moves.

Take them to a big concert event. Whether it’s kid music or classical, give them exposure to a live performance.

Go on a picnic. Grab an old blanket, make some sandwiches and hit the park or beach for an old-fashioned outdoor meal.

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Make and take a meal to a shut-in neighbor or friend – together.

21 22

Plant flowers. Give them a garden trowel and invite them to dig in the dirt with you.

Go to a theme park. Ride the roller coasters and eat cotton candy.

Let them make you dinner – by themselves, even if it’s PB& J (Peanut Butter and Jelly) sandwiches.

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Attend a funeral. Then talk about life, death and the future.

Attend a major sporting event in your city – baseball, football, hockey and cheer loudly. Enjoy the energy of being surrounded by your fellow fans. Whatever you choose to do, soak up each moment. It might not slow down time, but it will capture memories you can share with your kids long after you’ve shared a home.

For upcoming events & programming visit

sakids.org 305 E. Housto n St. (210) 212-445 3

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist, mother of three, and author of “Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day.” January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

baby

Almost There:

Maximizing Late-Pregnancy Nutrition By Malia Jacobson

ith diminished stomach space, pre-delivery jitters and a mile-long to-do list, expectant moms may be tempted to slack off on healthful eating as delivery day nears. It’s completely understandable; after all, you are busy, tired, and you have got other things on your mind. Who has the time or energy to whip up healthful meals when you’ve got a birth plan to finish and diapers to buy?

The reality While you may have zero interest in cooking as your due date nears, your nutrition is still as important as ever. According to registered dietician Pamela Schoenfeld, good nutrition in the third trimester is vital to both mom and baby. Eating well in the final weeks of pregnancy gives you sustained energy for labor, increases the quality of your breast milk and helps you avoid third-trimester ailments like anemia, gestational diabetes, fatigue and swelling. And during the third trimester, your body is providing your baby with stores of essential nutrients, like calcium and iron, for its first months of life. While you’re waiting for your bundle of joy to make his or her debut, fill your plate with essential nutrients like these:

Iron: Pumping It One of the biggest nutritional challenges in late pregnancy is consuming enough iron to keep up with your blossoming body – and your baby’s demands. “In the third trimester, your blood volume increases, so iron 26

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

is the name of the game,” says Paola Mora, registered dietician with the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y. When expectant moms are low on iron, they run the risk of anemia, a condition that causes fatigue and dizziness. “We also worry about hemorrhage during delivery, because anemic blood won’t clot as well,” says Mora. Your own well-being isn’t all that’s at stake: your own iron consumption affects your baby’s health, too. “A mom provides her baby with full stores of iron for the first six months of life,” says Mora. And research shows that pregnant women with low iron are more likely to deliver prematurely and have low-birth-weight infants.

organs as they grow to accommodate the needs of your baby. Consuming enough protein also helps to stabilize blood sugar, which is especially important to women at risk for gestational diabetes, notes Schoenfeld.

How much? A typical prenatal vitamin contains 27 milligrams of iron – 150 percent of the iron you need – so keep on taking it. In addition, aim to consume at least 3 sources of iron per day.

Calcium: Got Milk? Late pregnancy is not the time to skimp on your calcium: all of the calcium in your baby’s skeleton is laid down during the third trimester, says Michael Hobaugh, M.D., Ph.D., chief of medical staff at Chicago’s La Rabida Children’s Hospital. Consuming enough calcium also helps to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start; in order to produce the perfect food for your little one, your body will pull calcium from your own bones if your own stores are insufficient.

Find it here: Red meat, low-fat poultry, wheat bran, enriched rice, seeds and beans are other good sources. Maximize iron absorption by consuming it with foods high in vitamin C. Protein: The Baby Builder Protein is essential throughout pregnancy, but it’s especially important in the final stages of pregnancy, when your baby is growing rapidly and adding layers of cute baby fat. The amino acids in protein form the basic building block for cell growth, fueling your body and

How much? Pregnant women should aim for 70 grams of protein per day, about 35 grams more than the recommended daily limit for non-pregnant women. Find it here: Meat and poultry, dairy foods and legumes are protein powerhouses. A medium-sized chicken breast has 30 grams of protein, ½ cup of tofu packs 20 grams and ½ cup of cottage cheese has 15 grams.

How much? Dieticians recommend 800 milligrams of calcium daily for pregnant women. Find it here: Dairy foods like yogurt, milk and cheese all contain at least 300 milligrams

of calcium per serving. Many nondairy foods are also calcium rich, including salmon, oatmeal, tofu, rhubarb, spinach, almonds and calcium-fortified orange juice.

What not to eat Avoid common third-trimester complaints by passing on these:

Magnesium: Mighty Mineral While you’re boning up on calcium, don’t forget its super sidekick: magnesium. This mineral aids calcium absorption and performs a number of other important functions. Magnesium helps build and repair body tissues, relaxes muscles, eases leg cramps and may help prevent preterm labor. How much? Pregnant women should consume 350-400 milligrams per day; breastfeeding moms should aim for 300-350 milligrams per day. Find it here: Black beans, artichokes, barley, pumpkin seeds, oat bran, and almonds all provide at least 100 milligrams of magnesium per serving.

Swelling: Avoid Caffeine Though caffeine is a diuretic, high amounts can have the opposite effect, causing you to retain water.

Heartburn: Chocolate Put down that candy bar—acidic foods like chocolate are known to contribute to heartburn.

Fatigue: Sugar Nutrient-dense foods fuel baby’s growth; don’t waste valuable stomach space on empty junk-food calories.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Mental Muscle During the third trimester, your baby’s brain is burgeoning, adding mass and forming millions of neural connections. So consuming enough DHA

– linked to better cognition in infants in numerous studies – is as important as ever, says registered and licensed dietician Gina Hill, Ph.D., associate professor of nutritional sciences at Texas Christian University.

How much? The Journal of Perinatal Medicine recommends 200 milligrams of DHA per day during pregnancy. Find it here: Now that many grocery-store staples like eggs, milk and juice are fortified with DHA, it’s not hard to meet your daily requirement. Hill likes expectant moms to have two servings of fish per week. Many obstetricians now recommend DHA supplementation; check with yours to see if you should pop a daily DHA pill. Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and author of “Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.” –

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calendar

OF EVENTS /

january

Pilobolus at The Majestic / January 14

Looking for something different? Revolutionary, inventive, athletic and witty, these collaborative performance works are performed on stage and screen using the human body as a medium for expression. Pilobolus maintains its own singular style evolving interplay with shapeshifting, shadowplay and other explorations. $110, $69, $44 and $29. 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-2891. http://www.artssa.org/pilobolus/

If you are looking for some unique entertainment for the family this month, consider Pilobous! This exciting and innovative performance will be Jan 14 at The Majestic Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. March /Jan. 20 The signature event to San Antonio’s 12-day “Dream Week” celebration takes place downtown Jan. 20 as marchers gather to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin King Jr. The march begins at the MLK Academy, proceeds down MLK Drive, and ends at Pittman-Sullivan Park. With more than 100,000 marchers, San Antonio typically has one of the largest MLK marches in the United States. 10 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King Drive. 210-207-5093. http://www. sanantonio. gov/MLK.aspx

The city celebrates MLK Jr. Jan. 20 Day with its annual march. As in past years, the march is expected to be the largest in the country

get listed Do you have a family-friendly event? Submit your event online at www.ourkidsmagazine.com or e-mail your calendar items and photographs to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com. The deadline for the February 2014 issue is Jan.8 . Information cannot be accepted by phone.

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Th Sp Pr w su

What’s Inside 28 36

Ongoing Exhibits Family Theater

Apply now to take part in Spring Garden Program It’s time to submit your child’s application if you hope to participate in The Spring 2014 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program offered by the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The Children’s Vegetable Garden Program is an opportunity for children to grow their own vegetables and ornamental plants with the help of instructors from the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Service and Bexar County Master Gardeners, as well as other volunteer organizations. Each child is allotted a 3.5-footby-28-foot garden plot. Children will have fun growing different types of seeds, vegetables and ornamental annual flowers. Children can also earn their Junior Master Gardener certification by participating in fun, hands-on activities each week after they have tended their garden. In order to gain the most from the learning experience The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s and to help ensure Spring Children’s Vegetable Garden successful growing, participants Program gives kids a chance to are required to work a plot of land under expert attend all sessions supervision. Sign up now. (two absences are allowed). Families are welcome to share the gardening experience with their child. A parent or guardian must stay with their child.

Registration for Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Teams Begins Jan. 22

Have your team together, but nowhere to play? San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will be signing up full teams only starting Jan. 22 at Ron Darner Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 5800 Old Highway 90 West. If you have a girl interested in playing, but not yet on a team, you can visit the Message Board at HYPERLINK “http://www.saparathletics.com” www. saparathletics.com, where team managers post their team registration and tryout information periodically. The Girls Fast-Pitch Softball League has six age divisions from 8 year olds and younger to 18 years and younger.

1 Wednesday Cobweb Chaser 5K: Celebrate the New Year with a 5K Fun Run at McAllister Park. Open to all ages. $10 fee per participant. 10 a.m. to noon. McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-887-4260. www.saroadrunners.com Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers as you observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Sundown to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot of McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-710-4786. www.sanantonioastronomy.org SAMA Playdates: Meet at the front desk for a playdate that will cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Each Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m., toddlers experience stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-9788183. www.samuseum.org Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds every Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Contact Wendy Leonard for directions to each week’s location. 210-207-3292. wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org

2 Thursday Arctic Week: The Patrick Heath Public Library, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department and the Boerne Cooking Cottage team up to offer an assortment of tasty, ethnic New Year’s celebrations and activities the week surrounding New Year’s Day for elementary-age kids. 10 a.m. Also, teens can celebrate a week of Harry Potter in the Hub with activities beginning at 1 p.m. Youth Services Department, Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St. Building 100 in Boerne. 830-249-8410. http://www.ci.boerne.tx.us/calendar.aspx Toddler Time: Museum staff members lead activities building on your child’s fine and gross motor skills. Weekly activities may include reading, music and exploration of hands-on materials. Toddler Time is held in the Tot Spot exhibit dedicated to infants and toddlers up to 36 months. 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Rockin’ Reptiles: Kids meet the reptiles that call the museum home. 3 to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: Free Ballet Folklorico dance classes meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Road. 210-416-1498. www. helotes-tx.gov

3 Friday Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft every Friday. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway, Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. www.thetwig.indiebound.com Dots & Squiggles: Designed for ages 1-3, this is an early childhood program created and taught by experienced early childhood educators. Fun and engaging lessons encourage children to experience a wide variety of activities that incorporate art, sensory exploration, movement, music, story time and dramatic play. 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www. sakids.org Investigation Station: Kids put critical thinking skills to the test while working with interactive stations designed to encourage them to investigate the world around them. Hours vary by date. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8 for 2 years and older and free to children under 2. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: Enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other moms while giving your children a place to play and explore together. This is a great way to foster new friendships for parents and children. Concessions are available, but outside food is allowed in the park’s shaded picnic area. 9 to 10 a.m. Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210-4955888. info@morganswonderland.com Arctic Week: see Jan. 2

Phil Hardberger Park will sponsor a “Tree Walk” as their First Saturday Program for January. The event is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 4.

4 Saturday

philhardbergerpark.org

Volunteer Opportunities at the Natural Areas: Youth aged 10 and up can take part in volunteer opportunities at the San Antonio Natural Areas on the first Saturday of the month. Projects include trail maintenance, litter pick up, trimming and more. 5-20 volunteers are needed. A brief tutorial will be presented before participating. Staff on-site for assistance. Minimum age to participate is 10 years old, with parent volunteer present for the entire event. 9 a.m. to noon. Call 210-2075320 for location information. E-mail RSVP to don.pylant@ sanantonio.gov or gabriela.tello@sanantonio.gov.

First Saturday at Friedrich Park – Geology: Start your new year off with a guided walk led by retired geologist Bob Hixon. Hixon has been roaming the Hill Country for years and he brings his love of the land and knowledge of geologic history to help you get a rocky perspective on Friedrich Park. Dress appropriately. Walk is limited to 15 per hike so call or e-mail to reserve a spot. Meet near the restrooms. A donation of $2 per person with a maximum of $6 per family is suggested. 10 a.m. to noon. Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa Road. 210-207-5320. peggy.spring@ sanantonio.gov

Art Studio: Your child can create sensory rich masterpieces inspired by famous artists. Art Studio lets your child practice tactile artistry as they create kaleidoscopes, watercolor flowers and more. Open to all ages. 2 p.m. Free with admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453 www.sakids.org

“Kids Fun Day” with Trains: The New Braunfels Train Museum is a fun place for kids of all ages. “Kids Fun Day” is the first and third Saturday of every month. Kids run the train and become junior engineers. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Railroad Museum. 830-627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org

Legacy Farmer’s Market: Local farmers and artisanal food makers offer fresh produce and locally made foods. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Legacy Shopping Center, Loop 1604 and U.S. 281. 210-995-9553. hillcountryfarmersmarket.org First Saturday at the Alamo: Enjoy First Saturday, an interactive living history event, designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Texas. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities are held at the Alamo. 210-225-1391. www.thealamo.org Primer Sabado: Family-friendly events offering local entertainment, art and crafts, children’s activities, food and more. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. San Antonio’s Historic Market Square, West Commerce and Santa Rosa streets. 210-207-8600. www.marketsquaresa.com First Saturday at PHP-Tree Walk: PHP’s First Saturday Program will explore the large live oaks and other diverse species of trees in the park. Presented by Mark Peterson, San Antonio Water System Conservation Project Coordinator and ISA Certified Arborist, the program offers a guided walk starting at 9:15 a.m. San Antonio Tree Guides are available. This walk is recommended for children in elementary grades and their families. Kid-friendly activity included. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

5 Sunday Art Pavilion: Let your creativity flow under the Art Pavilion. Try your hand at new and fun arts and crafts every Sunday free with museum admission. 3 to 4 p.m. Admission $8 for persons 2 years and older, children under 2 are free. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission to SAMA 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Farmer’s Market at The Rim: Local farmers and artisanal food makers offer their fresh produce and locally made foods. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inside The RIM Shopping Center, between the Palladium Theater and Bass Pro Shops. The RIM, 17503 La Cantera Parkway. 210-995-9553. hillcountryfarmersmarket.org Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

6 Monday Tinker-N-Tales: Museum staff leads kids ages 0 to 3 years in activities that build upon their fine and gross motor skills. Activities may include reading, music and exploration of hands-on

materials. 11 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org YA Film Club: Teens having fun with film production meet in Boerne in Upstairs Conference Room, 451 N. Main St., 4:30 to 6 p.m. E-mail stauber@boernelibrary.org or call 830-249-3053 for more information. www.ci.boerne.tx.us Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5

7 Tuesday Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 to 8 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. www.samuseum. org 210-978-8100.Pint-Sized Science: This program introduces budding scientists to basic science concepts. Each month kids explore a different theme such as weather, animals, water, reactions, nutrition and more. 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Jungle Adventure classroom. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Toddler Time: see Jan. 2

8 Wednesday Growing Up Wild – Living in a Tree: Children ages 3-7 years discover what wildlife lives in a tree through hands-on activities and walks in the park. Kid-friendly craft included. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $3 per child and $5 per family. E-mail Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3106 to register.

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Registration is required. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.philhardbergerpark.org Home School Programs: This month’s focus is “Oceans and Sea Life” and is geared to home-schooled children grades K-6. Students will be separated based on grade level. Cost is $15 per person for adult and children members; and $25 per person for adult and children nonmembers. Two sessions, one from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and another from 1 to 2:30 p.m., will be offered. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Story Adventures: Kids will enjoy an imagination adventure that strengthens language and listening skills through story time and dramatic play. Children of all ages will love taking average story time to the next level. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Astronomy in the Park: see Jan. 1 SAMA Playdates: see Jan. 1 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Jan. 1

9 Thursday Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through the museum galleries during a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adult and infant. This activity is geared toward caregivers and babies 0-18 months. Tour begins at the front desk and ends with playtime and refreshments. Front-carrying baby carriers are encouraged and strollers are welcome. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org

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Ongoing Exhibits Witte Museum JFK in SA features the lectern, original photos, copies of the official “Cap Over the Wall” speech, leather chairs used by the President, Vice President Lyndon Johnson and others, the film of Kennedy’s speech and other artifact/archival material. The lectern and other items were used by President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 21, 1963, one day prior to being assassinated in Dallas, for the dedication of the Brooks Air Force Base School of Aerospace Medicine and the Aerospace Medical Center. In May 2011, the Witte Museum was honored to receive these artifacts, ensuring a permanent local link to a major event in United States history. JFK in SA is included with museum general admission. Through Jan 12. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.or

Centro Cultural Aztlan Celebración a La Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibit is the oldest and most revered exhibit featuring La Virgen de Guadalupe as it’s main theme. The exhibition includes Virgen de Guadalupe inspired acrylic, oil & watercolor paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and contemporary folk art. The exhibit will be on view through January 17. Free. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 210-432-1896. Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Ste 103. 210-432-1896. www. centroculturalaztlan.50megs.com

McNay Art Museum Constructing the Stage: Artists from the Theatre Collection turns the spotlight on the increasingly important use of maquettes (stage models) in production design as seen in the work of four designers from the theatre collection. Timothy O’Brien, Ralph Koltai, Adrianne Lobel, and Tony Straiges designed landmark productions in the 1970s and 80s, representing contrasting British and American approaches to theatre design, and to the role of the theatre designer. Exhibit runs January 22 through June 1, 2014. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels.

Toddler Time: see Jan. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Jan. 2

10 Friday Wild Beginnings: Learn a little more about zoo animals during the program “Critter Coats of Many Colors.” Wild Beginnings is geared to ages 2-3 and encourages interaction between kids’ and caregivers in a fun-filled environment with stories, songs and animal close-ups. 9 to 10 a.m. $35. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Zoo Explorers: Kids 4-5 and their caregivers interact in a funfilled environment with stories, songs and animal close-ups. This month’s theme is “Critter Coats of Many Colors.” 11 a.m. to noon. $35. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Growing Up Wild – Living in a Tree: see Jan. 8 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Jan. 3

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Dots & Squiggles: see Jan. 3 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

11 Saturday Oratorical Contest: Junior high and high school students will compete in this oratorical contest sponsored by the San Antonio Pan Hellenic Council. Students will present speeches on “Why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Believed Education Excellence Affects One’s Future Freedoms” and will be competing for awards and prizes. 10 a.m. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St. 210-643-6177. http://www.sanantonio.gov/ Portals/0/Files/MLK/2014/events2014_v5.pdf Cinema Saturday: Take a lunch or a snack and enjoy an afternoon movie at the Universal City Library. Call the library for a list of movies. Free. Noon. 210-659-7048. Universal City Library, 100 Northview, Universal City. https://tx-universalcity2.civicplus.com/ Calendar Second Saturday at Eisenhower-Fantastic Fossils: Learn what fossils can be found locally. Then examine local fossils and sort through fossil rock material for some specimens to take home. Reservations are recommended. 10 a.m. to noon. A donation of $3 per person with a maximum of $6 per family is suggested. E-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-5320 to make reservations. Limited to 15 persons a hike. Meet near the restrooms. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 8 a.m. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. There is no charge for this event. 246 Viesca in Alamo Heights. 210-749-5552. saaudubon.org Scouting the Zoo: Scouts have the chance to discover more about animals and the zoo in a fun-filled program that complements badge or pin requirements. Scheduled workshops make it convenient to earn a Scout the Zoo patch while also making new friends from other scout groups. Each month workshops geared toward a different division features a different topic at separate times for girls and boys. The girls’ workshop is open to Daisies and will focus on “Hooray for Hippos.” It runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The boys’ workshop is for Bears and is titled “Sharing Your World with Wildlife” and runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost per workshop is $16 for members, $21 for nonmembers and $13 for parents. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Free Family Art Day: Enjoy creating various art projects and have a snack-all from the country represented that day. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court. 210-829-5592. www.inspirefineart.org Boerne Market Days: This family event has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen vendors showing their creative talents and wares, live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Main Plaza in Boerne. www.boernemarketdays.com. 210-884-8193. Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Art Studio: see Jan. 4 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see Jan. 4

12 Sunday Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 5

Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Boerne Market Days: see Jan. 11 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see Jan. 5

13 Monday Little Sprout Mondays: Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. No registration necessary. 10 a.m. $3 per child, plus garden admission. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org Tinker-N-Tales: see Jan. 5 Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5

14 Tuesday

Bring the little ones out to catch Miss Anastasia every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at The Twig for a very special Twiglet Storytime! Miss Ananstasia always delivers a delightful storytime experience. The Twig is located in The Pearl Can Plant Building at 306 Pearl Pkwy.

Run With SAMA: Join the San Antonio Museum of Art and Run Wild Sports at the museum on the second Tuesday of every month for a leisurely run. Runners of all levels are welcome. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness. Run and walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports, and stretch with yoga instructors from The Synergy Studio. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Runners can enjoy free admission to the museum. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Jan. 7 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 7 Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Toddler Time: see Jan. 2

15 Wednesday Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Destination Asia: Mighty Elephants” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Story Adventures: see Jan. 8 Astronomy in the Park: see Jan. 1 SAMA Playdates: see Jan. 1

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calendar Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Jan. 1

16 Thursday Toddler Time: see Jan. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Jan. 2 Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: see Jan. 2

17 Friday Wild Beginnings: see Jan. 10 Zoo Explorers: see Jan. 10 Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: see Jan. 3 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Jan. 3 Dots & Squiggles: see Jan. 3 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

18 Saturday 2014 Film Festival Kick-Off Event: In advance of The San Antonio Botanical Garden presents “Dog Days at the Botanical” the annual San Antonio Jewish Film Festival, the Jan. 18 and 19. This is a great opportunity to take the entire family out to Barshop JCC will be screening “Orchestra of Exiles” a 2012 documentary filmed on location in Germany, enjoy the Gardens! Israel, the United States and England. The film weekend. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s features historical reenactments as well as interSt. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org views with music icons Pinchas Zukerman, Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman and Joshua Bell to tell the story of one Polish violinist Day of Service: MLK Day is a “day on...not a day off” seems to and 70 Jewish musicians who banded together to fight the Nazis be the theme for this volunteer-driven day of service. City Year with the only weapon they had: Music. From Academy Awardand the AFL-CIO have partnered this year to sponsor a day of nominated director Josh Aronson, “Orchestra of Exiles” reveals service along this year’s march route in an effort to get people the dramatic story of Bronislaw Huberman, the celebrated committed to making a difference in the community. 9 a.m. to 4 Polish violinist who rescued some of the world’s greatest musip.m. For information on how to volunteer, call 210-789-9378 or cians from Nazi Germany and then created one of the world’s e-mail tochoa@cityyear.org greatest orchestras, the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which Musical Extravaganza and Fundraiser: This fundraiser, presented would become the Israeli Philharmonic. 8 p.m. Barshop Jewish by the San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, supCommunity Center, Holzman Auditorium. 210-302-6820. http:// ports the events that honor the legacy of Dr. King. The concert www.jccsanantonio.org features national gospel recording artists. Tickets will be sold at First Annual Snowball 5K Run/Walk/and Accessible 1K: the door. $10. 7 p.m. New Creation Christian Fellowship, 8700 Participants can burn off some of their holiday calories while Fourwinds Drive. 210-646-7997. http://www.nccfonline.org supporting the Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland. Dog Days at the Botanical Garden: It’s the very special weekFunds raised will go toward the purchase of adaptive bikes and end that humankind’s best friend is invited to come out to the support of other academy programs. The course will start and garden to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. Furry companions end at the Rapier Trust Amphitheater at Morgan’s Wonderland. will find large pools of water situated throughout the garden. This run offers: age-group awards, T-shirts, chip timing, bib numAlso, “mutt mitts” will be provided for dog-owners to help pick bers, hot chocolate, breakfast tacos, music and other surprises. up after their pets. Dog adoptions will be available through the Register early as space is limited. Early registration is $25. Early Animal Defense League. Owners may also treat their dogs to a registration ends Jan. 4. Registration is $30 from Jan. 5-17 and special “doggie biscuit” at the Carriage House Bistro and visit $35 the day of race. Event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morgan’s partner booths. All dogs must be on a leash. Regular garden Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210-930-3148. https:// admission is required plus $5 cash only, per dog. The canine www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/96369/ admission collected will be donated to event co-sponsors – the Youth Empowerment Summit: Designed to educate youth on Animal Defense League, Animal Care Services, the San Antonio modern social issues, this year’s Youth Empowerment Summit Humane Society and the San Antonio Botanical Society. 9 a.m. has partnered with Rackspace for a robotics session. In addito 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210tion, the Summit offers educational workshops for kids of all 207-3250. www.sabot.org ages; including poetry, leadership, self-esteem, public service Passport to Adventure! Overnight at the Zoo: Tour the zoo after and financial empowerment. Youth of all ages are encouraged dark and discover animals around the world. Also, meet a few to attend. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. Phillips College, Watson animals up-close in the classroom. Class is designed for families, Fine Arts Bldg., 1801 Martin Luther King Drive. 210-843-1913. friends and small groups. Participants can enjoy an evening Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com snack before bed and start the next morning with a continental MLK Wild Weekend: The San Antonio Zoo presents a special breakfast and animal presentation. Then spend the rest of the three-day celebration in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin day exploring the zoo on your own. Ages 6 and up. $40 per perLuther King Jr. The event features photo art and other special son. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s family fun and a $3 discount off zoo admission for the entire St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

S.A.fari Kids: Join the wildest club in town and explore animals around the zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “Mysterious Mammals.” Participants are encouraged to attend monthly to ensure continuous learning. Drop-off program; parents not required to stay. Class is for ages 5-7. 1:30 to 3 p.m. $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org. “Kids Fun Day” with Trains: see Jan. 4 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Art Studio: see Jan. 4 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see Jan. 4

19 Sunday MLK Wild Weekend: see Jan. 18 Dog Days at the Botanical Garden: see Jan. 18 Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 5 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see Jan. 5

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21 Tuesday Big Mama Speaks: The National Charity League will present guest speaker Melanie –aka “Big Mama” of thebigmamablog. com. The San Antonio blogger will speak to the National Charity League from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Alamo Heights Methodist Church, 825 E. Basse Road. 210-826-3215. http:// thebigmamablog.com/event/alamo-heights-methodist-ncl/ Animal Poetry- Elementary: As part of the Winter Discovery classes, students ages 7-10 will discover various techniques of writing poetry about nature. Bring a nature journal to class. Kid-friendly walk and craft included. Registration is required. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www.sanaturalareas.org Free Family Night: Adults and children are admitted free the third Tuesday of the month. The H-E-B Free Family Night coincides with the city’s free parking after 5 p.m. initiative. 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Jan. 7 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 7 Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Toddler Time: see Jan. 2

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calendar 22 Wednesday

Family Theater

Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Story Adventures: see Jan. 8 Astronomy in the Park: see Jan. 1 SAMA Playdates: see Jan. 1 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Jan. 1

23 Thursday Does Wildlife Sell? Middle School students identify use of wildlife and other natural images in advertising as part of the Winter Discovery Middle School class series. Students will explore and evaluate the purposes and impacts of using wildlife images in advertising. This class is suggested for children 10 to 14 years old and is limited to 20 students. Registration is required. Suggested donation of $3 per child or $5 per family. To register contact Susan.Campbell@ sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3106. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. (East Side). sanaturalareas.org Toddler Time: see Jan. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Jan. 2

24 Friday Fifth Annual Chili Cookoff and Art Show: This annual family-friendly holiday event takes place amid live music. Free and open to the public.1:30 p.m. Granados Adult and Senior Center, 500 Freiling. 210-207-3285. http://www. sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/seniors_granados.aspx Wild Beginnings: see Jan. 10 Zoo Explorers: see Jan. 10 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Jan. 3 Dots & Squiggles: see Jan. 3 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

25 Saturday Cold Blooded Reptiles: Blaine Eaton, of the South Texas Herpetology Association, brings a large collection of Texas snakes and snakes from the pet trade. Learn about our state’s most common snakes, including which snakes are venomous. Free; donations accepted. 10 a.m. to noon. Inside the classroom at the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center, Phil Hardberger Park West, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. 210-207-3106 or 210-226-8339. www. philhardbergerpark.org 5K-Run/Walk/Roll: Help kids with special needs make their dreams come true by bringing the whole family out today to take part in the Kinetic Kids 5 K. A 1-mile Family Course for Kinetic Kids Athletes will be separate from the 5K run. Or just come out and cheer the participants on! Early Registration is $25 and Race Day Registration is $40. See the website for other sign-up date discounts and packet pick-up information. Race Day Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the event starts at 8 a.m. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 4098 East Houston. 210-930-3148 http://www.athleteguild.com/running/ san-antonio-tx/2014-kinetic-kids-5k-runwalkroll Sensory Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program

Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Get ready for dynamic storytelling, award-winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects when Disney brings “Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales” to town Jan. 4 and 5! Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales- Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic. 1 and 4 p.m. Jan. 4 and 2 and 5 p.m. Jan 5. Tickets range from $20-50. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 740 E. Market St. 210226-2891. http://www.ticketmaster.com Skippyjon Jones - Based on the book by Judy Schachner and adapted for the stage by Dave Morgan, Skippyjon Jones is a fun, imaginary tale that will thrill and entertain your youngsters. Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. Oh, no. He’s actually El Skippito, A HEROIC Chihuahua. With a little imagination and a whole lot of fun, this frisky cat dons a mask and cape, and saves the day while stealing young reader’s hearts. $10 Admission/Children under 2 are free. Runs Jan. 10-Feb. 22. Show times are 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday, 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday. Magik Theatre, 420 South Alamo. 210-227-2751. www.magiktheatre.org The Mountaintop- A gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On April 3, 1968. After delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhuasted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. Runs Jan. 17-Feb. 9. Show dates for January are: Jan. 17, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Shows begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through ticketmaster or at the Carver Box Office. $26. Carver Community Cultural Center, Jo Long Theatre, 226 N. Hackberry St. 210-207-2234. http://www.thecarver.org/ the-mountaintop/

provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! All shows are at 10 a.m. local time. Today’s feature is “The Nut Job”. Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 East Commerce St. http://www.autism-society.org/ get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots-Cranes: Join the Zoo’s chapter of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and get involved in fun conservation activities each month. Program will include natural history of the animals, issues relating to their conservation, techniques used to study them and ways kids can help with wildlife conservation. This month’s theme is “Birds of a Feather: Cranes.” Drop- off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 8-12. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.. Cost: $12/members; $18/nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

“Cold Blooded Reptiles” will be the focus of a Jan. 25 program featuring Blaine Eaton of the South Texas Herpetology Association. The program is set for 10 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park.

Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Art Studio: see Jan. 4 Legacy Farmer’s Market: see Jan. 4

26 Sunday Picture Your World Youth Photography Workshop: San Antonio Botanical Gardens sponsors the Green Spaces Alliance photography workshop for kids. Digital cameras are available, or you may bring your own. Fees may be waived for students demonstrating financial need. A professional photographer and Project Manager Carra Garza will provide instruction on good photos and camera management. A naturalist will also be in attendance at each workshop for instruction on plants and wildlife. Parents may attend free of charge. Cost is $10 per student for Green Spaces members and $20 per student for nonmembers. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 210-222-8430 ext. 302. www.greensatx.org Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 5 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3 Farmer’s Market at The Rim: see Jan. 5

27 Monday The Tempest Trio: The Barshop Jewish Community Center presents a free concert , Pianist Alon Goldstein, violinist Ilya Kaler and cellist Amit Peled form the ensemble The Tempest Trio. This internationally known, dynamic group will perform. 10:30 a.m. RSVP to http://www.jccsanantonio.org/index. php?src=forms&ref=Tempest%20Trio%20RSVP Barshop Jewish Community Center, Holzman Auditorium. 210-302-6820. Tinker-N-Tales: see Jan. 5 Art Pavilion: see Jan. 5

28 Tuesday Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Jan. 7 SAMA Free Admission: see Jan. 7

Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Toddler Time: see Jan. 2

29 Wednesday Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Destination World: Piggy Back!” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Pint-Sized Science: see Jan. 7 Story Adventures: see Jan. 8 Astronomy in the Park: see Jan. 1 SAMA Playdates: see Jan. 1 Weed Wednesdays-Volunteer at PHP: see Jan. 1

30 Thursday Harlem Globetrotters: The world famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions of fans for 88 years, all the while innovating the game in exciting new ways. Last year, the Globetrotters did something unparalleled in the history of sports and entertainment, letting fans vote on new rules to be used in actual games. Fans will have the opportunity to do so again. There are new rules to choose from on the Globetrotters 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour: Tickets range from $23-$155. 7 p.m. AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Parkway. http://www. harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets Toddler Time: see Jan. 2 Rockin’ Reptiles: see Jan. 2

31 Friday Wild Beginnings: see Jan. 10 Zoo Explorers: see Jan. 10 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Jan. 3 Dots & Squiggles: see Jan. 3 Investigation Station: see Jan. 3

looking ahead to February Heads Up! The Asian Festival is Feb. 1 at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures! Also, don’t miss Family Flashlight Night at the Botanical Garden on Feb. 21. And, of course there is the RODEO!!!! January 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

OUR KIDS

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Our Kids Magazine | January 2014

Your Kids In Our Kids (Left to right starting from the top left)

Gavin Guerra | Blake and Momma | Andrea and Jonah Emeritt Kaden Martinez | Collazo Family | Andrea

February Theme is Valentines Visit OurKidsMagazine.com and Submit Your Kids Photos The deadline to submit photos for February is Jan. 14. By uploading photos to Your Kids in Our Kids, you give us permission to publish your photos in Our Kids Magazine and online on our website.

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