Parents Press November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

Gratitude GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

NAPPA Awards Gift Guide Under-the-tree Winners

Lifelong Benefits of Science Fairs for Kids What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like?

School Open House Events pg. 24

Foster a Love of STEAM Holiday Event Guide A collection of Bay Area holiday experiences for families to enjoy.

PS VISION

PS CARE Prospect Sierra students engage in deep academic work, practice skills to hone greater self-knowledge, and demonstrate compassion and care for others. Immersed in a joyful school community, they develop a lifelong love of learning.

2 Parents Press | November 2021

PS JOY

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Contents

Volume 41 • Number 3 www.parentspress.com

NOVEMBER 2021

10

NAPPA Awards Gift Guide

Building Up STEAM 35 Easy Projects to Try This Weekend

Holiday Event Guide

13

29

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 Good to Know

• East Bay Private School Guide and Preschool Guide • The Art of Gratitude • Dangers of Vaping

12 More Holiday Gift Ideas 21 How to Help Children with their Homework

COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO BALLET

How Much is Too Much?

24 School Open House Events 26 What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like?

28 Bay Area Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots 34 Lifelong Benefits of Science Fairs for Kids

Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc.

Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 www.ParentsPress.com

Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com

Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area.

Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com

Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2021 Parents’ Press

4 Parents Press | November 2021

November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Good to Know East Bay Private School Guide and the East Bay Preschool Guide are Now Available!

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Finding the Best

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15 That’s the number in pounds of the average turkey purchased for a Thanksgiving meal. Turkey’s average weight has doubled since the 1950s. And, more than 224,000 turkeys are sold for family celebrations each year, down from the height of 273,000 in 2007.

Yet, still adds up to a whole lot of leftovers to consume on Black Friday and beyond.

Gobble, gobble!

6 Parents Press | November 2021

Child

T

he 2021/22 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide and The East Bay Guide to Preschools are fresh off the press and our available on our website.

Both give great advice on how to choose a private school or preschool, relative to their subject. Find out when to start your search, criteria to consider, what to look for in a school plus there is a handy timeline for your search so you stay on track with those application deadlines. Available online at www.ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

DID YOU KNOW

that every year in November there is a very special day to celebrate learning?

Learning in subjects like science, technology, engineering, art, and math? It’s National STEAM Day on November 8th.

Why choose November 8th for a day that celebrates creativity, learning, and innovation? Because it can be abbreviated NOV 8, i.e., innovate :) So let’s all go innovate on November 8th.

WORD WISE

N

ovember is National Adoption Month! Have you ever considered where the phrase “put up for adoption” is derived?

It comes from the orphan train movement in the United States from 1854 to 1929. During this time orphans were put on trains headed for the Midwest and West. At each stop the children would be “put up” on a train platform in hopes of finding a family to adopt them.

RE

GI S IS TRA OP TIO EN N

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Good to Know The Dangers of Vaping

By Christine Burke

T

here has been an extreme increase in vaping among adolescents in the last decade.

Most vapes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine causes increase in blood pressure, heart rate and narrows heart arteries. It also can lead to the hardening of arterial walls which can lead to a heart attack.

Even though adolescents are young, they are not immune to these effects of nicotine.

Nicotine use can harm actively developing brains of these adolescents and contribute to addictions of other drugs later on in life.

Vaping has also been associated with acute respiratory distress which is extremely dangerous amongst adolescents. Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and fever are also effects of using nicotine. Adolescents have also experienced lung lesions. This is a serious condition that includes inflammation of the alveolar spaces and can contribute to permanent lung conditions.

Primarily, what makes vaping so attractive to young adolescents is the product innovations, youthful and fun flavoring and packaging. The legal age to purchase vapes and other e-cigarettes is age 21 in California. Fortunately, due to the vaping epidemic among adolescents, there have been stricter regulations regarding vaping.

However, there are still ways for adolescents to obtain vapes and e-cigarettes.

The easiest way to prevent addictions to vapes among adolescents is to not start using vapes yourself. Education of the intense dangers of vaping is a sure way for adolescents to know of the long-lasting dangers of vaping.

Camouflaged Vaping Devices Are Getting Past Parents and School Staff The vaping hoodie. The vaping smart watch. USB jump drives. Vape pens, backpacks, phone cases, oh my! All ready to deliver a puff of nicotine (or marijuana) anywhere, anytime. The vaping market is crowded with sleek, camouflaged devices that have teachers and parents struggling to monitor illicit usage of a product that has surged in popularity among school kids. You might want to give that new computer mouse, that you didn’t buy, a second look.

8 Parents Press | November 2021

The Art of Gratitude A

gratitude journal is a great way to teach kids how to appreciate and focus on the positives in life.

Each day your child can write or draw pictures of the people, places or things in their life that are important and appreciated. Focusing on the positives each day is tremendously up lifting emotionally.

This positive way to start or end the day will create an emotion that will carry throughout the day. Kid focused gratitude journals can be bought or handmade, be word or art focused. Even using magazine photo cutouts, pasted into the journal works. The key is to spend a few moments each day and think about what is important to happiness.

Be grateful! Y

Orthodontics for Children & Adults Parents’ Press

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NAPPA Awards Gift Guide

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

KidiGo™ Basketball Hoop It’s game on with this hoop and ball.

An interactive scoreboard keeps score and cheers you on. Make a basket and pass the ball before the music stops. $34.99, ages 5+, www.vtechkids.com

Purse Pets Bring your look to life with these fabulous interactive pets packed with purse-onality. They respond to your touch, really blink and have exciting sounds and reactions $24.99, ages 4+, www.spinmaster.com

Hali X Hoverboard With a light-up body deck, illuminated rims, and in-built Bluetooth speaker, this hoverboard brings all the swagger with a smooth ride. $199.99, ages 12+, www.ridejetson.com

FeppyBox This bilingual subscription box is made to immerse kids in Spanish and English learning. Designed to raise the next generation of open-minded, resilient global citizens. $29.99, ages 3-6, www.feppybox.com For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

10 Parents Press | November 2021

Artsy Fartsy Not much is off-limits in this fast-paced game that keeps everyone engaged and begging for more. Team up to draw, guess and STEAL clues that will have everyone laughing out loud. $24.99, ages 10+, www.twopointohgames.com

MasterChef Family Cooking Game Combines education with family fun by cooking your way through delicious challenges. Mystery Ingredients, Game Changers and Mad Skills will put your family to the test and introduce you to new recipes. $19.99, ages 8+, www.wildertoys.com

Light-Up Activity Board Let kids unlock endless hours of creativity by building and layering their own designs and colors. This easy-touse activity board is a fun toy to help children learn basic skills. $24.99, ages 3+, www.walmart.com

Vlad & Niki Superhero Surprise Enter a complete unboxing experience, allowing kids to bring a comic book story to life. Capture the fun of exploring with the help of global stars Vlad & Niki. $29.99, ages 3+, www.zuru.com

PLAYMOBIL Dino Rise T-Rex: Battle of the Giants The T-Rex Battle has begun. There is a robot machine on a destructive path and your kids need to gather a dino-human team to stop them before it’s too late. $69.99, ages 5-12 years www.playmobil.us

Cool Maker Shimmer Me Body Art This DIY studio allows you to create and apply flawless temporary art designs. Magically transfer beautiful iridescent foil onto the body to let your creativity soar. $25.99, ages 8+, www.spinmaster.com

Spirograph® Animator Experience the vibrant way for aspiring artists to create millions of designs.

Watch your creations come alive with an amazing 3D effect. $24.99-$29.99, ages 8+, www.walmart.com

Mindful Animals Calming Activity Cards Pause and destress with 50 animal-themed mindfulness and relaxation techniques for kids. Helps calm and soothe them after a very busy day — or in the middle of one. $12.00, ages 4+, www.petitcollage.com Y

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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For the Grandparents Share your Family Moments

PHOTO BY KIRA-AUF-DER-HEIDE, UNSPLASH.COM

More Holiday Gift Ideas For the Chocolate Aficionado

A

ura frames are the perfect gift for your family— especially grandparents. Send your gift with a surprise! Preload it with precious memories and get other family and friends to do the same. Once your recipient connects their frame to WiFi, they will see the message and photos in the app. You can even pre–enter the WiFi information for elderly relatives to ensure a hassle–free setup—all they have to do is plug in and reminisce. Every frame is shipped in a beautiful gift box with no price tag.

Starting at $179.

For the Future Entrepreneur Cash Flow for Kids

F

rom the New York Times best-selling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki, these educational board games were created to give families a sneak peek into strategies to create lifelong financial freedom including how to invest and how to build wealth as well as tips for maximizing passive income.

Youngsters will learn core principles of income, debt, cashflow and capital gains as well as assets and liabilities in a fun, easy-to-understand way while using realworld examples to get kids to practice investing, acquiring assets and dealing with the perils of liabilities. For Ages 6 and up. Available in English and Spanish. $69.95

vailable in two flavors, Hazelnut Latte and Peppermint Crème. These cute, individually wrapped bite size morsels of deliciouness have no GMOS and are Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Perfect for Santa! Available at most major natural food retailers and at www.

Chocolove.com. $9.99

3

Bar Pack, comes with three flavors, Frosted-Nut Medley, Frosted Gingerbread and Candy Cane Crunch makes a perfect hostess or office party gift this holiday season. But, make sure you grab one of these for yourself! They will be gone after the holidays! Available at most major natural food retailers and at www.Chocolove.com. $9.99

Kensington HI-FI Headphones with Mic

H

12 Parents Press | November 2021

A

Chocolove Holiday Collection

For the Gamer

igh-quality stereo sound is provided through powerful 40mm drivers with deep bass and a wide dynamic range to deliver an exceptional listening experience with safe listening limits to protect ears from hearing loss and noise. The Noise-cancelling microphone allows for optimum speech clarity. The durable 6-foot cord is an ideal length. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Chromebook devices. $17.99

Tree Bites

JBL Quantum 100

T

he JBL Quantum 100 is a wired, over-ear headset with PU leather wrapped memory foam ear cushions. Featuring JBL QuantumSOUND SignatureTM technology and immersive audio quality and pinpoint accuracy. These headsets also come with a detachable and directional boom microphone that has echocancelling and mute features. Available in black, blue and white. $29.95 Y

By Janeen Lewis

Building Up STEAM 35 Easy Projects to Try This Weekend

STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Math) has grown in popularity in recent years, and the future will include STEAM-related jobs. Foster a love of STEAM at home this winter with these fun and easy ideas. In honor of National STEM/ STEAM Day on November 8th, here is 35 ideas to step up your kid’s STEAM learning!

Science

C

hildren are naturally inquisitive, and curiosity is the backbone of science discovery. Inspire kids to dive into science with these ideas: Give children a scientific start. Use scientific words and make exploring a part of everyday life.

Welcome questions like “Why is the sky blue?

“Questioning is the first step of the Scientific Method.

Encourage household problem-solving. Bread dough that doesn’t rise, an inside door that sticks, an insect infestation in the garden are gateways to hypotheses, experiments and answers.

Create a kitchen science lab. Make homemade ice cream in a Ziploc bag, make butter out of heavy cream in a mason jar or grow geodes in eggshells.

Have a blast — literally! Many safe experiments involve eruptions. Make a paper mache baking soda and vinegar volcano. Go outside and drop a pack of Mentos in a 2-liter soda or launch a bottle rocket. Discuss the science behind the blast.

Grow a garden. Start seedlings from kitchen vegetable seeds or trimmings.

Relate science to hobbies. Learn the physics behind the fastball or how the gymnast balances on the beam.

Technology

F

uture jobs will require technology. Embrace screen benefits that build technology skills.

Make the computer your friend. Teach your child how to do research, make brochures for school projects and use spreadsheets for chores and allowance. In anticipation of future trips, let your child research destinations.

Start coding. Check out code.org for fun ways kids can code online or without technology. Other coding sites to try are Codeacademy, Kodable, Lightbot, Scratch and Tynker.

Introduce Raspberry Pi. Kids can use this card-sized single board computer for basic programming.

Let them make a stop-motion video. Apps to try: Lego Movie Maker, Stop Motion Studio, Lapse It, iStopMotion and Clayframes.

Continued on page 14 >>>

November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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<<< Continued from page 13

Engineering

Arts

D

oes your child love Lego blocks or Minecraft? Does she want to take apart the toaster or fix the cell phone when it breaks? Here are ways to encourage a budding engineer.

C

Teach kids the Engineering Design Process (Check out a kid-friendly version at www.teachengineering .com)

Inspire creativity. Immerse your home in different types of art. Listen to music, collect art or art books or check them out from the library.

Let them join a Lego Robotics Club.

Be positive. Even if you don’t think you’re good at art, try some art mediums along with your child. He or she will be more willing to try, too.

Stock building supplies. Try Legos, wooden blocks, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Duplo bricks. Also keep recyclables like cardboard, paper towel tubes and cereal boxes. There are even edible options like cheese, grapes and marshmallows. Pair one of these with toothpicks or pretzels for building.

Encourage children to complete tower building challenges. One fun and easy way to do this is with notecards or old playing cards and no other materials. Kids can only fold the cards, no ripping or cutting.

Create Catapults. Some materials to try: Popsicle sticks, spoons, drink lids, rubber bands and pom poms.

Build a Rube Goldberg machine out of household materials. This machine is intentionally designed to perform a simple task through a series of complex chain reactions. To learn more, visit rubegoldberg.com.

Join a radio control club. Planes, helicopters and boats often inspire children. Building their own involves creativity and problem-solving skills.

Build a miniature roller coaster. Give your child materials like pipe insulation, marbles, cups and duct tape.

Watch them take their creativity for a ride.

14 Parents Press | November 2021

hildren can be artists by painting, drawing, sculpting, singing, playing an instrument, dancing or writing. Take note of inclinations in these areas and foster a love of the arts.

Stock up on art supplies. Water colors, finger paints, acrylic, crayons, colored pencils, pastels, construction paper, sketch books and origami paper are some examples.

Experiment with evaporation art. Mix salt with water and paint. Have your child predict what will happen to the salt and water.

Order a how-to-draw book or check out videos on YouTube.

Step by step directions will give your child more confidence.

Sculpt with air-dry clay. Your child doesn’t need a pottery wheel to create with clay. After the clay dries, it can be painted.

Listen to a variety of music genres. This will open your child’s mind to different artists and styles of music.

Sign your child up for a virtual creative writing class.

Read poetry books.

Continued on page 16 >>>>

If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?

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<<< Continued from page 14

Math

T

here are many ways to make math relevant and interesting. Research shows that most children can succeed at math.

Teach number sense. Mentally work through problemsolving logic with your child. “Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late” by Laura Overdeck is a good book for promoting math discussions.

Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (https://education.ti.com/en/activities/stem/ gen-stem) for videos connecting algebra, geometry and physics to jobs like fashion design, flying jets and more.

Cook or bake together. Measuring, equivalent fractions and conversions are all part of recipe building.

Measure the miles. When going on family outings, find the distance with your child. Calculate the miles and time it will take to get there and how much gas will cost.

Assign chores and give an allowance. They’ll be asking for ice cream and movie money anyway, so why not teach practical budgeting skills in the process?

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STEAM Supplies Keep these materials on hand for experiments and STEAM projects.

• Cardboard • Paper towel and toilet paper tubes • Straws • Aluminum foil • Empty water bottles • Plastic lids beakers or jars with lids • Funnels • Tongs • Epsom salt • Rock salt • Alum baking soda • Vinegar • Food coloring • Marbles • Potting soil

STEAM Stories:

Picture Books that support STEAM • • • • • • • • •

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty Grandfather Tang’s Story

by Ann Tompert B is for Bulldozer: A Construction ABC

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by Ashley Spires Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros 11 Experiments that Failed

by Jenny Offill Mechanimals by Chris Tougas

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If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build by Christina Schul • How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons Janeen Lewis is a writer and a teacher with a degree in journalism and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country. Y

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How to Help Children with Their Homework

How Much is Too Much?

By Jan Pierce

W

hether you love it or hate it, homework is a component of your children’s education.

It is a given. In our busy lives with schedules full of sports, dance, music lessons and the like, families may find it difficult to set the children’s educational responsibilities as a high priority. Although parents everywhere want their children to succeed in school, according to Sharon P. Robinson of the U.S. Dept. of Education, many parents err more on the side of slighting the importance of nightly homework than in giving too much help. There are those parents who make the mistake

of doing the work themselves for a variety of reasons, but they are in the minority, and teachers will always spot such activity.

So, what are the proper ways to deal with nightly homework assignments for our children? First of all be sure that you understand the purpose of homework. It serves a number of purposes, but foremost are: • Review and practice of new material • Practice in independent research and study • Developing good habits and attitudes toward learning

• Going further in a subject than can be done in limited class time • Preparing for the next step in learning which will be presented the upcoming class session Once adults see the purpose of homework, it is easier to properly support it.

The amount of nightly homework should vary according to age. Most experts agree that for grades 1-3 there should be about 20-30 minutes of homework per night. For grades 4-6 it should increase to about 40 minutes to an hour, and from grade 7 and upward it may reach two hours or more.

Continued on page 22 >>> November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

21

<<< Continued from page 21

• Set regular study times. You may need to be flexible, but never skip it.

• Provide a place to study with proper lighting, materials and resources.

• Remove distractions. Some can study with soft music, but T.V., loud music, or other children playing will distract from quality work.

• Be a good example by reading and modeling a lifelong learning attitude.

Clearly, by age 11 or 12 children need to be able to do independent work and quite a lot of it. This is where parents can play a huge role in starting from the early years to support good homework habits.

The entire family should be on board with support of nightly homework routines. Here are some tips for setting expectations in place from the beginning of a school career:

• Monitor assignments, know what your child is doing, and check over completed assignments.

• Keep lines of communication open with teachers and schools.

Success in training children to become independent learners begins at an early age with parental interest and support. The difference between supporting and doing too much for children is really quite easy to determine.

It is appropriate to review information with children by asking them ques-

tions and listening to their answers. It is helpful to step in when children are “stumped” and discover together where they need help. It is helpful to train them to break large assignments into smaller chunks. It is fine to allow them to take a break when the going is tough and then try again. But it is never fine to do their assignments for them.

If homework is a problem for any reason, it is a good idea to talk with teachers quickly before the problem grows. Perhaps together you can work out the problems of too much work, assignments that don’t seem to challenge, or any other problem which may arise. Teachers have a purpose for their homework assignments and teacherparent cooperation helps children realize you think it’s important too. Setting sound homework practices in place will pay dividends for years to come. Y Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher, reading specialist and is a freelance writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.

Success in training children to become independent learners begins at an early age with parental interest and support.

22 Parents Press | November 2021

Discover why families have been returning for generations.

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2021

BEST OF

TOP 5 INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 1, 2016 and Jan 11, 2017 • 7PM Connected Community, OPEN HOUSE • Diversified Jan 29, 2017learning • 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM School •Tours INFORMATION NIGHTS Dec 1, Available 2016 and Jan call 11, 2017 • 7PM a tour TUESDAY TOURS • Please to schedule

INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 2 15 and 12 OPN HOUSE • Jan 29, 2017 • 10:15 AM – 12: PMJan TUESDAY RSVP: spnadmissions@csdo.org TOURS • Please callschool.spnalameda.org to schedule a tour • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787

school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787

Limited Space Still Available Contact us to schedule your virtual tour today!

St. Paul’s is a K-8 independent school located steps from Lake Merritt. We welcome families of all faiths or none.

510-285-9617 www.spes.org

A transformative education built on fearless learning, service, and diversity.

November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

23

Open House Events More Events Online at www.ParentsPress.com ALAMEDA

Saint Philip Neri Catholic School Information Night December 2, 2021 @ TBD 1335 High St www.spnalameda.org

BERKELEY

Bayhill High School Open House November 6, 2021 @ 10:00 am 1904 Virginia St www.bayhillhs.org Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley Virtual Preschool Info Session November 8, 2021 @ 9:00 am November 22, 2021 @ 9:00 am Virtual Kindergarten Info Session November 12, 2021 @ 9:00 am November 30, 2021 @ 9:00 am 1009 Heinz Ave www.eb.org

DANVILLE

The Athenian School Upper School Open House: November 14, 2021 @ 1:00 pm Middle School Open House November 13, 2021 @ 1:00 pm 2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd www.athenian.org

EL CERRITO

Prospect Sierra School Middle School (5-8) Information Session November 14, 2021 @ 1:00 pm Discover the Joy: Kindergarten Information Session November 14, 2021 @ 10:00 am Elementary School (K-4)

24 Parents Press | November 2021

Information Day December 5, 2021 @ 10:00 am 960 Avis Dr www.prospectsierra.org/

EMERYVILLE

East Bay German International School Open House October 30, 2021 @ 10:00 am Online Information Session – Elementary School November 16, 2021 @ 10:00 am 1070 41st St www.ebgis.org/

LAFAYETTE

Bentley School (Grades 9-12) Open House November 6, 2021 @ TBD December 4, 2021 @ TBD 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road www.bentleyschool.org The Springstone School Open House November 10, 2021 @ 6:30 pm 1035 Carol Lane www.thespringstoneschool.org

MORAGA

Orion Academy Open House November 6, 2021 @ 10:00 am 350 Rheem Boulevard www.orionacademy.org

OAKLAND

Bentley School Open Houses November 6, 2021 @ TBD December 4, 2021 @ TBD 1 Hiller Dr www.bentleyschool.org

Head-Royce Upper School Open House November 7, 2021 @ 1:00 pm Middle School Open House November 14, 2021 @ 1:00 pm 4315 Lincoln Ave www.headroyce.org

ORINDA

Holy Names High School Open House November 7, 2021 @ 10:30 am 4660 Harbord Dr www.hnhsoakland.org/

Corpus Christi School In-Person Information Session November 6, 2021 @ 10:00 am Virtual Open House November 9, 2021 @ 7:00 pm 1 Estates Dr www.corpuschristischool.com/

Julia Morgan School for Girls Parent–to–Parent November 10, 2021 @ 9:00 am 5000 MacArthur Boulevard www.juliamorganschool.org/ Park Day School Open House November 13, 2021 @ 10:00 am Information Sessions November 5, 2021 @ 11:30 am November 17, 2021 @ 11:30 am December 3, 2021 @ 11:30 am 360 42nd St www.parkdayschool.org/

Orinda Academy Open House December 23, 2021 @ 10:00 am 19 Altarinda Road www.orindaacademy.org

PIEDMONT

WALNUT CREEK

Berean Christian High School New Student Preview Day November 5, 2021 @ 9:30 am Open House November 6, 2021 @ 10:00 am 245 El Divisadero Ave www.bereaneagles.org

The Seven Hills School Campus Tour November 3, 2021 @ 9:00 am Elementary Education November 9, 2021 @ 9:00 am St. Paul’s Episcopal School Lower November 11, 2021 @ 9:00 am School (K-5) Open House 975 N San Carlos Dr December 4, 2021 @ 10:00 am www.sevenhillsschool.org/ Middle School (6-8) Open House November 13, 2021 @ 10:00 am December 4, 2021 @ 11:30 am 116 Montecito Ave www.spes.org Check out more school open house events online at ParentsPress.com - Select School Open Houses

Be curious. Be inspired. Be yourself.

Berkeley’s Only Independent College Preparatory High School

Since 1972 Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 5

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

(510) 841-8489 For event information, contact maybeckhs.org/admissions November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

25

What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like?

By Cheryl Maguire

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hen I was younger, I only had one

choice for summer camp—the town camp. The town camp was a traditional all-day, six hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day whinnying to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp

tomorrow?” By the end of the summer, I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me.

Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you hear your child tell you, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.

Sports Specialty sports camps usually are one sport such as baseball or soccer that the child plays either for 3 or 6 hours.

Depending on where you live there may even be an option for tennis, golf, surfing or sailing camp. This type of camp is typically owned by private organizations. Some towns may have town operated sports camps.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

If your child loves a specific sport and would like to improve their skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport such a surfing that they might not otherwise have exposure to it.

Educational An educational camp focuses on learning a new skill or subject matter. Since it is camp and not school these types of camps tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on fun. These camps are located at public schools, museums, and colleges.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/why things work, this may be a good match for them. If a child is interested in learning a new skill such as computer programming or speaking Spanish some educational camps offer that as well.

26 Parents Press | November 2021

Traditional Day Camp A traditional day camp is six hours (half day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities such as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors and playing sports or team building activities then this would be a good type of camp for them. Since there is a variety of activities this would also be a good fit for a child that likes to try different things.

Sleepaway Overnight camp is when your child lives at the camp for either a week or longer period. There are Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps. These camps tend to offer options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding and other activities that may not be available close to your home.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

An overnight camp gives your child the chance to meet other kids from different states and countries. There is also more time to do activities and foster independence compared to traditional day camps.

Travel There are two types of travel camps. One type is when your child goes on day trips and the other type sometimes referred to as “teen tours” is when your child travels with a group for an extended period (usually a few weeks or a month). This type of camp is located at religious or private organizations.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

Some of these camps travel to places by a plane so it would give your child the chance to travel to a place that you might not have gone to as a family. If your child enjoys experiencing new destinations, then this would be a great fit for them.

Art/Musical Theater Specialty art or musical theater camps focus solely on the arts. Musical theater camps typically showcase a production such as “Beauty and the Beast,” whereas in an art camp a child would use a variety of art mediums like painting or drawing. These type of camps are located in public schools or private organizations. In the public school setting the drama teacher usually runs the camp, and it isn’t widely advertised but it is available for anyone to participate. To find out more information call public schools in your area.

IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR CHILD?

If your child is creative and prefers the indoors, then these types of camps would be worth looking into. It may be a good way to introduce the arts to your child since most of these camps are time-limited for one week. Y Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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ith the average person consuming over 4,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day, make a part of your holiday tradition a nice little run to start the day. More running races are held on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. So, lace up, grab your turkey outfit and start a new family tradition with our rundown of Bay Area Turkey Trots. There are plenty of in-person or virtual events to choose from. Please check websites for registration and current pricing information.

OAKLAND

PINOLE

NAPA

SAN FRANCISCO

Oakland Turkey Trot, Youth 5K, Individual 5K

Nitro Turkey Thanksgiving 5K, 10K Run

Napa Valley Turkey Chase, 5K, 10K

San Francisco Turkey Trot, 3 miles, 5 miles, 100m dash

www.oaklandturkeytrot.org

www.brazenracing.com/ nitroturkey

www.napaturkeychase.com

www.sanfranciscoturkeytrot. com

More than just a healthy start to the holiday, the Oakland Turkey Trot 5K is a fun way to give back while you give thanks. In partnership with the Mayor’s Office, Alameda County Community Food Bank, Oakland Education Fund and local sponsors and charities, the city of Oakland is excited to present a Thanksgiving Day community fitness event.

PIEDMONT Piedmont Turkey Trot 5K www.piedmontturkeytrot. com The fun begins at 8:30 a.m.at the Piedmont Exedra located at Highland and Magnolia Avenues. Over the past 15 years, the Piedmont Turkey Trot has grown to be a treasured event for many families, friends and neighbors. Run to win or walk to enjoy the brisk morning air and good cheer. And all those finishing the 5K course will have bragging rights at their Thanksgiving table that evening! The Piedmont Turkey Trot is a nonprofit organization supporting local charities and organizations.

28 Parents Press | November 2021

Choose between a 5K and 10K, as well as the Little Turkeys Race: a run for the kids (roughly 100 yards) against the Nitro Turkey. Children (10 and under) attending with 5K/10K runners will receive free entry into Little Turkeys and receive special medals and a goodie bag.

WALNUT CREEK Forma Gym Virtual Turkey Trot, 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run & Community Celebration www.Formaturkeytrot.com This year, Forma Gym will be hosting a VIRTUAL Turkey Trot as well as a Turkey Trot Community Celebration event at Las Lomas High School track and football field on Thanksgiving morning from 7:00am to 10:30 am. Instead of doing the traditional 5K and 10K road run, they are hosting everyone to come do their VIRTUAL Turkey Trot run together at Las Lomas High School. In addition to doing the VIRTUAL run, Forma Gym will be offering three Group Fitness Super Classes and a challenging obstacle course for both kids and adults.

The Napa Valley Turkey Chase is a fun family event! This year there are both in-person and virtual options for the 5k & 10K. Race, jog or walk this fast, paved course around the Napa Valley College and the Napa River Trail and work up your Thanksgiving appetite!

NOVATO

Come kick off a great Thanksgiving with an Invigorating fun run or walk in the park-before the parades, football games, and feasting commence! Pick the Kid’s Gobbler Chase, Pilgrim Promenade (walk) or the Five Mile Turkey Trot. Y

The Marin Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, Youth 1 Mile, Gobble Wobble www.marinturkeytrot.com Allow yourself some guilt-free indulgence this Thanksgiving Day by spending the morning burning off the calories you will replace later with pumpkin pie!

The Youth Gobbler 1 Mile and Turkey Trot 5K are run crosscountry style on the trails of Marin’s Open Space. The Pilgrim 10K is a road out and back through the beautiful IVC campus and along Ignacio Blvd.

More running races are held on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year.

Holiday Event Guide

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s holiday celebrations cautiously make their comeback in 2021, we are creating and constantly updating a collection of Bay Area family friendly holiday experiences for families to enjoy this year and years to come. Please safely enjoy your family and these fabulous events during the holidays. With a much smaller offering of events this year remember to check cancellation policies, get your tickets early, always check event’s websites for Covid-19 restrictions and requirements and confirm event information one last time, just before the date.

Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets

PHOTO BY MARK HABER, COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO BALLET

SAN FRANCISCO

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elebrate the holidays with Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets, a unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet designed for families with small children and audiences of all ages.

This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun.

Foehringer uses his choreographic skills in contemporary dance and ballet to craft a show that is sure to thrill dance newcomers and the most jaded balletomane. See all of the favorite Nutcracker characters in beautiful costumes performing on a colorful set with live chamber orchestra music.

December 4-19. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center. 628-400-1348; www.mfdpsf.org Continued next page >>> November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday SAN JOSE

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ebuted in 2020, this drive-through experience will continue this new holiday tradition in at Lake Cunningham Park. The “mile of smiles” features a synchronized light show with some of your holiday favorite tunes. Over 100,000 pixel lights capable of displaying 14 million colors illuminate twelve different themed lands and this year, a holiday fair food festival awaits upon exiting the event.

November 26 – January 9. See website for event listings and ticket information. Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose; www.Christmasinthepark.com

A Christmas Carol

Christmas in the Park Opening Night SAN JOSE

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his 40+ year tradition is back in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. There are a few new surprises including new light displays, a brand new 65’ tall walk-through Christmas tree and Blinky’s Tavern - an allnew inflatable beer and wine garden! Admission is free.The theme for this year’s event is “A Very Beary Christmas.”

Tree lighting November 26, 5:30pm. Christmas in the Park runs to early January. See website for event listings and ticket information. Downtown San Jose; www.Christmasinthepark.com

Walnut Creek on Ice! WALNUT CREEK

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et your skate on at the Downtown Walnut Creek’s ice rink. The rink is open daily, however the times/pricing changes daily and the rink may be closed for private events.

See website for hours, ticket info and Covid-19 restrictions.

Civic Park, Walnut Creek; www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

30 Parents Press | November 2021

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roadway SF presents its celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive fable. A timeless tale of Yuletide magic, A Christmas Carol teaches us all the true spirit of the holiday season!

November 26 - December 26. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco; www.san-francisco-theater.com

The Velveteen Rabbit Beloved Holiday Tradition SAN FRANCISCO

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rimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters and the perfect amount of holiday cheer, ODC/Dance returns to the stage and on-demand with the 35th anniversary of the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. The Velveteen Rabbit features captivating narration, a delightful musical score and larger-thanlife storybook characters portrayed by the world-class dancers of ODC/Dance.

December 4-12. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. The Blue Shield of California Theatre at YBCA, San Francisco; www.odc.dance PHOTO BY HILLARY GOIDELL, COURTESY OF ODC DANCE

COURTESY OF CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

SAN FRANCISCO

The Christmas Revels Age of Sail

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker

OAKLAND

S

SAN FRANCISCO

RICHMOND

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elebrate creativity and community at the Craneway Crafts Fair…a benefit for KPFA Public. The Fair showcases affordable contemporary art and original crafts exhibited by 200 artists, and presents handmade fair-trade goods from indigenous communities around the world.

November 27 & 28. See website for hours, ticket info and Covid-19 restrictions.

Craneway Pavilion, Richmond; www.cranewaycraftsfair.com

Continued on page 32 >>>

See website for dates, showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions. First Congressional Church, Oakland; www.californiarevels.org

The Nutcracker

The San Jose Nutcracker

LIVERMORE

SAN JOSE

E

December 10-30. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements.

Ages 5 and up. War Memorial Opera House, 415-865-2000; www.sfballet.org

xperience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s wellknown music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical Nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy.

S

December 11-19. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions.

Bankhead Theatre, Livermore; www.livermorearts.org

December 18 - 22. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions.

California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com

an Jose’s favorite Nutcracker comes to the beautiful California Theatre in downtown San Jose, for a truly magical holiday experience. “The San Jose Nutcracker” is a joyful holiday production that transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight our valley setting as a birthplace of innovation.

PHOTO BY ERIK TOMASSON, COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISO BALLE

Craneway Crafts Fair Benefit for KPFA Public Radio

et at a Christmas Eve party in 1915 San Francisco, the Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl given a magical nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams, battles the evil King of the Mice, and takes Clara to a Crystal Palace full of dancing. With brilliant choreography

by Helgi Tomasson and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker is a festive treat for the entire family!

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.NEWBALLET.COM

PHOTO BY CLARA RICE, COURTESY OF CRANEWAY CRAFTS FAIR

C

alifornia Revels dives into the Age of Sail, blending 19th Century London with African American Gullah tradition and Caribbean folklore in an odyssey across the Atlantic. From sea chanties, mermaids and Christmas carols to Jonkonnu and Papa Bois, celebrate the Winter Solstice though the eye of Joseph Johnson, a man who lived his life in all of these traditions.

November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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<<< Continued from page 31

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker

Stapleton Ballet Presents: Nutcracker

SAN RAFAEL

SAN RAFAEL

elight in the Magic of Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker! Rich in old-fashioned holiday grandeur, Clara’s whimsical Christmas Eve dreams come to life through the art of classical ballet enriched with clever storytelling, mischievous humor, heroic characters, and plenty of fanciful surprises. Lavish, Victorian costumes and sets frame choreography a cast of over 175 super-talented dancers shipped in from all over the state and country as they bring adventure to life in this full-length ballet production.

he vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season! This engaging production features lavish costumes, ornate sets and joyful choreography that celebrates the spirit and exuberance of over 200 dancers performing alongside guest artists.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIN BALLET

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December 11-12. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 415-453-6705; www.marinballet.org

T

Dec. 7 and 8. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 415-4736800; www.stapletonschool.org

My Very First Nutcracker

Oakland Ballet Company Presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”

SAN JOSE

OAKLAND

My Very First Nutcracker” is a special one-act presentation of “The San Jose Nutcracker,” ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. This joyful holiday production features the festive holiday party, at which Uncle Nikola reveals his fascinating gifts.

Kids will marvel at the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower rising magically above the streets of San Jose, and cheer on adorable mice and toy soldiers who compete to win a magic crown.

Introduce your family to the magic of classical ballet! This performance has a run time of approximately 55 minutes.

akland Ballet Company’s spritely and colorful version of this holiday classic is a holiday tradition that is fun for the entire family. Brimming with holiday magic, this is the Nutcracker to see! With live music by the Oakland Symphony.

December 18 - 22. See website for showtimes, ticket and Covid-19 restrictions.

California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com

32 Parents Press | November 2021

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December 18 & 19. See website for times, ticket information and if there are any related vaccination requirements. All ages. Paramount Theatre, 510-893-3132; www.oaklandballet.org

PHOTO BY JOHN HEFTI, COURTEST OF OAKLAND BALLET

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Glowfari – Oakland Zoo OAKLAND

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Deadline is APRIL 19 Today!

2 Online Polls • VOTE Results Revealed in WIN Prizes!

July 2014 Issue 2014

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lowfari is an unforgettable experience for all ages to enjoy!

Featuring hundreds of larger-thanto enjoy the baby as much and may feel demore to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of bothanimal their mate andlanterns their expecfact, by the end of her third month, she’ll life glowing throughout tations of what fatherhood would be like. be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll No one can imagine what daily life will be see her get displays excited and animated just see-& WELLNESS HEALTH the Zoo; and with all-new animals like with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll for 2021!

Take a mile-long illuminated stroll no wonder that both parents can wind up all emerge intact. through the Zoo and visit the desert with camels HEALTH & WELLNESS and bighorn sheep, have an African safari hese docTors are among adventure with elephants, giraffes, and an 8-foot the best family dentists and to crocodile head, walk through the rainforest hese docTors are among meet red and giant pandas ortohodontists in- and Theof course, ay ride rea the gondola to thefamily land of dentists bugs featuring the best anda 65-foot Queen Ant Tunnel! Finish the with a visit PINOLE ortohodontists inevening The through ay rea DENTISTS Pediatric Ear Nose to Santa and ride the Express DENTAL LISTINGS TheaTrain S. Dosanjh, DDS Winter and Throat Experts ALAMEDA 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 Wonderland!

PINOLE DENTISTS Pediatric Ear Nose 510-964-0168 DENTAL LISTINGS Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS Richard Tabor, DDS www.eastshorepediatricdental.com and Throat Experts This event sells out early.

ALAMEDA 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 1821 Santa Clara Ave. Specializing in the care of: 510-964-0168 510-865-2900 Richard12 Tabor, DDS November – January 30.Teriwww.eastshorepediatricdental.com L. Kim, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. www.alamedadentist.com EarinInfections Specializing the care of: Oakland Zoo, Oakland Hills;2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 510-865-2900 Teri L. Kim, DDS 510-964-0168 www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections www.oaklandzoo.org Y www.eastshorepediatricdental.com 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 Sinus Infections

www.parentspress.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND ZOO

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510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com

Are Are youyou pregnant, pregnant,breastfeeding, breastfeeding, or have children or have childrenunder under 5?

5?

You mayYou bemay eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice,breastfeeding breastfeeding community referrals, EBT buyhealthy healthy foods! support,support, community referrals, andand EBT totobuy foods!

We are Working providing services over the phone families may Working families may during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360 be eligible for WIC! For more information and to For more information and to see if you qualify, contact:

see if you qualify, contact: City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University City of Berkeley WICAve Program Berkeley,Ave CA 94710 830 University 510.981.5360 Berkeley, CA 94710 Migrant families are welcome!

510.981.5360 wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Migrant Visit families are welcome! us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Do you with health care?

Do you while are pregnant?

Please Do youneed needhelp help with health care?

Doneed you care need careyou while you call Berkeley Public Health at Berkeley 510-981-5300. pregnant? Please call Public Health at 510-981-5300.

Visit us atare www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth We canhelp helpwith with community forincome low and middle incomeHealthy families.

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Ballet is Back!

Our staff is fully vaxxed

2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609 2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609 CallCall Today 510-465-0941 Today 510-465-0941

be eligible for WIC!

(Medi-Cal andand CHDP) Families, CHDP other programs) Do you with health care?

Do community you while are pregnant?

Please Do youneed needhelp help with health care?

Doneed you care need careyou while you call Berkeley Public Health at Berkeley 510-981-5300. are pregnant?

Please call Public Health at 510-981-5300.

We canhelp helpwith with community forincome low and middle incomeHealthy families.

We can programs for lowprograms and middle families.

(Medi-Cal, (Medi-Cal andand CHDP) Families, CHDP other community programs)

Sinus Tonsillitis Infections Tonsillitis Snoring Snoring Most insurance plans accepted Most insurance plans accepted

A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens

A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? •

Is your teen no longer listening to you?

Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked?

Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? •

Is your teen no longer listening to you?

Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? situation?

Is yourparenting son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking This six-week group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. to connect with other parents in the same situation?

Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a DirectorThis of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

ForCindy additional information about the groupin and to schedule a free introductory meeting Rasicot, MFT is in private practice Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a

Director of Willows MFT in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com Cindy Rasicot, | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463

For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Berkeley City Ballet

berkeleycityballet.org Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

2014 | East Bay | Parents ’ Press 11 Cindy Rasicot, MFT |March cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463

March 2014 | East Bay | Parents ’ Press 11 2/25/14 11:27 AM 2/25/14 11:27 AM

More info: AlamedaBallet.com | admin@alamedaballet.com November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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PHOTO: EM-M, UNSPLASH.COM

Lifelong Benefits

of Science Fairs for Kids

By Sarah Lyons

I

s your child considering participatANALYSIS ing in a school science fair? Are you When the science experiment is comwondering if the benefits are worth plete, the child will need to compile the the time commitment? Participating data, analyze it, and create a chart or graph in a science fair is a great way for kids of the findings. The answers to their questo explore their world and how things tions will not be from a textbook, but will work. Science fairs first became popular come from their own hard work and expein the 1950’s when the invention of the rience. Reflection is key as they have an optelevision and atomic bomb piqued the Most would agree portunity to think about what they would interest of budding scientists all over do differently, what they have learned, and that hands-on America. (The University of Chicago why. The ability to analyze and problem learning leads to solve will be skills they use throughout Press Journals) Today, with the growing popularity of STEM education (focusing better understand- their lifetime. highly on the study of science, technoloing, which is what COMMUNICATION gy, engineering, and math) in our schools Once the science experiment has been participating in a and the potential for a drastic increase completed and analyzed, kids will be science fair offers in STEM related jobs in the future, sciexpected to communicate their results ence fairs are more popular than ever. to students. through writing, speaking, and materiKids who participate in science fairs will als such as storyboards or other displays. learn skills that can be used for problem Communication is one of the most important skills a solving and critical thinking throughout their lifetime. child can develop. Even as our culture moves more toINVESTIGATION wards digital communication, such as texts and emails, The first step in participating in a science fair is good public speaking skills are an asset they will rely to come up with an idea. Kids will have the opportuon throughout the rest of their school and professional nity to choose a topic they are curious about, plan an careers. experiment that will help answer their questions, and Most would agree that hands-on learning leads to conduct an experiment. This fosters their creativity better understanding, which is what participating in and problem solving skills. It will also encourage them a science fair offers to students. When time is spent to question how things work and make them aware of researching, developing a project, analyzing the results, scientific principles all around us. and studying it thoroughly in order to communicate the findings to others, we are much more likely to unPROJECT MANAGEMENT derstand and retain the information we have learned.

Once the child has planned their science experiment, Teachers and parents would agree that science fairs help they will need to manage their project. This is no small develop benefits that last a lifetime and kids will tell you task. Kids will need to use time management, stay that science fairs are a lot of fun too. Y within a budget, acquire the materials needed, conduct the experiment, and meet deadlines. The ability to successfully manage a project is an invaluable skill that kids can use now and in the future as they continue their education and enter the workforce.

Sources: http://www.classroomscience.org/new-research-justwhat-are-the-benefits-of-science-projects http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/681879

Sarah Lyons is a mom of 6 and has been published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, Creative Child and over 150 other parenting publications.

34 Parents Press | November 2021

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November 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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