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HOW to Eat Crabs!
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Extras • Daily interactions with your child’s teacher • Invention Convention, Science Fairs, Fall Festival • Children are able to excel at their own pace • Hot catered lunches and snacks provided • Variety of educational fi eld trips throughout the year • Summer / Holiday Camps • Centrally located — minutes from downtown and major highways 703-256-4711 4955 Sunset Lane Annondale, VA [email protected] www.kenwoodschool.com mommy & me JULY 17th jokes & WEDNESDAY · 11AM COMMUNITY ROOM juggles Enjoy Mommy’s Lounge while your children play and nurture their magical & creative side. Interactive entertainment provided by Mandy Dalton.
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JULY 2019
ON THE COVER STUDENTS AT THE ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL Keep your child learning all summer long. Page 24 PHOTO: David Stuck
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
14 2019 BEST FOR FAMILIES 8 CALENDAR The results are in! Discover the best local people, places, activties and more — chosen by our readers! 11 DMV FUN Fourth of July celebrations 24 SUMMER LEARNING While your kids are out enjoying their summer 26 BOOKMARKED freedom, learn how to sneak in a little quality Patriotic books for kids learning along the way. 30 HEALTHY FAMILY Vitamin deficiencies 28 PARENTS & SLEEP Not getting enough shut-eye can have serious 36 GOOD EATS consequences. A sleeping expert shares some Fresh watermelon recipes insight and tips. 38 YOUR SPECIAL CHILD 32 CRABS Autism myths and truths A beginner’s guide to eating and enjoying crabs like a pro.
GUIDES
40 SPECIALIZED LEARNING
42 PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE
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6 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 FIRST WORD
For the Love of Red, White and Blue still remember my cherished childhood Fourth some fond childhood memories for your kiddos. of July celebrations like they were yesterday. My We’ve compiled a list of local Fourth of July activities I friends and I would decorate our bikes in red, white on page 11 and we’ve also provided some delicious and blue galore, wear our best Old Navy patriotic- red, white and blue-approved recipes to try out on styled gear and giddily head out into the summer sun page 36. Plus, our list of patriotic reads on page 26 to ride along in our neighborhood’s annual Fourth of will get your little ones excited for the big day! Britni Petersen July parade. Post-parade, we’d all join together for a We also have something pretty big this month … our Managing Editor [email protected] watermelon feast and some spirited games such as a 2019 Best for FAMILIES results! From the best schools watermelon seed-spitting contest, which was popular and camps to the best local restaurants and wineries, in Texas. We’d then spend the rest of the day partaking our readers, once again, chose their local favorites to be in water-related activities, eating hot dogs, burgers featured in this issue. Discover what locals say are our and beloved Firecracker Popsicles with friends and area’s best people, places, activities, fun things to do family, and seeing who could best spell out their name and more on page 14. Facebook using sparklers. We’d end the night, of course, basking Other wonderful reads in this issue are our crab- facebook.com/WashingtonFamilyMagazine in all of the good American feels, lying out on picnic eating tutorial for kids on page 32, a sneaking-in Follow us on Pinterest blankets watching a glorious fireworks display. It summer learning guide on page 24 and some essential @familymagazine always felt like the true heart of summer. sleeping advice for worn-out moms on page 28. and Instagram @washingtonfamilymag And even now, I still look forward to this holiday. We hope your Fourth of July is filled with lots of I mean, who doesn’t love a good Fourth of July family, friends, fun and perhaps a few Firecracker Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. celebration? The grilling out, the dressing up, the Popsicles thrown in there for good measure, too. [email protected] parades, the fireworks, the collective patriotic spirit Happy reading! ■ Story Ideas — it’s always a good time. Have a story idea? We want to hear it. Luckily for us, there are many ways to celebrate Email us at [email protected] Independence Day in our area that will make for
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FREE Sunday Art in SATURDAY 13 is the funniest, most mischievous cat they the Park with GRACE have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks Don’t Let the Pigeon Do Storytime! { july } This Sunday concert series during the and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to The Storytime All Stars present Mo Willem’s month of July features fun activities for play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon witty and colorful picture books as a all ages and is sponsored by the Greater into an amazing adventure. But what will concert variety show. 1 and 6 p.m., MONDAY 1 Reston Art Center (GRACE) and Reston Mom find when she gets home ... ? 11 a.m., tickets start at $20, The Kennedy Center, Community Center. Check out the current $20, Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo, Md., FREE Baseball Americana kennedy-center.org. Diamonds are a family’s best friend, a exhibit at GRACE’s gallery and enjoy free adventuretheatre-mtc.org. baseball-loving family, that is. Check out weekend parking at Reston Town Center. Prince and Princess Tea Disney’s Newsies 5:30-7:30 p.m., Reston Town Square Park, the history of our nation’s greatest game at Dress in your best royal attire for this Set in turn-of-the century New York City, restoncommunitycenter.com. this exhibit. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Library of majestic morning. Ages 4 and up. Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, Congress, through July 27, loc.gov. Wild for Water Day 10:30 a.m., $29, The Mansion at Strathmore, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a North Bethesda, Md., strathmore.org. FREE Stories in the Park Come to this day of wet fun with water band of teenage newsies. When titans of Take the reading outside this summer games, mini boat races, treasure hunts and SUNDAY 14 publishing raise distribution prices at the in this half-hour of read-along fun. This more. Meet aquatic animals and take a newsboys expense, Jack rallies newsies Family Workshop: from across the city to strike against the reading program is offered at Aurora guided stroll. Food trucks will be onsite and Robot Design Challenge shuttles will be provided for offsite parking. unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Highlands Park, so it will canceled if it rains. The family that builds together has fun 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $8 for ages 3 and older; 7:30 p.m., $12-$15, Kenmore Performing 10:15 a.m., Arlington Public Library, Aurora together. Try out your engineering skills $2 discount for members, under 3 free, Arts Center, Arlington, Va. Hills Branch, arlingtonva.libcal.com. at this robot workshop. Cost includes Robinson Nature Center, Columbia, Md., the workshop for the entire family and TUESDAY 2 howardcountymd.gov/RNC/programs. SATURDAY 20 admission for one child. This program is Infant Investigators: Tudor Tots meant for first and second graders. 10:30 This weekly program provides stories, MONDAY 8 Undersea Expedition Read, See, Do a.m, $30 members, $42 for nonmembers, Your infant may be too young to get their songs and crafts for toddlers with a new KID Museum, kid-museum.org. theme each session. This week, the theme Each Monday during the month of July, scuba diving license, but you can never be is “independence.” 10 a.m. $5 per child, the Alexandria Library and Carlyle House MONDAY 15 too young to learn about ocean animals. Discover what lies beneath the ocean Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, will present an hour-long program with FREE Read, See, Do an activity for ages 4-8. This afternoon and how we can explore the deep waters tudorplace.org. Each Monday during the month of July, counts toward the “1000 Books Before through fishing and diving. Ages 4-12. 10 the Alexandria Library and Carlyle House WEDNESDAY 3 Kindergarten” program. 2 p.m., Carlyle a.m., $30, Smithsonian Early Enrichment will present an hour-long program with House, Alexandria, Va., novaparks.com. Center, Washington, D.C., si.edu/seec. ‘PANDAS’ an activity for ages 4-8. This afternoon Living in this area certainly gives one an counts toward the “1000 Books Before appreciation for pandas and the efforts of TUESDAY 9 SUNDAY 21 FREE Baseball Bash! Kindergarten” program. 2 p.m., Carlyle The MD Food Truck Festival researchers to keep the species healthy and House, Alexandria, Va., novaparks.com. robust. This family-friendly documentary That summer sport shows up again Come out for the best food trucks around! about the Chengdu Panda Base in China in a five-day celebration of the 150th TUESDAY 16 Choose from more than 20 amazing food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisine. follows similar efforts to do just that. anniversary of baseball, just in time for Jojo & the Pinecones MLB’s All-Star Game. Expect games, Shop from a multitude of local artisans and Tickets start at $8, The movie is shown With their jazzed-up pop and popped- movies, contests and more. Times vary, vendors as well, and let your kids enjoy three times a day, Tuesday through Sunday up jazz, Jojo and her group of exceptional Fairfax County Public Library, Pohick face painting and a moon bounce. Kids 12 through Aug. 31, times vary, National Zoo, musicians will have the whole crowd Washington, D.C., nationalzoo.si.edu. Regional Branch, fairfaxcounty.gov/library. and under get in free. 11 a.m., $7-$10, Kinder tappin’ their toes. This event is a part of the Farm Park, Millersville, Md., eventbrite.com. THURSDAY 4 WEDNESDAY 10 Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods season Artful Afternoons: Music FREE Cocofitness: Zumba at Wolf Trap! 10:30 a.m., $12, Wolf Trap See our list on page 11 of festive National Park, Vienna, Va., wolftrap.com. Join in for an afternoon of fun and creativity. Elementary schoolers can move their family-friendly ways to celebrate Families are welcome to drop by the art bodies and shake out that summer energy Independence Day! WEDNESDAY 17 studio Sunday afternoons where they can – indoors in this dance party of a class. FREE Vals Pals Kids Club choose from any of the four maker stations. FRIDAY 5 Zumba is part of the summer reading Swing by for a morning of free musical This afternoon includes a sounds and program. 4 p.m., Arlington Public Library, FREE Art Walk in the Park fun! Let your little ones dance and sing instruments station, pitch and frequency Westover Branch, arlingtonva.libcal.com. Stroll through the park and watch artists at along with the Rainbow Rock Band. 10 a.m., station, musically-inspired station and work. The Popcorn, Stone Tower and Park Tupper Way, Leesburg, Va. sound art station. 2 p.m., $30, Smithsonian View galleries also will be open this evening THURSDAY 11 FREE Cub Corner Early Enrichment Center, Washington, D.C., and the Washington Conservatory of Music THURSDAY 18 si.edu/seec. will provide the evening’s soundtrack. Got a little one fascinated by planes? FREE Bob Brown 6-8 p.m., Glen Echo Park, Md., This aviation-themed story time offered Puppets: World on a String MONDAY 22 every other Thursday also includes a glenechopark.org. Join Master Puppeteer Bob Brown on a FREE Preschool Music & Motion craft activity. For children age 5 and rollicking adventure around the world! Come and experience all the fun that SATURDAY 6 younger. 10:30 a.m, free with museum Visit Australia, Asia and Europe before you Music & Motion brings! Each session admission, College Park Aviation Museum, Concert: ‘Harry Potter return home to Yankee Doodle and the U.S.! offers a variety of music, dancing and other collegeparkaviationmuseum.com. and the Goblet of Fire’ Pick up a free token beginning 30 minutes movement activities you’re sure to enjoy! Watching Harry and his Hogwarts ‘The Juliet Letters’ before the program. 10:30 a.m., Haymarket First come, first served until capacity is classmates in high definition while the A musical collection of loves notes to one Gainseville Community Library, Haymarket, reached. 10:30 a.m., Haymarket Gainesville National Symphony Orchestra performs of Shakespeare’s most famous heroines, Va., pwcgov.org. Community Library, Haymarket, Va., the movie’s score. 8:30 p.m., tickets start at this musical show, presented by Urban pwcgov.org. $35, Wolf Trap Filene Center, Vienna, Va., Infinite Arts: Sweeney Arias, will intrigue your drama-loving teen, wolftrap.org. Todd: The Musical or make for a great adult night out. Through TUESDAY 23 Attend the dark, witty and Tony Award- July 14, times vary, $45, Signature Theatre, FREE Kind Kids SUNDAY 7 winning tale of love, murder and Arlington, Va., urbanarias.org. Yoga: Child and Me FREE Tysons Farmers Market revenge set against the backdrop of Breathing exercises, poses, music and Start the week right by shopping for FRIDAY 12 19th century London. 7:30 p.m., $13, stories will be used by a certified instructor some local produce and food delights. FREE The Late Shift Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville, Va., to guide you through a fun time together. It’s colorful and delicious fun for the infiniteartssummerstage.weebly.com. Spend your evening roaming through the Bring a beach towel or yoga mat for your littlest eaters in your family and you, gallery’s three floors of art and enjoy comfort. 10:30 a.m., Bull Run Regional too. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Plaza at FRIDAY 19 pop-up performances and the chance Library, Manassas, Va., pwcgov.org. Tysons Corner Center, The Cat in the Hat to create some art yourself. 7-10 p.m., community-foodworks.org. From the moment his tall, red-and-white- Falu torpedofactory.org. striped hat appears around the door, Sally Nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for and her brother know that the cat in the hat Best Children’s Album, Falu has graced all
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three of Wolf Trap’s stages. Join her and the Teagan. See her story from behind the and her brother know that the cat in the hat Early Enrichment Center, Washington, D.C., band for a musical journey through South scenes and discover the three things that is the funniest, most mischievous cat they si.edu/seec. Asia and around the globe, celebrating the surprised the author most while writing have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks diverse instruments, languages, sights and the books. 10:30 a.m., Chinn Park Regional and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to MONDAY 29 humanity of the world. 10:30 a.m., $12, Wolf Library, Prince William, Va., pwcgov.org. play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon FREE Preschool Story Time Trap National Park, Vienna, Va., wolftrap.org. into an amazing adventure. But what will Story times are more than just books! FRIDAY 26 Mom find when she gets home ... ? 11 a.m., 2 They’re interactive experiences that WEDNESDAY 24 FREE Summer Art Workshop p.m. and 4:30 p.m., $20, Adventure Theatre, engage children with short stories, action The Ballad of Mu Lan Summer is cool at NSLM! Summer Art Glen Echo, Md., adventuretheatre-mtc.org. rhymes, songs and fingerplays. This story When China is forced to war with the Workshops offer free art activities for kids time focuses on pre-reading skills that all invading Xi Xia, each family must send one aged 5 and up. Learn more color theory, Disney Pixars children need to become good readers, man into battle. In her quest to protect her shape, proportion and more while having Coco: In Concert and it helps parents practice these skills baba, our young heroine proves girls can fun and getting messy! 10 a.m., National Live to Film at home. 10:30 a.m., Potomac Community This is a family-friendly, live-to-picture do anything — including saving a nation. Sporting Library & Museum, Middleburg, Va. Library, Woodbridge, Va., pwcgov.org. concert event featuring Michael Giacchino’s This performance is full of music, pageantry Main Street Theater Productions beautiful musical score. Produced by Pixar and humor. 10:30 a.m., $15-$25, Imagination TUESDAY 30 Camp: Once on This Island, JR. Animation Studios and released by Walt Stage, Bethesda, Md., imaginationstage.org. Aaron Nigel Smith Young campers aged 12 to 18 years from Disney Pictures, audience members will Join this reggae rocker for some of his best- MSTP welcome you to the Caribbean follow the story of a 12-year-old boy named THURSDAY 25 known children’s songs. The island rhythms flavored original adaptation of Once Miguel who travels to the Land of the Dead, Backyard Theater for Kids: will inspire you to get up to sing, dance and on This Island. This 60-minute show is where he seeks the help of his deceased Bee Parks & The Hornets play together. This event is a part of the non-stop song and dance, a quest that musician great-great-grandfather to return Welcome to the beehive! Bee Parks and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods season will test the strength of love. 7 p.m., $10, him to his family. Film will be projected in Hornets create an interactive experience at Wolf Trap! 10:30 a.m., $12, Wolf Trap Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville, Va., HD onto big screens in-house and on the full of original indie pop-rock songs and National Park, Vienna, Va., wolftrap.org. mainstreettheaterproductions.org. lawn. 8:30 p.m., $40-$65, Filene Center at puppets ― perfect for boosting your Wolf Trap, Vienna, Va., wolftrap.org. WEDNESDAY 31 Thursday morning. Promoting kindness, SATURDAY 27 self-confidence, social justice and FREE Sterling Library FREE Summer Block Party SUNDAY 28 environmental awareness, creator and lead Reptiles Alive! Show Enjoy some Saturday summer fun in singer Brittany Parker and her Hornets’ Preschool Pioneers: Find out why reptiles ROCK at this fun and Manassas! Activities include face painting, infectious energy can’t be missed. 9:30 a.m., Dark Side of the Moon educational Reptiles Alive show! Meet a a bounce house, live music, raffles, prizes, Have you ever looked up at the moon at $8-$10, Strathmore, North Bethesda, Md., colorful variety of live reptiles presented vendors, food and more! 10 a.m., Manassas night and wondered why it changes shape? strathmore.org. by a fun and engaging Wildlife Educator Museum Lawn, Va. Through interactive demonstrations, song, who will tell fun animal stories and amazing FREE Behind the Scenes with stories and art, children will explore the The Cat in the Hat animal facts. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, American Girl Doll Luciana Earth, Sun, Moon relationship, and go on From the moment his tall, red-and-white- Sterling, Va., library.loudoun.gov. ■ Get to know Luciana, the 2018 American a hunt for moon shapes in the Hirshhorn striped hat appears around the door, Sally Girl Doll of the Year, and her author, Erin Sculpture Garden. 2 p.m., $43, Smithsonian
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10 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 STAR-SPANGLED FUN
10 THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV for the Fourth of July BY WF STAFF
When it comes to Independence Day celebrations, our area’s got it covered. Classic fireworks displays, patriotic parades, live performances … there are so many ways to enjoy this beloved summer holiday. So grab the family, don some red, white and blue and head out to one of these awesome local events below.
Fourth of July Fireworks post-game fireworks show. Go tousometro.org/ Celebrate America!: 1 on the National Mall: JULY 4, 9 P.M. NatsBenefit19 for discounted tickets in prime 8 July 4, 3 p.m. seating, including $10 food vouchers. Nationals Is there any better place to watch a patriotic Head to Manassas for one of Northern Park, Washington, D.C. fireworks display than in our nation’s capital? Virginia’s largest fireworks displays! The fun Head out to the National Mall for the grandest starts early, beginning at 3 p.m. with great rides Fourth of July Musical display of fireworks, set amongst a true for kids, food concessions, novelty vendors, live Salute: July 4, Noon backdrop of American pride. National Mall, 5 entertainment and more. The fireworks display near the Washington Monument and Reflecting It’s going to be a true star-spangled day at starts at 9:15 p.m., so don’t forget to bring Pool, Washington, D.C. The Wharf. Throughout the day, there will be along your lawn chairs and blankets. Manassas live music on Pearl Street, Fish Market and Museum Lawn and Historic Manassas, Va. National Independence Day Transit Pier Stages. While you’re there, enjoy 2 Parade: July 4, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. an afternoon lunch at one of The Wharf’s many Annapolis Fourth of July restaurants and stay to watch the fireworks Parade: July 4, 6:30 p.m. The National Independence Day Parade is a 9 show! The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave., S.W., true spectacle! Marching bands, fife and drum Celebrate our nation’s birthday in lovely Washington, D.C. corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, Annapolis! Enjoy watching a glorious parade equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate full of marching bands, fire engines old and Red, White & Blue Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, new, cars and vans, service clubs and scouts, Reptiles Alive!: red, white and blue celebration of America’s 6 music and more. Enjoy tons of food and July 4, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. birthday. Constitution Avenue N.W. from 7th drinks along the parade route as well. And, of Street N.W. to 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. A variety of colorful live reptiles — ones with course, stick around for a gorgeous fireworks red scales and white tails and some with blue display over Annapolis Harbor. Downtown Barracks Row Fourth of July tongues — will be featured during this fun and Annapolis, Md. 3 Parade: July 4, 10 a.m. patriotic-inspired animal show! A kid-friendly wildlife educator will educate and entertain Takoma Park Independence This annual patriotic event brings in a crowd of guests with animal stories and facts. Enjoy a Day Celebration: July 4, nearly 5,000 people! The parade includes floats, 10 meet and greet as well from 1-2 p.m. Claude parade at 10 a.m., evening marching groups, little red wagons and more in Moore Park, Sterling, Va. program at 7 p.m. celebration of our nation’s birthday. So if you’re looking for a great Fourth of July parade, head Enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July at one of our Fairfax City’s 53rd Annual out to Barracks Row. Barracks Row, 8th St., S.E., area’s oldest Independence Day celebrations! Independence Day Parade: Washington, D.C. 7 This Takoma Park event includes a lively July 4, 10 a.m. morning parade and a full day of entertainment, 2019 Washington Nationals This annual Fairfax City Independence Day including children’s activities, vendors, live 4 USO-Metro Beneficiary Games: Parade is always a hit! This year, nine high music, a WAU Acro-Airs tumbling performance July 3, 6:05 p.m. school marching bands will be performing and food trucks. The Takoma Park Community along with many large inflatable parade Band will perform a patriotic selection of Before you spend July 4th watching parades balloons, floats and clowns. After the parade, classical and popular show tunes and an and cooking out, why not celebrate our nation stick around for the evening show starting ultra-fun Motown-themed band will close a day early by watching one of America’s at 6:30 p.m., which includes music, on-stage out the night. Begins at the intersection greatest treasures — baseball. Head out to entertainment, dancing, face painting and a of Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues, Takoma Nationals Park on July 3rd to see the Nats play glorious fireworks display. The parade starts at Park, Md. ■ the Miami Marlins on “Family Night.” There 4100 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, Va. will be patriotic gear, themed giveaways and a
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12 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 BOOK MARKED Serial Reading Let your kids dive into these great collections
COMPILED BY THE BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY’S COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT STAFF
“The Universe of Stories” is the theme of Baltimore County Public Library’s summer reading program. Let your kids embrace new worlds and new characters with these series that will get them reading through the summer.
BOARD/TODDLER to please as are all of the other Gossie and National Geographic’s latest series of board Friends books. books introduces even the youngest chil- dren to high-quality nonfiction. Sturdy pages YOUNG READERS showcase animals with engaging photographs, ‘The Traveling Dustball’ simple facts and age-appropriate language to by Judith Henderson keep babies and toddlers fascinated by every Funny and eye-catching, the second collec- colorful page. tion in the Big Words Small Stories series is Using objects from the British Museum, perfect for emerging readers. Davey and his this unique series of board books encour- dog Abigail get caught on a dustball which ages children to engage with early learning takes them on an international adventure. As concepts. Curious toddlers will enjoy learn- the two travel to far-away lands, the Sprinkle ing their letters, numbers, opposites and Fairy appears to slip a BIG WORD in each of colors with beautiful photographic images the five stories. With bubbly words like “lol- on every page. lygagging” and original comic illustrations, children won’t be able to wait for the next PICTURE BOOKS in the series. ‘Space’ ‘Good Dog, McTavish’ by Dawn Sirett by Meg Rosoff “Space” is the newest title in the Pop-Up Meet the Peacheys, a family in chaos, who Peekaboo! series from Dorling Kindersley. luckily adopt McTavish from the animal As parents and caregivers read along, they shelter. McTavish is a wonderful character can help their toddler lift the flaps and guess with strong opinions and secret plans to get what surprises are hiding underneath. This the dysfunction out of this household. Short series has a range of titles from Bedtime to chapters, a relatable family and a special dog Colors to Space and are a fun and engaging make this a charming choice for readers who way to entertain your toddler. will wonder who really picked whom in this ‘Ruby & Rufus’ situation when McTavish notes “humans by Olivier Dunrea make excellent pets.” This is the first in the In the newest addition to the Gossie and McTavish Stories series. Friends series, Ruby and Rufus are two lit- tle goslings who love to swim and play in MIDDLE READERS the pond. They swim every day whether it ‘The Serpent’s Secret’ is sunny, rainy or windy until one day when by Sayantani DasGupta they find the pond is frozen. Even the icy This is the first in the Kiranmala and cold can’t keep them from enjoying their the Kingdom Beyond series. New Jersey day on the pond. Ruby and Rufus are sure sixth-grader Kiranmala’s parents always
13 Baltimore’sCHILD JULY 2019 SPECIAL FOCUS
EDUCATION & 201 ACTIVITIES 9 W IN BEST ARTS PROGRAM N E Glen Echo Park R glenechopark.org S 301-634-2222 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, Md. Glen Echo Park is a magical place for families! One of the most vibrant arts centers in the Washington, DC area, the Park offers hundreds of classes & camps in visual & performing arts for children and teens, an arts-enriched early childhood program, nature & Washington aquatic life programs, two children’s theaters, Saturday Art Explorers drop-in FAMILY arts program, Art Parties, free summer concerts, a historic carousel, a playground & picnic area, and many festivals and special events for families. WE ASKED, YOU VOTED! RUNNER UP For more than 25 years, Bella Ballet and International School of Music Washington FAMILY has BEST BALLET OR DANCE STUDIO Tiny Dancers been running our annual 621 S. Washington St., Alexandria, Va. Best for FAMILIES survey. 10875 Main St., Ste., 113, Fairfax, Va. 2985 District Ave., Ste. 175, Fairfax, Va. Each year, we ask our Tiny Dancers, for children ages 2-12, features a literacy-based ballet, tap, hip readers to vote for their hop and musical theater program that provides dancers with an outstanding favorite people, places and technical foundation in a fun, nurturing environment. Beginning with their things to do in the DMV. exclusive Wiggletoes classes for ages 2-3 and continuing throughout the And now, after tallying program, students are encouraged to the votes, this year’s learn through creative self-expression, exploration of movement and age- survey results are here! appropriate choreography. The curriculum uses choreographed stories — along with hundreds of custom-made costumes and props — as a teaching vehicle for dancers From the best family- 2-5. As students master the fundamentals and mature as dancers, they graduate friendly restaurant to the from fairy tales to a more intensive focus best gym or play place, BEST on technique, style, interpretation and CHILD CARE/ choreography. read on to discover the DAYCARE CENTER BEST BASEBALL CAMP — GEORGETOWN HILL Pioneer Baseball League best of what the D.C. EARLY SCHOOL — RUNNER UP
area has to offer. Potomac Nationals ALL ART COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
14 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 e Area’s Leader in STEM Education
ank you for voting Feynman School as a Best for Families Winner for Best STEM Program for the 2nd consecutive year. Email us for a private tour. [email protected] 301.770.4370 Preschool-8th Grade www.feynmanschool.org BEST CHILDREN’S BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE COOKING CLASSES INSTRUCTION Cookology Culinary School German Language Courses at cookologyonline.com the German International School 703-433-1909 Washington, D.C. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. Our award-winning kids’ cooking program RUNNER UP has taught thousands of children since International School of Languages 2009. We have created a safe, nurturing BEST DAY CAMP environment for kids to learn how to cook. Tiny Dancers In our kids’ hands-on cooking classes tinydancers.com at Ballston Quarter and Dulles Town 621 S. Washington St., Alexandria, Va. BEST Center, children as young as three learn 10875 Main St., Ste., 113, Fairfax, Va. DAY CAMP to measure, mix, and roll, while tweens 2985 District Ave., Ste. 175, Fairfax, Va. AND and teens learn to reference recipes, Tiny Dancers, for children ages 2-12, BALLET OR ingredient identification, and proper features a literacy-based ballet, tap, hip DANCE STUDIO measuring techniques. In every class hop and musical theater program that — TINY DANCERS — they’ll work with our professional chef to provides dancers with an outstanding learn true culinary techniques: knife skills, technical foundation in a fun, nurturing sautéing, grilling, boiling, braising, baking, environment. Beginning with their and more, all while exploring new world exclusive Wiggletoes classes for ages cuisines, healthy menus, and seasonal 2-3 and continuing throughout the BEST CHILD CARE/DAYCARE CENTER dishes, vegetable cookery, pasta making program, students are encouraged to Georgetown Hill Early School and even gluten-free baking as they make learn through creative self-expression, georgetownhill.com sophisticated, delicious dishes! exploration of movement and age- 301-284-8144 appropriate choreography. The curriculum 10001 Apple Ridge Road BEST CHILDREN’S THEATRE OR DRAMA uses choreographed stories — along with Montgomery Village, Md. INSTRUCTION hundreds of custom-made costumes and Love where you learn! With over 40 years Imagination Stage, Bethesda props — as a teaching vehicle for dancers of experience, Georgetown Hill is leading 2-5. As students master the fundamentals the child care industry with a play-based, RUNNER UP and mature as dancers, they graduate joyful approach to preschool learning. Their Acting for Young People from fairy tales to a more intensive focus P.L.A.N. curriculum is research-based and BEST CHILDREN’S on technique, style, interpretation and time-tested, all revolving around a child- YOGA CLASSES choreography. and family-first environment. Georgetown Be Free! Kids Yoga Hill is a non-profit organization that believes RUNNER UP in giving back. Their whole-child approach RUNNER UP Valley Mill and Congressional School creates happy teachers which results in Circle Yoga Cooperative BEST GYMNASTICS CENTER happy children. Offering Infants, Preschool, Dynamite Gymnastics and School Age.
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16 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 BEST MARTIAL ARTS tap into their natural passion for learning wide variety of entertaining, engaging, INSTRUCTION and individual interests. Oneness-Family and inspiring activities for boys and girls Pentagon MMA School classrooms are alive with the spark from ages 7 to 16. Our camp experience pentagonmma.com of student engagement and initiative. promotes independence, decision-making, 703-521-1000 socialization, skill building, confidence, 1041 S. Edgewood St., Arlington, Va. RUNNER UP creativity and self-discovery in a safe, Pentagon MMA is a world class mixed Montessori School of Alexandria nurturing environment. Campers are martial arts training center in Arlington, BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION encouraged to be themselves, try Virginia offering group classes and personal School of Rock something new, unplug and have fun! We training in Muay Thai (Kickboxing/Thai schoolofrock.com know what parents expect and what kids Boxing), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Women’s 703-242-2184, 703-858-0820, 301-589-7625 enjoy. Fitness Kickboxing, Boot Camp, and Kids’ 111 Center St. S, Vienna, Va. BEST PRESCHOOL PROGRAM MMA. We firmly believe that each and 20660 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, Va. Bender JCC of Greater Washington every one of you can and should train at 8634 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md. (Rockville, MD) your full potential and get the best results For over a decade, School of Rock has you deserve. Are you looking to lose taught guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and RUNNER UP weight? Stay in shape? Learn effective self- keys through a proprietary and innovative Acorn Hill defense techniques? Train like a fighter? performance-based method. Students are Compete on an amateur or professional BEST PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL put through a series of private lessons and Pinecrest School level? Whatever your goal may be, you are group rehearsals and then get to show off in the right place. what they learn on real rock stages in front RUNNER UP BEST MONTESSORI of real audiences. Programs for beginner Westminster School Oneness-Family School through advanced players, summer camps, BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL onenessfamily.org and adult programs too. Ages 6+ There’s The Sycamore School, Arlington 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. simply no place like School of Rock. thesycamoreschoolva.org For 30 years, Oneness-Family School’s RUNNER UP 703-717-5360 premier holistic learning environment International School of 4600 Fairfax Dr., Ste. 300 has served families who value student- Music and Harmonia Arlington, Va. centered, project-based learning and The Sycamore School is an independent personal growth alongside rigorous, BEST OVERNIGHT CAMP non-profit secondary school in Arlington, evidence-based curriculum. OFS features Camp Tall Timbers Virginia serving middle and high school hands-on and interdisciplinary learning camptalltimbers.com students. We provide personalized, in traditional core academics, STEM, the 1115 Reflection Ln., High View, WV engaging and experiential learning, arts, languages, civics, conflict resolution At Camp Tall Timbers, we’ve been helping students make connections across and community service. This curriculum serving up fun and rewarding camp content areas and to the real world. We’re fosters nimble and collaborative thinkers, experiences every summer for more intentionally small, maintaining a 1:10 creators, builders and leaders with “big than 45 years. Located in the beautiful teacher to student ratio. picture” perspectives who are prepared foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, to succeed in a changing, challenging Camp Tall Timbers is convenient from RUNNER UP world. In small, dynamic classes, students throughout the DMV. Our camp offers a Paul VI
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WashingtonFAMILY.com 23 Sneaking Learning into Summer Fun BY STEPHANIE HOSSFELD
For many families, summer is a whirlwind of road trips, family visits, camps and constantly changing sports schedules. With all of this activity, as well as your child wanting a break from school, it can be very easy to let education fall by the wayside. However, your child can lose a lot of the progress they’ve made! It can
How long does be very difficult to balance summer learning a starfish live? Why do sharks lose their teeth? and family vacations. The best way to keep your child learning over the summer is to incorporate activities that don’t feel like learning. Below are some easy ways to slide in a little learning while your kids are enjoying their summer break.
touch, see and feel, and they will it up. Music is also a great audio The Beach be able to remember what they tool, especially if your child is Does your family take beach experienced a lot more at these taking a foreign language. trips throughout the summer? types of places than if they just If your child doesn’t get car- If so, your children have a living talked about it in a classroom. sick, you have a whole new realm science classroom at their dis- Lastly, you can make a quick of possibilities. You can use math posal. Have your children read and easy beach game using a or word games on a smartphone articles about hermit crabs, how beach ball and a permanent or tablet, scavenger hunts, word ecosystems work, why the ocean marker. You cover the ball with hunts and memory games to keep has tides or what species are questions, and your child has to them occupied and working on endangered while they are actu- answer the question where his or their academic skills. ally at the beach. Then, ask them her thumb has landed. Be creative to explain what they read. with topics and levels of diffi- City Exploring Many beach towns also have culty, and feel free to add your We are fortunate enough to live small museums or aquariums that own point system for kids who in an area that has amazing muse- are motivated by competition. provide activities for children. If ums that are also free. The popular you’re headed to Ocean City, the Natural History Museum is always Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Car Trips a great choice because it provides is very educational and has some If you have some long trips lots of hands-on experiences for smaller aquariums worth explor- ahead of you, you may consider kids as well as stunning visual ing. Or, if you’re headed down downloading some high-interest displays. If you visit, try going to to the Virginia Beach area, the audiobooks or podcasts to listen the section that is most closely Virginia Aquarium and Marine to with your kids. This will allow aligned with last school year’s Science Center is a great place them to work on their listening curriculum to reinforce what your to spend the day learning about comprehension skills as well as child has learned. You can also underwater life with over 800,000 access a wide variety of content. look ahead to the curriculum they gallons of fresh and saltwater dis- You can alternate between fiction will see in the fall so that they will
plays. Kids really love being able to and nonfiction in order to mix have a visual representation of PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES; TRICERATOPS: MR. GARETH MILNER
24 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 Road Trippin’ Podcasts FOR KIDS Long car rides are the ideal time to sneak in some summer learning. These educational Sneaking Learning podcasts below are so engaging, you might not even hear your kids say, “Are we there yet?” into Summer Fun THE PAST & THE CURIOUS BY STEPHANIE HOSSFELD This history podcast 1is full of excitement! From stories of spies and funny foods to George Washington’s foibles and historical hoaxes, this fascinating podcast makes learning about the past oh-so fun. Each episode includes themed songs and a recap quiz.
BUT WHY: A PODCAST FOR CURIOUS KIDS 2But Why is a show that aims at answering any question your little one can imagine. Kids submit questions, and this podcast delivers answers in a fun, interesting and easy-to- understand way. It tackles a plethora of topics including nature, animals, cultural beliefs and even the end of the world.
what they will be learning. The At-Home Learning same thing can be said for any of PANTS the other Smithsonian museums Rainy summer days inside pro- ON FIRE (and the zoo). vide a great opportunity to play It’s always important educational games! This can be 3for kids to know how to Another good choice is the new on a tablet or smartphone, but decipher from fact and International Spy Museum, which fiction. In this hilarious provides a great opportunity to sometimes classic board games are a better way to engage the podcast, kids learn how to use critical thinking skills. Visi- discover what is true and tors are given a mission to carry whole family. You can find games what is false in a game out while they are there and have for virtually any theme and any show-style setting, where to use problem-solving skills to age. If you are looking, Lake- kids interview adults on a particular topic. One is a complete it. This museum has an shore Learning has a lot of great genuine expert, while the other is not, so kids must admission fee, but kids absolutely options. Some great board games spot the difference. It teaches young ones how to ask insightful questions and analyze information love it (even big kids). to keep your children’s minds’ given — both essential skills. Many of the embassies hold sharp are Jenga, Word-A-Melon, cultural events and provide Suspend, Uno, Prime Climb and good old-fashioned Chess. programming for children. TUMBLE These opportunities are great If you implement some of Tumble is the for cultural awareness, building these ideas into your next sum- ultimate science mer vacation or just a lazy day 4podcast for kids! With the tolerance, developing a strong knowledge of geography and at home, you’ll be sure to keep help of real scientists, this podcast tells stories about learning about the arts. your child learning without sacrificing any summer fun! ■ science discoveries and Another thing to look out for mysteries. In an ultra- is events on the National Mall. creative way, they make You never know what you might Stephanie Hosfeld is a learning about all aspects find there, and you can always local tutor at Educational of science easy and entertaining. Plus, your kids visit the monuments to learn Connections Tutoring, serving don’t have to be full-on science enthusiasts to ■ PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES; TRICERATOPS: MR. GARETH MILNER about history and government. the D.C. area. enjoy this podcast. It’s amusing for all.
WashingtonFAMILY.com 25 When Moms Don’t Get Enough Sleep ... AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT
BY PJ FEINSTEIN
f you send a text message to Jamie Maier after midnight, there’s a good chance she’ll respond right away. Maier, a family law attorney in Rockville, routinely stays up until 2:30 or 3 a.m. I despite knowing she’s going to be woken up four short hours later by her five-year-old son and “Too many people, almost three-year-old daughter. Maier, 34, can deal with waking up grumpy and surviving on coffee because staying up late is the only especially busy way she can squeeze some much needed “me-time” into her non-stop daily schedule. Between working moms, think they during the day and taking care of her family in the evening, “I was truly catering to everyone else’s can get used to needs and not my own,” she says. “I used to be cre- ative, I used to have hobbies and I wasn’t doing any of that anymore.” getting less sleep After her husband goes to bed around 10 p.m., Maier indulges in “trash TV,” browses her favorite than they need, but shopping websites or makes beaded bracelets for friends — her newest creative pursuit. it doesn’t work “Too many people, especially busy moms, think they can get used to getting less sleep than they that way.” need, but it doesn’t work that way,” says Terry Cralle, RN, a certified clinical sleep educator and — TERRY CRALLE —
28 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 co-author of “Sleeping Your Way to the Top” and “Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle.” “You don’t get used to it, and trying to do so only leads to any number of problems — some very serious.” Consider this: A new Iowa State University study found that not getting enough sleep can make you feel angrier in frustrating situations — and just think about how many times a day you get frustrated with your spouse, kids or coworkers. “Despite typical tendencies to get somewhat CREATE A “PRE-SLEEP RITUAL” used to irritating conditions — an uncomfortable Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids, Cralle advises. shirt or a barking dog — sleep-restricted indi- Whether you take a warm bath, meditate, read, knit viduals actually showed a trend toward increased or do a jigsaw puzzle, incorporating some quiet anger and distress, essentially reversing their abil- “me-time” into your bedtime routine will help you ity to adapt to frustrating conditions over time,” relax — as long as your activity of choice doesn’t have says study co-author Zlatan Krizan, a psychology a screen. professor at Iowa State. Sleep deprivation also increases feelings of lone- HAVE A MEDIA CURFEW liness and leads to social withdrawal, according to The blue light from electronics suppresses mela- recent research from Nature Communications. To tonin production, making it difficult to fall and stay add insult to injury, other people are less inclined asleep. Cralle recommends unplugging from your to engage with tired individuals because they’re devices “at least one to two hours prior to bedtime.” perceived as being lonely. It’s a vicious cycle! Besides, binge-watching that new show on Netflix is Cralle warns that tired moms are also putting time you could be catching up on zzzs. themselves and their families in jeopardy when they drive while sleep deprived. “Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving,” she says. Stud- ies have found that tiredness affects concentration, memory and decision-making in ways that are similar to drinking too much. Despite the consequences of not getting enough sleep, many moms, like Maier, are still willing to sacrifice shut-eye in order to get things done around the house or catch up on some work. That’s a mistake, Cralle says. “Although it seems counterintuitive at first glance, a sleep-deprived person who may have a few extra hours in the day is not getting more things done. They are getting less done and not doing it well,” she says. “That is because sleep deprivation KEEP YOUR BEDROOM CLUTTER FREE affects our performance, our productivity, our deci- It’s easy to neglect the master bedroom when there sion making, our problem solving, our accuracy, our are so many other rooms at home to keep neat and efficiency, our motivation — so many things that tidy. But it’s hard to unwind in a room that feels essentially backfire when we trade sleep hours for chaotic and messy. Turn your bedroom into a “sleep more waking hours.” sanctuary,” Cralle recommends, by avoiding bright colors, investing in a comfortable mattress and So how can busy moms start bedding, and keeping clutter at bay. getting more sleep? Here are a few So the next time you’re tempted to stay up late, remind yourself that sleep is a biological need, strategies you might want to try: not a luxury or an indulgence. “Quite simply, you are a better mother if you are not sleep deprived,” SET AN ALARM Cralle says. ■ It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re doing the laundry, cleaning the kitchen or simply zoning out in PJ Feinstein is a mother and the editor of Wolf + front of the TV. Cralle recommends setting an alarm Friends, an app that connects moms raising kids on your phone at least 30 minutes before bedtime to with special needs. She lives in Potomac and remind you to start getting ready for bed. definitely doesn’t get enough sleep.
COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES WashingtonFAMILY.com 29 HEALTHY FAMILY
Is Your Child at Risk for a Vitamin Deficiency?
BY IRENE-MYERS THOMPSON
itamins are critical for develop- green, leafy vegetables, milk and eggs that ment and are one of the most support healthy bones development. V important nutrients for healthy growth in kids. They are important for Easy bruising and/or resisting infections, maintaining healthy slow wound healing. nerves and gaining energy. However, nearly While many kids may get bumps and bruises, one-third of certain population groups have if you notice your child is bruising easily a vitamin or mineral deficiency, according to this could be one of the first symptoms of the Centers for Disease Control. a vitamin C deficiency. Slow healing cuts or Most parents know that children need vita- wounds can be one of the more advanced Vitamin B12 deficiency mins to stay healthy. The problem is knowing signs. Adding in more foods rich in vitamin C which nutrients they need, how much they such as guava, yellow bell peppers, kiwi and in children often should have and if their child is lacking the broccoli can possibly boost levels. basic ones to ensure proper growth and devel- presents itself in opment. Parents should first seek advice from Brittle hair and nails. your child’s pediatrician for safe, personalized Brittle nails or excess hair shedding might non-specific recommendations. be a sign of vitamin D or iron deficiency. To When you’re staring down a pharmacy conquer it, you can absorb iron through foods symptoms such aisle packed with vitamin gummies for your such as beef, tuna, chicken and egg yolks. as developmental child, it’s tempting to just grab a bottle and hope for the best or assume your child is get- Extreme fatigue or weakness. delays, weakness, ting enough from playing outside and eating Vitamin B12 deficiency in children often healthy. However, your child’s health may presents itself in non-specific symptoms fatigue or irritability. lose if you play the vitamin guessing game. such as developmental delays, weakness, For example: fatigue or irritability. If your child is display- • Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, is ing some of these symptoms, try increasing widespread in our country with one in foods like fish, meat, poultry, milk and other 10 children deficient and 60 percent dairy products. may have substandard levels. • More than 10 percent of Americans ages Impaired reflexes one and up have a vitamin B6 deficiency. and/or coordination. • Nearly 10 percent of women ages 12 to While vitamin E deficiency is not very com- 49 have an iron deficiency. mon, difficulty walking or slow reflexes may be some symptoms. Add in more foods such Wondering if your child needs to strengthen as almonds, avocado, spinach and sweet their vitamin supply? Here are common signs potatoes that are rich sources of vitamin E to of vitamin and mineral deficiencies to look out dinner or snack time. for and some foods to conquer it. Children are among the highest risk of several deficiencies. Closely monitoring Cracks in the skin at your child’s health is important. Are they the corner of the mouth. getting enough physical activity? Are they This is most commonly seen in vegetarians getting a proper amount of sleep and con- but may be a sign that your child is miss- suming a healthy diet? While all of those are ing some iron and zinc in their diet. For important, if you want to make sure your more iron, increase your child’s lean meat, child is covered from A to zinc, check with seafood, poultry, beans and iron-fortified your child’s pediatrician. They can provide cereals and breads. recommendations on children’s vitamins and provide guidance on any symptoms of a Delayed growth and vitamin deficiency you may see. ■ bone development. Delayed growth and bone development in Irene-Myers Thompson is a children might be a sign of vitamin A defi- wellness director for UnitedHealthcare
ciency. If you’re concerned, serve up more of Mid-Atlantic. PLUS/CHALABALA ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES 30 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 Our award-winning kids’ cooking program has taught thousands of children since 2009. We have created a safe, nurturing environment for kids to learn how to cook.
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In our kids hands-on cooking classes at Ballston Quarter and Dulles Town Center, children from ages 5-7 learn to measure, mix, and complete a dish, while kids 8 to 17 learn knife skills, how to identify ingredients and understand recipes, and proper measuring and portioning techniques. In every class, no matter their age, they’ll work with our professional chefs to learn true culinary techniques: sautéing, roasting, grilling, boiling, braising, baking, and more, all while exploring new world cuisines, healthy menus, and seasonal dishes, vegetable cookery, pasta making and even gluten-free baking, as they make sophisticated, delicious dishes
DULLES: BALLSTON: 2100 Dulles Town Circle 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste. 190 Ste. 3110 Sterling, VA 20166 Arlington, VA 2220 www.cookologyonline.com (703) 433-1909 Mallet, Please Teaching your child how to eat crabs
STORY BY JESSICA GREGG | PHOTOS BY DAVID STUCK
The first thing that first-time crab eaters need to know is to take their time, says Chef Nancy Longo, owner of Pierpoint Restaurant in Fells Point and a cooking instructor who has been leading summer classes for Chef Nancy Longo kids for close to two decades. wears a crab tiara that her friends gave her. Crabs are a social food, a mealtime favorite when the temperature is high and the humidity higher. Don’t rush, she says. And don’t get discouraged. “Keep picking because you’ll eventually get it right.” Here are Longo’s 10 steps for new crustacean consumers. 1 Cover your table in newspapers or brown paper. Paper grocery bags split open and laid flat will work as well. Assemble crab mallets. “Start feeling around the pile for the heaviest crab,” Longo jokes.
32 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 2 3 4
Place a crab with With one hand on Remove the fat its shell side the back fin, take and the yellow up and apron the corner of the matter known as side down. Most shell and begin to mustard. Remove people open a lift it away from the lungs. Place crab at the apron, the crab body. these things but “I find that inside your to be the most discarded shell. useless thing on the planet,” Longo 6 says. “It seems Take the body and break to work better to into two pieces. Take one pull it from the piece, smash it down corner. It just with your fingers and works faster.” pull the top shell away from the body and the legs. Pull the crabmeat 5 from this piece.
Take off the two claws and put them in a pile. “I’m one of those people who eat them last,”
CRAFT PAPER, BOY AND PLATE OF CRAB: CRAB: OF PLATE AND BOY CRAFT PAPER, COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES Longo says.
WashingtonFAMILY.com 33 7 Take the bottom section of the body and twist each leg so when you pull it away from the body, a piece of meat comes with it. “The meat comes out with each leg and you have these little empty chambers,” Longo says. Also, this method is more kid friendly, as it does not require knives, often a staple at the crab table. Repeat with the remaining portion of the crab. 8 9 10
Now, the claws. Repeat with the Eat the crabmeat “There are a bottom half of and then grab couple little tricks the claw. “This is another crab. ■ with claws, too,” an old Baltimore she says. Break thing: If you had the claw in half. a friend you liked, Take the half with you picked and the pincher and shared a claw crack each side with them,” and remove Longo says. the shell so the meat comes out in one piece.
“Keep picking because you’ll eventually get it right.”
CHEF NANCY LONGO OWNER OF PIERPOINT RESTAURANT
34 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019
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WashingtonFAMILY.com 35 GOOD EATS
Sweet, Refreshing All-American Snacks
here’s no time like a Its sweet, cool and refreshing or you can prepare a dish such as hot summer picnic to flavor also makes it a favorite for these below: T let your patriotic spirit all ages. • A fruit basket, with the rind show. These all-American snacks From a practical standpoint, serving as a colorful bowl featuring a classic favorite fruit watermelon is also quite porta- to hold the watermelon and – watermelon – are the perfect ble, versatile and easy to serve, other fresh fruits. solution for nearly any summer- and with a composition of 92 • A charcuterie board with time celebration. percent water, it’s a simple way a selection of fruit, cheese Watermelon is a patriotic pic- to sneak in some extra hydration and protein for simple nic staple for countless reasons, on a hot day. Another benefit is snacking. not the least of which is that it’s its value; watermelon is one of • Creamy parfaits, perfect for a beloved treat that many people the best values in the produce a summery brunch or alternative associate with memories from section among fruit, and just one to more traditional desserts. childhood. However, nostalgia watermelon can feed up to three • A creatively colorful and isn’t the only reason adults are dozen people. patriotic “cake” that makes just as likely to gravitate toward Serving watermelon at a party for a tasty centerpiece on the Watermelon. watermelon at a summer event. can be as simple as slicing wedges, dessert table. Its sweet, cool and Easy Summer refreshing Thirst Quencher A simple fruit-infused water can give your flavor also summer event an instant upgrade in no time at all. Add extra dimension and com- makes it a plexity to the flavor by adding some of your favorite for favorite herbs like basil and mint. all ages.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE WATERMELON PARFAIT 1 cup blueberries 1 container (6 ounces) Greek yogurt (vanilla, WATERMELON-INFUSED WATER lemon or coconut) 2 cups watermelon balls 1 cup watermelon, plus three pieces diced or cubes watermelon 1 cup other fruit, such as berries whipped cream, for serving herbs, such as basil In pint canning jar, layer blueberries, yogurt and or mint 1 cup watermelon. Top with whipped cream and Place watermelon, fruit and herbs in garnish with three diced watermelon pieces. pitcher and cover with water. For best PHOTOS COURTESY OF flavor, allow to chill in refrigerator at Note: To make ahead or make thicker, drain Greek FAMILYFEATURES.COM AND GETTY IMAGES least 30 minutes before serving. yogurt on paper towels to absorb some liquid.
36 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 GOOD EATS
PATRIOTIC FRUIT SALAD 1 watermelon Trim 3/4-inch thick slices off honeydew squares to use for cutting out blueberries stars with 1 1/2-3-inch, star- shaped cookie cutters. Slice 1/4 inch off bottom of watermelon, lengthwise, to Use ice cream scoop to create stable base. remove flesh from inside basket and cut scoops into Use pencil to draw zig-zag quarters for fruit salad. Place lines for basket opening. in bottom of basket. Add Using paring knife, make cuts honeydew and blueberries; through rind. stir to combine.
Carefully remove top section, Cut out white stripes from pull out large chunks of flesh honeydew. and cut them into 3-by-3-inch squares. Garnish top of fruit salad with watermelon stars, honeydew stripes and blueberries.
PATRIOTIC CHARCUTERIE BOARD ½ medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges FLAG KEBAB CAKE ½ cup fresh raspberries 1 pint fresh, washed On remaining skewers, 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries blackberries alternate watermelon and cake 10 strawberries (dipped in white chocolate, if desired) 12 wooden skewers so first and last cubes are 5 ounces fresh goat cheese 1 seedless watermelon, flesh watermelon. Place skewers ½ cup toasted, salted cashews cut into 1-inch cubes on platter; fruit and cake will 2 ounces cured meats like prosciutto, pancetta, coppa, 1 angel food cake, cut into create stars and stripes when salami, soppressata, sausage or pepperoni 1-inch cubes (white part only) lined properly. 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced dips, such as yogurt, Serve with dips, if desired. lemon juice chocolate, caramel or fresh basil leaves marshmallow (optional) Find more ideas for incorporating watermelon into On large board or platter, arrange watermelon, raspberries, Thread five blackberries on your summer festivities at blueberries, strawberries, cheese, cashews, meat and apples. each of five skewers, followed watermelon.org. Drizzle fruit with lemon juice. Garnish with basil leaves by alternating watermelon and before serving. cake cubes. — Family Features
WashingtonFAMILY.com 37 YOUR SPECIAL CHILD
AUTISM Myths and Truths BY SARAH LYON
he Centers for Disease Control need friends that are understanding and and Prevention (CDC) definessupportive of their social struggles and T autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as may benefit from support groups that help “a developmental disability that is caused them build social skills. by differences in how the brain functions. People with ASD may communicate, inter- Myth # 4: People with autism act, behave and learn in different ways.” don’t experience emotions. About one in 59 children have been Those who have autism may find it hard to diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, read body language and understand other according to the CDC. While autism may people’s feelings, but that does not mean be common, there are many myths and mis- they do not have emotions themselves. information. Below are some of the most They have feelings of joy, sadness and frus- common misconceptions. tration just like everyone else. They may have trouble expressing their emotions or Myth # 1: Autism is they show them differently than others, but caused by vaccinations. they still experience normal highs and lows. One of the biggest misconceptions about ASD is that childhood vaccinations, such About one in 59 as MMR, cause kids to develop autism. According to the CDC and the Institute of children have been Medicine, there is no link between vaccines and autism. diagnosed with autism
Myth # 2: People with spectrum disorder, autism are geniuses. There is a common misconception that all according to the CDC. people with autism spectrum disorder are geniuses, can do difficult math problems in Myth # 5: Autism can be cured. their heads or have a special gift. It is true, Over the years, as ASD has become more some people with ASD do have unique common, there have been many ideas talents and gifts. However, extreme cases about how it can be cured. Some examples such as the one seen in the movie “Rain- include removing gluten from the diet, tak- man,” are rare. As our cultural progress in ing vitamins, eliminating mercury from the the understanding of autism, it is acknowl- diet and other fads. Parents typically turn edged that many people with autism have to these ideas because they are concerned high intelligence, great attention to detail for their children and desperate for a cure. and view the world in a different way that is Studies have shown that none of these fads valued in work environments. This opens a have worked and autism cannot be cured. new set of opportunities in the workforce What is encouraging, however, is the posi- for people with autism. tive changes that can come from behavioral therapy. This helps kids develop communi- Myth # 3: People with cation and social skills and gives them the autism don’t want friends. right tools to succeed in school and the It is true that many people with ASD strug- workforce. gle to understand social norms, which may People with autism do respond differ- cause them to feel isolated or to value ently to many situations but as we learn alone time more than group settings. The more about ASD, we find that not all of myth here is that people with autism do the characteristics are negative. Those not want friends or do not value close with autism can be happy, successful relationships. Everyone needs friends, and maintain healthy relationships with attention, love and acceptance and all peo- support and understanding from others ■ ple deserve it as well. People with ASD may around them. PLUS/KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
38 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 YOUR SPECIAL CHILD
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SCREENING BY NAPSI There is not just one kind of autism but rather children with autism show all signs of autism. behavioral intervention improves learning, many subtypes, and each person with autism That’s why all children should be screened communication and social skills in young can have unique strengths and challenges. for autism. A diagnosis is the first step toward children with autism spectrum disorders. A combination of genetic and environmental supporting your children to help them fulfill factors can influence the development their potential. Here are some possible signs Get Support: Autism organizations are of autism. of autism: 3 great resources for families and offer Though ASD can be reliably diagnosed • No big smiles or eye contact at 6 months a great deal of support and guidance. The as early as age 2, recent studies say that • No babbling, back and forth gestures nonprofit Autism Speaks, for example, is the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is such as pointing, and little response to dedicated to empowering parents to help between 4 and 5. Furthermore, the reported their name at 12 months children with autism live their best possible prevalence among white children is 7 percent • Very few words at 16 months lives, while working to increase understanding higher than for African American children and • No two-word phrases at 24 months and acceptance for the 70 million people 22 percent higher than for Hispanic children • Restricted interests worldwide with autism. The Autism Speaks — suggesting missed or delayed diagnoses in • Repetitive behaviors President and CEO Angela Geiger says those groups. • Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, they “hope to give families the tools they For young children on the spectrum, early smells, tastes, textures, lights or colors need to identify early signs, feel empowered intervention is crucial; it can translate to • Loss of speech or social interaction at to get their children screened and seek a lifetime of impact by supporting healthy any age. support if they need it.” For personalized development, improving communication, support and questions, you can email the decreasing challenging behaviors and leading Take Action: If your child displays any local DMV chapter of Autism Speaks at to positive outcomes later in life. 2 of these signs, ask your pediatrician or [email protected]. family doctor for an evaluation right away. What You Can Do: While every child develops differently, early Other great online resources worth checking Learn the Signs: Parents can learn to screening improves outcomes. Studies out are screenforatuism.org, autism-society.org 1 recognize the early signs of autism. Not all show, for example, that early intensive and asha.org. ■ ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/IZUMIKOBAYASHI
— SPOTLIGHT SPECIALIZED LEARNING — Little Leaves Behavioral Services The Auburn School e mission of Little Leaves Behavioral The mission of The Auburn Services is to help people with social, School is to grow the social communication and behavioral challenges and academic potential grow and succeed so that they can participate of bright students with as fully as possible in their families and social and communication communities. Using evidenced-based challenges. We offer a practices based on the principles of Applied dynamic educational program Behavior Analysis (ABA), our professionals for intellectually curious partner with each family to develop and implement an individualized students with challenges in therapeutic plan. the areas of communication, Our therapeutic approach incorporates strategies that have been socialization, pragmatic proven e ective for helping children. We create a treatment program language, and organization. that is individualized to your child and tailored to the needs of your family. We also help families coordinate the logistics of therapy so that Open now, our Little they can focus their time on what really matters — caring for their Leaves center-based ABA children. program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is run in a preschool-like setting. We also work with children in their homes, e Little Buds Program, a center-based ABA program for young daycares and schools throughout the Baltimore metro area, Washington children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run in a preschool-like DC and Northern Virginia. setting. We also work with children in their homes, daycares and Silver Spring Campus Fairfax Campus schools throughout the Baltimore metro area, Washington DC and Beth Kubovci Ashley Pawlowitz Northern Virginia. (703) 793-9353 (301) 588-8048 For more information 202-420-8359 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] • www.littleleaves.org www.theauburnschool.org
WashingtonFAMILY.com 39 SPECIALIZED LEARNING GUIDE
THE AUBURN SCHOOL ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO LITTLE BUDS PROGRAM theauburnschool.org encorestage.org littleleaves.org [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 410-617-0418 703-548-1154 202-420-8359 7401 Park Heights Ave. 4000 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, Va. 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD Baltimore, Md. Ages: 4-18 11480 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, VA 20190 301-588-8048 Ages: 1-6 9545 Georgia Ave. Encore Stage & Studio provides Silver Spring, Md. accessibility services year-round. A center-based ABA program for young 703-793-9353 Encore is delighted to provide an children with an Autism Spectrum 3800 Concorde Pkwy., #500 accessibility matinee performance for Disorder run in a preschool-like setting. Chantilly, Va. selected productions. These matinee It is designed for children up to age The Auburn School grows the social and performances provide accommodations 6 who have been recommended for academic potential of bright students for children and families with special intensive ABA services. with social and communication needs. Accommodations include ASL challenges, supporting academic interpretation and assisted listening THE SIENA SCHOOL skills, social competency and devices as well as Braille and large print thesienaschool.org pragmatic language. programs to allow the performance to be [email protected] accessible to all audiences. An exclusive 301-244-3600 2019 backstage tour will be provided for 1300 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. children to make meaningful connections Ages: 9-18 Specialized with the story and to experience theatre Proudly celebrating our 14th year, serving in a new way. Interested patrons needing students in grades 4-12th with language- Learning these accommodations must e-mail based learning differences. Schedule [email protected] in advance. a tour to learn why Siena was named Guide Dates for our accessibility matinee by Family Magazine as the best special performances will be available online on needs school for the third year in a row. ■ our website.
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40 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 Where the challenging academic curriculum meets bright students where they are, with the goal of setting every student up for a lifetime of success.
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Helping families fi nd their Jennifer Vo perfect home is my passion! Call or email me today, I can’t wait to work with you! My team covers the entire DMV. 202.731.0248 [email protected] Come to the 2019 fair to see private schools and 2 www.carpnson.com 019 W IN N E enrichment activities from all over the DMV, plus: R Family entertainment, including a DJ! Family-fun activities! • Giveaway galore! Washington FAMILY Fair Oaks Mall BROKER Carp & Son is with KW Saturday, October 5, 2019 11 A.M. – 4 P.M. Each offi ce is independently owned and operated
WashingtonFAMILY.com 41 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE
DISTRICT OF FEYNMAN SCHOOL VIRGINIA feynmanschool.org COLUMBIA A CHILD’S PLACE [email protected] CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY achildsplaceinc.com 301-770-4370 chesterbrookacademy.com 703-698-8050 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. 866-267-5685 3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, Va. The area’s leader in educating academically gifted 26 locations throughout the DMV A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established in 1981. children, Feynman School features extraordinary Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine We take children 8 weeks to 5 years old. Please programs in science, math, language arts, theater learning experiences and structured play in a stop by for a visit. and music designed to maximize your young fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far child’s potential while at the same time providing more than just child care. Preschool is the first BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL opportunities for unstructured play. We offer both introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey brooksfieldschool.org half- and full-day preschool programs. that should start off on the right foot. We help [email protected]; children discover, explore and learn to their Ages: 2-6 GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL fullest potential. 703-356-5437 georgetownhill.com 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. 14901 Dufief Mill Road, MARYLAND North Potomac, Md. Spanish, organic gardening, art, dance, music, mindfulness and summer camp. BARRIE SCHOOL With a “Play. Learning. Arts. Nurturing.” approach barrie.org/preschool to teaching, we’ve found that children thrive in an CAMPAGNA EARLY LEARNING [email protected] educational environment at Georgetown Hill. CENTER AT ST. JAMES Ages: 18 months+; 301-576-2800 2019 campagnacenter.org/programs/ 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, Md. LITTLE BUDS early-childhood Beginning at age 18 months, we provide a littleleaves.org/littlebuds Preschool [email protected] safe and secure environment that cherishes [email protected] 571-982-3924 the uniqueness of each child and integrates 202-420-8359 5140 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va. and a hands-on Montessori approach. Guided 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. by our experienced teachers, children learn The Little Buds Program is a center-based ABA CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY Child Care independence and build confidence. program for young children with an Autism chesterbrookacademy.com Spectrum Disorder run in a preschool-like setting. 866-267-5685 THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL It is designed for children up to age 6 who have Guide 26 locations throughout the DMV bethesdamontessori.com been recommended for intensive ABA services. Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine [email protected] learning experiences and structured play in a 301-986-1260 ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. onenessfamilymontessorischool.org more than just child care. Preschool is the first Ages: 3-6 Ages 2-Grade 8; 301-652-7751 introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. that should start off on the right foot. We help of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool and Oneness-Family School has been providing the children discover, explore and learn to their fullest a Kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., AMI very best in Montessori education since 1988. potential. trained teachers, art, French & computer offered, Our unique program focuses on both character and after school activities. and curriculum, offering a diverse international THE GRIFFIN ACADEMY OF community founded on values within an WESTMINSTER SCHOOL CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY academically rich environment. This enables us to westminsterschool.com chesterbrookacademy.com prepare our students to be the global leaders of [email protected] 877-959-3746 tomorrow who can think in creative and dynamic 703-340-7268; Ages: 3-4 20 locations throughout the DMV ways for an everchanging world. 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, Va. Ages: Infants - Grade 5 The Griffin Academy of Westminster School Our preschool and school-age programs combine SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI provides a safe, creative, and loving environment learning experiences and structured play in a ACADEMY in which children ages 3 and 4 can thrive. The fun, safe and nurturing environment – offering far spring-bilingual.org preschool day is structured to have an equal more than just child care. We have 20 locations in [email protected] balance of play and structure. the Washington D.C. area. Call today to schedule 301-962-7262 a tour! 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, Md. GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI Founded in 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori guidepostmontessori.com/ CRESTVIEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL Academy has innovated and refined the concept northern-virginia crestviewmontessori.com of integrating a Montessori education with the 866-202-8593 [email protected] acquisition of proficiency in a second 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, Va. Ages: 2-6; 301-910-4728 language. We are open year-round for academic 42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Va. 4728 Western Ave., Bethesda, Md. programs 4550 Walney Road, Chantilly, Va. Children enter Crestview at age 2 1/2, often as and summer camps. 13251 Woodland Park Road, Herndon, Va. their first school experience, and depart after Ages: Infant to elementary kindergarten as confident and self-assured Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun and Fairfax young children. counties is among a growing, worldwide network of schools that offer language immersion for ages infant through elementary.
42 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE
HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE PINECREST SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com preschoolmontessori.com pinecrestschool.org; [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ages: 3-4; 703-354-3446 703-573-7800; Ages: 3-6 Ages: 3-6; 703-560-4379 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, Va. 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. 3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, Va. Stimulating preschool program that includes Spanish, music and Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, where Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 45 years P.E. enrichment classes. Special presentations and field trips, too. they respect themselves and others and care for the environment of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete Before- & after-care until 6 p.m. Nurturing curiosity, confidence and around them. We offer a complete educational and social environment educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and a love of learning since 1957. and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori. methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com/[email protected] preschoolmontessori.com MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 703-481-2922 ; Ages: 3 months-Grade 6 [email protected] msnv.org; [email protected] 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va. 703-938-7755; Ages: 2.9-6 703-992-0255 Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is a private, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Va. Valleybrook: 3433 Rose Ln., Falls Church, Va. co-educational school for children from 3 months through Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an intimate and nurturing At the Montessori School of Northern Virginia, we want the delight 6th grade. environment for 2.9-6 year olds to develop their independence of discovery to last a lifetime. MSNV provides authentic Montessori through the Montessori experience. We offer a complete education for children ages 2-12. From preprimary through SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI SCHOOL educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and elementary, our learning environment is designed to directly sunsethillsmontessori.com methods of Dr. Montessori. benefit social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. [email protected] 703-476-7477; Ages: 18 months-13 years LITTLE BUDS NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, Va. littleleaves.org/littlebuds; [email protected] nysmith.com; [email protected] At SHMS we are committed to recognizing and cultivating the 202-420-8359 703-713-3332; Ages: 3 years-Grade 8. uniqueness of each individual child. We have a community Reston, VA: 11480 Sunset Hills Road, Va. 12625 EDS Drive, Herndon, Va. of educators, and wonderful families, that have chosen SHMS The Little Buds Program is a center-based ABA program for young Family owned and operated since 1983, 620+ children. 1:9 teacher- because of a shared vision for early childhood and elementary children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run in a preschool- student ratio, award winning. Daily individualized reading & math, education. ■ like setting. It is designed for children up to age 6 who have been science, computers, logic & foreign language. Loving atmosphere recommended for intensive ABA services. with an exciting curriculum.
Personalized learning in a nurturing community Our preschools offer the perfect balance of learning and play. Our kindergarten and school-age programs offer state-of-the-art facilities dedicated exclusively to the needs of children in grades K–5. OPEN HOUSE Saturday, August 3, 10 am – 1 pm
Private Preschool – 5th Grade
Contact us to find a school near you, RSVP or schedule a private tour! ChesterbrookAcademy.com 877-959-3746
CBA_WashingtonFamily_July19_7x4.72.indd 1 WashingtonFAMILY.com6/12/19 12:14 PM43 201 9 W IN N E R
Washington FAMILY
2 0 1 Lessons 9 Rock Bands Group Classes
Summer Camps WINNER Community
44 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 MONTESSORI GUIDE
Discovering Montessori DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 15120 Enterprise Ct., Ste. 100, Chantilly, Va. THE CHILDREN'S HOUSE Ages: 18 months-6 OF WASHINGTON 703-961-8281 thechildrenshouseofwashington.com MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE [email protected] preschoolmontessori.com 3133 Dumbarton St., N.W. Washington, D.C. [email protected] Toddler: Nearly 2-3 • Primary: 3-6 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, Va. 202-342-2551 Ages: 3-6 703-560-4379 MARYLAND THE BETHESDA ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL MONTESSORI SCHOOL onenessfamily.org bethesdamontessori.com [email protected] [email protected] 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave., Ages: 3-6 Kensington, Md. 301-986-1260 Ages: 2-High School 301-652-7751 BUTLER SCHOOL butlerschool.org RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL [email protected] restonmontessori.com 15951 Germantown Road, Darnestown, Md. [email protected] Ages: 18 months-14 1928 Isaac Newton Sq., Reston, Va. 301-977-6600 Ages: 3 months-Grade 6 703-481-2922 CHILDREN'S HOUSE AT HOLLY HILL MONTESSORI SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI hollyhillmontessori.com sunsethillsmontessori.com [email protected] [email protected] 19137 Mateny Hill Road, Germantown, Md. 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, Va. Ages: 2-5 703-476-7477 ■ 202-246-0547
VIRGINIA BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org [email protected] 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages: 2-6 703-356-KIDS CARDINAL MONTESSORI cardinalmontessori.com [email protected] 1424 G St., Woodbridge, Va. Open House: December 6th from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Ages: 3-12 703-491-3810 CHILDREN'S HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL montessoriofarlington.com [email protected] 2425-A North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. Ages: 2-6 703-276-1360 THE BETHESDA HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL F D MONTESSORI preschoolmontessori.com FUN THINGSi n TO DO SCHOOL [email protected] 20 1 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. IN THE DMV 8 For 37 years, Ages: 3-5 RUNNER-UPRUNNER-UP teaching ages 3-6 703-573-7800 HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL ENROLLING NOW preschoolmontessori.com Extended Day 8am – 6pm [email protected] 7611 Clarendon Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Va. 301-986-1260 Ages: 2 years 9 months-5 WashingtonFAMILY 703-938-7755 September 2019 admissions still available, WEEKEND GUIDES email [email protected] MONARCH CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI today for a personal tour. kidslovemonarch.com washingtonfamily.com/ [email protected] fun_things_to_do/ www.bethesdamontessori.com
WashingtonFAMILY.com 45 LAST WORD What to Do When Summer Boredom Hits BY KATHRYN STREETER
hoever first penned the phrase, “the advance, ask, “What country far away would lazy days of summer” surely never you visit if you could snap your fingers?” Using W had kids. Parents with young chil- food to “travel” there, help them find this dren are especially apt to be scratching their country on a map and conduct simple online heads or on the couch in a fetal position, won- searches to isolate one or more dishes which dering how to manage the open, unconstructed are doable for the family meal, such as all- stretch of time called summer. Even if you’ve recipes.com’s collection of easy Indian fare. successfully penciled in camps and a trip to Whether Moroccan, Filipino or Indian ingredi- visit grandparents, there will still be slow days, ents are on your grocery list, do what you can hot days and blah days, when boredom rules the to assemble all required ingredients for your house like a tyrant and brings out the worst in unforgettable dinner. Luckily for us, the D.C the kids — and you. area has tons of ethnic grocery stores to get Nat King Cole’s song “Those Lazy, Crazy, Hazy what you need. Days of Summer” ends with, “You’ll wish that summer could always be here.” If that phrase Surprise your kids by taking them bowl- rings ridiculous, here are five freshly-hatched ing! Go to one of many AMF locations, or visit ideas to think about implementing this summer TripAdvisor to hear what people say about the to create enriching, memorable moments. many bells and whistles independent bowling alleys offer. Another great bowling (plus great Surprise your kids by asking them to co-host food!) spot is Pinstripes, with locations in an afternoon tea, inviting one of your girlfriends Northern Bethesda and Georgetown. Alterna- Even if you’ve you’ve struggled to schedule time with to be the tively, strap on roller skates and beat the heat guest of honor. Conduct a reenactment based while bebopping to ‘80s tunes (or whatever successfully on proper etiquette to prepare the kids for the theme you encounter). The kids will be mesmer- penciled in occasion. The catch being, the kids will adore this ized by the shimmering light displays and learn a idea because it involves cookies or cucumber fin- new skill without once feeling like they’re exer- camps and ger sandwiches, if you’re going to be doctrinaire cising. A quick search will pull up over a dozen about it! With the snack angle established, your rinks, but consult Yelp’s “Top 10” listing, if you a trip to visit kids will greet your friend at the door, help serve prefer. July averages high, humid temps, so when tea, eat and talk cordially like real grown-ups for the pool is old news, head out the door for some grandparents, a pre-established amount of time before they’re climate-controlled, spirited movement. allowed to dart off to their rooms or a nearby there will still stash of toys, depending on your children’s ages. Surprise your kids with pizza delivery at a new park. If the humidity and heat are man- be slow days, Surprise your kids by asking them to explore ageable, take the kids to a new playground, hot days and the internet. Yes, you read that correctly. With easily discovered by using your handy Play- the computer monitor in a public area of your ground Buddy app. The “new” playground blah days, when home, let your child loose to explore areas of equipment and different layout will serve interest. It’s not too unlike the old days, when to elicit the oohs and ahhs that confirm boredom rules having a set of Encyclopedia Britannica within you’re the best parent ever. To top off the easy reach for even the littlest family mem- excitement, in stealth, order Domino’s pizza the house like bers was common. Does your kid have a weird and have it magically delivered to the play- obsession with turtles? Do they love World War ground, taking advantage of the company’s a tyrant and 2 history? Harry Potter trivia and the subject of new unconventional delivery initiative which brings out the wizardry? Fast cars or popular backpacks? Let uses 150,000 outdoor hotspots. Find a shady them learn as much as they can about subjects spot, whip out a blanket and ta-da, you’ll have worst in the kids they’re wild about. Then, allow them to upload the best table — and probably the happiest their information around the dinner table. kids — at the park. ■ — and you. Surprise your kids by asking them to help Kathryn Streeter is a D.C.-based mom plan an ethnic dinner meal. Starting a week in and blogger. ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
46 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019 Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.
Now Enrolling!
From infancy through elementary school, children learn best when they’re working with activities they love. At Guidepost, your child will enter the wonderful world of Montessori lessons and learning materials, designed to captivate and inspire.
Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour! guidepostmontessori.com/northern-virginia
Aldie Fairfax 24328 Marrwood 3909 Oak Street Aldie, VA 20105 Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 542-5522 (703) 934-0920
Herndon Broadlands 13251 Woodland Park Road 42945 Waxpool Road Herndon, VA 20171 Ashburn, VA 20148 (571) 203-8686 (703) 723-3364 Infant • Toddler • Preschool Kindergarten • Elementary Reston Chantilly 11579 Cedar Chase Road 4550 Walney Road Herndon, VA 20170 Spanish and Mandarin Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 404-9733 Immersion programs available (571) 321-0364 at selected campuses GP060919
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