HISTORY with Your K Ids

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AUGUST 2016

Living PITTSBURGH HISTORY With Your K ids

IDEAS For Cheap Summer Fun

Welcome Back - To - School

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 1 what’s inside August 2016 • Volume 29 • Number 8 6 summer fun 16 45 all about August

Girls of Steel cover story departments 4 Living ..... editor’s note Talking about STEM in Pittsburgh HISTORY 5 ..... family health With Your Vitamin D - What every parent should know 12 ..... teens today K ids Heartbreaking moments for mom 8 23 ..... education connection The tasks of an involved parent 45 ..... all about August features Calender of events 6 ..... Ideas for cheap summer fun community spotlight 14 ..... Distracted driving can be deadly 13 ..... New home for original, interactive 16 ..... Girls of Steel can do it! Gemini Children’s Theater 18 ..... Improve your child’s listening skills 26 ..... How to calm anxious elementary age kids special sections 31 ..... Successful school transitions Welcome 32 ..... Tips from teachers for a smart start CK TO SCHOO 34 ..... Benefits of exposing children to fine arts BA L 18-44 37 ..... Team sports vs individual sports 39 ..... Little yogis a-z – benefits for kids 40 ..... Childhood depression – more than a bad day Cover: Chad & Janelle Poshard with Charlie & Maddie Cover photo: TreyThomasImages 2 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 BACK TO SCHOOL

Cover: Chad & Janelle Poshard with Charlie & Maddie Cover photo: TreyThomasImages August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 3 editor’s note

e all know it is summer … but Wthere is still a lot of learning taking place in the ‘burgh. One of the big topics in camps, learning Publisher: Lynn Honeywill centers and enrichment [email protected] programs is STEM. Editor: Patricia Poshard In a conversation [email protected] recently, I asked someone Art Director: Diana Ruhe if they knew about these [email protected] STEM programs – stem all in caps. With a some- Web Director/Production Assistant: Kerri Lutz • [email protected] what puzzled expression, they answered: and youth with new opportunities to “You mean stem cells?” Looks like this develop relevant skills they’ll need to Marketing & Finance: is a topic where we all can learn a little thrive in school, college, the workforce, [email protected] and as citizens.” something! Calendar Editor: In our story, Girls of Steel CAN Do It! According to education.com: “STEM [email protected] EDUCATION is a new movement in by Ann K. Howley, she tells us: “It’s really hard to build a robot that Social Media: American Education to help teachers and [email protected] their students understand how the aca- can cross a drawbridge. demic disciplines of Science, Technology, Fox Chapel High School junior Alexa Media Specialists: Engineering and Mathematics impact their Selwood knows this because she and a Heather L. Dils world and prepare them for the workforce team of girls from 30 other Pittsburgh- [email protected] of tomorrow. STEM is multidiscipline area schools had to build one. They are Melissa Alesi based, incorporating the integration of the Girls of Steel, who meet during the [email protected] other disciplinary knowledge into a new school year at Carnegie Mellon Univer- Editorial/Social Media Intern whole. Technology helps us communi- sity to learn electronics, hand tool and Maria Castello • June - July - August machine shop skills, welding, computer cate; Math is the language; Science and Engineering are the processes for think- programming and various business skills in order to design, build and program a Founding Publisher: ing; all this leads to Innovation. Marilyn McCabe Honeywill STEM Education is more than just pre- robot to compete in the FIRST Robotics 1931 - 2013 sentation and dissemination of information Competition, a mentor-based program and cultivation of techniques. It is a pro- that inspires young people to be science Pittsburgh Parent is published and technology leaders.” cess for teaching and learning that offers 12 times a year by Honey Hill Publishing, Inc. In this case, robots are the vehicle students opportunities to make sense of P.O. Box 674, Valencia, PA 16059 to inspire the STEM learning. In another the world and take charge of their learn- 724-898-1898 • pittsburghparent.com program, it is 3-D printing of prosthetic ing, rather than learning isolated bits and Ofﬁce hours: Mon - Fri, 9am-4pm. pieces of content. In the STEM environ- hands! Subscriptions: 1 year—$18 ment, there is less emphasis on activities The Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab Pittsburgh Parent is distributed monthly to over 800 is working with a group of young adults, locations in and around Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, that demonstrate science content and a Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties. greater focus on those activities that allow ranging in age from 14-21, who are 3-D Distribution of this paper does not constitute an students to engage in real world problems printing prosthetic hands for people in endorsement of information, products, or services. The need in a program called “e-Nabling the publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement and experiences through project-based, or listing which is not in keeping with the publication’s experiential learning activities that lead Future.” At the public workshop in June, standards. The entire contents of the publication are to higher level thinking. Learning in a students lead visitors through the process copyrighted and may not be reproduced or copied in any of assembling prosthetic hands and the form without permission of the publisher. Copyright Honey STEM environment compels students Hill Publishing Inc. 2016. All rights reserved. to understand issues, distill problems, technology involved. Once complete, and comprehend processes that lead to the prosthetic hands will be sent to the Distribution Audited By innovative solutions.” Prosthetic Kids Hand Challenge, a North We are fortunate in our town to have Carolina-based group, which will match Remake Learning. According to the local the hands with recipients. Sprout Fund, it is a “professional network Carnegie Science Center is dedicated of educators and innovators working to inspiring learning and curiosity by together to shape the future of teaching connecting science and technology with Winner! Winner! Winner! and learning in the Greater Pittsburgh everyday life. By making science both Region. Representing more than 250 relevant and fun, the Science Center’s New “Interactive” Website organizations, including early learning goal is to increase science literacy in the centers & schools, museums & librar- region and motivate young people to Multiple Giveaways ies, afterschool programs & community seek careers in science and technology. nonprofits, colleges & universities, ed-tech Wendy Hutchison Bea Novak startups & major employers, philanthro- Lots of good things are happening Erica Marasco Rebecca Mikula in the ‘burgh – it is a great place to raise pies & civic leaders, Remake Learning Elizabeth Jackline Tanya Brandt is a collaborative effort to inspire and kids! Lisa Weet empower a generation of lifelong learners Hillary Morgan in Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and beyond. Kim Pierce Martha Freese Through innovative approaches to Joshua Kingsbury Angela Anderson STEM, STEAM, Maker, and Digital learn- Roberta Helmstadter Casey Biser ing, we’re working to provide all children Patricia Poshard, Editor

4 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 family health Vitamin D What every parent should know! By Kristi Wees

hat do you know about Vitamin D? Not much? Please read on. This vitamin Wis crucial for optimal health (as are all vita- mins), especially children’s health! Vitamin D is particularly connected with immune system health in adults and children. Vitamin D is known as the SUNSHINE vitamin “A fat-soluble vitamin occurring in several forms, especially vitamin D2 or vitamin D3, required for normal growth of teeth and bones, and produced in general by ultraviolet irradiation of sterols found in milk, fish and eggs.” (thefreedictionary.com) Vitamin D levels drop in the winter-time and drop depending where you live Since Vitamin D comes from sunshine, this drop in the winter is due to lessened hours of daylight and thus lessened sun exposure, with the peak vitamin D levels occurring in September (just after summer) and the dip in D levels occurring in February. (PMID: 18298852) Anyone living at a latitude above Atlanta, GA (Yup, that means Pittsburgh, PA!!), cannot make any Vitamin D (from sunlight) in the winter months (November-February). The time of day is important too! Even in the summer time, most Vitamin D production occurs between 10am-3pm.(youtu. be/1qirmKiUKVQ) Vitamin D has an impact on those with ASTHMA “Children with asthma appear to be at increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency.” (PMID: 23069123) “The frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was higher in children with asthma,

continued on page 48

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 5 Ideas for cheap summer fun By Laura Lyles Reagan

ust like their childhood, your • Journal side by side in the backyard • Lay down on a blanket outside (picnic children’s summer will be here and with freshly brewed sun tea or juice style) and watch the clouds go by. gone before you know it. We can boxes. • Make up cloud stories and praise your Jsend them to camp, schedule play dates • Sing each other’s favorite songs while child’s imagination. with children of the college educated watering your yard. set so their vocabularies expand, make • Buy a new box of crayons and draw stimulating visits to educational museums portraits of each other. and take day treks to the zoo. Or perhaps • Pack a picnic lunch and go to the park we can pause and consider playing. to eat. See where the day takes you. It may seem counter intuitive to keep • Make a bird feeder and sit still outside a list of possible spontaneous activities to watch the birds feed. to cultivate, but the truth is, many of us • Tell stories to each other with the simply aren’t good at letting go and hav- listener providing the first line and ing fun. Maybe the list below can spark a characters. discussion with your kids about summer fun. • Make or buy bubbles. Blow them in the Here’s a list for every day of the backyard. month. Add to the list and make your • Make your own frozen popsicles with own homespun summer memories. your favorite fruit juices and eat them outside. • Play in the rain and enjoy your child’s • Turn on the sprinkler in the backyard smiles and giggles. and run through it, over and over again. • Wash the car and squirt each other with the water hose. • Cook together and don’t worry about the mess. • Read books side by side on the porch while you drink lemonade.

• Paint something, including each other. Body art is very cool. • If it’s too hot to play outside, put on your favorite music and rock out together!

6 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 • Get your groove on and give your kids a spontaneous dance lesson. • Play a new version of hide and seek with water guns. Squirt when found! • Do chalk art on your driveway or side- walk together. • Wash the dog together and squirt each other. • During the heat of the day, watch a movie together. • Have a kid planned and kid cooked dinner. Parents clean up. • Have an arts and crafts day. Works of art can decorate kid’s rooms or refrigerator. • Collect old books and toys to take to a children’s hospital. • Volunteer together at a local animal shelter or food bank. • Write letters to soldiers serving overseas. • Take an evening nature walk or bike ride together. Why not make it a habit? • Walk outside in your pajamas and count the stars before bedtime. • Tell your kids your favorite memories from childhood. Have fun! n

Laura Lyles Reagan, MS is a parenting coach, parenting journalist and author. She can be reached for coaching sessions at her website, www.heart2heart- parents.com.

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 7 Living HISTORY With Your K ids

From Indians and settlers to war and whiskey, Western Penn- sylvania is rich in history. In school, your child studies the people, places and events from centuries past and learns how the lives and experiences of our predecessors shaped how modern society lives today. Kids can open a textbook and read about George Washington, Young reenactor at Mountain Craft Days Festival who, coincidentally, liked western Pennsylvania so much he bought By Ann K. Howley land here. They can also read about what life was like for local 18th century settler children who had to shell SPECIAL PLACES TO VISIT hostile French and Indian forces peas, shuck corn, gather firewood with a series of forts along the way. and huddle around a wood stove Fort Ligonier, Ligonier The last fortification was the Post with their family to keep warm. But Before you take the English lan- at Loyalhanna, later to be renamed Feven if your kids hate doing history guage for granted, remember that Fort Ligonier, which was to be the homework and have a short museum we might be speaking French today final staging area for the troops attention span, parents in Western if the French and Indian War worked and supplies required to attack Fort Pennsylvania have a great opportu- out differently in the middle of the Duquesne, fifty miles away. nity to take their kids to places that 18th century. That was when Great As the fort was still under con- make history come alive. Britain and France, who were fight- struction, French and Indian forces Living history is an activity that ing over who had dibs over a huge attacked, but were repulsed by the reenacts historical events or recre- swath of land in North America, British redcoats and colonial volun- ates living conditions in the past to battled it out right here in western teers, mostly from Pennsylvania and give observers a sense of what it is Pennsylvania. Virginia, who fought beside them. like to step back in time. Costumed In 1754, the French took over a Today, visitors can explore the interpreters, young and old, dress in small English outpost at the fork of Fort, which is a full-scale, restora- clothing from the period and engage the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, in tion/reconstruction of the original. in typical activities of that era to give what is now downtown Pittsburgh, There’s a museum with galleries, visitors a chance to see, touch, hear and built Fort Duquesne. Since this exhibits, archeological collections and understand history in a personal gave the French control of the Ohio and a bookstore. Of particular note, and interactive way. River, which was considered the Living History Weekend, which will If you’re looking for a unique fam- gateway to the west, Great Britain feature 18th century cooking and ily outing that will not only entertain wanted it back and assigned Gen- musket firing, takes place on Sep- your kids, but teach them something eral Robert Forbes the daunting task tember 3-4, 2016. And don’t miss about local history, here are some of seizing the fort. Fort Ligonier Days, a special three- special places and events from In- The ingenious General con- day festival from October 14-16, diana County to Beaver County that structed a road through Pennsyl- 2016, in which the entire town of will make history feel alive and real vania, which he protected from Ligonier commemorates the 1758 for you and your kids. continued on page 10 8 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 Living HISTORY SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP

Whiskey Rebellion Festival Washington

coffee beans and bake gingerbread I don’t want to rain on Alexan- in a dutch oven. der Hamilton’s parade, especially If you didn’t know that Somerset given the renewed public interest in is the largest producer of maple this Founding Father, whose life is products in Pennsylvania, then you the highly celebrated subject of a have to try some spotza, a maple current hit Broadway musical. But I taffy treat that was made in the 18th have to point out that it was Alex- and 19th centuries and is unique to ander Hamilton’s bright idea to tax Somerset County. whiskey, which made him about the The Somerset Historical Center is most unpopular person in western located four miles north of Somerset Pennsylvania in 1791. on Route 985. The Center offers The farmers and settlers here activities, classes and tours year considered this new excise tax round. For more information, visit grossly unfair to poor pioneers and their website www.somersethistori- some were so outraged that they calcenter.org. greeted the agents appointed to collect the tax with tar, feathers and Flax Scutching guns. Festival, Stahlstown The Whiskey Rebellion was the September 17 - 18, 2016 first test of the new federal government, which, after negotiations If you’ve ever noticed a field of Young reenactor at Mountain Craft Days Festival failed, sent nearly 13,000 militia Historic arms firing sky-blue flowers, you might be look- troops to quell this western Pennsyl- demonstration at ing at a field of flax. Long before vania disturbance. Fort Neccessity cotton became the fiber du jour for Every July, the city of Washing- making fabric, linen made from flax ton, PA celebrates this brief, but was worn by Egyptian pharaohs, historically significant event with a Romans and Charlemagne. It is four-day Whiskey Rebellion Festival, Mountain Craft Days mentioned in the Bible and Homer’s featuring demonstrations, exhibits, Somerset Historical Center Odyssey. Here in western Pennsyl- live street theatre and reenactments, September 9-11, 2016 vania, flax has been cultivated for including a popular reenactment of a over 200 years in the Ligonier Valley tar and feathering. If you really want to see firsthand and represents one of the most Make time to visit the David what everyday tasks our forebear- important crops that 18th and 19th Bradford House, the home of one of ers had to do to live in the western century settlers needed to survive the leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion. Pennsylvania wilderness centuries on the American frontier. This National Historic Landmark of- ago, don’t miss this huge event, The annual Flax Scutching fers tours and activities and hosts a sponsored by the Somerset Histori- Festival in Stahlstown is touted as workshop for Boy Scouts to earn an cal Society. This isn’t just a craft fair the oldest festival of its type in the American Heritage Merit Badge. where vendors sell their wares. This Western Hemisphere. Since 1907, For more information, and to is a hands-on, educational oppor- families have gathered to celebrate join the mailing list for the annual tunity to see live demonstrations the area’s history of scutching, Whiskey Rebellion Festival, visit their of the skills and crafts that meant which technically means to scrape website at www.whiskeyrebellionfes- the difference between survival and the dried and beaten stalks of flax tival.com. extinction to the Indians, explorers, to separate the woody pith from the The David Bradford House, locat- pioneers, tradesmen and families glossy fibers. ed at 175 S. Main Street in Washing- who settled here before us. At the Festival, local residents ton, PA, is open every Wednesday Among the many unique displays, demonstrate the linen-making pro- from April through November from your family can watch a stonecut- cess, offer food, drink, music and 11:00am to 3:00pm, or you can ter demonstrate how early American activities and continue to celebrate schedule your own tour. For more in- masons cut stone, see how coopers the local tradition of scutching. formation, visit their website at www. made casks and barrels, watch Stahlstown is located on Route bradfordhouse.org. n a tinsmith make a tin lantern and 711, four miles north of PA Turnpike talk to a beekeeper. Kids will enjoy Donegal exit. For more information, learning how to churn butter, roast visit the website flaxscutching.org.

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 9 Living History... continued from page 9

which he called Fort Necessity. They fire to Hanna’s Town. The destruc- Battle of Fort Ligonier. were still building the fort when they tion was so complete that the town Fort Ligonier, located at the in- heard news that their commanding never recovered and the County tersection of US and PA Route 711, officer had died, which meant that Seat had to be moved to Greens- 200 South Market Street in Ligonier, young Washington was promoted to burg a few years later. is open from April through October. colonel and assumed command of Today, visitors can see Justice For more information, visit their web- the regiment. Hanna’s reconstructed tavern, court- site at fortligonier.org. His fears were realized on July house, pillory and other structures, Fort Necessity 3,1754 when 600 French and 100 which provide an authentic glimpse Farmington Indians surrounded the tiny fort. into late 18th century pioneer life. Greatly outnumbered, Colonel The Westmoreland County Historical George Washington was a Washington and his troops fought all Society also conducts a variety of in- loser. Well, not when he crossed day in a miserable rain and suffered teresting tours, activities and events, the Delaware, or when he was the heavy losses. But by nightfall, there including reenactments of real court Commander-in-Chief of the Conti- was little choice. Washington sur- cases that were heard in the fron- nental Army, or when he became a rendered. tier court at Hanna’s Town over 200 Founding Father and first President This pivotal battle, which marked years ago. To celebrate the birthday of the United States. But when the beginning of the French and of General Nathanael Greene, after George Washington was a 22-year Indian War, is an important part of whom Greensburg is named, Han- -old, green-behind-the-ears lieuten- American history and today Fort Ne- na’s Town will be offering free tours ant colonel in the Virginia militia, he cessity is a National Battlefield man- on Sunday, August 7th from 10am lost the Battle of Fort Necessity. aged by the National Park Service. to 4pm. Our future first President had At the Fort Necessity visitor cen- Historic Hanna’s Town, located marched to the Pennsylvania frontier ter, families can watch a 20-minute at 809 Forbes Trail Road in Greens- in 1754. After a confusing but deadly orientation film, browse the exhibits burg, is open for tours from May skirmish at Jumonville Glen, his first and walk outside to see the recon- through October with other special battle experience, he backtracked structed fort. Every day during the events throughout the year. For more a few miles to a big meadow. Afraid summer, visitors can talk to uni- information, visit their website at- that local French and Indian forces formed Living History Soldiers, and westmorelandhistory.org/index.php/ were going to retaliate, he and 293 watch them demonstrate a Historic hannas-town troops hastily built a fortification, Weapons Firing. And by the way, George Washing- Oliver Miller Homestead ton never lost another battle again. South Park Fort Necessity National Battle- Smack dab in the middle of Al- field, located at 1 Washington legheny County’s South Park sits Parkway in Farmington, is open daily a historical gem. The Oliver Miller from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For more Homestead is a pioneer landmark information, visit their website at that housed five generations of nps.gov/fone/index.htm Millers from the late 1700s until the Historic Hanna’s Town County purchased it in 1927. Oliver Miller was one of the first Greensburg settlers to cross the Allegheny Right before the Revolutionary Mountains to claim land in the Penn- War, Westmoreland County was a sylvania wilderness in 1772. Pioneer risky and raucous place to live. As life was hard and the family survived the pioneers were engaged in a through unrelenting hard work, and longstanding squabble with Virginia by occasionally fleeing to the closest over rights to the territory, it became fort to escape Indian raids. urgent to form a provincial county to Oliver died in 1782, but he willed protect local interests. So in 1773, the log house to his 19-year-old son the first English court west of the Al- James, who later built a stone house leghenies was established at the lit- on the property, where he and his tle settlement of Hanna’s Town with wife raised eight children. founder and tavern-keeper, Robert It was James and his brothers Hanna, presiding as the first Justice. who in 1794 angrily shot at two de- As the unrest in the eastern colonies parting officers who had come on of- over King George’s heavy-handed ficial business to notify brother, Wil- taxation policies spread across the liam, that he was being fined $250 territories, Hanna’s Town became an for refusing to register his whiskey important center to recruit militia to still and was ordered to appear in fight the British during the Revolu- Federal Court in Philadelphia. tionary War. These were the first shots fired in 13-year old Chloe Velto with In July 1782, a band of Indians, the Whiskey Rebellion. wooden hoop toys at Old purportedly joined by British allies Since 1973, the site has been Economy Village dressed as Indians, raided and set under the devoted care of the Oliver 10 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 Miller Homestead Associates, a Old Economy Village provides a volunteer organization dedicated to Old Economy Village fascinating glimpse into a highly suc- preserving and operating the Miller Ambridge cessful, yet improbable, community home as a public museum. Guides in The Harmonists were a strange that raised the curiosity and admira- 18th century dress provide informa- and interesting bunch. Originally tion of reformer, royals, and presi- tion about the history of the Miller from Germany, this religious group dents during its time. family and the area and demonstrate spent 20 years trying to create a On the day I visited, I tasted cooking, weaving, quilting, garden- utopian society in Pennsylvania and bread baked fresh in a stone oven, ing, blacksmithing and other skills Indiana before they finally settled learned how to make a broom from that late 18th and early 19th century on the banks of the Ohio River in straw, watched a demonstration of pioneers needed to survive. Economy, PA in 1824 and created an antique printing press and even On the day I visited, an old one of the most successful religious got to try my hand at blacksmithing. fashioned sheep shearing was the communities in the history of the Open year round, Old Economy highlighted demonstration of the af- United States. After their break from ternoon. The small crowd of parents Village hosts special events, includ- the German Lutheran church and ing fun activities for children. and children, including Girl Scouts migration to America, the Harmon- Old Economy Village is open from troops in West Jefferson and ists agreed to live celibate, produc- Leechburg, watched in rapt attention tive lives in farming and industry as Tuesday through Saturday 10am- as the shearer used what looked like they waited for the Second Coming 5pm, and Sunday noon to 5pm. For giant scissors, to expertly cut the of Christ, which, according to the more information, visit the website wool off the sheep. prediction of their mystical leader, oldeconomyvillage.org n The Oliver Miller Homestead, George Rapp, was supposed to oc- located at 1 Stone Manse Drive in cur on September 15, 1829. Local writer, Ann K. Howley, had South Park, is open every Sunday It didn’t happen, which appeared great fun learning about Living His- May through December from 1:30pm to create a schism within the com- tory. Although her family thinks she’s to 4:30pm. Check their schedule munity, because within a few years, ready to shoe horses and shear for special events like the Children’s several hundred disgruntled Har- sheep on the frontier, she’s not so Harvest Festival on September 18th. monists left to settle elsewhere, and, For more information, visit their web- in all likelihood, marry. sure. Follow her Mom About the site at olivermillerhomestead.org. A state historic site since 1919, Burgh Blog at annkhowley.com/blog.

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 11 teens today Heartbreaking moments New home for original, interactive children’s theater

for the mother of a concussed teen By Lara Krupicka

t happens in a flash. A tangle of legs She sleeps most of the day, emerging bed reserved for her in the health office and arms in a tussle over the ball only at night to shower in a dimly lit so she can rest her brain. As I check during a high school girls’ soccer bathroom. I ache to see her regain her out later at the attendance window, I game. My daughter takes an elbow to the normal teenager life. chat with the receptionist there who Ihead and she stumbles, but she pushes • The moment we visit a neurologist five has become familiar with my voice on for the remaining few minutes of the weeks after the concussion-causing over the past few weeks. And I realize game. No one - coaches, teammates or bump and the nurse practitioner de- my daughter and I are discovering a spectators — even notice she’s been hit. scribes our teen’s condition as a mild side of the education system we never She comes off the field at the end of the traumatic brain injury. I gloss over the expected to experience. game complaining to me of a headache. terminology until I have to relay it to my And later to her father and unbeknownst • I count the third time in a day that husband. Then it hits me with a shud- my child breaks down sobbing at the to me, of nausea. der: brain injury. At the time we are unaware that slightest provocation. When I ask her these symptoms are signs of an why, she says she does not know. injury that will last for six months. It happens again the next day and And little am I aware of the griefs the next. Until one day she spends that await me as her mother. an entire evening in her bed crying. I ask the dreaded question: does she Heart breaking moments such as: feel suicidal? She does not answer and I spend the night curled up be- • When the school nurse calls to side her, hand gripping her shoulder. deliver the news that our teen is The following day I call the doctor to complaining of tunnel vision and ask them to switch her medication. feeling foggy-brained. Troubling Soon after, the uncontrolled crying symptoms. Yet I have sent her to stops. school for three days thinking it • My ordinarily bright child slumps was her usual headache. I regret at our kitchen counter, weeping be- not taking her to a doctor sooner, cause she cannot understand math. especially when a concussion I recall recent cognitive tests run by test administered by the school a neuropsychologist indicating her trainer conclusively diagnoses the abilities have been compromised injury I missed. by the injury. But she does not get • Realizing I misinterpreted the pe- what those results mean. And she diatrician’s follow-up instructions does not get math right now either. as she chews me out the next What she desperately wants to get day when I call to ask what medi- is an A in the class, injury or no. cation to give our teen for the • We are hosting our annual headache after school. Because barbeque with a backyard full of why did our teen attend classes our favorite people, when I notice when she should be at home in a my daughter following her friends dark room with no light, no sound around in a daze before quietly and no mental stimulation of any retreating to her room to be alone. sort? I wistfully watch the teens having a • The empty chair at our table water balloon fight later and wonder when our family gathers that again how long until my child can night for dinner as usual. And take part in the fun, uninterrupted the lack of stories about AP class • The same nurse practitioner looks me by pain. agonies and overdone rolling of eyes in the eye and instructs that if my child Certainly worse injuries or illnesses and groaning at Dad’s wry jokes. Our exhibits symptoms of depression I am could happen to our child. And I find youngest manages to complete a full to ask her point blank, “Are you feeling reassurance along the way that she will sentence without her gregarious sister suicidal?” I hope beyond hope that I recover fully, without lasting impact... there to interrupt- a small consolation will not have any cause to ask this. But eventually. But a sense of vulnerability for our teen’s absence. the nurse’s insistence makes me fear and helplessness still catch me off guard • When friends text our daughter their that I will. at times. Because this is my child. And reports of school-day antics and • I sit in a meeting with support staff at she has a concussion. n weekend plans two weeks into her the high school, working on a plan to isolation, hoping she’ll join them soon. help my child finish her freshman year But our child appears to be no better, while attending half-days. The school Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and still curled up in her hushed bedroom, nurse assures me that during my teen’s mom to three girls, two of whom have fleece blankets draped over windows. scheduled gym class there will be a experienced concussions.

12 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT CHILDREN’S MUSICAL THEATER SPONSORED CONTENT New home for original, interactive children’s theater By The Gemini Theater Company

The Gemini Theater Company has been bringing unique, in- simply to have fun playing on stage, all of our classes offer a stress- teractive theater experiences to children and families for twenty free environment for any student who is part of the programs. years. Founded in 1996 by Dennis Palko and Lani Cerveris- There is so much the Gemini can do for you, your family, and Cataldi, the theater began producing interactive musicals that your school or organization. Check us out at geminitheater.org or literally have children stepping into the story. From princesses to visit us in our NEW home at the Father Ryan Arts Center! “Anything animals to pirates, the Gemini always gives kids the opportunity can happen when you tap in to your imagination!” to be part of the show, helping the characters solve problems and make new friends. July 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary of The Gemini bringing imagination to life, and we are excited to debut our upcoming season in our new home at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks! In 2003, Dennis and Lani expanded Gemini Theater programs to include Summer Theater Camps. In one week, young actors create, write, and rehearse an original show to perform on the last day of camp. Camp sessions are scheduled by age for children and teens 4 – 17, ensuring that every actor gets an opportunity to work in an environment that fits their age and learning comfort level. In between writing and rehearsing campers also learn theater games that strengthen their social skills as well as their stage presence. Campers also make their own props, help design their sets, and make any costume pieces needed to make their character come to life. Gemini Theater also offers afterschool and weekend Acting and Technical Theater classes, both of which began in 2008, when demand for our camps stretched beyond the summer months. Our classes have all been carefully designed so that a child or teen can participate where they feel most comfortable. Whether it is to develop acting skills, prepare for an audition, or

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 13 Distracted driving can be

By Kerriedeadly McLoughlin

e hear all the time about teens Wgetting into a car crash because they were texting while driving. We’ve seen the heart-breaking public service announcements about a teen’s last text before dying in a crash. Teens get such a bad rap for texting and driving, yet I see so many adults who are driving while trying to dial a phone number, text, put on makeup, hold their pet … often with small children in the backseat. What are we teaching our children and teens about distracted driving? So many of us are multi-taskers by nature. Everyone is busy and some of us are in our car way more often than we would like to be. It’s tempting to want to pop off a quick text message to let someone know you are running late. It’s easy to make a fast phone call to the doctor’s office from the car to ask a question you might forget about by the time you get home. And we have to check in with work, don’t we? According to Distraction.gov, the official U.S. government website for distracted driving, “Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. These types of distractions include: texting; using a cell phone or smartphone; eating and drinking; talking to passengers; grooming; reading, including maps; using a navigation system; watching a video; adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.” So how do you keep your teenager from texting and driving or talking on their cell phone while driving? For starters, you have to be a good example. A teenager recently told me her mother drives with her knee while applying lipstick and talking on the phone at the same time. 14 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 Maybe being a bad example will make this teenager go the opposite way; maybe not. One mom I know says, “Oh I’m horrible ... I text but with my voice app more now ... I always put on makeup in the car. It’s a horrible habit I have … I’m a terrible example; in fact, I have talked to them a lot about what I do they shouldn’t.” Another option is to get a cool app to help you out. Privus Mobile® is a Dallas-based application developer that has come up with a Caller ID app that says out loud who a text is from. This way, a person can decide to ignore the text or to pull off to the side of the road to check the text and/or answer it. This is a great idea because now people won’t have to look at their phone to see who is sending a text and then try to read it and respond while driving. To learn more about this app to help end texting while driving, go to http://privusmobile.com/ eyesontheroad. Realize that being late to your destination is better than not arriving at all due to causing an accident because you had to do last-minute things in your car instead of at home. Thinking, “I can just call/text my friend back while I’m driving the kids to dance class” could be deadly and is something you can make a note about and do later. Keep track of when your child is driving places and find out on the phone bill if there were any calls or texts during that time. If it turns out your child is practicing distracted driving, decide on the consequences, such as taking away driving and/or other privileges, etc. More ideas include: • Keep snacks and bottles of water in the car for the kids to get into if they need them instead of you digging around for them and passing them back. • Pull over to soothe your baby instead of reaching back and trying to get a pacifier or bottle in his mouth. • Rather than messing with the radio/CD player endlessly, leave it where it is or turn it off entirely. • Stow your phone somewhere in the car where you can’t reach it and won’t be tempted to answer it. Turning it off is also a good idea so you won’t hear the ringing or dinging of it and get stressed out thinking it might be something urgent. Even using a headset is not necessarily safer, as your mind is still focused on the phone call and not on the road. n

Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five. Come and see her at TheKerrieShow. com.

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 15 Girls of Steel CAN do it! By Ann K. Howley based program mentors, who are parents, CMU stu- that inspires young dents, faculty, staff and others in the people to be sci- community. ence and technol- Theresa Richards, a former middle ogy leaders. school and high school teacher, has been Experience is not mentoring since the team was founded required to join the in 2010. team. According to Theresa, mentors “It’s not based “emphasize student learning and are will- on your grades or ing to support the girls’ ideas for running the team and making the competition robot and practice robot.” The fun part comes in Janu- ary when all the teams who will compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition get a video of this t’s really hard to build a robot that can year’s “game,” which reveals the cross a drawbridge. theme of the competition. Fox Chapel Area High School rising The 2016 theme was “medi- junior Alexa Selwood knows this because eval,” which meant that the girls Ishe and a team of girls from 30 other had to design a robot that could Pittsburgh-area schools had to build one. cross certain barriers, like the They are the Girls of Steel, who meet “drawbridge,” or throw foam during the school year at Carnegie Mel- “boulders” into a hoop like it was lon University to learn electronics, hand school,” Alexa says. “You just have to be attacking a medieval tower. tool and machine shop skills, welding, able to commit to the program.” After the theme was announced the computer programming and various During the preseason from October girls had six weeks to brainstorm and business skills in order to design, build through December, the girls meet for build their robot. To make it even more and program a robot to compete in the three and a half hours on Tuesday nights challenging, the competitions feature FIRST Robotics Competition, a mentor- to receive training, guided by volunteer three robots that compete against three other robots. “So your robot has to be able to cooperate with other teams to complete the tasks,” says Alexa. The Girls of Steel team attended three competitions during the 2016 season, including the FIRST World Champion- ships in St. Louis. At the Greater Pitts- burgh Regional at California University of Pennsylvania, the team received the Regional Entrepreneurship Award and at the Queen City Regional in Cincinnati, they ranked #12 out of 56 competing teams and received the Regional Engi- neering Inspiration Award. During World War II, the iconic image of a strong, muscle-bound female riveter named Rosie became the symbol of female power as mothers, daughters and wives filed into shipyards, factories and steel mills to do “men’s work” while men fought overseas. The slogan “We Can Do It” captured the spirit of grit and determination of the millions of American women who proved they could do the traditional jobs that only men had done before. It’s no surprise that the Girls of Steel attend competitions wearing uniforms consisting of Rosie-inspired red polka dot bandanas and plaid shirts with rolled up sleeves. The fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) may still be

continued on page 48

16 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 17 EARLY LEARNING BACK TO SCHOOL

Ways to improve your child’s listening skills By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

speaking. When he responds, maintain eye contact and repeat the content of the message or model good listening by using appropriate body language such as nodding. • Encourage conversations on topics of her choice. Model good listening and show your appreciation for her ideas. It is surprising how little conversation takes place in our daily lives with today’s busy schedules. Mealtimes are often good times to engage in conversation. • Read to him every day. A ten-to-fifteen- minute read aloud session is one of the most powerful strategies you have to build listening skills. Select books he enjoys and stop often to predict what istening: More than Just Hearing nection with the content of the message. will happen next or to ask his opinion Focused listening is one of the Good listening requires practice because about the action in the story. Lmost important skills your child will it requires effort to do it well.” (1) • Build her inner language by having her ever learn. Children with strong listening You can see that good listening repeat back what you’ve said to her. Or skills do better in school, sports, relation- requires not only the ears, but engage- ask her to explain what she is doing or ships and eventually, their careers. But ment of the mind and body as well. It is a what she plans to do. This will help her many children lack this important skill and series of decisions made by the listener focus on the steps in the process and parents are rightly concerned. What can and it can break down quite easily. Even will help her with listening to receive you do? children who want to “pay attention” information and follow steps sequen- First, listening is much more than just and “follow directions” may be unable to tially. hearing. It is a given that you will have do so if their attention is pulled away by background noise, movement or other • Do the peanut butter and jelly your child’s hearing checked by medi- sandwich game. Ask him to write down cal professionals and follow up with any competing thoughts and sounds. Chil- dren need practice in focusing their atten- the directions problems discovered. Occasionally a for making a wax build-up, ear infection, fluid behind tion, receiving the message, understanding the message and then responding in pb & j and then the eardrum or other relatively minor ear model following problem must be addressed. If your child the appropriate way. Parents, you can help your child be a those directions does have a hearing loss, be very sure exactly. to do all you can to maximize his or her better listener. Here are ten simple ways to build active listening skills. Chances are hearing. there will be But listening problems are a differ- Practice Makes Perfect some gaps in ent issue. “Listening is the conscious • Model active listening. Build listening the directions which make for a funny process of receiving meaning from the motivation and success by intention- and slightly messy activity. The point sounds we hear. It implies the ability to ally gaining your child’s attention before will be made: listening and following stay focused on the message, screen out expecting him to listen. Whenever distractions and make a meaningful con- possible, make eye contact before continued on page 20 18 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 early learning BACK TO SCHOOL

early learning August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 19 Child Care=CC PreKindergarten=PK Extended Day=X Preschool=PS Kindergarten=K Summer Camp=SC 2016 EARLY LEARNING DIRECTORY Montessori=M Summer Prgm=SP Newborn=N Varies=V Nursery School=NS Ages Enrollment Program Hours Tuition ADAT SHALOM Preschool Gail Schmitt PS 14 mo 63 9:30-12:30 V Developmentally appropriate programs • Non- 368 Guys Run Road 412- 82 0 - 9110 PK to & by denominational • Small class size • Play Curriculum Cheswick, PA 15024 adatshalompreschool.org SC 5 yrs 12:30-2:15 class • Enrichment & Summer camp.

ALLIANCE FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS, THE Erica Balint V Birth V 8am No In-home assessments & services for Allegheny County 2801 Custer Avenue 412-885-6000 to to cost to children who have or who are at risk for developmen- Pittsburgh, PA 15227 afit.org 36 mo 4:15pm families tal delays.

AQUINAS ACADEMY OF PITTSBURGH PRESCHOOL PROGRAM Leslie Mitros PS 3 30 9am $1,150 Your child will thrive in a nurturing environment 2308 W. Hardies Rd. 724-444-0722 to to to while learning the foundational skills needed for Gibsonia, PA 15044 AquinasAcademy.info 4 yrs 3pm $2,500 academic and personal growth.

BE AT HOME CHILD CARE Laraine Schmitt CC, NS NB 80 7am V Nurturing/safe environment • Literary curriculum 2590 Wexford Bayne Road 724-934-9730 K, SP to to • Early learning & school readiness • Fun times Sewickley, PA 15143 PK,PS 12yrs 6pm • Social, Emotional & Intellectual Growth

BELLWOOD PRESCHOOL Linda Moser PS 3yrs 64 M-W-Th-F V Individual discovery • creative play • est. 1969 2359 West Ingomar Road 412-366-3812 PK to am & • 1:6 teacher/student • science • cooking • Span- Pittsburgh, PA 15237 bellwoodpreschool.com X PK pm ish • beautiful playground • experienced teachers

BEULAH CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE Tracy Belmonte CC 6 wks 260 7am V • NAEYC accredited & 4 Star Center 2500 McCrady Road 412-242-4424 PS to to • Non-denominational, Christian Pittsburgh, PA 15235 beulahpscc.org PK, SC 5 yrs 6pm • Financial Aid & Summer Camp

EDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Nanette Curtis X PK-3 651 V V Education that prepares students for life—mind, Berkeley Hills 412-364-8055 PS, K thru body and spirit • Christ-Centered • Intellectually Wexford EdenChristianAcademy.org PK K Stimulating • Culturally Engaged.

ELLIS SCHOOL, THE Bayh Sullivan “02 PK 3 V 7:30am $9,100 All girls—a unique balance of discovery and 6425 Fifth Avenue 412- 661-4880 K to to to learning in a nurturing environment. Access to all Pittsburgh, PA 15206 [email protected] X 5yrs 3pm $16,500 campus facilities

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER Krista Dignazio PS 3 V V V Secure facility • State licensed • Certified teachers 670 Pleasant Hill Road 724-935 - 6199 PK to by • Mult. classrms & playground • Dev. Approp. curric. Wexford, PA 15090 fdcpreschool.com X 5yrs age • enrich activities • PreK available 5days/week

FOX CHAPEL COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Sharon Smith PK 3 V V V Learning experiences promoting inquiry, discovery, 620 Squaw Run Rd. East 412-963-8644 K to creativity and enthusiasm for learning • 17 acre Pittsburgh, PA 15238 FoxChapelCountryDay.com X 6 yrs wooded campus • PK through 5th grade.

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listening skills... continued from page 18

directions is an exact skill different rhythmic patterns if you want a good end and have your child repeat the product. sounds. You can play the same • Play the “add one more” game by counting and clapping game. Give one direction the syllables in words. such as “Touch your nose.” • Play the old standby, Then add a second direction Simon Says. This game is not and ask her to do both in only fun for children; it also sequence. She will need builds great listening skills. to remember to touch her They do not respond unless the nose and then go on to leader says, “Simon says.” n the second command. Keep adding directions and see how many she can Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired remember in sequence. • Take a listening walk. Go for a nature teacher and freelance writer. Children love this game. walk with the express intention of She is the author of Homegrown Read- noticing sounds. Shhh. What do you ers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child • Cook together. Find a simple recipe Learn to Read, available online at Barnes and enjoy time in the kitchen together. hear? Where is the sound coming from? What is making that sound? You and Noble and Amazon. Find her at www. Reading the directions aloud and janpierce.net. then following them carefully is great might even keep a listening log and practice in building active listening record the things you hear. skills. • Play sound pattern games. Tap on a drum or clap hands in a variety of 20 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 early learning early learning August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 21 Child Care=CC PreKindergarten=PK Extended Day=X Preschool=PS Kindergarten=K Summer Camp=SC 2016 EARLY LEARNING DIRECTORY Montessori=M Summer Prgm=SP Newborn=N Varies=V Nursery School=NS Program Ages Enrollment Hours Tuition GARDEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Sandrq M. Durkin PS,PK 2.7 V V V Expanding Elementary Program to include 4th-6th 204 Commerce Park Drive 724 -778 - 0111 K,M to by grades! Ext care 7:30-6PM. Certified Teachers, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 gardenmontessori.com SC 12yrs age Spanish, Music, Theater Extracurricular STEM Camps.

KENTUCKY AVENUE CHILDREN’S CENTER Fran Weingrad PS 2 V 9-12 V Celebrating 32yrs • An environment where children 905 Mifflin Ave ~ at Mifflin Ave. UMC 412-371-6554 PK to & explore, discover & enjoy • Daily French program for Pittsburgh, PA 15221 kentuckyavenuechildrenscenter.org 5 yrs 9-2:30 all ages • Indoor gym • Low teacher-student ratio

KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS PS 6 wks V 6:30am V Kindercare provides a balanced approach to learn- 18 Locations Throughout Pittsburgh See backcover for phone #’s CC thru to ing, giving you the peace of mind that your child will kindercare.com X 12 yrs 6:30pm have fun as they develop.

RODEF SHALOM PRESCHOOL Mimsie Leyton PS 18 mos 50 8:30 V Developmentally appropriate program integrates 4905 Fifth Avenue 412-621-6566 x127 to to Reform Jewish values into curriculum • All children Pittsburgh, PA 15213 [email protected] 5 yrs 3:00 welcome • Registration now open!

ROYAL OAK NURSERY SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Lori A. Smith CC 3 115 7am V State licensed • Programs: half/all day, summer, 4413 Mt. Royal Blvd. 412-487-1668 NS, PS to to before/after school • Specialized art and language Allison Park, PA 15101 royaloaksch.com PK, K 13 yrs 6pm classes.

ST. PAUL’S CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES Donalee Miller K, PK infants V V V Nurturing care for infants thru fifth grade • Drop-in 1965 Ferguson Road 412-486-5591 CC,PS thru daycare • Presch (NAEYC accredited) • K Enrichment Allison Park, PA 15101 S P, S C grd. 5 • Before/after school • Summer camps.

SEWICKLEY ACADEMY Jayme Thompson K 4 yrs 52 8:10am $15,825 Small group and experiential learning with instruction that 315 Academy Avenue 412-741-2235 PK thru to to inspires creative and intellectual curiosity, problem solv- Sewickley, PA 15143 sewickley.org K 3:10pm $17,220 ing, and social responsibility • sewickley.org.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY JUNIOR SCHOOL Maggie Marquette PK 3.5 yrs 80 8am $9,250 Nurturing, child-centered prog. helps children learn 400 South Braddock Ave. 412-473-4437 K thru to to critical social & cognitive skills • Half & full-day PK Pittsburgh, PA 15221 shadysideacademy.org X, SC K 3:15pm $16,250 Newly renovated PK facility • Before/after-school care.

TENDER CARE LEARNING CENTERS CC 6 wks V 6am V “We exist to help children to develop a lifelong love The Early Education Professionals PS to to of learning by focusing on your child’s individual 17 Locations throughout Pgh. earlyeducationpros.org 10 yrs 6:30pm developmental needs.”

WESTERN PA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Jamie Campbell M 20 mo 115 V V Licensed, Non-profit • Toddler, pre-school and K 2379 Wyland Avenue 412-487-2700 SC to • Montessori curriculum half & full day • Parent involve- Allison Park, PA 15101 wpms.edu PK,K 6 yrs ment • Summer Camp.

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22 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 early learning education connection

Dear Teacher By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

The tasks of an involved parent learn and to share what they are learning apps is commonsensemedia.org. with you. This is true at any grade level. Your preschooler might enjoy our Skinny Books – Word Family Readers available in the App Store. They have Teaching to the common core amusing rhyming standards word stories, like “Mox the Ox,” So many people I know are “The Cub in the upset about Common Core. Tub” and “The Q: They think every teacher will Crab Who Ran now be forced to teach in the same way. Away.” Then there Is this true? – Curious are fun games to play with the words they have learned to read. Plus, The new school year has there is accompanying narration so they started. In the past, I have can read these books without adult help. Q: always been involved in my And this app will truly put young children children’s education by communicating on the road to reading as they will learn with their teachers, attending parent- more than 200 rhyming words and 36 of teacher meetings, being a room mother, the most basic sight words. going to school events, visiting their classrooms and so on. Is there anything Easing the transition That is definitely a else parents should do to be involved in to middle school their children’s education? – Wondering misconception. Teachers will continue to devise their own You are being an involved A: lesson plans and adjust the curriculum It’s a big transition time for parent. You know what is to the individual needs of students in our daughter as she is leaving happening at your children’s A: their classes. The standards do establish Q: elementary school and moving schools and have the information to have what students need to learn as Common to middle school. Although she does not meaningful conversations with them Core is a clear set of shared goals and seem too anxious about this move, I have about what is going on at their schools. expectations for what knowledge and heard it can be rather traumatic. What are There is one more thing about being skills will help students succeed, but some things that I can do to ensure this involved in children’s education. Parents they do not dictate how teachers should move goes smoothly for her? - Calming need to be involved at home as well as teach. Instead, schools and teachers will Influence at school. They can do so much at home decide how best to help students reach to ensure their children’s success in Hopefully, your daughter has the standards. school. On the non-academic side, they visited her new school so she can teach them patience, responsibility A: has a good idea of the physical and respect for others – all traits that will Finding reading apps for layouts. The more familiar your child is enhance their education. preschoolers with the new environment, the more Another area in which parents comfortable she will feel. should be involved with their children’s Besides visiting a school in person, There are times when we are your daughter should visit the middle education, especially in the early grades, waiting on the sidelines of a is their homework. This will give them school’s website. It will definitely increase Q: soccer game or at a doctor’s what she knows about the school with an opportunity to expand the curriculum office that I would like to have my information about policies, vacation through related learning activities at preschooler be able to pick up some home even if it is just a dinner table dates, grading and possibly pictures of reading skills on my cellphone rather than the teachers. conversation. just play games. What should I look for It definitely helps if parents read daily Feeling comfortable is also enhanced in selecting appropriate apps for her? - if your children reconnect with former to their children. They should also go Waiting and Reading beyond reading with younger children to classmates before the first day of school. ask questions about what is happening It can be very helpful if they arrange to It can be a daunting task to find go with friends they already know on this in the story. With older children in grades appropriate educational apps for five and beyond, discussions can include day. A: preschoolers. If your child is just It also pays dividends for children to who the author is and the author’s point being introduced to reading, search for of view. talk to students who are attending or apps that have a limited amount of text, have recently attended their new schools. Finally, let your children see that you quality narration as well as word games are excited about what they are learning. They can give helpful insight about things to reinforce the learning of new words. to do and not do. This will make them even more eager to One very helpful website with well-vetted continued on page 48 early learning August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 23 24 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 2525 ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY BACK TO SCHOOL

How to calm anxious elementary school kids By Christina Katz

f your child is naturally shy, and emotions settle back down. If kids introverted or resistant to say they are “fine,” gently question until change, you probably won’t you get a more detailed response. Ibe surprised when back-to- Paint a picture. Take advantage of school anxiety crops up a few school tours and meet-the-teacher weeks before school starts. days to help your child know what to And what if your typically expect from school. Talk to your child fearless, hyper-social child about how nice and orderly school is. suddenly starts to have Describe how teachers and administra- angry outbursts or impul- tors are in charge and how a scheduled sive restlessness a couple routine will be followed. Make of weeks before school sure your child knows who to starts? Could this be a sign talk to if she has a problem of back-to-school anxiety? or concern. Assuring your Certainly. Transitions child that there is a plan can be hard for children at and steady leadership in any age, especially for kids place can help her relax. If who have trouble manag- she feels panicky, reassure ing change. Sometimes the her that she will quickly catch on unknown can spark a child with to school routines, and then when you a lively imagination to picture the come to the visit, she will be able to show worst. And elementary-school aged you the ropes. children are growing and developing in leaps and bounds, which can often throw manner, you might do the whole family Keep the teacher informed. If your physical, mental and emotional behaviors a favor by expecting the onset of school child is seriously struggling with anxiety into an unexpected tizzy. to cause some degree of anxiety in your beyond what might be considered first- So regardless of your child’s usual elementary student, whether this is the day jitters, keep his teacher in the loop. first year of school or the fifth. Being Teachers are trained to handle every proactive at the first sign of school jitters kind of situation that may come up in the Books about the can help. Here are some ways to calm classroom. And your child might respond first day of school anxious feelings before they become more positively to input from other adults • The Night Before Preschool (also overwhelming. beyond parents. If the situation does Kindergarten and First Grade) by Ask about feelings. Don’t assume not improve after the first day hurdle Natasha Wing your child is totally fine unless he says is cleared, consider getting a school • This School Year Will Be The so. And even then, ask some questions. counselor involved, as well. Trust that the Best by Kay Winters Try to frame a variety of feelings for your school is behind your child and express • First Day Jitters by Julie child to choose from. Say things like, that you all want your child to have a Danneberg “When kids start school they sometimes good time at school. • Kindergarten Rocks by Katie feel excited, nervous, anxious, scared Prepare the launch pad. Your child will Davis or overwhelmed. What are you feeling?” be comforted by tasks that prepare him • Countdown To Kindergarten by Being able to express and describe the for school. Resist the urge to do every- Alison McGhee experience can often take the edge off. thing for him or try to shield him from • I Love You All Day Long by And don’t be surprised if you feel com- the preparation process. Together you Francesca Rusackas pelled to ask every day for several weeks until school settles into a familiar routine continued on page 28

26 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 elementary & secondary BACK TO SCHOOL

elementary & secondary August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 27 Anxious children... continued from page 26

can gather lunch-making supplies, shop for school supplies and select school clothes. These are all nice, concrete tasks that can bring an anxious child back down to earth. Why not create a getting ready checklist for the two of you and tick tasks off as they are completed? Focus on the positive. Okay, your child is definitely nervous about school. There may be no way around it. But chances are good she is also looking forward to some aspects of school. What about seeing her friends every day? How about taking the bus? Does she love libraries full of books? Do what you can to prime the positive pot a bit for the first few weeks of school. Offer a special snack for school, a chance to watch a favorite show right after school or a daily call to grandma to share her adventures. “Express the negative and embrace the positive” is your new motto. Practice the new routine. The week before school starts is an important rehearsal time to ease into a new routine. Get your child to bed earlier, wake him up before school will start, feed him well and get him into the school day mental- ity. Then before you send him off to play or do chores say, “If today was a school day, it would be time to go to the bus stop,” to help him envision what a school day will be like. Post the daily school day schedule and go over it with him as the big day draws near. Be extra calm yourself. If you are con- tending with your own separation anxiety as you anticipate sending your child off to a school, discuss your feelings with understanding adults out of earshot of your child. Take part in all of these sug- gestions as a way to settle yourself down, as well as a way of preparing your child for school. Remind yourself that your child is resilient and strong and will adjust to change just fine with support. If you are too quick to jump in and mediate every situation, you might be interfering with her opportunity to see what she can do for herself. So be there, be calm, but don’t hover. Model a you-can-do-it attitude, even if it’s not the way you actually feel in the moment. Life is full of ups and downs and so is school. Letting your child experience academic challenges and victories will build character and healthy self-esteem. Enjoy surfing the waves together! n

Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz has shed her fair share of tears after dropping her daughter off for her first days of school. Sometimes these tears surprised her, but eventually she didn’t need them any longer.

28 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 elementary & secondary elementary & secondary August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 29 Co-ed=C Male=M 2016 ELEMENTARY/ Cyber/Charter=CC Post Grad=PG Ext. day=X Presch=PS Extra Curricular=EC Varies=V SECONDARY SCHOOL DIRECTORY Female=F Gifted=G Student Body Grades Enrollment Class Size Tuition AQUINAS ACADEMY OF PITTSBURGH Leslie Mitros C PS 379 15 $1,150 Named the #1 Catholic High School in PA by Niche 2308 West Hardies Rd. 724-444-0722 thru to • Full-Day K with Half-Day option Gibsonia, PA 15044 AquinasAcademy.info 12th $10,455 • Extended day program

COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL Sarah Dewitt C, X PS 275 15 $7,000 Nurturing, academically excellent Age 3 to Grade 8 6424 Forward Avenue 412-521-1100 EC thru to to Jewish day school. Co-ed and independent. Tuition as- Pittsburgh, PA 15217 comday.org G 8th 18 $15,680 sistance and flexible Early Childhood schedule available.

EDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Nanette Curtis C, X PS 651 Avg V Education that prepares students for life—mind, body Berkeley Hills 412-364-8055 PS thru of and spirit • Christ-Centered • Intellectually stimulating Mt. Nebo, Wexford EdenChristianAcademy.org EC 12th 15 • Culturally engaged • College Preparatory

ELLIS SCHOOL, THE Bayh Sullivan ‘02 F PS 395 8 $9,100 Excellence in education for girls • High academic 6425 Fifth Avenue 412-661-4880 thru to to standards • Leadership opportunities • Extensive Pittsburgh, PA 15206 [email protected] 12th 14 $27,500 co-curricular and athletic progs • Diverse community

FOX CHAPEL COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Sharon Smith C PK V V V Learning experiences promoting inquiry, discovery, 620 Squaw Run Road East 412-963-8644 X thru creativity, and enthusiasm for learning on a 17-acre Pittsburgh, PA 15238 FoxChapelCountryDay.com EC 5th wooded campus • PK through 5th grade

KENTUCKY AVENUE SCHOOL Roberta Kardell C K 80 10 $10,800 Progressive curriculum. Experiential, active learning 5701 Fifth Avenue 412-361-5332 thru to to geared to each child • Diverse, inclusive learning Pittsburgh, PA 15232 KentuckyAvenueSchool.org 8th 15 $11,400 community • Creative, nurturing environment.

KISKI SCHOOL, THE Christopher A. Brueningsen 9th 210 10 $52,900 Experts in educating H.S. boys. College prep • Personal- 1888 Brett Lane 724-639-3586 M thru to boarding ized attention • Challenging academic program Saltsburg, PA 15681-8951 kiski.org 12th 15 $32,100 day • Solid athletic program • Fine Arts • 350-acre campus

LINSLY SCHOOL, THE R.J. Zitzelsberger III C 5th 430 15 $34,880 A co-ed, college-prep boarding (grades 7-12) & day 60 Knox Lane 304-233-1436 thru to boarding school (grades 5-12) • Located approximately 1 hr. from Wheeling, WV 26003 linsly.org 12th 18 $16,780 day Pittsburgh. Need based financial aid available.

OAKLAND CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL F 9th 555 V $13,800 Christ-centered, college preparatory school for young 144 North Craig St. 412-682-6633 thru to women of diverse backgrounds that instills the values of Pittsburgh, PA 15213 oaklandcatholic.org 12th $14,800 spirituality, scholarship & service

PA CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL C K 10,000 V Free Innovative and accredited online education for K-12 652 Midland Avenue 1-888-722-9237 CC thru • Tuition-free • Flexible curriculum • Southside, Wexford Midland, PA 15059 [email protected] 12th and Greensburg offices.

PITTSBURGH URBAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL C K 135 12-18 $6,276 Equipping students to thrive academically, emotionally 809 Center Street 412-244-1779 thru to and spiritually, in order to server others • Financial Aid Pittsburgh, PA 15221 PUCS.org 8th 7,219 Available

PROVIDENCE HEIGHTS ALPHA SCHOOL Margaret Ruefle C K 152 15 $7,950 Private, independent Catholic school welcoming 9000 Babcock Boulevard 412-366-4455 thru children of all faiths • Rigorous curriculum • Spanish & Allison Park, PA 15101 AlphaSchool.org 8th Robotics K-8 • After-school & Extracurricular Activities

SEWICKLEY ACADEMY Sarah Walters C,PS PS 660 15 $15,825 In our dynamic Pre-K-12 setting, every child is treated as 315 Academy Avenue 412-741-2235 EC thru to an individual & is challenged to explore & excel to his or Sewickley, PA 15143 sewickley.org X 12th $26,670 her highest ability.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY JUNIOR SCHOOL Maggie Marquette C PK 240 15 $9,250 Strong academic program includes Singapore Math 400 South Braddock Avenue 412-473-4437 X thru to & Balanced Literacy • Faculty fosters safe & joyful Pittsburgh, PA 15221 shadysideacademy.org 5th $20,250 classrooms • 7-acre campus • Before/after-school care.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Jeff Gross C 6th 205 15 $25,100 Challenging, balanced academic program • College 500 Squaw Run Road East 412-968-3164 thru prep • Wide range of arts and athletic offerings. 30-acre Pittsburgh, PA 15238 shadysideacademy.org 8th campus with 2 athletic fields • 1:1 iPad program.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY SENIOR SCHOOL Bob Grandizio Jr. C 9th 500 15 $29,675 College prep • Focus on critical thinking, writing & ana- 423 Fox Chapel Road 412-968-3180 thru lytical skills • Extensive arts & athletic offerings • 130 acre Pittsburgh, PA 15238 shadysideacademy.org 12th college-like campus • 5 & 7-day boarding avail.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mr. Kennedy Henriquez C K 275 15 $6,500 Classical Christian education; college prep • WPIAL 299 Ridge Avenue 412-242-8886 thru to to sports • Visual & Performing Arts • Band & Choir • Serving Pittsburgh, PA 15221 trinitychristian.net 12th 25 $7,700 East Pittsburgh and surrounding areas for over 60 years.

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30 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 elementary & secondary Successful school transitions: Parents can help By the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

arents who have children entering • Independence and self-regulation— blue top or the green one?”) all work kindergarten this fall may already being able to complete age-appropriate on essential skills. Help children to be Pbe thinking ahead to the first day of tasks without assistance (e.g., washing independent when getting dressed school. Although this is an exciting time, hands and getting dressed) as well as and brushing their teeth. Assign them it can also be a stressful one as parents being able to control one’s emotions simple chores to complete. consider whether their child is fully pre- and behaviors. pared for this important milestone. • Neighborhood walks— Compare the • Problem solving, collaboration, and Deborah Dixon, MS, CCC-SLP, direc- shapes, colors, and objects that you following directions—knowing how tor of school services for the American see. Use basic concept words such as to play with other children, work with Speech-Language-Hearing Association in front of, behind, beside, and above, other children and teachers, and solve (ASHA), advises parents to relax—as and talk about things that are bigger, the hundreds of small problems that most children will do just fine with this wider, softer, and so forth. Ask your may come up every day. transition. However, she notes that a child to name something that they saw little dedicated preparation (in the form of at the beginning of the walk. Name real-life experiences as opposed to formal • Providing your child with occasions to the kinds of trees and plants that you workbooks or apps) goes a long way. experience the world with you offers passed. Make up stories as you walk Essential skills that are the foundation important opportunities to enhance along, and have your child contribute of school-readiness include: many of these skills, Dixon says. Here to the stories. are some day-to-day activities that • Communication skills—sharing one’s • Reading—An evening ritual signals the can be turned into invaluable learning thoughts, wants, and needs as well as end of the day, provides quiet time for experiences: understanding the thoughts, wants, parents and children, and develops a and needs of others. • Household tasks—Engaging your child love of reading. As you read to your in sorting laundry by color, size, and child, stop and ask simple questions • Social skills—successfully interacting type of clothing; counting silverware that requires them to remember what and sharing experiences with peers as it is unloaded from the dishwasher; was read, or ask questions that probe as well as with adults. This involves following directions (e.g., “Can you find their thoughts. Count how many pages turn taking, initiating and concluding the colander and put it beside the pas- are in the book, and talk about the cov- conversations, and using appropri- ta dish?”); and practicing decision maker and pictures (e.g., “What is between ate gestures, facial expressions, and ing (e.g., “Would you like to wear the intonations, among other things. continued on page 48

elementary & secondary August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 31 Tips from teachers to kick off the school year right By Christa Melnyk Hines

chool bells will soon ring once establish expectations and keep your again. Whether that comes as family organized. music to your ears or a bittersweet S Build anticipation. Got a youngster reminder that the free-spirited summer who’s bummed to head back to school? days are over, check out these tips from Stay upbeat. Remind him of the subjects the pros to help you and your child enjoy that spark his curiosity that he’ll learn a smart, happy start to school. about in the coming year, whether that’s Push the re-set button. A week or cursive writing, multiplication or a special two before school starts ease back to grade-level regular bedtime and morning routines. project. Nudge kids back into the habit of daily “Talk to your children about friends reading if they’ve slacked off and play they haven’t seen all summer and about math games to review. new kids joining their class,” says first see how much he’ll learn and grow during “Think about re-setting structure at grade teacher Megan Jasperson. “This the coming months. home and what changes need to happen is sure to get them excited for the school so it’s not a total shock to everyone’s year to begin.” Be prepared. Peruse school supply system,” says Christine Vohs, a second lists carefully and read the handouts the Show support. “Avoid teasing your grade teacher. “Anything that you can school issues to ensure that your young- child by saying things like ‘you got the ster has everything she needs on the first create that allows for structure and your meanest teacher in school!’ or acting as if child’s ownership for success is going day of school. you’re overjoyed to be sending your child “Kids feel embarrassed on the first to send them to me in a better frame of back to school because this can make mind to learn for the day.” day when they aren’t prepared,” Jasper- him wonder why you’re so eager to be son says. Plan ahead for hectic mornings by away from him,” says Becky DeNoon, a gathering healthy, simple-to-prepare third grade teacher. Reduce uncertainty. Often kids feel breakfast ideas packed with nutrients Instead offer encouragement and sup- nervous about unknowns like transition- and protein. Wall calendars with activities port. Remind him that it’s normal to feel ing to a teacher they don’t know, a new color-coded for each family member and disappointed about summer break com- school or a different set of classroom daily checklists for each child can help ing to a close, but that you’re excited to rules. Take advantage of any back-to-

32 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 elementary & secondary school or orientation events that your school offers to help your apprehensive scholar familiarize herself with the classroom, meet classmates and connect with the teacher before school starts. Know- ing what to expect and where to go on the first day will ease some of a child’s anxieties. Seek out friendly faces. If you’ve recently moved to the community or switched schools, look for other families with children your child’s age to arrange a playdate or to meet for frozen yogurt. Some schools also feature parent Facebook pages. Hop on and ask if anyone would like to get together at the park before school begins. Many parents love to help welcome new families. And these efforts will lessen first day jitters when your youngster knows she’ll recognize a few familiar faces when she gets there. Have an adolescent heading into middle school? Encourage him to join after-school clubs and activities. His involvement will help him form connec- tions with peers who share his interests, says Traci Keeler, a sixth grade math teacher and eight grade coach. Create a homework spot. Designate an area in your home that’s conducive to focus and concentration and where you can easily jump in to provide assistance when necessary. While purchasing school supplies, also stock a homework caddy or station with scratch paper, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, highlighters and anything else that Junior will need to complete his homework. Build partnerships. Maintaining open communication and partnering with your student’s teacher is key to a successful school year. “You know your child best and your insights into your child are helpful to us,” Vohs says. Introduce yourself to the teacher and tell her the best ways she can contact you. In turn, remember that teachers care about their students’ best interests. Vohs speaks for many of her colleagues when she says: “I hope parents will trust me to make the best possible decisions for their child while he or she is with me.” Get involved. Help your children start seeing school as an extension of their home life by volunteering periodically. Most kids get a kick out of seeing their parents during the school day, whether they volunteer in the cafeteria, library or the classroom. Unable to volunteer at school? Ask the teacher what you can do to help from home. n

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines always loved the back-to-school season as a child and still does.

elementary & secondary August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 33 ENRICHMENT BACK TO SCHOOL

Get artsy with it: Benefits of exposing your children to fine arts

s our school classrooms become By Jan Pierce placement of fingers on piano keys, more and more focused on reading learning to play a scale, and strumming a and writing excellence, our children guitar all build motor skills. Amay be missing out on some of the most important skills they can learn – apprecia- 2. Language skills are enhanced. Chil- tion for and active participation in the arts! dren learn a whole new vocabulary when Fine arts can include much more than they enter the world of the arts. They drawing and painting. They include music learn names of famous painters, color and drama. They encompass many kinds and shape words, how to describe the of artistic expression such as working items in their drawing and identify various with clay, creating mosaics, three- artistic processes such as shading, add- dimensional paper creations, ing focal points and concepts such as puppetry and making mobiles. perspective. They include photography, cooking, flower arrangement – any 3. Visual-spatial skills are developed. activity in which self-expression Children learn how to place items on a bursts forth. piece of paper, how to connect pieces Children naturally love to of a three-dimensional work and how engage in art projects. The to move their clay into the shape they creative process is motivating in desire. itself – its’s an invitation to create something unique. There isn’t just 4. In art appreciation, children one answer in artistic endeav- will learn about the vast diver- ors, rather there are infinite sity found in artistic expres- possibilities. And that’s good sion around the world. They’ll for children. build cultural awareness as Child development specialists tell us they compare African masks that the left hemisphere of the brain is with those created by Alaskan used in logical thinking and analytical pro- natives. cesses – basically our math, reading and playdough or plays the part of Peter Rab- science lessons. The right hemisphere bit in a simple play. 5. Decision making will develop. In creat- of the brain is used in our emotional, intui- ing any piece of art, there is a series of tive and creative activities – artistic types Here are twelve benefits of decisions made. What color, what shape, of activities. Ideally our children need to how big or small? Should I use watercolor develop both sides of the brain and the engaging in artistic projects: or tempera? Art lends itself to experimen- sides must work together for optimal tation that can spill over into creativity in learning success. other areas of life. It’s not only beneficial to expose our 1. Children will improve their fine motor children to the fine arts, it’s fun. And you skills. Handling paintbrushes, drawing might be surprised at the learning that with a pencil, cutting safely with scissors; takes place while a child paints or molds these all require precision. Correct 34 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 enrichment 6. Children who sing, act or create art learn to express their feelings either with or without words. They learn to express themselves in many different ways. Children who might tend to be shy or fearful develop confidence when taking part in the arts. Activities such as singing with a group, reciting a poem with classmates, taking a chance on the bright purple paint all work together to build BACK TO SCHOOL confidence in the decisions they make.

7. Because there is not just one way to create, children in the arts learn to embrace multiple points of view. If ten children draw the same apple, there will be ten different apples. And that’s okay. Art helps children learn to observe, describe, analyze and interpret. These critical thinking skills will be necessary in academic subjects such as math, science and writing.

8. Children in the arts will learn to reflect on a project and see ways to improve or change. They will envision how they might say a line or how they might project their voice in the next performance. They’ll brainstorm ways to sculpt the clay so it looks more like a giraffe the next time. 9. Children learn collaboration. Working in a singing group, acting a part in a play or working on a class mural are all projects that require communication, shared goals and working side by side to achieve those goals. 10. Children who participate regularly in the arts have been found to achieve better grades and win more awards than those children who don’t have that luxury. (As reported in a ten year study by Shirley Heath of Stanford University.)

continued on page 36

enrichment August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 35 Acting=A Learning Support=LS Arts=AR Martial Arts=MA Computer=CT Music=M 2016 ENRICHMENT DIRECTORY Dance=D Music Theater=MT Etiquette=E Play/movement=P Tutoring=T Gymnastics=G Science=S Varie=V

Program Ages Class size Enrollment Tuition Language=L Sports=SP Voice=VO ACT ONE Karen Cordaro A, D K V 350 V School Year Classes • Summer Camp • Student/ Classes in Glenshaw and Wexford 412-487-5613 VO thru teacher ratio 8:1 • Productions include musicals, plays actonetheatreschool.com MT adult and revues • Intensive Pre-College training.

ALL ABOUT DANCE Teresa Stofesky D 2 yrs V V V Emphasizing dance in a positive nurturing environ- 1789 S. Braddock Ave. 412-343-3105 to ment • Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Compa- Pittsburgh, PA 15218 allaboutdancestudio.com adult ny, Pre-S September - May • Summer dance camp.

ARTISSIMA ART STUDIO Cara Livorio AR 3 small V V Developing fine art skills and exploring creativity in a 3564 Harts Run Road (Fox Chapel) 412-968-5858 L to S/T fun environment. Semester Art Classes - Teen Open Pittsburgh, PA 15238 artissimastudio.com adult ratio Studio - Private Parties - Italian Language Classes

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ART Elizabeth Keller A 9th V V V Tuition • Scholarships • More information at http:// CFA, 300, 5000 Forbes Ave. Director, Pre-College Art Program thru bit.do/cmu-art-precollege or email eskeller@andrew. Pittsburgh, PA 15231 412-268-3852 12th cmu.edu

CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER S V V V V Awesome camps, classes and workshops all about One Allegheny Avenue 412-237-1637 robots, outer space, trains, sports, chemical concoc- Pittsburgh, PA 15212 CarnegieScienceCenter.org tions, engineering and much more!

CENTER FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS Autumn Kunselman M, P 2 yrs small V V Music instruction for all ages! Piano, Guitar, Cello, Wexford,Sewickley, 724-935-0505 to S/T Violin, Viola, Voice. Early Childhood Music & Music Shadyside & Fox Chapel youngmusicians.org Adult ratio Literacy Groups. 2016-2017 Year begins August 29!

GYMKHANA GYMNASTICS G 6 mths V V V Unique environment emphasizing F-U-N-damentals Bethel Park, 412-833-6190 • Monroeville/Plum, 724-325-1700 P to • Children explore/expand physical, emotional & Point Breeze, 412-247-4800 • Wexford, 412-366-3800 gymkhanafun.com adult social awareness through gymnastics.

PITTSBURGH CLO ACADEMY OF MUSICAL THEATER A,D,G 3 small V V Dance, voice & acting training in a positive, fun class 130 CLO Academy Way 412-281-2234 M,MT to S/T setting. Kids ages 7-18 can perform in Thoroughly Pittsburgh, PA 15222 [email protected] P,VO 18 yrs ratio Modern Millie • Adults – check out our tap classes!

PITTSBURGH YOUTH BALLET COMPANY AND SCHOOL Jean Gedeon D 2.5 V V V Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company & School is recog- 210 Valleybrook Road 724-969-6000 MT,P thru nized as the best school & performing opportunities in McMurray pybco.com M,AR 19 yrs the country • Preschool – High School perform

PITTSBURGH MUSIC ACADEMY, INC. Jennifer Madge M Birth V 300 V Music for all ages • Private & group lessons for Violin, Carnegie, Squirrel Hill 412-429-2122 P thru Viola, Piano, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Piano & Flute • Work and Upper St. Clair pghma.com adult shops, recitals, chamber orchestra & summer camps.

SALTWORKS YOUNG ACTORS STUDIO Norma Alrutz A 4 6-12 V V Classes in acting, improvisation,improvisation, stage combat & 569 N. Neville Street 412-621-6150 x205 MT to dance • Character-building theater for ages 4-18 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 saltworks.org 18 yrs • Year-round classes.

THREE RIVERS FENCING CENTER MA 6 V V V Provides a great workout for body & mind 7501 Penn Avenue 412-731-4454 P, E to • Pittsburgh’s Premier Olympic Fencing Club offers Pittsburgh, PA15208 [email protected] SP adult professional coaches and modern, safe equipment.

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Get artsy... continued from page 35 classes. You may take them to local art museums and introduce them to folk 11. Providing experiences for art, sculpture or oil paintings. What- your children in the fine arts can ever efforts you make to expose your be as simple as supplying an children to the arts will pay off in their art corner in your family room. It motivation, expertise and joy in creative can be singing songs together learning. or reading poetry aloud. You can So get artsy with it and watch your make homemade playdough or children bloom. n use old socks to make puppets. It doesn’t have to cost money or Jan Pierce is a retired teacher and take a lot of time. freelance writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to 12. You may also choose to Help Your Child Learn to Read. Find Jan enroll your children in music at www.janpierce.net lessons, art lessons or drama 36 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 enrichment Team sports vs individual sports By Christa Melnyk Hines

outh sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping Ykids stay active to building self- esteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport is best for your child often depends on your youngster’s personality, as well as the time and money you’re willing to invest in an activity. Determine readiness. Before the age of six or seven, many kids are still developing gross motor skills like running, kicking, jumping and catching. They’re also still learning social skills like sharing, taking turns and losing/winning games gracefully. Rather than organized sports in the early years, experts recommend exploring different activities, like kicking a ball around, playing at the playground and taking swim or gymnastic lessons. Aim for fun. Many parents naturally gravi- tate toward introducing their kids to the sports they enjoyed as children. While this is a good place to start, your child may not end up sharing your enthusiasm. And you may go through several sports before you find one that’s the right fit for your child. “We really need to look at what our kids do to have fun. If they’re having fun, they’ll stay in the sport longer. They won’t burn out,” says Randy Goldstein, D.O., a board certified pediatrician who special- izes in youth sports medicine. “If they’re having fun, they’re more likely to make goals that are to their highest potential.” Pros of team sports Any sport your child participates in should help them develop strength, balance

continued on page 38 enrichment August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 37 Team Sports... continued from page 37 While your child might prefer an individual sport, that doesn’t mean she has and coordination, and provide them with Is your child ready to sacrifice the support of a team. an opportunity to push themselves in a for organized sports? “Even individual sports have the ca- healthy, positive environment. Consult with your pediatrician before maraderie or the partnership of a team,” “In a team sport, the kids have to enrolling your child in a sport and Goldstein says, who works with premier- work together towards a common goal discuss questions like: level gymnasts. “They travel together and and take instruction from a coach who Is your child ready and able to... learn to become partners and accomplish isn’t necessarily a parent,” Goldstein individual goals, but as a team.” says. “This is important to learning how to • Listen to adults other than mom or dad? The downside? Not all kids feel drawn be around future teachers, future bosses to the spotlight during a performance or • Play with others and, when neces- and future leaders.” sporting event. And some kids may put sary, wait in line to take his or her Meredith Dickinson says her son undue pressure on themselves to reach turn? Tyler, 14, who plays football, baseball and personal goals, causing the negatives to basketball, thrives in a team atmosphere. • Be away from mom or dad? outweigh the positives. Some parents He is motivated to improve by playing • Understand how to play safely with also find it difficult watching their young- alongside more talented teammates. the equipment involved with the sters navigate the pressures of a sport on “He works hard to be better. He may chosen sport? their own. not be the best on the field, but he works • Physically play the sport? (physical “As a parent, it’s tough to watch your hard to support his teammates,” Dickin- nine-year-old play in her first tennis tour- son says. readiness includes balance, body awareness and awareness of the nament where she’s responsible for scor- Every child progresses at his or her ing, pace of the game, calling shots and own speed. Encourage your young space around you to learn beginning sports skills such as running, jump- settling disputes,” says Jackie Kindred. athlete toward his personal goals with “A great experience for her, but unnerving positive, calm support. And celebrate his ing, safe landing and change-in- direction techniques.) for a parent.” personal accomplishments along the way. Kindred’s daughter Rose, now twelve, “Watch for individual progress, not has since turned her attention to club what your child’s teammates are doing. Benefits of organized sports for kids volleyball, but she feels that both team Your child may seem behind or ahead and individual sports have benefited her of the others. This can change like the • Enhances critical thinking/problem- daughter’s personal growth. weather,” Goldstein says. “It takes one or solving skills. “As a parent, I’m glad she did both. two seasons to judge improvement and • Increases social interaction/ success — not one or two competitions.” cooperation with peers. The downside? Much like individual • Improves concentration, attention Quiz: What is the top team sports, team sports like baseball and and behavior. sport for children ages 6 to 17? soccer have become more year-round • Reduces incidence of depression in nature. Although this approach can A. Basketball and anxiety. help the team and individual players grow B. Outdoor soccer stronger and more skilled over time, fami- • Fosters self-esteem, goal-setting lies may find that the sport is more of a and leadership skills C. Baseball time and money commitment than they’d • More likely to be active adults. D. Court volleyball bargained for. Sources: The Aspen Institute Project Play E. Touch football & Dr. Randy Goldstein Pros of individual sports Answer: Much of the success in individual sports like tennis, dance, swimming and A. Basketball; followed by base- gymnastics depends on the motivation of Dickinson says this is true for her ball, outdoor soccer, touch foot- the particular athlete. Athletes who excel daughter Lauren, eleven, who swims. ball and court volleyball at individual sports find satisfaction push- “Swimming is a good fit for her be- Source: NYU Child Study Center ing themselves to achieve a personal goal cause it is her and the clock,” Dickinson rather than relying on the team to help says. “She doesn’t want to have the win or loss depend on teammates.” them get there. It’s impossible for me to say one is better than another. It depends on the kids, the coaches and the sport,” Kindred says. “But I do think the exposure to both is crucial.” n

Christa Melnyk Hines & her husband are parents of two active boys who have par- ticipated in both team & individual sports. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

38 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 enrichment Little yogis a-z: Alpha-benefits of yoga for kids By Heather Lee Leap

ids’ yoga classes are popping up all over and for good reason. Kids have Kfewer opportunities for exercise or rest during their day and face increasing academic and social pressures at school. Many after-school programs, designed to help kids achieve more and more, add to their stress. Yoga offers kids a chance to slow down and connect with their breath, providing tools to combat the chronic stress and busyness that can lead to poor health and emotional challenges. Want more specifics? Here are the A-Z – Alpha-benefits of yoga. ADHD reduced. Studies of children with attention disorders indicate that when kids are taught meditation, their hyper- activity, impulsiveness and inattention decrease. Build balance. Poses that require stand- ing on one leg build core strength and concentration. Cooperation. Yoga for kids can include games and partner poses that build inter- personal skills. Decrease stress. Through both movement and mindfulness, yoga helps minimize the strain from academic pressures, media saturation and the fast pace of modern life that can keep kids in a chronic state of high alert. Empowerment. Yoga poses are tough! A good kids’ yoga class is a safe and nurturing space for kids to try new things. Fun! If it’s not a part of a kids’ yoga class, you’re in the wrong place. Silly songs, games and an opportunity for laughter should be part of every class. Gross-motor skills. Bend, reach, stretch, lunge, roll. Yoga gets kids moving.

continued on page 48 enrichment August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 39 SPECIAL EDUCATION BACK TO SCHOOL

Childhood depression: By Jan Pierce, M.Ed. When is it more than just a bad day? ll children experience tough days. They get into fights with siblings, It’s hard to imagine that a child Ahave problems at school and need of five or six may be carrying the some extra hugs for bad dreams or fears. “burden of depression, but health That’s normal. But a small percentage of professionals agree: 2-6% of children are dealing with a much bigger children and adolescents suffer health concern: childhood depression. It’s from major depression. hard to imagine that a child of five or six may be carrying the burden of depression, but health professionals agree: 2-6 percent” of children and adolescents suffer from major depression. Of these, 70 percent will continue to struggle with depression into adulthood. (1) One of the reasons health profession- perform poorly in school and burst out in als have under-diagnosed childhood de- anger or frustration. He may be disrup- pression is the fact that it looks different in tive. She may fail to make friendships or feel inappropriately guilty. Children may not have the language to explain the A young person with severity of their feelings. depression may seem Childhood depression negatively af- only irritable or moody. “ fects family relationships. The outbursts and lack of ability to enjoy life may be children. A young person with depression” seen as behavioral issues needing firmer may only seem irritable or moody. He or discipline. The cycle of failure and disci- she may complain of general aches and pline can further damage the child’s self pains, focus on negative patterns of play, continued on page 44

40 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 special education BACK TO SCHOOL

By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

special education August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 41 Autism Spectrum=AS Developmental 2016 SPECIAL EDUCATION Delays=D Gifted=G DIRECTORY Hearing Impaired=H

Program Ages Class size Enrollment Tuition Mentally Challenged=MC

ACHIEVA Early Intervention Provider Sharon Richards D, AS Birth N/A N/A N/A Tailored therapies in typical settings provided to chil- 711 Bingham St. 412-995-5000 x487 SL, MC to dren with developmental delays. Preschool readiness Pittsburgh, PA 15203 achievaearlyintervention.org H, PC, VI 3 yrs offered to children to prepare for preschool.

ALLIANCE FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS, THE Erica Balint D, H Birth V V No In-home assessments & services to children with 2801 Custer Avenue 412-885-6000 PC, MC to cost to special needs: hearing, vision, behavioral, speech, Pittsburgh, PA 152273 afit.org VI, SL 36 mo families feeding, cognitive & physical challenges.

CHILD’S WAY Michelle Jamison H, MC Birth small V V Medical care in a day care setting • Expert nursing 5324 Penn Avenue 412-441-4884 D, PC to s:t care • Therapies and child development for medi- Pittsburgh, PA 15224 childrenshomepgh.org VI 21 yrs ratio cally fragile children • Head Start program.

DEPAUL SCHOOL FOR HEARING & SPEECH Mimi Loughead H Birth 3 65+ Free Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) education for 6202 Alder Street 412-924-1012 SL to to with children who are deaf or hard of hearing in prepara- Pittsburgh, PA 15206 depaulhearingandspeech.org 15 yrs 6 approval tion for success in the mainstream.

NEW STORY DuBois AS, MC 5 Up 50+ Covered Providing schools and community-based services to Monroeville - Denise Rechtorik • 412-373-5235 Karrie Miller PC, V to to by home children and families experiencing behavioral and Indiana - Becky Compardo • 724-463-9841 814-371-5387 21 yrs 8 Sch.Dist. educational challenges • NewStory.com

PITTSBURGH CLO ACADEMY OF MUSICAL THEATER H, MC 5 yrs small V V CLO Academy’s New Horizons Program offers children 130 CLO Academy Way 412-281-2234 PC, VI to s/t and adults with physical or developmental disabilities Pittsburgh, PA 15222 [email protected] SL, D,AS Adult ratio the opportunity to take center stage.

RIVER PEDIATRIC THERAPIES Cherie River MC Birth V V V Speech, Occupational, Physical, Psychological & Be- Fox Chapel, Cranberry & 412-767-5967 D, PC to havior evaluations & therapy, Aspergers Socialization Monroeville riverpediatric.com SL 18 yrs classes, Down Syndrome play group.

W PA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN Jillian Pritts D, MC 3 7 175 N/A Enrolling students with visual impairment and multiple 201 N Bellefield Avenue 412-621-0100 SL, H to disabilities • Outreach services for youth with visual Pittsburgh, PA 15213 wpsbc.org PC, VI 21 yrs impairment throughout the region.

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42 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 special education special education August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 43 Depression... continued from page 40 of neglect. It was concluded that even point is with the child’s classroom teacher babies can display depressed behaviors. and the counselor at the local school. It is believed that such early abuse and The sooner interventions are begun, the Risk factors for childhood neglect can affect brain development. sooner negative patterns can be broken depression Early diagnosis of childhood depres- and the greater the likelihood that the sion is very important. The most com- child can move toward a happier daily mon treatments are Cognitive Behavior life. n • Chronic illness Therapy (CBT) and in some cases anti- • Female sex depressant medications. (2) CBT focuses on educating both parents and children in • Family history of depression Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher healthier coping skills, positive problem- and freelance writer. She focuses on • Hormonal changes at puberty solving, conflict resolution, social and topics related to parenting and family life • Neglect or abuse assertiveness skills and relaxation tech- skills. niques. Parents are trained to have age- • Stressors such as poverty, death in appropriate expectations for their children the family or divorce and are helped to develop non-judgmen- • Anxiety disorders or other conditions tal patterns of communication to sup- Resources such as ADD/ADHD, autism or op- port a better self-image. Other focuses positional disorder may be on dealing with negative thought 1. Bhatia, Shashi K. M.D. and Bhatia, patterns, grief resolution and handling un- Subhash C. M.D., Childhood and settling changes such as moves, loss of Adolescent Depression, 2007, Creigh- ton University, Omaha, NE, American image and increase feelings of hopeless- friendships or divorces. One specific early Family Physician Website: www.aafp. ness. For unknown reasons more girls intervention for parents and children is org/afp. than boys suffer from depression. It can called Parent Child Interaction Therapy. In be triggered by stressors such as abuse PCIT parents are trained in nurturing their 2. Hazell, Philip, 2003, Depression in or neglect, chronic illnesses, onset of children and in limit-setting to enhance Children and Adolescents, University of puberty or losses, such as a death in the emotional development. (3) New Castle, New South Wales, Austra- family. When parents have questions about lia. www.ebmentalhealth.com Important studies on childhood their child’s social and emotional well- 3. Luby, Joan H. Professor of Psychia- depression began in the 1940’s when pe- being, there are several ways to proceed. try, 2010, Preschool Depression: The diatrician Renee Spritz did clinical studies They can make an appointment with their Importance of Identification of Depres- of institutionalized infants. The patterns of family doctor and be referred to mental sion Early in Development, Washington apathy, social withdrawal and “failure to health professionals, preferably those with University of Medicine, Psychiatry, St. brighten” when stimulated were the result pediatric experience. Another starting Louis, MO.

44 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 all about August

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit Pittsburgh of Museum Larry of courtesy & Children’s Rippel Photo

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1 Monday 3 Wednesday Outdoor Discoveries FREE family-oriented programs every Thursday night at 6:30 in the Pittsburgh Parent Virtural Education Expo Wild Wednesdays: Groovin’ through the Carousel Shelter, thru Aug. 18, Alameda Park, Visit our website pittsburghparent.com and click Zoo-Rockin’ Rhino Every Wednesday, thru Butler • co.butler.pa.us on Virtural Education Expo, thru August August 3, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Reality Tours Three-hour interactive program, • pittsburghzoo.org tools needed to reduce the risk of substance Beauty and the Beast A Looking Glass 5 Friday abuse, for parents and children ages 10+ Theatre production, thru August 6, Little Lake Clearview’s Annual Car Sale Event Music, • locations, dates & times visit realitytour.org Theatre Company, Canonsburg • littlelake.org food, cars & more, Moon Branch location, Aug. South Park Children’s Theatre Snow White St. Vitus Parish Festival Family fun, 5, noon-6pm & Aug. 6, 10am-4pm and the Seven Fairy Godmothers, Aug. 1-10, kiddieland, games, homemade foods, fireworks • clearviewfcu.org South Park Theatre, South Park & more • stvitusnc.org EQT Three Rivers Ragatta Family fun, power • southparktheatre.com boats, stunt shows, food, fireworks & more Aug. 5-7, Point State Park • yougottaregatta.com Fayette County Fair Carnival rides, enter- 4 Thursday tainment, food & more, 8am daily thru Aug. 6, Pony League World Series 13-14-year-olds Zootopia Aug. 4, 8:30pm, White Oak Park; Fayette County Fairgrounds • fayettefair.com from all over the world come to play, Aug. 5-10, Aug. 11, 8:15pm, South Park; Aug. 18, 8:15pm, Lew Hays Pony Field, Washington, PA Settlers Cabin Park; Aug. 20, 8:15pm, Deer 2 Tuesday Lakes Park • alleghenycounty.us/summer Stories for Youth FREE, presented by Three Rivers storytelling, folk tales, true stories and Free Family Concert Series Tuesday nights Portersville Steam Show Vintage village, fun for children and adults, 10am, The Carnegie thru August 16, 6:30pm, Alameda Park, Odd saw mill, cider press, train rides, steam engines, Lecture Hall • 3rstf.org/category/schedule/ Fellow Gazebo, Butler • co.butler.pa.us flea market, crafts, great food, kids’ pedal New Galilee Potato Festival & Fireman’s tractor pulling & much more,8am-11pm, thru Movie Nights on the Lawn Family movies, Fair Parade, food & craft vendors, entertain- Aug. 7 • portersvillesteamshow.org 8pm, Aug. 5 & 19, Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh • 412-921-8444 ment, carnival rides & games, plus Potatoes, Mellon Square Summer Concert Series Potatoes, Potatoes & more, thru Aug. 6, Centen- FREE, Thursday afternoon thru August 25, First Fridays at the Frick FREE, Frick’s nial Avenue • newgalileepotatofestival.com 11am-1pm, Mellon Square, Downtown Pitts- summer concert series, 7pm first Friday of each LEGO Club First & third Tuesday, Kids (K-6) burgh • pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks month thru September, Frick Art & Historical Center, Pittsburgh • thefrickpittsburgh.org 4-5pm, Adults 5-6pm, Monroeville Public Fort Armstrong Folk Festival For all ages, Library • monroevillelibrary.org music, dancing, crafts, food, thru Aug. 7, River- Kids Play @ Market Square Educational front Park, Kittanning • armstrongfestival.com 6 Saturday programs & activities, every Tuesday thru Aug. Tot Moves Tots dance, play and express them- 2016 Regatta at the Lake Children’s activi- 30, 10-11:30am, Market Square selves through movement and music, children ties, entertainment, food & crafts vendors, Battle • downtownpittsburgh.com ages 4 years old and younger and caregivers, of the Bands, plus more, Aug. 6 & 7, Moraine Thursdays 11-11:30am, Children’s Musuem of State Park, Portersville • lakearthurregatta.org Pittsburgh • pittsburghkids.org

August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 45 Alameda Youth Triathlon Splash, run and 8 Monday Aug. 14, Center Township Municipal Park, Aliquippa • sanrocco.org pedal through Alameda Park, ages 7-17, Butler Farm Show Animal exhibits, airplane registration 7:30am, starts at 8:30am, Alameda rides, food, music, carnival rides & more, thru Star Party Dusk (weather permitting), Aug. 12 Park, Butler • co.butler.pa.us Aug. 13, Butler Farm Show Grounds & 13, Mingo Creek Park Observatory, Mingo 253rd Anniversary Battle of Bushy Run • butlerfarmshow.com/2016-information Creek Park and Wagman Observatory, Deer Lakes Park • 3ap.org Two-day battle reenactment, craftsman, History & Reading Summer Camp children’s area & more, thru Aug. 7, Bushy Run Reenactors, hands-on experience with artifacts, Battlefield, Jeannette • bushyrunbattlefield.com WWll-era food plus more, for grades 5-8, 9am, 13 Saturday Stars at Riverview Jazz Series FREE, Aug. 8-12, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Youth Triathlon Splash, mash and dash, 8am, Observatory Hill, musical entertainment, stay for Museum, Oakland • soldiersandsailorshall.org YMCA/ARMCO Park, Slippery Rock • co.butler. Cinema in the Park, 7-8pm, Saturdays thru Aug. pa.us/Parks-and-Rec-programs 27, Riverview Park • pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks 9 Tuesday Washington County Agricultural Fair Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park FREE, Pup Nights at PNC Park Enjoy Pirates Exhibits, rodeo, amusements, fireworks & more, movies for the whole family, thru Aug. 27, baseball with your pet, seating reserved for dog thru Aug. 20, Washington County Fairgrounds, Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville, Brookline owners & pets, 7:05pm, Aug. 9 & 23, PNC Park, Washington, PA • washingtonfair.org Memorial Park, Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh • pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com Grandview Park in Mt. Washington, Highland French & Indian War Weekend Living Park, Riverview Park, or West End/Elliott Sexual Responsibility for Sons history encampment, demonstrations & battle Overlook • pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks Course on sexual myths, abstinence, pregnancy re-enactments, Old Stone House, Slippery Rock prevention, sexually transmitted diseases & • oldstonehousepa.org Old Economy Village Summer Saturdays, more, for parents and their 12-15 year-old 19th century trade demonstrations & activities, “15 Miles of Treasures” Yard Sale Find sons, 6-9pm, Magee-Womens Hospital of Saturdays through Sept., Old Economy Village, treasures Rt. 208 starting at the Ohio State Line UPMC, Pittsburgh • (*PR) classes.upmc.com Ambridge • oldeconomyvillage.org in New Bedford, thru Pulaski, New Wilmington & Volant, Amish produce stands, quilt shops, CPR: Infant, Child & Teen with Children’s activities & food, 10am-5pm • volantshops.com Hospital For parents and adult community 10 Wednesday members, choking rescue & CPR, 9am - 12pm, A Surprise for Lydia A Looking Glass Theatre Alone at Home 4 Kids Skills children need to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, production, August 10-27, Little Lake Theatre stay alone at home, for children & their parents, Lawrenceville, Aug. 6 & 27 Company, Canonsburg • littlelake.org CCP - Moon • (*PR) upmc.asapconnected.com • (*PR) upmc.asapconnected.com Read, Learn, Grow Themed story time, Science Sleepover - National Parks activity, ages 3-5, Aug. 10 & 24, Apple Castle, 14 Sunday Anniversary Experience America’s natural New Wilmington • applecastle.com wonders, see the Omnimax film National Parks Kids’ Day in Schenley Plaza FREE, face Adventure and participate in outdoor-themed painting, balloon artist & rides on the PNC activities to celebrate 100 years of America’s 11 Thursday Carousel, noon-4pm, Schenley Plaza National Parks! Children receive a National Techs Car Seat Inspections Technicians • pittsburghparks.org/schenley-plaza Parks map, themed activities, late night snack, teach how to correctly transport children & August Fun Fest Entertainment, food, music, continental breakfast & more, 6pm Sat thru ensure that everyone is buckled up safely, arts & crafts, carnival rides and much more, 9:30am Sunday, Carnegie Science Center hands-on educational service, 3-6:30pm, Upper 10am-6pm, Cedar Creek Park, Westmoreland • (*PR) carnegiesciencecenter.org St. Clair PD • patechs.com County • co.westmoreland.pa.us Teen Book Club Good books, great friends & 7 Sunday food, second Thurs of each month, Monroeville 15 Monday Public Library • monroevillelibrary.org Dean Streator Tower Concert FREE, 2:30- Lawrence County Fair Animals, carnival 4pm, Aug. 7 & 14, Bethel Park Community Tot Hikes Walk around the Museum grounds rides, food, entertainment, fireworks & more, Center • bpcf.org/tower.html and explore a vegetable garden, hunt bugs, sing thru Aug. 20, Lawrence County Fairgrounds, songs, play the akambria African xylophone New Castle • lawrencecountyfair.com Green County Agricultural Fair Livestock, and enjoy nature stories, ages 5 & younger, North Washington Rodeo Parade, Aug. entertainment, food & more, thru Aug. 13, Thursdays 11am, Children’s Museum of Green Co. Fairgrounds • bigknobgrangefair.org 15, 6:30pm; Rodeo, Aug. 16-20, 8pm, North Pittsburgh • pittsburghkids.org/education/tots Washington, Butler • nwvfd.com/rodeo Bach, Beethoven and Brunch FREE, classical melodies, Sunday mornings, 10:30am- 12 Friday Noon, Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Avenues, 16 Tuesday School of Rock: The Musical Performances Point Breeze/Squirrel Hill Pajama Party Wear your PJ’s, board games, • pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks from students, Aug. 12-14, The Strand Theater, Zelienople • thestrandtheater.org sports, card games, Wii and a hot chocolate bar, Sunday Evening Summer Band Concerts children ages 6-12, 6-8pm, Pine Community Live music every Sunday thru Aug. 28, 7pm, on National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Show Center, Wexford • twp.pine.pa.us the Diamond, Ligonier • ligonier.com Equipment demos, kiddie train rides, horse & wagon rides, crafts, Aug. 12-14 • facebook. Free Admission Sunday Westmoreland com/events/577000145784918/ 17 Wednesday Museum of American Art, first Sunday of every Taming Your Toddler For parents of children month, Greensburg • thewestmoreland.org Annual San Rocco Festa Italian food, music, dance, games, fireworks and more, 6pm, thru ages 1-3, strategies for handling this most 46 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 difficult phase of your child’s development, Kiwanis Community Park • facebook.com/ The Andy Warhol Museum Mon, Closed; 7-8:30pm, CCP Moon • (*PR) upmc.asapcon- TransferHarvestHomeFair/ Tue-Thur, Sat & Sun, 10am-5pm; Fri, 10am- nected.com 10pm • warhol.org 25 Thursday Fort Ligonier Mon-Sat, 10am-4:30pm & Sun 11am-4:30pm, through Nov. 1, Ligonier 18 Thursday Free Entrance Days in National Parks All • fortligonier.org Little Italy Days Games & activities for National Parks have FREE entrance Aug. 25-28 children, entertainment, ethnic foods & more, to celebrate National Park Service Birthday Fort Necessity Open daily, 10am-5pm, Point Aug. 18-21, Bloomfield • littleitalydays.com Weekend • nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/ State Park, Pittsburgh • heinzhistorycenter.org entrance_fee_free.htm Fort Pitt Museum Open daily, 10am-5pm, 19 Friday Point State Park, Pittsburgh • heinzhistorycenter.org Annual Beaver County River Regatta 26 Friday Children’s activities, boat races, lighted boat Just Between Friends Huge children’s & Friendship Hill National Historic Site parade, food, entertainment, fireworks & more, maternity consignment sale, baby gear, back-to- 9am-5pm, through Sept., Point Marion • nps. thru Aug. 21, Bridgewater • visitbeavercounty. school, fall clothing, toys & more, August 26-28, gov com/events/calendar-of-events Monroeville Convention Ctr. and Sept. 16-18, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 9:30am- RMU Island Sports Ctr. • jbfsale.com Family Movie Night FREE, snacks & huggies 6pm, gates close at 4:30pm, Memorial Day provided, 8:30pm, Townsend Park, New Weekend through Labor Day, Highland Park • pittsburghzoo.org Brighton • nbarc.net 27 Saturday The Duquesne Incline Open 365 day a year, The Art Festival on Walnut Street Music & West Carson St., Pittsburgh 20 Saturday artistic media including paintings, sculptures, • duquesneincline.org photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade Somerset County Fair Agricultural fair, rides, jewelry, collage, mixed media & more, Aug. 27, The Monongahela Incline Open 365 day a food, entertainment & more, Aug. 20-27, Shadyside • artfestival.com year, Station Square, Pittsburgh Meyersdale • somersetcountyfairpa.com • portauthority.org Windgap - Chartiers Communtiy Day Father-Son Day at the Lake Hot dogs, Children’s activities, music, bake sale & more, s’mores, flag football, kickball, fishing and Chartiers City Field & Playground, Pittsburgh hiking, ages 6 & up, 11am-2pm, Pine Twp., Please submit info for our Saturday • 412-465-0579 Wexford • (*PR) twp.pine.pa.us/ Calendar by August 3 Run Around the Square 5K/1.5 Mile Run/ [email protected] Super Science Series – Meowfest Hands- Run or walk through Frick Park’s Fern on activities, experiments, demonstrations & Walk Hollow, musicians, balloon artist & more, more, noon-4pm, Carnegie Museum of Natural 8:15am, Henrietta & Milton Ave. History • carnegiemnh.org • (*PR) runaroundthesquare.com The Woodlands Foundation’s 2nd Annual Block Party A family event, carnival-style games, music, food & more, 4-7pm, Wexford 30 Tuesday • 724-935-6533 Annual Big Knob Grange Fair Livestock, truck & tractor pulls, entertainment, rides, dinners & more, thru Sept. 3, Big Knob Grange 21 Sunday Fairgrounds • bigknobgrangefair.org Kids at Carrie Kid-friendly, fun and interactive, walk through parts of the Carrie Furnaces site, art project, treats, all children will receive a babushka and a hard hat to take home, Most Every Day 1:30pm, Swissvale • riversofsteel.com Ballet Under the Stars - Hartwood Acres Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Free FREE, presented by the Pittsburgh Ballet programs for all ages year-round, library Theatre, open-air performance, pack a picnic information • carnegielibrary.org and join us, 5:30-9:30pm, Hartwood Acres • pbt.org/performances Carnegie Museum of Art Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thur, 10am-8pm; Sun, Noon-5pm; Tue: CLOSED • cmoa.org 23 Tuesday Museum of Natural History Mon-Wed & Annual Hookstown Fair Livestock, live Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thur, 10am-8pm; Sun, entertainment, food, carnival rides, games, Noon-5pm; Tue: CLOSED • carnegiemnh.org tractor pulls & more, thru Aug. 27, Hookstown Fairgrounds, Hookstown • hookstownfair.com Carnegie Science Center Sun-Fri, 10am- 5pm & Sat, 10am-7pm Transfer Harvest Home Fair Agricultural • carnegiesciencecenter.org fair, truck & tractor pull, musical entertainment, food, parade, rides & more, thru Aug. 27, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Open daily 10am-5pm • pittsburghkids.org August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 47 Vitamin D... continued from page 5 Dear teacher... continued from page 23 Uplifting. Increased heart rate and respiration have been shown to improve compared to the controls. Therefore, we You may gain a greater perspective mood. suggest that lower levels of vitamin D on what middle school is like by reading isualizations. Exercise the imagination are associated with poor asthma control “Middle School: The Inside Story: What V while teaching kids to release negative and increased asthma severity.”( PMID: Kids Tell Us, But Don’t Tell You.” n 26813450) emotions and cultivate a more positive emotional state. Vitamin D has an impact on some isdom. Even the littlest yogis can children with AUTISM Parents should send questions and W begin to develop a connection to their “Vitamin D deficiency might contribute comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. intuition - their wise self that will guide to the etiology of ASD. Supplementa- com or ask them on the columnists’ them as they grow. tion of vitamin D3, which is a safe and website at www.dearteacher.com. cost-effective form of treatment, may sig- RelaX and have fun. What more do you nificantly improve the outcome of some need, really? oung and old. Seek out a family yoga children with ASD, especially younger Little yogis... continued from page 39 Y children.” (PMID: 26783092) class where toddlers, older kids, parents and even grandparents are welcome to The drop in Vitamin D levels in the win- ealthy choices. Learning to tune into share in the yoga fun, creating connec- ter may account for the “flu season” H their body and breath helps kids pause tions and boosting everyone’s health and “Aloia and Li-Ng found 2,000 IU of before making decisions. well-being. vitamin D per day abolished the seasonal- magination. Hop like a frog. Fly like a Zzzz…A gentle yoga routine before bed, ity of influenza and dramatically reduced I bird. Can you make your body look or feel combined with slow, relaxed breathing its self-reported incidence.” (PMID: like a boat? helps kids, and their parents, fall asleep 18298852) Joy. Moving, laughing, breathing and faster and sleep more soundly. n What should you do with these five working together all increase a child’s fascinating tidbits of information about happiness. Vitamin D? Talk to your child’s pediatrician Writer and Editor Heather Lee Leap is a and ask them what your child’s Vitamin D Kinesthetic awareness. Partner poses Next Generation Yoga Teacher. She leads levels are. If your child has never had their in yoga increase kids’ understanding of yoga classes and workshops for children vitamin D measured, the doctor may or- where they are in space. and families in the Pacific Northwest. Find der a blood test for Vitamin D. Home kits Language enrichment. Yoga classes her at www.HeatherLeeLeap.com/ are available for Vitamin D testing which expand a child’s vocabulary through can be done with a finger prick for a test- stories and by incorporating the names of ing kit fee. (vitamindcouncil.org/testkit/) It body parts, animals and more. School transition... continued from page 31 is crucial that you speak with your doctor Minimize medication. Practicing yoga, and do some of your own research as with an emphasis on meditation skills, well on what is the optimal and ideal level has allowed some children to reduce or the dog and the cow?”; “Which one is of vitamin D for your child’s BEST health eliminate their need for attention-deficit smaller?”; “Which is the most color- outcomes. n drugs. ful?”). Stop and ask how they think the story may end. Draw pictures about the on-competitive. Yoga invites children N book. to listen to their own needs and to move Kristi is a pediatric patient advocate with in ways that are safe and enjoyable, with- • “Field trips” to the zoo, parks, and Empowered Medical Advocacy (Empow- out comparing themselves to others. museums—Trips to these places eredAdvocacy.com). She helps parents provide a great opportunity to build rgans. Exercise and the upright pos- research and navigate to the root of their O vocabulary, social skills, and overall ture emphasized in yoga combat slouch- children’s health concerns. She lives with language. Name objects and describe ing and give your child’s internal organs her husband and two children in Gibsonia what they look like and how they are room to function optimally. PA. She can be reached at kristi@Em- used. Ask those questions of your poweredAdvocacy.com Proprioceptive awareness. Practicing child. Talk about how the animals feel, yoga poses improves nervous system sound, and move; talk about what they function and improves children’s felt- eat and where they live (e.g., oceans, sense of how their body is connected. mountains, beach, jungle). Run, skip, Girls of Steel... continued from page 16 Quality time. Chances are your yogini and hop around the park and talk will want to share yoga and mindfulness about those movement words. In the a male-dominated, but here in the Burgh, practices with you at home, giving you a museum, talk about things you don’t we have strong, smart, hardworking girls new way to connect. use or see in your world anymore and who certainly break that mold. how they were used. The Girls of Steel make Pittsburgh Reading skills. Yoga incorporates rhythm, songs or chanting and move- proud. For more information, please con- Dixon advises that if you have concerns tact [email protected]. n ment, all of which build the pathways young children need for future reading about your child’s communication skills, success. contact your local school district to be put in touch with a certified speech-lan- Pittsburgh writer Ann K. Howley has Self-esteem. Learning new skills and guage pathologist, or search the ASHA never built a robot or used a riveter, but meeting challenges increase confidence. website at http://www.asha.org/profind/ she doesn’t think it’s too late to try. Time-out to tune-in. Savasana, lying still to find a professional. By practicing with eyes closed at the end of class, is important skills, and identifying any often the kids’ favorite part of yoga. potential communication problems early, you can set your child on a path to academic and social success.

48 PITTSBURGH PARENT • August 2016 August 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 49