cincinnati parent // 12.2010

DECEMBER 2010 * CINCINNATIPARENT.CoM

Holiday

FUN

Exploring thE World of HomescHooling Virtual Education

4 CINCINNATI PARENT * DECEMBER 2010

* CoMMENTARy & PARENTINg

EDIToR’s NoTE: Making a “Holiday” Day with Your Children 05

MoMMy MAgIC: Enjoying the Countdown of Magic 08

DEAR TEACHER: Analyzing Importance 22

* NEWs & sHoPPINg

EVENTs & NEWs yoU CAN UsE: News You Want—Now! 06

* ARoUND ToWNPRofIlE: The Benefits to Montessori Education 25

ARTs & ENRICHMENT: Fun on Wheels (and Blades) 32

* HEAlTH & WEllNEssPEDIATRIC HEAlTH: Help Children Cope with Holiday Stress 14

* REsoURCEs

CHIlDCARE & EDUCATIoN DIRECToRy 24

ARTs & ENRICHMENT DIRECToRy 31

CAlENDAR 35

ClAssIfIEDs 38

fUN & WACky CAlENDAR 39

KATIE PFIERM

AN

At a cabin in French Lick, IN with my closest friends!

With good friends... looking forward to another great year!

ROXANNE BU

RN

S

I don’t know yet, but hopefully not far from my own living room!

KARA BLUM

At home with family and friends

jENNICA zALEWSK

I

We are elebrating with friends & ringing

in the new year with all of our kids!!!

HEATHER L

IPE

With my wonderful family.Hopefully I

can stay awake until midnight!

KAREN RING

At home with my family eating popcorn and

watching movies!

With my fantastic circle of friends!

10

12

16

26

HolIDAy fUN IN CINCy

HolIDAy gIfT gUIDE

PREsCHool PoWER

HoME gRoWN

ASK THE STAFF: Where will you be ringing in the New Year???

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM 5

PUBlIsHER & PREsIDENT of sAlEs & BUsINEss

DEVEloPMENT Mary Wynne Cox

[email protected]

AssoCIATE PUBlIsHER & EDIToR-IN-CHIEf

Lynette [email protected]

ART DIRECTIoN & DEsIgN Heather Lipe

[email protected]

DIRECToR of MARkETINg & BUsINEss DEVEloPMENT

Katie [email protected]

sAlEs AND BUsINEss DEVEloPMENT Jennica Zalewski

[email protected]

ACCoUNT EXECUTIVE Kara Blum

[email protected]

ACCoUNTANTRoxanne Burns

[email protected]

offICE MANAgERKaren Ring

[email protected]

CoVER PHoTogRAPHy © ISTOCKPHOTO

CoRRECTIoNThe wrong ad for National Youth

Advocacy Program ran in our November issue. The correct

ad will run in January.

Cincinnati Parent

9435 Waterstone Blvd, Suite 140 Cincinnati, OH 45249

513.444.2015 (ph) 513.444.2099 (fx)

[email protected]

Copyright: Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2008 by Cincinnati Parent and Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com

THe HOLIdAY SeASON is officially in full swing! We hope you enjoy our

special holiday issue and take advantage of all the great activities and holiday events that are taking place in the Greater Cincinnati Area this month.

MAkE A “HolIDAy” DAyThe month of december can be a bit stressful with all of the parties, holiday programs, gift buying, holiday cards, wrapping, cooking and decorating on top of our everyday responsibilities. Be sure to take some time out for yourself and your family. Create fond holiday memories by setting aside a day to experience some of the fun events in our city. Your children will cherish the memories and bonding experience by your planning a special “holiday” day for them.

The Cincinnati Zoo offers their Annual Festival of Lights celebration. There are over two million twinkling lights, train rides, elves, Santa & Mrs. Claus and much more. Visit the Museum Center and be transported to a timeless wonderland of miniature train displays at their festive Holiday Junction. Check out Scuba Santa’s Waterland at the Newport Aquarium where Santa dives daily with sharks. Ice skating is always a fun family option, too. The Beach Waterpark offers Ohio’s largest outdoor skating rink and the Fountain Square rink amidst the downtown skyline is always a fun experience. For the train enthusiast, don’t miss Christmas at

enterTRAINment Junction which hosts the largest indoor train display. These are just a few of the many activities taking place this month. Please check out our calendar for many more fun ideas for your family “holiday” day.

HolIDAy CoNTEsT foR READERsCincinnati Parent has a special holiday surprise for you as well! If you visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnati-Parent/343504705339 (or just type in “Cincinnati Parent” in the search bar on your Facebook page) and “like” us by december 31st and we will announce a special surprise that we will send to you. We offer tons of prizes, contests and freebies

on our Facebook page regularly. In November, we invited 20 of our Facebook friends to a sneak preview of the latest Harry Potter movie, so don’t miss out on your chance to win great prizes and to receive your special surprise by visiting us today!

gREAT NEWsOne more exciting announcement that we have is that Cincinnati Parent Magazines are now available in every Meijer Store in Greater Cincinnati and many of the Remke Bigg’s Stores. We want our magazine to be easier for our readers to find, so we’re ramping up our distribution just for you! Our goal is to continue growing our readership and outlets. Where would you like to be able to pick up your copy of Cincinnati Parent every month? Just send me a quick e-mail at [email protected] and I will do everything in my power to make sure we’re more accessible to you.

I hope that this holiday season is joyous for you and your family. The hustle and bustle can be tiresome, so don’t forget to sit back with your children and enjoy some hot chocolate, holiday stories or by yourself with a cup of cappuccino and the december issue of Cincinnati Parent Magazine.

CoMMENTARy & PARENTINg * Pubisher’s Note

—Mary CoxPublisher and President

Making a “Holiday” Day with your Children Take Time to Focus on YOU This Holiday Season


Acting classes are fun for children, but they also can instill practical benefits to help your child long after the lessons end. The acting classes offered by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park are designed around a set of important life skills:

Confidence – Put children in touch with their emotions and give them self confidence around new people and experiences.

Communication - encourage children to communicate effectively with their peers.

Self-Expression - Provide students with a creative outlet for emotions and energy in a productive environment.

Team Work – Give students the opportunity to listen, cooperate and combine their own thoughts and ideas with those of others.

Learning – expand vocabulary and teach vital problem-solving skills.

Taught by working professionals, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park classes includes acting, improvisation and circus performance. Classes are also available at the Mayerson JCC and the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

NEWs & sHoPPINg * events & news you can use Acting Classes for Children Provide Numerous Benefits

Forget the chimney! Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine Building, a downtown off ice tower, to the Macy’s rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off a spectacular holiday f ireworks display. Macy’s downtown dazzle takes place on Saturdays in december at 6:30pm on Fountain Square.

The 20-minute family-friendly program also features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music. enjoy live music on Fountain Square by local choirs beginning at 5:45pm before dazzle. For more information about Macy’s downtown dazzle, please visit http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/holidays.aspx. Macy’s downtown dazzle is made possible by Macy’s and produced by downtown Cincinnati, Inc.

Macy’s Downtown Dazzle Saturdays in December

If you are seeking that perfect holiday gift, look no further than a membership to the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. By giving the Gift of Health, you are providing someone with the opportunity for the unlimited health benefits of daily physical activity to help reduce stress and to live healthier lifestyles. Whether its personal training sessions, Pilates or yoga instructions, a Y membership tells that special someone how much you really care.

Purchase a 12-month membership to the Y by december 24th and pay no joining fee. Call 513.362.9622 or visit www.myY.org for more information.

Find out what’s new at one of the best drive-through fantasy light displays in the Midwest! enter via the candle/lollipop lane through the tunnel of lights to the fantasy land November 27-december 31 from 6-10 p.m. Stop by on december 7 from 7-8 p.m. for the Holiday Balloon Glow. Hot Air Balloons will become part of the circle tour display. Stop at the designated spot and join costumed characters for photos. Non-prof it organizations provide food and entertainment. The display is located in Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue, downtown Middletown, Ohio. Admission is by donation in the box as you enter the park. All donations are used to purchase, upgrade, repair and replace displays and make park improvements. For more information visit www.cityofmiddletown.org/features/lum.html or call 513-423-1877.

YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Gift of Health!

Light Up Middletown 2010


CoMMENTARy & PARENTINg * mommy magic

Enjoying the Countdown of MagicCreating Traditions For All Ages

IT IS THe official countdown to the holidays and, like many moms, I am in charge of making all the holiday magic this month. I do love all the family traditions - baking cookies with my girls, trimming our Christmas tree, all the special school Christmas programs — I love the “countdown of magic” in december!

Knowing that they are growing up too fast, I try to embrace all the fun traditions like sprinkling reindeer “food” on our lawn and sending their Christmas letters to the “North Pole.” What I have learned, however, is that what I think is making an impression on my kids may not be what they define as “Christmas magic.” Case in point, every year that my husband and I have been married, we have gone to Lowe’s for our Christmas tree. It’s not very Norman Rockwell, I know, but we’ve always had good luck finding a decent tree that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

every year, my husband hauls the tree to the top of the car and secures it with twine and placing the excess twine inside the window so it doesn’t

flap around. One year, he handed the excess twine to my oldest daughter, who was three at the t ime, and jokingly instructed her to hold onto it to make sure the tree stayed on the roof. When she expressed her concern that she wasn’t strong enough to hold onto it, we told her that her Christmas magic would give her strength. So she held on tight, and when we got home without incident, she said, overjoyed, that she couldn’t wait to do it next year. And so, year after year, we have loaded up the car and headed to Lowe’s for our tree, and each year our daughter has assumed this sacred responsibility, ultimately sharing it with her baby sisters. “don’t worry,” she’d say with her big-sister authority. “Your Christmas magic will make the tree stay on.” And year after year, my husband and I have chuckled to

each other as their white knuckles intently grasped the twine.

Okay, so fast-forward to Christmas a few years ago. We have been going to Lowe’s a long time now. And, nothing against Lowe’s, but I was ready to change it up a bit. I spent weeks researching Christmas-tree farms. I called, I Googled. I looked into every tree farm in the area to find the one that

would yield the perfect Christmas experience for our family. After all, we had three kids by then; it was time to start the perfect family tradition! When I was satisfied that I’d done enough legwork, I announced with some excitement that we were going to start a new family tradition: picking out our Christmas tree at a tree farm. We would cut down our own tree, sip hot chocolate, and have our picture taken with Santa’s reindeer. It would be—you guessed it—the perfect Christmas tradition...the ultimate magical moment!

In one second flat, my two oldest daughters dissolved into tears. “No, Mommy!” they begged, barely able to spit out their plea between their sobs.

“We don’t want to go!” “What?” I said, shocked. I couldn’t make sense of the moment. Had they misheard me? did they miss the bit about the hot cocoa and the reindeer? did they not know about all my hard work, all my planning?? I asked, “Why?” “We want to go to Lowe’s and hold the twine!” wailed my seven-year-old. My five-year-old seconded that: “Yeah! We want to use our Christmas magic to keep the tree on the roof!”

I was floored. Lowe’s, with its bright, fluorescent lights, its metal shopping carts, and its vast parking lot, was perfect tradition to me—but total perfection to my children. So needless to say, we went back to Lowe’s to get our tree; unbeknownst to me, a perfect Christmas family tradition had been born!

So with that, I encourage you to take notice of how your children view it through their eyes this holiday season. Most of the time, they could care less if the bow matches the wrapping paper or if the cookies are on the right Christmas plate. What they feel, that we need to remember, is the magic of being together

and creating it in the first place!

MARY SUSAN Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity” Visit www.Mommy-Magic.

com for more information. Become a Fan of Mommy Magic on FaceBook!

What I have learned is that what I think is making an impression on

my kids may not be what they define as “Christmas magiC."

10 CINCINNATI PARENT * December 2010

Unique Festivals and Events Help Usher in the Holidays

The Children's TheatreThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is per forming Holiday Follies 2: A Trip to the North Pole.

“We had such a great response after last year’s production of Holiday Follies, people just loved it so much we decided the show had to go on,” said Krista Katona Pille, director of marketing and public

relations for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

In the sequel to 2009’s holiday hit, Mrs. Claus asks our roving band of loveable musical performers to take the tour bus on the road and celebrate the season with Santa at the North Pole –who everyone seems to forget. A celebration

of the holidays for children of all ages, this spectacular production highlights even more of your yuletide favorites from this special time of year.

“Our audiences really enjoyed that we touch on Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. Plus this year we are adding holidays around the world,” said KatonaPille,

“The spectacle and music of Holiday Follies 2 will bring the magic of this special time of year to life and bring joy to children and adults alike,” said Jack Louiso, artistic director of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and director of Holiday Follies. “The way we see it, downtown is the epicenter of the holiday season. When folks come down to see Holiday Follies 2, they can take in all kinds of downtown traditions that parents remember when they were kids, like the duke energy Trains display, ice skating at Fountain Square or on Saturdays seeing Santa rappel down the 525 Vine Building.”

The Nutcracker balletFr isch ’s present s The Nutcracker is a 36-year holiday tradition performed by the Cincinnati Ballet.

“Nutcracker is a way for us to connect, reach out to the community, to families and children. Our Nutcracker draws families from all over the region. If you ask our dancers or our board, ‘What was the moment you first fell in love with dance?’ Most will say, the first time they saw the Nutcracker,” said Victoria Morgan, artistic director and CeO of the Cincinnati Ballet.

For many people, The Nutcracker is one of those memories that stays with you for a lifetime. Performed at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Frisch’s presents The Nutcracker is the most famous and extravagant ballet adventure filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, belligerent mice, brave toy soldiers and an unlikely romance between Marie and her cherished Nutcracker doll.

The holidays mean so many different things to different people. For one family, staying home to create memories as a family takes priority over all other events. For

another, an annual trek to the big city tops the list of things that have to take place before the holidays have truly arrived. In Cincinnati, this town does it right and

thousands of people can’t be wrong to attend shows, performances and fairs year after year.

DECEMBER 16–26, 2010Aronoff Center for the ArtsLive music with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Tickets on sale now: $30-80Box Office: 513-621-5282 or online:

SPONSORS:

THELouise Dieterle Nippert MusicaL arTs FuND

cballet.org

Corps de Ballet D

ancers: Courtney Hellebuyck &

Selahattin Erkan • Photography: Peter Mueller • D

esign: Isabel Hunter

December 18, 2010 reserve your tickets

Saturday, 11 am ~ 1 pm today!

Duke Convention Center - Grand Ballroom


Unique Festivals and Events Help Usher in the Holidays

A little Christmas levityCincinnati Landmark Production and the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts presents A Christmas Story. Performances run december 2 through 22.

“When this movie first came out, I didn’t know what to make of it. It was 1983. The title seemed to suggest another off-beat adaptation of dickens’s A Christmas Carol,” said Tim Perino, artistic director and the show director. “I even thought the show was set in 1983, instead of the late 1930’s. So I didn’t go see it. despite the soaring reviews and people walking about, laughing and saying “fra-jee-lay” and “It’s a Major Award!” I took a pass.

Time passed. My kids grew up. I got cable TV. And there it was, like the annual showing of the Charlie Brown Christmas special, A Christmas Story was on TV every december 24. So, one year, I grumpily sat down like Scrooge with his bowl of gruel and watched it. And laughed, and grinned like a fool and even choked up a little. Which is why I love this play.”

By watching the performance of A Christmas Story, patrons will engage and enjoy the emotions of the production without commercial breaks.

Warren County traditions“Many local families and visitors make Warren County’s winter events a part of their annual holiday tradition,” said Jennifer Burns, marketing and public relations manager with the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From shopping the charming streets

of Waynesville, to the candlelit Horse drawn Carriage Parade in Lebanon or ice skating at The Beach on Ice and singing along to your favorite musical at La Comedia’s Broadway-style shows, there’s something fun for every member of the family.”

La Comedia’s most popular show of all time, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas returns this holiday season. This classic blockbuster fresh off Broadway and a sold out national tour is ready to welcome the holiday season to Cincinnati from November 4 through december 31.

See The Beach like you never have before from November 26 through January 9. decked out in millions of festive lights, a giant outdoor skating rink, a toboggan slide, horse drawn carriage rides, start the holiday season with fun outdoors.

As featured on Martha Stewart in 2005, the Historic Lebanon Horse drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival takes place on december 4. Make no other plans this day because more than 100 horse-drawn antique carriages will be in a parade welcoming the season of giving. Streets start filling at 1 p.m. and others enjoy the 7 p.m. candlelit procession. Other festivities include gift and food vendors, Christmas carolers, traveling bell choir’s story telling and

free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

NIKKI KeeVeR is a freelance writer living in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband and three children.


Little Capers: Super Hero ApparelUp, Up and Away! Boys and girls can blast off with this unique line of t-shirts in a variety of styles that are made

with a detachable cape. The fronts of the 100% cotton shirts are adorned with simple and unbranded images that spur on imagination like a rocket, the earth or lightening bolt. The

kids can choose how they will save the day or be the ultimate nemesis! There are short and long sleeve options and the capes are attached with Velcro tabs and are machine washable. Also

available are wristbands, dresses and more. Popular among celebrity kiddos, Little Capers is a great gift for kids everywhere!

www.littlecapers.com - $46.00

SKLZ Pro Mini HoopSKLZ Pro Mini Hoop is a professional grade hoop with a 9” diameter break away steel rim. The backboard is made from

shatter proof 18” x 12” clear polycarbonate and has protective foam on the back of the mounts to protect the wall or door. It comes with a 5” diameter Pro Mini Hoop Basketball and additional balls are sold separately. Check out the website or

youtube.com for the awesome SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop in action!www.sklz.com - $39.99

Cake Crystals: Edible JewelsBling you can eat? Yes! Cake Crystals are the only fully faceted edible pastry adornments. They look like large

gemstones and taste great. embellish your cakes, cupcakes, candies and more with the subtle colors and flavors of

these edible jewels. diamonds and sapphires in 5 colors to amuse your eyes and palate. Perfect for your little princess,

bachelorette parties, landmark birthdays and more!www.cakecrystals.com - $15.00

MasterBuilt Digital Turkey FryerYou’ve heard the raves about fried turkey, now you can

get the same results at home on your countertop without the mess. Fryer comes with an adjustable thermostat

temperature control, stainless steel, porcelain-coated inner pot, digital timer, folding lid with window and filter,

cooking basket with drain clip, drain valve for easy cleaning. Believe it or not, it uses 1/3 less oil than most turkey fryers

and can cook a 14 lb. Turkey. Foodies will love you!www.masterbuilt.com - $159.96

Magellan RoadMate 3065You’ll enjoy giving this affordable and useful GPS for the daily commuter. 4.7 inch touch screen with

over six million searchable points of interest. Fantastic Bluetooth capabilities allow for immediate hands-free driving. Includes

voice commands and highway lane assist to ensure you don’t take the wrong exit.

www.amazon.com - $149.99


Calafant Pirate Fortress: Quality Cardboard Toys

How many parents have purchased a large doll house or other expensive toy that the kids have lost interest in yet take up space and resources. Consider a recyclable, affordable and quality toy from Calafant. The Pirate

Fortress is a high quality cardboard castle of sorts that arrives flat to be built with the kids. It comes white and the kids are encouraged to decorate however they want! When no longer of use, simply recycle! Check out the Creative Toy Shop online for this and other great toys!

Adoption PendantThis is a great way to commemorate the adoption of a child.

each sterling silver pendant is double sided. A map of the town where your child was born is on one side and a photograph of your child is on the opposite side. each pendant also comes with an 18” sterling silver venetian box chain. Perfect gift!!

www.solstudios.etsy.com - $63.00

Tegu Magnetic Wooden BlocksTegu are ingeniously crafted wooden blocks with powerful magnets hidden inside. Made in Honduras, the company

provides a valuable seat in the community providing wholesome jobs and promoting an eco-friendly future by planting trees and sourcing hardwoods from sustainably harvested local hardwoods. Blocks have been a classic toy for children for hundreds of years

but Tegu is an innovator with its non-toxic materials and modern shapes and concept. expand your child’s sense of imagination and wonder with this gravity defying toy. It comes in several different wood finishes and the all new Tegu Tints... in non-toxic colors like pink, yellow, orange, turquoise and green.

www.tegu.com - $55.00

The Family BoxThe creative spirit that “Mama May I” puts into her handcrafted playthings is shared with your child through the exploration as

they engage in open ended play and learning. The Family Box is a simple yet complex concept in math, the natural world, family

values, imaginative play and so much more. It consists of 6 simple and variably sized family members and 6 matching sleep sacks. The colors of the 100% cotton sacks match the

colors on the bottoms of the natural wood figures. Possibilities for play are only limited by the hours in the day. “Mama May I” offers many wholesome games, toys and custom products too.

www.mamamayishop.com - $21.00

Imagination Kids: handmade, eco-friendly wooden toys

Imagination Kids is a locally owned Waldorf inspired high quality toy maker. The naturally colorful toys are created with open ended play in mind and boast that there is no wrong way to play!

Rainbow stackers and wooden hedgehogs inspire imagination and are great

for encouraging kids to explore their natural world!

www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginationkids - $6+


HEAlTH & WEllNEss * pediatric heal t h

Help Children Cope with Holiday stressTips from the Experts on Stress-Busting for Kids

We ALL ReMeMBeR lying in bed with “visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads” on Christmas eve! Holidays are meant to be special, memorable and fun, but along with the memories are many social and personal expectations that can lead to family stress. Children are especially vulnerable to the changes in diet and routine that accompany holiday celebrations. With some foresight and planning, we can help them manage.

The holidays often bring increased financial burdens for families. disagreements among

family members about spending can lead to stress. Plan your family budget early in the year. Reduce stress by shopping early at sales. Limit the number of presents, particularly for very young children (who are just as likely to like the box and wrappings as the gift). Involve children in choosing and wrapping a gift for siblings. emphasize the giving aspects of the season. Think about making some charity donations to help others in need and to instill a giving attitude in your children by involving them in the contribution.

Limit the bountiful social occasions. For families with young children, time at home opening gifts could be the start of a new tradition. Resist the temptation to visit all sides of the family in one day for gift opening or holiday meals. Instead, choose in advance which social engagements are really necessary, or stagger the events over several days. Allow some

time for old-fashioned family time, reading or playing games or enjoying those gifts that were just opened.

Holiday treats can wreck havoc with little tummies. Try to enforce good nutritional habits, with treats being occasional instead of constant. Allow children to participate in making holiday favorites, so that they can appreciate how special they are. Offer high protein snacks such as cheese and nuts instead of candy and juices. New foods can be introduced by asking them to try just one bite. Continue to offer plenty of exercise as a way to cope with the extra treats and the stress.

Finally, try to keep sleep habits routine and constant. Cranky little ones will spoil the holiday for themselves and others. Limit late night events, and try to keep the bedtime and wake times consistent. Some reading time and a goodnight routine will help keep bedtimes on schedule. If traveling, bring a few favorite toys or a comfort item such as a blanket or pillow. Accommodate napping for little ones (and crabby older ones).

Paying attention to these simple needs of children can help smooth the way for an enjoyable holiday season. A little forethought can pay off in terms of a less stressful time for children and adults alike. When the gifts are put away and the holiday decorations are taken down, don’t let stress and fatigue

be the legacy of your holidays.

ELIzABETH A. SHELY MD is a pediatrician with Group Health Associates. She sees patients at the Western Hills office.

Paying attention to these simple needs of children can

help smooth the way for an enjoyable holiday season.

ADVERTISEMENT


Laying the Foundation for Educational Success

In the Cincinnati area, many types of preschools are available with varying philosophies on early education. When choosing a school for your child, it’s important to research schools carefully and find the one that best meets your needs and the needs of your child.

Montessori based preschools are increasing in popularity. The Montessori Method was created in 1894 by Maria Montessori, the first woman physician in Italy. dr. Montessori’s theory was that children have a natural tendency to learn and can achieve successful learning if placed in an environment for self-education and self-realization. Thousands of schools are using the Montessori Method throughout the world today, including an increasing number of public schools.

There are several Montessori based schools in the Cincinnati area. The Cincinnati Country day School offers classes using both traditional and Montessori methods. They offer programs for ages 18 months through age five. In the early childhood program for 18 months to 3 year olds, families can choose from three day and five day programs, half-days, full-days, early a.m., after school (extended p.m.), and lunch options. For students ages three to five years, half-and full-day options are available and care is available until 6:00 p.m. “Our program emphasizes the development of the whole child – the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development,” says Aaron B. Kellenberger, director of Admissions. “Our developmentally appropriate activities and programs allow students to explore, investigate, communicate, problem solve, and most importantly, develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.” More information on their program can be found at countryday.net/academics/ls.aspx.

Summit Country day School is an independent, Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory school, founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Notre dame de Namur. The preschool and kindergarten programs for children ages 2 to 6 is Montessori based and all Head Teachers hold masters in Montessori education. The curriculum includes phonics instruction beginning at age two accelerating each child’s literacy development. enrichment programs also include cultural studies, geography, science and art. Public

Preschool used to be considered a play place. Today, however, there are many options and a growing emphasis on academics

in preschool. In fact, educators and medical professionals agree that the ages from three to five are crucial periods in a child’s

development and preschool can provide them with the foundation they need for educational success. In fact, many studies show

that children who attend preschool are more likely to finish high school and continue on to college.


Are You Interested in Montessori Education?Visit our website for...- Information on the Montessori Philosophy- A Directory of Local Montessori Schools- What To Look For When Choosing A Montessori Program For Your Child- Register For Free E-newsletter and Information- Events Calendar

www.cincinnatimontessorisociety.org

18 CINCINNATI PARENT * December 2010

speaking, theatrical performances and small group collaboration projects are also used to develop communication and social skills.

Summit also has a Character education Program that is designed to develop self-discipline, empathy, respect for others, honesty, resilience and confidence in each child. Information is available online at www2.summitcds.org.

Chai Tots early Childhood Center is a Jewish Montessori based program. “The curriculum follows the Jewish calendar and blends age-old Jewish teaching methods with cutting edge techniques, utilizing a Montessori approach,” says Rabbi Yosef Y Kalmanson. “due to our individualized holistic approach, our students understand themselves better and learn to identify the tools with which to navigate the world of adulthood and societal pressure. By the time they graduate kindergarten, children attending Chai Tots have a solid academic education with a more concrete understanding of many abstract academic concepts.” Programs are offered for infants through kindergarteners and an extended day program is also available. “Chai Tots is a place where children learn to love, and love to learn,” says Rabbi Kalmanson. “Parents are continuously amazed at how much their child learns and how concretely they grasp the academics. But more than anything else, our parents talk about the love and warmth

their child feels, and the nurturing environment in which their child truly discovers themselves and their abilities, coupled with the confidence and identity building which is developed in this unique environment of Jewish Montessori.”

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School offers preschool programming for children 2 ½ to 5 years old, plus a Parent and Child class for infants and toddlers. The school uses a Constructivist curriculum and, according to Megan Sprigg, Nursery School director, “The goal of Constructivism is to help each child construct his/her own knowledge of the world through active, hands-on, developmentally-appropriate learning experiences. Children are encouraged to explore their own ideas, express themselves in multiple ways, think creatively, and ask and seek answers to questions.” The School also uses emergent Curriculum, which means that much of the curriculum focus is drawn directly from the interests, needs, and ideas of each individual group of children. “Our program emphasizes the development of social skills, helping children learn to engage with others in cooperative, respectful, and mutually rewarding ways,” says Megan. “Our curriculum incorporates all of the Ohio early Learning Content Standards, which link directly to the Kindergarten standards, and helps prepare each child for the academic demands of elementary school.” Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School has earned 3 stars, the top honor given to early childhood programs through the State of Ohio’s voluntary rating system, Step Up To Quality. More information is available at http://www.prpc.org/nusery_school.php.

Kinder Garden School is a family-based school founded by Tami S. Lanham and her daughter, who both also created the school’s original curriculum. “After 30 years of experience in the early Childhood education field, our founders compiled a practical and holistic approach to child development and education,” says Trudi Simpson, director of Kinder Garden School, West Chester. “We want children to love learning. So, there is inclusion of play in the curriculum. This strikes a nice balance for the children.” The School also offers a Montessori program, degreed teachers, music classes, Spanish classes, two musical performances per year and several extracurricular activities. “The most significant difference for us is that we are truly a family,” says Trudi. “Our founders are a mother-

daughter team of teachers who started the school for Tami’s son. So, when we enroll a new family, they literally become a part of our family.” Peruse the School’s website at kindergardenschool.com for more information.

The Gardner School of Blue Ash is an award-winning, academically focused preschool serving children ages six weeks through pre-K. The school offers many extras such as an art studio, computer lab, gymnastic and dance enrichment studio. The Gardner School uses Creative Curriculum and stresses the importance of introducing the arts to preschoolers. “We strongly believe that children should be exposed to the arts at a young age, that is why our enrichment program is so successful,” says Tammy Robinson, Chief Operating Officer. “Parents have the opportunity to enroll their children in various classes such as Music & drama, Be Smart Kids Computer Classes, gymnastics, dance, Tae Kwon do and foreign language. All of the children visit the art studio twice a week to explore and enhance their creativity with our specially trained art instructor.” All of the school’s programs are listed in detail at www.TheGardnerSchool.com.

Kiddie Academy of Mason’s curriculum encourages children to explore, interact and create. They use the Life essentials curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques to help prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation (CITA), signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. Programs are offered for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Additional benefits include a secure environment, computer lab, outdoor play and fitness activities and Master and Bachelor degree lead teachers. More information is available at educationaldaycare.kiddieacademy.com/mason/welcome.html.

Whatever the goals and philosophies of your family, there is undoubtedly a preschool in the area that meets your needs. It’s worth the time to research and pay a visit to schools before committing.

REBECCA TODD is a freelance writer and author of the book “What’s the Point? -- Looking for Logic in Modern America.”


CoMMENTARy & PARENTINg * dear teacher

NEW yEAR BACk To sCHool REsolUTIoNs

Parents : Besides being holiday time, close to half of the school year is over. It’s a great time to take stock of how things have been

going this year. Then resolutions can be made to make the second half of the school year even better.

don’t just make resolutions; bring your children in on this. Ask them what needs to be changed to improve how the year is going for them. We are not talking about major roadblocks like learning disabilities that require considerable attention from you and the school over a long period of time. Instead, we are talking about the glitches that cause your children to bring home occasional bad grades. Once they are identif ied, they often can be eliminated rather quickly. If your children fall into any of these pitfalls, think about making resolutions to turn them around.

*Do your children appear to have a speech, hearing, or vision problem? Even minor problems can cause learning problems and lower grades.

*Are your children getting enough sleep? If not, they may be sleep-deprived and falling asleep in class.

*Are your children missing too many days because of health problems? If so, a checkup probably is a good idea.

*Are your children eating right? Without breakfast, their energy level is likely to be down. Plus, an unhealthy diet can lower their attention span.

*Are your children spending excessive amounts of time watching TV or on the computer? Doing so can add up to a lot of wasted time.

*Is your home a disorganized madhouse every morning? Such daily confusion can result in important school tasks not being handled efficiently.

*Do your children need personal digital assistants to keep track of their activities? If so, their schoolwork may be taking second place to their activities.

*Do your children have good attendance records? Good attendance gives them the opportunity to learn everything that was taught in the classroom.

CURsIVE WRITINg Is DIsAPPEARINg – DoEs IT MATTER?

Question: My 11-year-old daughter cannot read a handwritten note unless it is printed. She struggles with all of the myriad notes of

day-to-day living that are NOT done on the computer or through text messaging. She has no signature because she hasn’t learned to write her name in cursive.

Cursive handwriting is not taught at her school because it is believed that it would be a waste of time since all papers after sixth grade are done on the computer. She learned basic keyboarding in third grade and will have more intensive training in sixth grade. does it make any sense for computers to replace handwriting in schools? - The Lost Skill

Answer: Your daughter def initely is not alone in her inability to write cursive. On the f irst SAT essay test given in 2006, only 15 percent of the students used cursive, the rest printed their essays. Whether it makes sense or not, cursive handwriting instruction has disappeared from many schools. And when it is taught, less and less time is devoted to this subject. Typically, cursive handwriting is introduced in second or third grade. If students do not master cursive

Analyzing Importance Is Cursive Writing and Sustained Silent Reading Necessary?


by the end of third grade, they will usually receive little instruction in it in fourth grade and beyond. The students who do not master cursive will go back to printing as their form of written communication.

The attention to penmanship in the schools began to diminish almost 50 years ago when teachers began to question the need for all students to follow a set standard in their handwriting. Today, it continues to lose ground to other subjects that are being emphasized so students will do well on standardized tests. Plus, there is the simple fact that many teachers do not consider it an important subject.

In a practical vein, your daughter needs to do some things to overcome her inability to write or read cursive. Teach her to write her name in cursive, as this is still a requirement on many documents. Also, because there are still situations in which fast handwriting is essential, have her learn to print without raising her pencil between each letter, whenever possible. We would also suggest that you read cursive lists and notes together until she begins to pick up this skill. Without it, she is going to have a gap in her communication skills.

PRoBlEMs WITH sIlENT READINg

Question: Twenty minutes of my son’s third-grade reading time is spent having the students read silently. even the teacher reads during this time. Wouldn’t some instruction from the teacher during this time be a more appropriate way to improve his reading? – Unhappy

Answer: What you have described is called Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). You are right about your son needing some input from the teacher. Much of the criticism of the effectiveness of SSR is the lack of teacher-student interaction. Teachers should talk with students individually about what they are reading and make sure they can easily read the material. Plus, it’s important that they listen to the students read passages and give them feedback on their reading skills. When teachers interact with the students, the students are far more likely to make better use of this silent-reading time.

Parents should send questions and comments to [email protected] or ask them on the columnists’ Web site at www.dearteacher.com.


Childcare&Educat ionDirectoryChildCare/PreschoolChai ToTs Early Childhood CEnTEr

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040(513)234-0600www.chaitots.comGrades: 6 weeks - 6 yearsEnrollment: 40

Academic excellence via unique blend of Montessori method and traditional Jewish education. Chai Tots teaches children the culture and traditions of Judaism, while developing their creativity skills and promoting independence. Flexible schedule. Before and Aftercare.

CommuniTy monTEssori sChool9035 Cincinnati Dayton Rd, West Chester, OH 45069Contact: jamie Minniear513-777-0808Email: [email protected]: Preschool/Kindergarten, Ages 3-6

Community Montessori School is a quality Montessori preschool and kindergarten that respects children and provides an environment that is supportive for children to learn not only important academic skills, but also social skills and self-motivation. Children grow and learn at their own pace with gentle guidance from a teacher.

ThE Compass sChool9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249Contact: Laura CarrPhone: 513-683-8833Fax: 513-683-8456Email: [email protected]

Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour.

ThE gardnEr sChool of bluE ash9920 Carver Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242513-985-9444www.TheGardnerSchool.comAges 6 weeks - Pre-K

This award-winning, academically focused preschool has recently opened in the Blue Ash Community. You want the best for your child, and so do we. With our nationally-recognized curriculum taught by our degreed teaching faculty, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for learning readiness where your child can prepare for academic achievement and lifelong success.

goddard sChool4430 Red Bank Expressway, Cin-cinnati, OH 45227Phone: 513-271-6311Ages 6 weeks to 8 years

The Goddard School provides the foundation to encourage your child’s lifelong love of learning. Whether gently holding your infant, encouraging your toddler to share, or providing your preschooler with a variety of enriching activities, caring teachers support your child’s healthy development from 6 weeks to 6 years, and up to 8 years for after-school enrichment.To learn more about The Goddard School® in you neighborhood, call 1-800-GOddARd or visit online at www.goddardschool.com.

good shEphErd nursEry sChool7701 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236Contact: Leigh Anne Prugh, Director513-891-1733Email: [email protected]: 3-5 yrs.Enrollment: 114

At Good Shepherd Nursery School, our goal is to help 3, 4, and 5 year olds make an easy transition from the security of home life to the unfamiliar world of elementary school. Preschool learning and social devlopment take place in an atmosphere of sharing and understanding.

KindEr gardEn sChoolBlue Ash - 10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242Contact: Tami LanhamPhone: 513-791-4300Email: [email protected]

West Chester - 5900 West Chester Road, Ste. C, West Chester, OHIO 45069. Contact: Trudi SimpsonPhone: 513-874-3100Email: [email protected]: 6 weeks through kindergartenEnrollment: Please call or email.

Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting. eNLIGHTeNMeNT IS OUR MISSION.

plEasanT ridgE prEsbyTErian nursEry sChool

5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213(513)631-0170www.prpc.orgGrades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/Child classes birth to 32 monthsEnrollment: 65

Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, child-centered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program. Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler. Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers.

youThland aCadEmyPhone: (513) 772-5888www.youthlandacademy.comCategory: Childcare/Preschool6 weeks to 12 years of ageEnrollment: Now enrolling for all ages

With over 15 locations in the Cincinnati area, we are sure to find a location best for you. Visit our website for details and new family savings.

MontessoriCEnTral monTEssori aCadEmy

1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231Laura Saylor513-742-5800laura@centralmontessoriacademy.comwww.centralmontessoriacademy.comInfancy through Sixth GradeEnrollment: 110

At C.M.A., children (infants through sixth-graders) learn at their pace, building self-esteem while being taught as individuals.Our program is academically rigorous while stressing life skills (i.e. critical-thinking & courteous behavior). The result: motivated & self-disciplined lifelong-learners who are students of life just as much as they are of academics.

monTEssori aCadEmy of CinCinnaTi8293 Duke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040(513)398-7773www.montacademy.orgGrades: 3 years – 8th gradeEnrollment: 300

Now in our 23rd year offering Montessori curriculum with an individualized nurturing approach. experienced,

degreed teachers foster a love of learning, promote independence and develop the necessary skills for success. New 7.5-acre campus! State Chartered. AMS Affiliated. extended Care available on-site.

ThE nEw sChool monTEssori3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229(513)281-7999www.thenewschool.ccGrades: 3 year-olds through 6th GradeEnrollment: 150

Founded on Montessori principles in 1970, our wooded playgrounds, home-cooked meals and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning. We value diversity and create a caring and supportive community. Our graduates excel academically, but more importantly are empowered as citizens of our global community. (Accredited by AMS and ISACS). Upcoming Open House dates: Sunday, November 14 (2-4PM), Sunday, January 30 (2-4PM)

summiT CounTry day sChool2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208(513)871-4700www.summitcds.orgMontessoriAge 2 - Grade 12Enrollment: 1100

The state-of-the-art Lower School is home to the Montessori Program where children ages 2 to 6 receive a world-class academic and enrichment curriculum. Multiple programs include a new Montessori Toddler Program for 2 yr. olds and full and half-day programs for ages 3-6. Before- and aftercare, and holiday care available.

ThE Child’s plaCE4936 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040(513)398-6928www.montacademy.orgGrades: 6 weeks through 4 yearsEnrollment: 150

Montessori early Childhood Program! exceptionally low ratios in a nurturing environment! Our 2-acre campus provides bike and cart paths. Separate play areas for toddlers and preschoolers. Spanish and Music classes offered! Full-time and Part-time available. AMS Affiliate

Non-PublicCinCinnaTi CounTry day sChool

6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243Phone: (513)979-0220 www.countryday.netGrades: Early Childhood (18 months); 12th gradeEnrollment: 800

CCdS is an independent, co-educational school dedicated to educational excellence serving students 18 months through Grade 12. The School is nationally recognized for its innovative, integrated laptop computer program. extended day and tuition assistance is available.

CinCinnaTi hills ChrisTian aCadEmy11525 Snider Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

Contact: Kim Siman(513)247-0900Email: [email protected]: K-12Enrollment: 1400

CHCA’s vision is to unleash each student’s God given gifts through Christ-centered academic excellence. We are devoted to developing the whole person, and instilling a life-long passion for learning, leading, and serving.

sT. ursula Villa3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226(513)871-7218Preschool – 8th gradeEnrollment: 496

Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Whole-child development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation.

summiT CounTry day sChool2161 Grandin Road (513)871-4700www.summitcds.orgGrades: Age 2 - Grade 12Enrollment: 1100

Founded in 1890, the area’s only independent, Catholic, co-ed, college-prep school serving students age 2 - Grade 12 is recognized as a leader in formalized Character education, Credo. A diverse community of students benefit from a rich, classical and challenging curriculum within three contiguous divisions. extensive athletic and visual arts programs campus-wide.

SpecialNeedsspringEr sChool and CEnTEr

2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208Phone: (513)871-6080Website: http://www.springer-ld.orgGrades: 1st - 8th gradeEnrollment: 200

For 40 years, Springer School and Centerhas empowered students with learningdisabilities to become strategic learners,helping them to achieve success. Springeroffers a day school for students ages 6-13 andoutreach programs and learning disabilityresources for students, parents and teachers inthe Greater Cincinnati area. The Springerexperience. Success Changes everything.

Virtual/Distanceohio VirTual aCadEmy

Best performing eSchool in Ohio(866)339-9072www.ohva.orgGrades: Kindergarten – 10th gradeEnrollment: 3,300

Ohio Virtual Academy helps your K-10children obtain an excellent public schooleducation, tuition free! Under the guidanceof licensed teachers, parents help their childrenlearn at home using K12’s comprehensivecurriculum and educational materials.

your lisTing hErE!Contact Katie at [email protected]


Childcare&Educat ionDirectory ARoUND ToWN * profile: children, inc.

“MARK” CAMe TO the Children, Inc. Montessori early Learning Academy (MeLA) last summer with emergent literally skills, had difficulty making independent choices and fought constantly with other children. His mother had just gone back to work and was nervous about leaving “Mark” with a new teacher, new kids, and in an new environment.

The theme of the Montessori education has been well established as an affective teaching philosophy. While very affective, this method of education has only been open to the affluent.

That was, until recently.

“Originally dr. Maria Montessori created a full-day education program for the underprivileged children in Rome,” said Children, Inc. executive director Rick Hulefeld. “With the Montessori early Learning Academy, we are going back to the original plan of providing Montessori education for all children, not just for the affluent.”

The Children, Inc. Montessori early Learning Academy, located in Covington, is the only full-day, year round, 3-STAR rated and Nationally Accredited center in the state of Kentucky –two of the best independent quality indicators for child care. This certified Montessori provides an additional focus on social and emotional development through music and dance programs. focuses on both Social and emotional development curriculum and allows children to participate in music and dance programs monthly.

“It is our belief that children should be offered extraordinary learning opportunities to help them succeed in school and life,” said Hulefeld. “The basis for success is learning the basic social and emotional skills.”

extensive child development research demonstrates that children learn best in a home-like setting, filled with

developmentally appropriate material that provide experiences that support and nurture the growth of creative, self motivated, d iscipl ined, and sel f-confident learners.

By taking key insights from chi ld development and neuroscience research and conveying them to teachers and parents in fun ways to provide new tools for building social, emotional, language and cognitive skills in young children is through the use of Growing Sound.

Growing Sound develops music and other products that translate key findings from recent child development research into pract ica l and entertaining products for teachers, parents, and children.

As genuine breakthroughs in child development research increase there is a widening gap between what researchers know and what many parents and teachers practice. Parents and teachers want to optimize their child’s development but they lack the time and expertise to digest the growing volume of research. Growing Sound answers this need by providing a line of products that distills the research into practical and fun activities for home and school.

Growing Sound has produced a wide variety of songs, videos and books that are available in traditional formats as well as

electronic downloads making them easy to use at home, in the car or at school.

Now, “Mark” is flourishing in his classroom, often asking to be the helper and organizing the daily group activities.

“Mark learned that he was able to be himself and that it was okay,” said Mark’s mother. “This school has given him the confidence in himself. I can attribute this to the small class room size and the one-on-one teacher attention”

The Children, Inc. Montessori early Learning Academy is open Monday thru Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Benefits to Montessori EducationChildren, Inc. Montessori Early Learning Academy

“It is our belief that children should be offered extraordinary

learning opportunities to help them SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

AND LIFE.”—Rick Hulefeld, Executive Director of Children, Inc.

ADVERTISEMENT

OR MANY PAReNTS, a child’s

first day of school is a rite of

passage; a time to let go of their little one’s

hand and watch him enter a whole new

world separate from his home life and

family. Many others, however, are opting

to forego this rite and teach their children

at home.

Homeschooling is a possible education alternative to public or private schools where children learn under the supervision of their parents. Parents have various reasons for choosing to homeschool including, to name just a few, f lexibility, control over curriculum, catering to the special needs of their children and safety concerns.

Michelle Miller Anthony is the mother of eleven and currently homeschools six of them (two have graduated and three are not yet school age). She cites many reasons for opting for homeschool. “I can tailor their education to f it them as individuals,” she says. “I have a couple of kids that are several grades ahead and right now I have one that is a grade behind. And that’s okay, because we can move along at their pace. It truly is ‘no child left behind.’ My kids are taught how to learn independently rather than to regurgitate answers for a standardized test. They spend a lot of time f inding the answers to their own questions.” Michelle also feels her family has been strengthened by the process. “We all learn how to deal with each other. We spend most of the day together which allows for a lot of personal relating.”

Homeschooling has often gotten a bad rap and the myths and misperceptions about homeschooled children have been perpetrated by both media and public opinion. Fortunately, support and respect for homeschooling is growing and the options are virtually limitless.

ohio homeschool regulations and requirementsHomeschooling is legal in all 50 states and most have few laws regulating the practice so families are free to teach and learn in whatever manner best f its their individual needs. The law requires that Ohio children be in school from ages 6-18 years of age and that they attend school for a total of 900 hours. Required subjects for homeschoolers are language, reading, spelling, writing, geography, history of the United States and Ohio, government, math, science, health, physical education, f ine arts (including music), f irst aid, safety, and f ire prevention. Parents must send a letter of notif ication to the proper superintendent with the name and address of who will be teaching the child and an assurance that the proper curriculum will be taught.

Homeschool methodsHomeschool families have unlimited options when it comes to methodology. From traditional to virtual to specialized learning techniques, there are systems and practices that will meet every family’s unique needs and desires.


is Homeschooling or Virtual schooling Right For Your Family?


Traditional HomeschoolThe traditional method of homeschool ing fol lows the ba s ic

classroom model of education. Pa r en t s f o l l ow i n g t h i s m e t h o d can purchase a complete curriculum including textbooks, workbooks, teacher’s guides, dVds, tests and record keeping materials. each child studies at his own grade level on an individual basis.

classical Home school methodClassical homeschooling has its roots in classical Greece and Rome and was also used during the early American Colonial period. Though students follow subjects that are taught in public schools, the goal of classical homeschool is to “engage a child in important learning relating to God, life and its purpose.” It is based on a teaching model called the Trivium. The Trivium is broken into three parts for the three degrees of education. Grade school children concentrate on concrete thinking and memorizing of facts. Middle school students concentrate on more analytical thinking. In high school, students are challenged by more abstract thinking. In addition, the Trivium stresses logic, rhetoric and grammar.

charlotte mason HomeschoolingCharlotte Mason was a British educator who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her educational method was based on the idea that education is three-pronged; it is an atmosphere, a discipline and a life. Atmosphere focused on educating the child on their environment, discipline is focused on building good habits and life applies to thoughts and ideas. The idea behind her philosophy is to educate the whole child and not just his mind. In other words, the object is to build his character as well as his mental capacity.

Virtual schoolVirtual school is a new option for homeschool families. Ohio has newly introduced virtual online public schools.

Like traditional schools, public virtual schools use standards-aligned curriculum, employ teachers certif ied by the state of Ohio, and require students to take the state assessment. Students are provided with a computer (internet connection is necessary) as well as all materials and texts.

Virtual Community School of Ohio (VCS Ohio) enrolls approximately 1,400 students statewide. Students are provided with everything necessary to go to school online including a computer, printer and scanner. VCS Ohio also pays for the student’s internet service. VCS Ohio is a public school, therefore there is no tuition.

According to Lori Berkheimer of VCS Ohio, students are far from isolated and have many opportunities to interact with teachers. “Students and teachers communicate in many ways,” she says. “VCS Ohio teachers are accessible via phone and e-mail during their posted off ice hours and beyond. Many teachers even have off ice hours in the evenings and on weekends, depending on when their students need them most. Teachers also hold live sessions where students can communicate in an online classroom setting. Additionally, there are opportunities for face-to-face tutoring, although face-to-face meetings are generally not required.”

There are many social opportunities available for students to interact with each other as well. “We offer face-to-face social events as well as monitored online forums in which students can talk with each other,” says Lori. We have 21st Century Learning sites at The Boonshoft Museum of discovery in dayton and COSI in Columbus. Students can go there on a regular basis for tutoring and other fun educational experiences and f ield trips. We hold two school-wide picnics each year, as well as regional social events. We’ve established many clubs for students who want to get involved in extracurricular activities. We also host an online “morning hallway” forum where students can chat, similar to what they might experience by the lockers in a traditional school.”

Cincinnati Public Schools also offers Virtual High School that functions in much the same manner. Virtual High School’s mission is to “educate each student to meet or exceed the district def ined academic standards by incorporating

an individualized, computer-a s s i s ted , s t anda rd-ba se cur r icu lum.” On-l ine courses are from Apex Lea rn ing® Academic Cu r r i c u lu m wh ich provides standard-based courses in Math, Science, engl ish, Socia l Studies, World Languages, electives, and Advance Placement.

literature Based HomeschoolingLiterature-based homeschooling recommends avoid ing textbooks and instead focusing on literary works, both f iction and non-f iction instead. This includes classic l iterature, respected journa ls, ancient literature, biographies and historic accounts. These books are used to learn history, g r ammar, vocabu l a r y, math, science, philosophy and culture.

notebook HomeschoolingIn the notebook homeschooling method, chi ldren learn by creating notebooks on a variety of subjects. Children are able to focus more on their own areas of interest, then collect information and document their f indings. This type of learning is often used by families who are focused on pursuing a specif ic area of interest for their child as the focus is on specif ic subjects. Notebook homeschooling is usually used in tandem with other methods.

UnschoolingUn schoo l i n g i s p e rh ap s t he most unique form of homeschooling. The process involved i s focused on independent, free-thinking and building self-conf idence. There is not

Homeschooling is a possible

education alternative to public or

private schools where children

learn under the supervision of

their parents.


a specific agenda, but rather involves learning through

experiencing. Children learn through experiencing life. It is

not totally undisciplined, however it does not involve structured classroom time.

The theory is to expose children to as much as possible and they will learn through experience.

Unschooling parents believe their children do not need to be coerced into learning as children are innately curious and will learn by exposure, experience and discussion.

Unit study method Unit studies are one of the most used methods for homeschoolers. The focus is on hands-on activities rather that textbook studies. Within each unit of study, students

examine a subject from all angles, and may learn social studies, math, science and history

from one subject. The subject is usually something general such as nature, and students will explore the subject from many angles and may read classic literature, paint landscapes and take

field trips to fully cover the topic. This type of home study is popular with large families as each theme or unit can be approached from many ways at many different levels, therefore the unit can be studied as a family.

eclectic Homeschoolingeclectic study is just as it sounds; an eclectic mix of many different methods. Families pick and choose and combine methods as they please and alter their methods as needed.

support for HomeschoolersIn Ohio there are more than two hundred support groups for homeschoolers. Some are co-op groups where homeschoolers combine efforts; some offer support and some offer organized sports, arts education or field trip opportunities. Many organizations exist on both the national and local level to provide education, workshops, legal advice, materials and supplies, as well.

Homeschool Network of Greater Cincinnati is a network of families helping each other to educate children at home.

It’s a group that helps homeschool families connect and find information and resources. Members meet regularly for activities and discussions. A listing of activities and resources for members is available on the website at hsncincy.com.

Home School Legal defense Association (HSLdA) is a nonprofit advocacy organization “established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms.” HSLdA advocates on the legal behalf of members in matters which include conflicts with state or local officials over homeschooling. HSLdA will also file actions to protect members against government intrusion.

The Home School Foundation is a non-profit charity organization, founded by the Home School Legal defense Association, that supports homeschool families with financial need. Scholarship funds, resources for special needs children and assistance for single parent families and families dealing with natural disasters and financial hardship are all available. Visit homeschoolfoundation.org for more information.

As you can see, options abound if you are considering homeschool. There are some cons. Organizational skills are a must. However, according to Michelle, the pros far outgrow the cons.

“I know my kids,” she says. “I mean really know them. We spend most of the day together which allows for a lot of personal relating. It’s fun to learn along side your children. We learn so much outside of text books.”

REBECCA TODD is a freelance writer and author of the book “What’s the Point? -- Looking for Logic in Modern America.”

Parents have various reasons

for choosing to homeschool

including, to name just a few,

flexibility, control over

curriculum, catering to the

special needs of their children

and safety concerns.


ARoUND ToWN * arts & enrcihment

THe eNJOYMeNT OF skating is often associated with one-time events like the Olympics, birthday parties or scenes from romantic movies. However, for thousands of Ohio residents, skating is a way of life. With dozens of ice and roller rinks in Greater Cincinnati, the sport of skating is evolving to accommodate those who aspire to display beauty and grace on the ice as well as those who are aggressively pursuing to score points against another team.

oN THE ICEAccording to Sue Wehrli-McLaughlin with the U.S. Figure Skating Association, skating is a great form of low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, endurance, muscle tone, balance, agility and f lexibility. Skating is also a great teacher of many important life lessons – building self-conf idence, goal setting, hard work and determination.

“Many people are turning to skating as a healthy activity for overall f itness and it is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” Wehrli said. “There are many activities that compliment skating – those with a mixture of balance, coordination, agility and endurance like gymnastics, dance, diving, cross-country running, soccer and, oddly enough, equestrian.”

denise Gifford, skating director and private instructor at Learn to Skate Cincinnati, shares that there is more to skating than meets the eye.

“Not only is skating a great activity to promote social, psychological and physical f itness, it’s the newest team sport. Many local high schools either have or are now starting hockey teams. In many areas of the country there are high school f igure skating competitions. The Learn to Skate Cincinnati basic skills program can take participants to this level of sports achievement.”

As one of the largest learn-to-skate programs in the U.S., the majority of their staff are full-time coaches and kids have fun and learn so much.

“Parents are always impressed with our organization and how much their kids learn in such a short period of time,” said Gifford. “Figure skating is so great because it is artistic

and athletic. As a skater you feel special because not a lot of people skate but everyone know what it is and will ask if can you do a double axel.”

fRoM BlADEs To WHEElsThe introduction of in-line skating in the 1990’s rejuvenated the skating sport as well as reminded people of recreational skating at roller rinks. Sports like Roller derby, broomball and in-line street hockey jump-started people to get back on wheels.

Sports Plus in evandale, Ohio is host to many family-friendly activities including the up-and-coming broomball sport. Mason High School

has a league as does the Cincinnati Broomball Association. Teams play in the spring and summer and can be compared to ice hockey without skates. At Miami University, it may be the largest intramural sport they have.

Roller derby is a sport made mostly of female athletes that does not include a ball of any kind, rather teamwork and dedication.

Troy Twibell, president of the Junior Roller derby Association in Austin, Texas said the resurrection of Roller derby took place just a few years ago. “Just four years ago we had 20 leagues, now we have 100 leagues globally. It’s growing incredibly fast and our organization works to keep up with home-grown teams and leagues all over the world,” he said.

A Roller derby game is composed of two teams with up to 15 skaters on a team. The games are called a bout with two-minute jams; f ive skaters from each team are on the f loor.

From each team there are four blockers together forming a pack, eight girls in all. There are also two jammers from each team. The jammer scores the points but use their blockers to get through the pack. All players are in full pads, mouth guards and wrist guards. This is when the full contact comes into play. The defending blockers are trying to knock the jammer out of the 12-foot wide oval back in bounds. Once she makes it through the pack, she has to skate around and catch up to go the second time through. Only then does she gets a point getting through the pack.

“Chicago Riots, Toronto and Cincinnati have leagues started by kids and managed kids. There are a few boys’ leagues out there, but they are far behind the girls. Now, since it’s such a new thing, some boys are mixed in, but as boys and girls are well-matched at early ages it’s a fair game.

fun on Wheels (and Blades) Skating Sports Equal Unique Fun and Fitness for All Ages

Arts&EnrichmentGuideMusicpiano lEssons in your homE

513-860-3540cincinnati@pianolessonsinyourhome.comwww.pianolessonsinyourhome.com

Piano, Voice and Guitar Lessons in Your Home -Learn to play piano, guitar or receive voice lessons in the comfort of your home. PLYH offers highly qualified teachers, flexible

schedules, optional recitals, and a lending library. Serving students ages 4 to adult from Lebanon, Ohio to Northern Kentucky.

wEsT ChEsTEr aCadEmy of musiC

8374 Princeton Glendale Rd, West Chester, OH 45069(513)829-2345www.wcaom.com

Quality private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, drums, harp, trumpet

and steel drums. Also offers nationally acclaimed Music for Young Children, a group keyboard curriculum for ages 5 and up, and Music Pups, a music and movement class for birth to 4. Call for FRee trial class.

TheatreCinCinnaTi playhousE in ThE parK

P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati, OH 45206-0537

Contact: Mark Lutwak513-345-2242Email: [email protected]

eXPReSS YOURSeLF! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers acting and drama classes for toddlers, children, teens and adults at multiple locations. Call 513/421.3888 for information and registration or visit www.cincyplay.com.

your lisTing hErEContact Katie at [email protected]

With dozens of ice and roller rinks in greater Cincinnati, the

SPoRT oF SkATING is evolving to accommodate those who aspire

to display BEAuTy AND GRACE on the ice as well as those who are

AGGRESSIVELy PuRSuING To SCoRE points against another team.


So we’ll see what happens next. It’s all very exciting to see these girls empowered playing a safe sport. We actually teach them how to fall and that’s reduces quite a bit of injury, just incase there are some mother’s out there wondering,” Twibell said.

The Cincinnati Roller Girls is composed of adult women. A new junior league has been formed by Ashley Yates, who is 16 and starting the program herself. The ages for junior leagues vary; some players are as young as three years old. They don’t play contact derby so at that age they skate around the track and pass.

At this time there are three skill levels. Level one is for those learning to skate. There is no contact and learn to pass fundamentals are taught. As they get more conf ident, typically after six months, players are introduced to light contact. even at that point tripping is encouraged and hard hits are penalized. Level three is for full contact players only.

A Roller derby team member of the Cincinnati Roller Girls, “Flannery O’Slaughter,” also known as Caitlin dodd outside the rink, shares that playing Roller derby has strengthened her body, improved f lexibility and helped her be a better mom and wife.

“Having time with other women to laugh and hang out helps me regain a part of myself as a friend and woman. The sport is real, the training is diff icult, but it’s worth the time

and energy to have balance at home and in the rink,” said dodd.

NIKKI KEEVER is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three living in Noblesville, Indiana.


Wednesday 1CHRIsTMAs oN THE sqUAREUnder the Big Top. Santa Claus, shopping, high tea, dinners, waffles, cookies, nuts, music, choirs and rides. FRee. Glendale Village Square. www.glendaleohiochamber.com. 513-772-7384.

BRAIN BAlANCE PARENT lECTUREAt the lecture you will learn about the exciting Brain Balance Program and how it can help your child succeed academically, socially and behaviorally. Seating is limited so call today to reserve your seat. FRee. Brain Balance Center Of Cincinnati. 12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.brainbalancecenters.com. 513-257-0705.

T hursday 2‘TWEEN THE PAgEs (AgEs 9-12)Join Percy Jackson and his demigod friends for an epic adventure. . Free. Boone County Public Library - Scheben Branch. 8899 us 42, Union KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

sEAsoN of THE lIgHTsWe’ll share stories of the season, share a snack, and create candles to enjoy or give as gifts. Ages 6-12. Kenton County Public Library. 401 Kenton Lands Road, erlanger KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4003.

THE lUNCH BoXenjoy playing with your food. Using papier-mâché techniques create the coolest lunch box complete with a healthy lunch inside. $10 refundable deposit. eva G. Farris education Center, at The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center. 028 Scott Boulevard, Covington KY. www.thecarnegie.com. (859) 491-2030.

Friday 3HolIDAy follIEs 2: A TRIP To THE NoRTH PolEOccurring through dec. 5th. Join us for the sequel to 2009’s holiday hit. Mrs. Claus asks our roving band of loveable musical performers to take the Tour Bus on the road and celebrate the season with Santa at the North Pole – who everyone seems to forget. A celebration of the holidays for children of all ages, this spectacular production highlights even more of your yuletide favorites from this special time of year. Single tickets for each production are $20, $18, and $7 and are available by at www.ticketmaster.com. Taft Theatre. 5th & Sycamore Streets. (513)569-8080. www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

ANNUAl HolIDAy CRAfT WoRksHoPBring the family to enjoy crafts with natural materials or a nature theme. Choose what you want to make from selections suited to all ages. Fee: $5 per person or $15 per family. Paid reservations are required. LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve in

College Hill. 5400 Lanius Lane, Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com. 513-542-2909.

CINCINNATI CyCloNEs HoCkEyvs. Florida. $13-$25.50. US Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.usbankarena.com. 800-745-3000.

fAMIly fAVoRITEs! HolIDAy fAVoRITEs!Learn to make some favorite recipes just in time for the holidays! AGeS:5-18. Registration and Reservation required. $40. Young Chefs Academy. 6649 Western Row Rd, Mason OH. www.youngchefsacademy.com/cincinnati. 513-549-CHeF (2433).

kIDz NITE - CHRIsTMAs PARTy!Merry Christmas! Santa Claus comes very soon - make a cookie plate for Santa and his reindeer! Ho! Ho! Ho! A fun night just for your little artists! drop off your 6- 12 yr old for pizza, games, crafts, and Pottery Painting! Reservations requested. Sign up today. $25 per child/ $20 addl. Sibling. The Mad Potter. 7754 Camargo Rd., Madeira OH. www.mymadpotter.com/Madeira/. 513-561-1888.

REDsfEsTOngoing through Saturday. Meet players and coaches, kids fun zone, Reds Hall of Fame exhibit and memorabilia gallery, autograph and photo booths, Reds merchandise, interactive games and more. Benefits Reds Community Fund. Two-day passes: $25, $12 ages 12 and under; $17, $7 ages 12 and. duke energy Convention Center. 525 elm St., Cincinnati OH. http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/redsfest.jsp. 513-381-7337.

sIgNINg sAfARI VIsITs THE CINCINNATI zoo!Staff from Signing Safari and the Cincinnati Zoo join forces for an hour long program featuring weather, nature, and animals signs. each parent/child interactive class includes singing, signing, rhyming, story time, creative movement, and 3 special animal visits! We’ll have a wild time! Class is appropriate for children 18-36 months. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyzoo.org. 513-683-6990.

Saturday 4lAsER HolIDAy skIEsOngoing through dec. 5th. This popular program features a mix of everyone’s favorite holiday music, from the classical to the modern, choreographed to colorful laser light. Laser Holiday Skies is a fun experience for everyone and gives new meaning to the term “holiday lights”. See website for times. Individual tickets $8 in advance $9 at door, family 4-pack $30 i. drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., 4th floor of Norwood High School, Cincinnati OH. www.drakeplanetarium.org. 513-396-5578.

HIsToRIC lEBANoN CHRIsTMAs fEsTIVAlVendors, entertainment, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Horse-drawn carriage parade at 1 and 7 p.m. downtown Lebanon. Mulberry, Main and Broadways streets, Lebanon OH. www.ci.lebanon.oh.us. 513-932-1100.

Ho Ho HoStories, songs and Santa don’t forget your camera. Free. Boone County Pubilc Library - Florence Branch. 7425 us 42, Florence KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

JINglE BEll RUN/WAlk foR ARTHRITIsGet in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis. Wear a holiday themed costume. Be there with BeLLS on!. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. One West Rivercenter Blvd., Covington KY. www.arthritis.org. (513) 271-4545.

sANTA’s WoRksHoPIndividual chat and photo with Santa, craft activities and sleigh ride. Ages 2-8. $12, $10 Anderson Township residents. Beech Acres RecPlex. 6915 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.andersonparks.com. 513-388-4513.

sT. ANDREW CHURCH WINTERfEsTFood, crafts, jewelry and more. Photos with Santa available.Pancake breakfast 10 a.m. Santa from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. St. Andrew Church - Milford. 552 Main St., Milford OH. www.standrew-milford.org.

CANDlElIgHT ToURJoin us at the village and help us celebrate the way families and friends did back then. Start your visit with a candlelight tour of the Village and then head inside and enjoy the warmth from our hearth. enjoy yummy beverages, the music, the company, or just the warmth of the fire, as you help us celebrate the season. $7, $3 children; free ages 2 and under. Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. 3999 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville OH. www.caesarscreekpioneervillage.com. 513-897-1120.

Sunday 5CINCINNATI BENgAls Vs NEW oRlEANs sAINTsCome to Paul Brown Stadium and Cheer on the Cincinnati Bengals as they taken on the Saints!. Varies Per Ticket. Paul Brown Stadium. 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH. www.bengals.com. 513-621-TdTd.

fINIsH yoUR HolIDAy sHoPPINg By PAINTINg PoTTERy gIfTs!All ages welcome! Prices start at $8 per piece,

with a variety of piece to choose from. Pieces will be returned to Coffee emporium within two weeks. No artistic talent needed! RSVP TOdAY by e-mail to [email protected]! Hope to see you there!. Coffee emporium. 110 east Central Parkway, Cincinnati OH. 513-474-6364.

HolIDAy EXTRAVAgANzABring your camera to take a picture of your little one with Santa from 1:30-2:30 p.m. enjoy carriage rides from 1:30-3 p.m., and crafts and cookies from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by erlanger Parks and Recreation. Kenton County Public Library. 401 Kenton Lands Road, erlanger KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4002.

JCC CHANUkAH CElEBRATIoN: “gIVINg, gIgglEs, & gElT”All ages are invited. Chanukah songs/crafts, a giant moon bounce, tzedakah (charity) projects, snacks, menorah lighting, & more! everyone is encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts for less fortunate children and teens. This annual JCC event often sells out, and paid reservations are requested. Contact Courtney Cummings at the JCC, 513.761.7500, [email protected]. Open to the public; Free. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

BRUNCH WITH sANTASanta will be making a special stop before the holiday rush to enjoy a warm and hearty meal with good little boys and girls! Guests will have an opportunity to spend time with Santa and children will get a free photo taken with Old Saint Nick! Brunch will feature over 25 of Santa’s favorite fixings with drinks included. Reservations are required. $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for children ages 2 to 12. Sharon Woods Golf Course. 11555 Swing Road, Sharonville OH. GreatParks.org. (513) 769-0624.

Monday 6“gloW IN THE DARk” MAD sCIENCE CHANUkAH PARTyJoin the Chanukah Family experience, featuring hands-on Chanukah crafts, a Mad Science presentation, Chanukah Candle-Lighting, Glow in the dark Chanukah gifts, Chocolate Gelt, Latkes, doughnuts and buffet dinner. Mason High School. 6100 Mason-Montgomery Rd., Mason OH. www.JDiscovery.com. 513.234.0777.

CUPCAkE kIDs - fINgER lICkIN’ fUN!designed to accommodate our littlest chefs, each up-to-your-elbows-in-fun cooking class is designed to familiarize children with diverse foods, provide an opportunity to learn about where food comes from, and to show that healthy eating can be fun and tasty! $70/7-class package or $13/class. Cincinnati Family enrichment


Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. ht t p ://www.thep l ace for f am i l ie s .com. (513)591-CFeC.

Tuesday 7CINCINNATI CyCloNEs HoCkEyvs. Bakersfield. $13-$25.50. US Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.usbankarena.com. 800-745-3000.

EDIBlE CRAfTs: gINgERBREAD HoUsEsMake and decorate gingerbread houses with icing and candy. Grades 3-6 Register (859)962-4032. Kenton County Public Library. 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4032.

HAlf PINT kIDs ClUB - CANDy CANE WANDsHalf Pints age 3-8 are invited with a caregiver to explore and try new foods in a fun environment. Join us in the café for this fun food treat. Today we will create a magical winter wand, oh yeah it’s edible too! . FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

Wednesday 8BABy PlAy gRoUPCome join our baby play group Lots of developmentally appropriate toys for babies of all ages. Parent or guardian must stay with their child. FRee. Rockwern Academy Room 208. 8401 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH. www.rockwernacademy.org. 513-984-3770.

BEHIND THE MAskPut on a mask and anything is possible! Suddenly you can move, act, and think differently. Create and build your own mask and then bring your mask to life through movement, sound, and imagination. ind out how the mask makes you move!. $70/7- class package or $13/class. Cincinnati Family enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. ht t p ://www.thep l ace for f am i l ie s .com. (513)591-CFeC.

T hursday 9HolIDAy oRNAMENTPaint a pretty glass ornament. Grades 6-12 Register (859) 962-4031. Kenton County Public Library. 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4031.

sEUssICAl THE MUsICAlOngoing through dec. 12th. The Cat in the Hat joins other dr. Seuss characters as they bring many of the author’s classic tales to life on stage in this hit Broadway musical. Times vary, check web site for details. $10. Anderson Center. 7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati OH. http://www.brieabiproductions.com. 513-497-5000.

IT’s A WoNDERfUl CHRIsTMAs WITH MICHAEl W. sMITHContemporary Christian singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith has inspired millions with his music, drawing hundreds of thousands to his concerts each year. Tickets start $52.50. Cincinnati Music Hall. 1241 elm Street, Cincinnati OH. www.CincinnatiArts.ORG. (513) 621-ARTS [2787].

Friday 10HolIDAy follIEs 2: A TRIP To THE NoRTH PolE

Occurring through dec. 12th. Join us for the sequel to 2009’s holiday hit. Mrs. Claus asks our roving band of loveable musical performers to take the Tour Bus on the road and celebrate the season with Santa at the North Pole – who everyone seems to forget. A celebration of the holidays for children of all ages, this spectacular production highlights even more of your yuletide favorites from this special time of year. Single tickets for each production are $20, $18, and $7 and are available by at www.ticketmaster.com. Taft Theatre. 5th & Sycamore Streets. (513)569-8080. www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

CUlTURE kIDsexplore furry friends and creepy crawlers during this Culture Kids that is all about animals! You and your preschooler learn about art during story times, tours, and hands-on art activities. Includes snack. Ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. . $10 per pair members. Non-member fees apply. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 eden Park drive, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org. (513) 639-2984.

HAPPy HolIDAys WITH THE CINCINNATI PoPsOngoing through dec. 12th. Warm your heart with the sights and sounds of the holidays as special guest debby Boone lights up Music Hall with a program of music and memories. Hear classic songs from the film White Christmas, as well as


REsoURCEs * calendar

your favorite holiday tunes conducted by Mr. Christmas himself, Cincinnati favorite John Morris Russell. Ticket prices and times vary - check website for details. Music Hall. 1241 elm Street, Cincinnati OH. cincinnatisymphony.org. 513-381-3300.

HolIDAys oN lUDloWStrolling carolers, prize giveaways, refreshments, Fairview Clifton German Language School Choir, free carriage rides and Santa Claus. Clifton Gaslight district. Telford Street and Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati OH. (513)281-7653.

lADIEs NIgHT’s 3RD ANNUAl TACky CHRIsTMAs sWEATER PARTy!Our Ladies Night is the perfect Girlfriends Getaway! We supply appetizers and you can BYOB! Sorry, no kiddies- this night is just for the ladies. Celebrate the holidays by sporting your best/worst tacky Christmas sweater! Prize for best/worst dressed! Merry Christmas!. $4 studio fees. The Mad Potter. 7754 Camargo Rd., Madeira OH. www.mymadpotter.com/Madeira/. 513-561-1888.

RIVER VIllAgE CHRIsTMAs WAlkCarolers singing in the park and along sidewalks. Shops open with merchants dressed in time period. Horse and carriage rides. Nativity scene, crafters, alpacas, pet parade and Santa. FRee. New Richmond Riverfront. Front Street and Susanna Way, New Richmond OH. www.newrichmond.org. 513-553-0262.

THE BEACH oN ICE:oPENINg WEEkEND

If you’re looking for real winter fun and real value... come to The Beach On Ice! Take your family for an unforgettable day of ice skating on Ohio’s largest outdoor rink, ride the toboggan slide and check out our amazing miniature train display. The Beach On Ice is ReAL FAMILY WINTeR FUN!. Ticket prices vary. The Beach Waterpark. 2590 Water Park dr, Mason OH. thebeachwaterpark.com. (513) 398-7946.

THE gIfTs, PREsENTED By lElAND fAUlkNEROngoing through dec. 11th. In a series of gift boxes live a variety of stories, magic, characters, and dreams. Original, comic, and moving tales are wrapped in a package made of storytelling, acting, mime, and magic. Come celebrate with us! (Recommended for grades K-8). Friday performance at 7pm; Saturday at 10:30am. 6 per adult and $4 per child. Calico Children’s Theatre. 4200 Clermont College drive, Batavia OH. www.ucclermont.edu. 513-558-1215.

Saturday 11ANNUAl WINTER BIRD CoUNTeveryone is invited to join this annual census of the birds living in the parks. Beginners are

welcome! Birds will be counted in most of our 21 parks. Pick your favorite park and call 521-7275, ext. 240 to register. Bird counters will have a chance to win door prizes! Bring binoculars if you have them! www.greatparks.org.

CINCINNATI sANTACoNA gathering of like-minded individuals who get into the Christmas spirit and spread Christmas cheer. Morning of event, each participant receives a text message with instructions to arrive at a given location wearing Santa or Mrs. Claus suit. Supplied with candy canes, Santas sing songs, make merry, and spread good cheer. Fountain Square. Fifth and Vine streets, Cincinnati OH. http://www.myfountainsquare.com/santacon. 513-621-4400.

sPRoUTs IN THE kITCHEN - MINI sNoWDRIfT PIEsevery Saturday, we will take kids age 5-12 on a fun food adventure while teaching them about good nutrition! Join us today as we create a delicious winter treat. . FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

DoWNToWN DAzzlELocal choirs begin at 5:45 p.m. Santa rappels down office building. Rozzi fireworks display, strolling entertainers, holiday characters and music. Story time with Mrs. Claus following fireworks, first floor, Macy’s. Macy’s Smurf Ornament Making, third floor, Macy’s. Fountain Square. Fifth and Vine streets, Cincinnati OH. http://www.myfountainsquare.com/santacon. 513-621-4400.

MEssAgE To sANTAWrite message to Santa and translate it into Morse code. Price included with admission. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western

Ave., Cincinnati, OH. cincymuseum.org. 513-287-7000.

BRUNCH WITH sANTAJoin The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati for a festive holiday breakfast, music, crafts, a visit from

Santa and his elves and memories to last a lifetime. Seating is limited. Times:

11:30 AM Location: 317 e 5TH St Ste 1, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Tickets for this event

are $40 including a ticket to “Holiday Follies 2” presented by The Children’s Theatre, or $25 for breakfast only. Call 513-569-8080 ext. 13 for reservations.

Sunday 12BEARy MERRy MITzVAHOne for you and one for me! Children and their families will take over Build-A-Bear for the morning to make a cuddly friend for a child in need this holiday season... and of course they’ll get to make one for themselves to take home, too! Teddy T-shirt decorating, holiday cards, snacks and more. Space is limited!. FRee with RSVP advance by december 8th. Kenwood Town Center Build-A-Bear. 7875 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH. www.fusionnati.org. 513-621-7500.

PIoNEER CHRIsTMAsSanta stops by for a visit with children. Cabin decorated for the holiday and children welcome to add decorations to tree. Sample traditional pioneer foods. Includes music. Bring your own camera for a photo with Santa. Keehner Park.

7211 Barrett Road, West Chester OH. http://www.westchesteroh.org/. 513-759-3036.

sANTA’s NUTCRACkER BREAkfAsTSanta’s friends at MetroParks have planned a wonderful holiday time for kids of all ages! Breakfast catered by TGI Friday’s Special performances by the Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet! Call or register online eARLY because reservations are limited! $14.95/person; ages 2 and under $4.95. Ronald Reagan Lodge - Voice of America Park. 7850 VOA Park drive, West Chester OH. www.metroparksofbutlercounty.org. 513-867-5835.

THE CHRIsTMAs MUsICof MANNHEIM sTEAMRollERKick-off your Holiday celebration with Mannheim Steamroller’s spectacular 25th Anniversary production. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller with this ultimate family experience. $37-$77. Aronoff Center - Procter & Gamble Hall. 650 Walnut St, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiarts.org. 513-621-ARTS(2787.

lEgENDs of THE NIgHT skyFamilies will love this full-dome animated show that brings the mythological stories of three constellations to life in a fun-filled, animated adventure, complete with a laser show. Thousands of hand-drawn images were created to give the audience the sensation of being in the middle of an animated cartoon. Individual tickets $8 in advance $9 at door, family 4-pack $30 i. drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., 4th floor of Norwood High School, Cincinnati OH. drakeplanetarium.org. 513-396-5578.

Monday 13IMAgINATIoN sTATIoNencourage your child to release their inner creativity during our weekly story-themed art classes. We’ll explore with a wide variety of mediums, such as paint, clay, sand, products from nature, and everyday recyclable items. Watch their self-esteem blossom as your child is encouraged to let their imagination run wild! $70/7- class package or $13/class. Cincinnati Family enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. http://www.theplaceforfamilies.com. (513)591-CFeC.

Tuesday 14MoRE sIgNINg, lEss WHININg!“Talk” to your hearing baby or toddler with American Sign Language -as early as 6 months of age! Benefits include preverbal communication, earlier speech development, enhanced intellectual development, and less frustration (less crying, fewer tantrums!). 6:45pm. Good Samaritan Hospital. 375 dixmyth Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.trihealth.com. 475-4500.

Wednesday 15BRAIN BAlANCE PARENT lECTUREAt the lecture you will learn about the exciting Brain Balance Program and how it can help your child succeed academically, socially and behaviorally. Seating is limited so call today to reserve your seat. We look forward to seeing you. FRee. Brain Balance Center Of Cincinnati. 12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati OH. www.brainbalancecenters.com. 513-257-0705.

MAkE IT! TAkE IT!Make an item to give as a gift or keep for yourself. We will be making Shrinky dinks at this session. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. Grades 6-12. Kenton County Public Library. 401 Kenton Lands Road, erlanger KY. www.kentonlibrary.org. 859-962-4002.

MoMMy & ME TIMEUnlimited bowling, shoe rental and soft drinks. PLUS fresh popcorn and cheese pizza! Cartoons and movies shown on lane screens. Sign up your child today!. $15 per child with same day purchase, $10 advance. Stars Lanes on the Levee. 1 Levee Way, Newport KY. www.starlaneslevee.com. 859-625-7250.sToRy TIME WITH MIss gAIlGet ready for silly stories, fun fingerplays, and sing-alongs with Miss Gail! free and open to our friends ages 2 and up. Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore. 3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati OH. www.bluemanateebooks.com. 513-731-2665.

T hursday 16gIRls WANNA HAVE fUN NIgHT oUTGirlfriends, Giggles & Gifts. Last minute shopping for the holidays. FRee. La Crema Coffee Company. 9848 Crescent Park drive, West Chester OH. www.lacremacoffeecompany.com. 513-779-6278.

HAPPy HolIDAys WITH THEMIgHTy WURlITzERAcclaimed theater organist Jelani eddington, with special guests, the School for Creative and Performing Arts Children’s Choir, will

perform holiday favorites with all of the bells, whistles,

and special effects that only an instrument as grand as the

Mighty Wurlitzer can create! $25-$20 (students/seniors). Cincinnati Music Hall. 1241 elm Street, Cincinnati OH. www.CincinnatiArts.ORG. (513) 621-ARTS.

Friday 17CINCINNATI CyCloNEs HoCkEyvs. Wheeling. $13-$25.50. US Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.usbankarena.com. 800-745-3000.

‘TIs THE sEAsoNOngoing through dec. 19th. A more traditional Planetarium show, ‘Tis The Season explores the diversity of festivities and customs of the season under the stars. Learn the history behind Santa Claus and the Christmas tree, the Hanukkah Menorah, as well as Norse customs, like the Yule log and mistletoe. A perfect event for the entire family. See website for times. Individual tickets $8 in advance $9 at door, family 4-pack $30 i. drake Planetarium. 2020 Sherman Ave., 4th floor of Norwood High School, Cincinnati OH. drakeplanetarium.org. 513-396-5578.

THE NUTCRACkEROngoing through dec. 19th. Celebrate the Holiday Spirit with Ballet Theatre Midwest’s


REsoURCEs * calendar

The Nutcracker! discover the magic and joy of the season with an adventure of the imagination. Highlights include a 20-foot long Chinese dragon, a magical pirate ship, and a vibrant array of original costumes. Times vary - check website for details. $20 Adults; $15 Children/Seniors; Group Rates Available. St. Xavier High School. 600 West North Bend Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.ballettheatremidwest.com. 513-520-2334.

Saturday 18PARENTs NIgHT oUTenjoy the night out and leave your children with us. While you’re having fun we’ll be having a blast doing fun activities, snacks and a great movie! Starts at 6:45. The Jewish discovery Center. 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason OH. www.JDiscovery.com. 513.234.0777.

sPRoUTs IN THE kITCHEN - HoT CoCoA IN A BAg

every Saturday, we will take kids age 5-12 on a fun food adventure while teaching them about good nutrition! Today we’ll make a yummy treat to keep or give as a gift complete with an instruction tag! . FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

lITTlE sPRoUT yogIsThis “new parent & baby” yoga class focuses on strengthening the physical, spiritual and emotional bond between parent and child. We will use slow moving, interactive yoga postures ideal for parent and babies 6 weeks to crawling. $70/7- class package or $13/class. Cincinnati Family enrichment Center. 4244 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH. ht tp ://www.theplacefor fami l ie s .com. (513)591-CFeC.

Sunday 19CINCINNATI BENgAls Vs ClEVElAND BRoWNsCome to Paul Brown Stadium and Cheer on the Cincinnati Bengals as they taken on the Browns!. Price varies Per Ticket. Paul Brown Stadium. 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH. www.bengals.com. 513-621-TdTd.

NATURAl, HoMEMADE,gIfT MAkINgNothing’s better than a gift you’ve made. Come join us as we craft our own candles and soaps made from natural (and some native) ingredients. We’ll feature scents like spicebush, ginger and honey that can be found in our own woods. Registration required. FRee. Krohn Conservatory. 1501 eden Park dr., Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com. 513-861-3435.

PRE-NATAl yogAPlease join us every Sunday at 12:00 for PreNatal Yoga. Angela Serna, Krupali Certified Instructor, leads mommy to be through gentle and nourishing yoga poses to prepare for an easy delivery and a comfortable pregnancy. $15. elemental OM. 46

east Mulberry Street, Lebanon oh. http://www.elementalom.com. 513-836-3822.

Monday 20JCC WINTER BREAk CAMPsFor kids in grades K - 6. When school is out, the JCC is in! Splash in the waterpark, play games in the gym, create great art projects, and have fun and exercise in the game room. Children should bring their own lunch and drink each day. Before & after camp care options are available. On december 24 & 31, camp ends at 3pm. Contact Info: Matt Miller at the JCC, 513.761.7500, [email protected]. Open to the public; 1st child: J Member advantage: $48/day. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

Tuesday 21CIRCUs EXPERIENCE:JoIN THE CIRCUs foR A NIgHTBring your child to join the circus for a night at our Studio in Clifton Ohio. He can learn and see some of the skills that we perform on a daily basis like ballooning and juggling. Please RSVP by phone to 513-921-5454 . Free. essex Studios. 501 Minnesota Street, Cincinnati Ohio. http://www.amaz ingpor t ablec i rcus .com/. 513-921-5454.

Wednesday 22gIRls fRoM THE BATHJoin us as we show you wonderful tips and ideas to make your holiday personal this year. With a few items, you can make your own gifts and the recipient will know it’s from the heart. We’ll show you how to make a few items and you’ll take the recipes home. PLUS you’ll take one of the gifts home!. FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

WINTER BREAk CAMP: gIVEA CHEER foR WINTERWe’re going to celebrate the quiet calm of winter Join in on the fun as we hike, play games, make crafts and simply relax with a story. don’t forget to bundle up, pack a lunch and drink, and be ready for an exciting time. Activities will be different at each Nature Center so sign up for more than one . $15 for city residents, $20 for outside city. Avon Woods Nature Preserve. 4235 Paddock Road, Cincinnati OH. Cincinnatiparks.com. 513-861-3435.

T hursday 23JCC WINTER BREAk CAMPs To PERfECT NoRTH foR sNoWTUBINgFor kids in grades K - 6. When school is out, the JCC is in! Splash in the waterpark, play games in the gym, create great art projects, and have fun and exercise in the game room. Children should bring their own lunch and drink each day. Contact Info: Matt Miller, 513.761.7500, [email protected] . Open to the public; 1st child: J Member advantage: $58/day. Mayerson JCC. 8485 Ridge Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.JointheJ.org. 513.761.7500.

A WRINklE IN TIMEPREsENTED By kNoW THEATREIt was a dark and stormy night…Meg and her brother Charles Wallace encounter the strange Mrs. Whatsit and her friends Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who.Their unusual friends guide them on their mission but ultimately the children are on their own in a dangerous and strange land. $12-15. Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson St., Cincinnati OH. http://knowtheatre.com/shows/awrinkleintime.html. 513-300-5669.

Friday 24fAMIly CHINEsE sHABBAT DINNERGet away from the hustle and bustle of life and join an intimate gathering to welcome in the Shabbat with friends. enjoy a delicious homemade Shabbat dinner. Gather in a relaxed and informal environment, and connect with your inner spirit in song and discussion. The Jewish discovery Center. 7587 Central Parke

Blvd., Mason OH. www.JDiscovery.com. 513.234.0777.

Merry C hristmas!Saturday 25

NoRTH PolE PAJAMA PARTyHot chocolate drinking, crafts, music and dancing with Santa and his

elves. Included with admission. Cincinnati Museum Center.

1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.c i n c y mu s e u m . o r g / .

1.800.733.2077.

Sunday 26CINCINNATI BENgAls Vs

sAN DIEgo CHARgERsCome to Paul Brown Stadium and Cheer on the Cincinnati Bengals as they taken on the Chargers!. Varies Per Ticket. Paul Brown Stadium. 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH. www.bengals.com. 513-621-TdTd.

Monday 27oPEN ENRollMENT foRARTVENTUREArtVenture – Art Classes for All Ages at Kennedy Heights Arts Center. Classes promote guided-discovery, a process which fosters individual creativity, through a variety of media from sculpture to painting to drawing and more. Teen programs offer focused instruction in two areas: drawing/painting and photography. Kennedy Heights Arts Center. 6546 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati OH. www.kennedyarts.org/ArtClasses.html. 513-631-4278.

Tuesday 28CINCINNATI CyCloNEs HoCkEyvs. Toledo. $13-$25.50. US Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.usbankarena.com. 800-745-3000.

HAlf PINT kIDs ClUB -sNoWBAll MARsHMAlloWsHalf Pints age 3-8 are invited with a caregiver to explore and try new foods in a fun environment. Join us in the café for this fun food treat. Today we will create a delicious winter treat! . FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

Wednesday 29RINg IN THE NEW yEAR (All AgEs)Watch the ball drop early. A New Year’s celebration complete with dancing, noise makers and food. Free. Boone County Public Library - Scheben Branch. 8899 us 42, Union KY. www.bcpl.org. 859-342-2665.

WEE WEDNEsDAysGet ready for creepy crawlers, ghosts and goblins! explore Halloween inspired art in this open-house program featuring interactive storytelling by specially trained docents. This open house for preschoolers and parents is held on the last Wednesday of the month and offers storytelling and touchable objects. Free, no reservations required, unable to accommodate school groups. . Parking $4.00; Art Museum members park free. Cincinnati Art Museum. 953 eden Park drive, Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org. (513) 639-2984.

T hursday 30HARlEM gloBETRoTTERsHot on the heels of the most successful year in franchise history, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 85th consecutive season when their dazzling 2011 World Tour stops in Cincinnati, showcasing the wholesome family entertainment that has provided lifetime memories for generations of fans. Times: 2pm and 7pm. starting at $23.00. U.S. Bank Arena. 100 Broadway, Cincinnati OH. www.harlemglobetrotters.com. 800-745-3000.

MoM’s NIgHT oUTMom’s Night Out is an opportunity for local mothers to get together without the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered. We know it’s hard being a mom - you deserve a break! Great food, goodies, giveaways & drinks – what could be better! . FRee. Whole Foods. 5805 deerfield Blvd, Mason OH. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason. (513) 398-9358.

Friday 31fAMIly NEW yEARs EVE

Children ages three to 12 and their parents can join us for our annual New Year’s celebration! There will be entertainment along with crafts and refreshments. At 9 pm we will have our ball drop and a sparkling grape juice toast to ring in the New Year. . $5.00 per child. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center. 8250 Old Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati OH. greatparks.org. (513) 521-7275.

BABy ADVENTURERsduring each hour-long session, adult and child will share in the wonders of nature while enjoying simple sensory experiences and fun indoor and outdoor play. Members $80, nonmembers $100. Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods. 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford OH. www.cincynature.org. (513)831-1711.


Next Birthday, have a

Fun!Ages 1 to 5!

Singing, Dancing, Instruments, Bubbles,

Parachutes, More!

Music Pups® Party!

West Chester Academy of Musicwww.wcaom.com 829-2345

REsoURCEs * classifieds

CHRIsTMAs AT ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTIoN

Occurring daily Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train display. Take a walk through “Christmas Journey” featuring “A Christmas Carol” & “Journey to the North Pole”. This 2 part walk thru presents a hilarious re-telling of the popular dickens classic and ends with a stroll through a winter wonderland on your way to North Pole where you can can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. The Junction is closed on Christmas day. enterTRAINment Junction. 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester OH. www.entertrainmentjunction.com. (513) 898-8000.

sANTAlANDOccurring daily Through Friday, december 23, 2011. entertainment and activities inside Santaland include: Photos with Santa Claus dicken’s Carolers Jennifer ellis, Kids Music Kyle Meadows, Hammered dulcimer Tisa McGraw, Harpist ebenezer Scrooge, Interactive Puppet everett Greene, the Talking Christmas Tree Holiday Train depot Indoor Play Land Santa’s Confectionaries - Bring your sweet tooth and enjoy your favorite holiday treat!. FRee. Sharon Woods. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville OH. greatparks.org. (513) 521-7275.

lIgHT UP MIDDlEToWNOccurring daily Through Friday, december 31, 2010. The very affordable family tour around the 100 acre park includes the new candy-cane lane entrance,the tunnel of lights, floating sea serpent, huge Santa’s Workshop, penguin village,airplane, hot air balloon and much more -all in animated lights. Photos with Santa are available. On Tuesday, dec 8, the annual hot air balloon glow takes place. Ten hot air balloons will inflate and “glow” as giant holiday ornaments. Light Up Middletown -Smith Park. 500 Tytus Avenue, Middletown OH. www.middletownusa.com. 513-423-1877.

A CHRIsTMAs CARolOccurring every Sun, Thu, Fri & Sat Through Thursday, december 30, 2010. ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life, he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. Pricing varies. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyplay.com. 513.421.3888.

A CHRIsTMAs sToRyOccurring every Sun, Thu, Fri Through Sunday, december 12, 2010. “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” All the elements from the beloved movie are here - the family’s temperamental furnace, the school bully Scut Farkas, the boys’ bet with a wet tongue on an icy lamppost, the Little Orphan Annie decoder ring; Ralphie’s father winning “a major award” – the lady’s leg lamp in a fishnet stocking! $21.00 for Adults, $19.00 for Seniors and Students. The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. 4990 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati OH. www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com. 513.241.6550.

DUkE ENERgy HolIDAy MoDEl TRAIN DIsPlAyOccurring daily Through Friday, december 31, 2010. It’s that magic time of the year again. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the display is one of the largest portable models in the world. It has delighted more than 9 million visitors, old and young, and has become a holiday family tradition since its inception in 1946. The trains will run Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. (Closed Christmas day). FRee. duke energy. 139 e. Fourth St., Cincinnati OH. http://www.duke-energy.com/community/programs/train.asp. 513-287-1500. fRIsCH’s PREsENTs THE NUTCRACkEROccurring daily Beginning Thursday, december 16, 2010 Through Sunday, december 26, 2010. Simply the most famous and extravagant ballet adventure in the world, Cincinnati celebrates the annual return of this holiday tradition filled with dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, belligerent mice, brave toy soldiers and an unlikely romance between Marie and her cherished Nutcracker doll. Pricing varies. Music Hall. 1241 elm Street, Cincinnati OH. cballet.org. 513-621-5282.

THE BEACH oN ICEOccurring daily Beginning Friday, december 10, 2010 Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. If you’re looking for real winter fun and real value... come to The Beach On Ice! Take your family for an unforgettable day of ice skating on Ohio’s largest outdoor rink, ride the toboggan slide, pet & feed our critters in the Petting Corral and check out our amazing miniature train display. The Beach On Ice is ReAL FAMILY WINTeR FUN! Closed Christmas eve and Christmas day. Vary. The Beach Waterpark. 2590 Water Park dr, Mason OH. thebeachwaterpark.com. (513) 398-7946.oMNIMAX THEATRE: HUBBlEOngoing starting december 1, 2010. For 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos- from the splendor of our celestial neighborhood to galaxies billions of light years away. Recounting the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope, Hubble will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe. See website for hours. $7.50 Adult, $6.50 Senior, $5.50 Child (3-12). Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. www.cincymuseum.org. (513) 287-7000.

NoRTH PolE EXPREssOccurring every Sun & Sat Through Saturday, december 19, 2010. Take a ride on our vintage train to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus! Coupon: $2 Off Each Ride Ticket for 2010 LM&M Rides. Use access code: CP1210. Must present coupon at time of purchase to receive discount. exp: 12/19/2010. 10am; 12:15pm; 2:30pm; 4:45pm. Adults: $20.50; Senior (62+) & Children (5-16): $15.50; Toddlers. LM&M Railroad. 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon OH. www.LebanonRR.com. 513-933-8022.

PNC’s fEsTIVAl of lIgHTsOccurring daily Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. Come and enjoy the 28th year of the PNC Festival of Lights, the region’s largest and most anticipated holiday event. This year we continue

to “glow green” as we add more color and lights around the Zoo! Features: Visit with Santa & his Reindeer, “Winter Wonders” - Madcap Puppet Theater Black Light Show, Storytelling with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Character Meet & Greet, Holiday Post Office, Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake, Gingerbread Village, Nativity Scene & Menorah display. Cincinnati Zoo. 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH. www.cincinnatizoo.org. (513) 281-4700.

ICE skATINg oN foUNTAIN sqUAREOccurring daily Through February 20, 2011. dust off your ice skates, the 7,000-square-foot ice rink is back again! Many Cincinnatians harbor fond memories of ice skating on Fountain Square on a frosty winter day in the midst of downtown’s tallest buildings. Please note that times are subject to change due to weather or special events. Check website for times and updates. $3/person plus $3 skate rental. Fountain Square. 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH. www.myfountainsquare.com/icerink. 513.381.0782.

sCUBA sANTA’s WATER WoNDERlANDOccurring daily Through Sunday, January 02, 2011. Holiday decorations throughout Aquarium, Scuba Santa’s Post Office and Reindeer Roundup game. Scuba-diving Santa Claus performs in dive shows with sharks daily. Come check it out!. Included with admission: $22, $15 ages 2-12, free ages 1 and under. Newport Aquarium. Newport on the Levee, Newport KY. http://www.newportaquarium.com. 859-261-7444.

sEAsoNs IN WoNDERlANDOccurring each Friday Beginning Friday, december 03, 2010 Through Friday, december 17, 2010. discover the ever-changing seasons of an imaginary wonderland in a large, collaborative mural. explore painting, sketching and collage. Ages 7-15, Pre-Registration required. $10 refundable deposit. eva G. Farris education Center, at The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center. 028 Scott Boulevard, Covington KY. www.thecarnegie.com. (859) 491-2030.

HolIDAy Toy TRAIN DIsPlAyOccurring daily (except Mon) Through Sunday, January 16, 2011. All Aboard! enjoy fun for the whole family at BCM’s 19th Annual Holiday Toy Trains. Over 250 feet of track, 6 working Lionel trains and 25 accessories including being able to operate your own train await the young and young at heart at this year’s exhibit. This exhibit is included in the cost of admission, $7 Adults, $6. Behringer Crawford Museum. 1600 Montague Road, Covington KY. www.bcmuseum.org. (859) 491-4003.

THE gIfT of lIgHTsOccurring daily Through Friday, december 31, 2010. Featuring a walk-thru Christmas light park that features a Christmas Village full of shops. Approximately 350,000 Led lights will be featured this year, most of which will be synchronized to holiday music. Check out our spectacular animated Toy Factory and take a stroll through our forest of giant animated Christmas trees and animated figures that spin and dance to the music! Times vary daily. $12 per vehicle; Free parking!. The Christmas Ranch. 3205 South Waynesville Road, Morrow OH. www.thechristmasranch.com. 513-697-2640.

HolIDAy floRAl sHoW: CoME HoME foR THE HolIDAysOngoing daily Through Sunday, January 2, 2010. Bring your family to enjoy the holidays at Krohn. Hundreds of poinsettias and a train display make this show a holiday favorite. Krohn Conservatory. 1501 eden Park drive, Cincinnati OH. www.cincyparks.com/krohn-conservatory/. (513) 421.5707.

HolIDAy JUNCTIoNCincinnati’s favorite hometown holiday tradition is back! Bring your family to see vintage model trains running through wintry holiday scenes. enjoy crafts, our holiday shop and holiday activities throughout all three museums! Closed Christmas day. Cincinnati Museum Center. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati OH. http://www.cincymuseum.org/. 1.800.733.207


ON THIS DAY IN 1882,

the first Christmas Lights

went on sale!

31 2

1098

4

115

12

6

13

2019

181716

23 24 25

26 27

15

22

7

14

21

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

INTERNATIONAL

mountain day

Bah Humbug Day

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, holidaysforeveryday.com & thenibble.com

ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY:Began in 1990 as a day for children with special needs & their families to visit Santa

Claus without obstacles. http://specialkidsday.org

Cookie Day


the first ball-bearing roller skates

were patented.

International Day of the Disabled

Person

National Regifting

Day

Special Kids Day!

GAMESDay!

C hristmasEve!!!

Bill of Rights

Day

Tick Tock Day...

Time to tie up any loose ends for this year!

Candy Cane Day

29 30 31

Cotton Candy Day!

NATIoNAl fRITTERs DAy!

HA

PP

y B

IRTHDAy, WAlT D

IsN

Ey

!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Watch your favorite

Disney movie with your family. Discuss your

"dreams" over dinner.

Saint nicholaS

Day

N

ATIo

NAl CHoColATE BRoW

NIE D

Ay!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Make a batch of your

favorite brownies and enjoy them with a glass of milk!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Look up a few of Emily's poems online and read them together, or write

your own poem!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Got a mountain of

paperwork or laundry to tackle? Today is the day!

HA

PP

y BIR

THDAy, EMIly DIC

kIN

so

N!

Poinsettia Day

Baking Soda Day

N

ATIo

NAl ICE CREAM DAy!N

ATI

oNAl M

APlE syRUP DAy

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Have ice cream sundaes as an after-dinner treat!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Play each family members

favorite game, or try a new game together!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Use this day to release

the stress of the holiday season. But, whatever

you do, avoid becoming a real Scrooge.

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Consider writing a Bill of

Rights for your family!


the first miniature golf course opened.

Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day!

oATMEAl MUffIN DAy!

Merry Christmas

Celebrate Your Roots

DayCeLeBrATIOn IDeA:

Explore your genealogy Prepare a special meal or listen to music from

another country in your family tree!

National Visit the Zoo Day!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: It’s a great day for a family trip to the Cincinnati zoo! Be sure to bundle up!

CeLeBrATIOn IDeA: Incorporate chocolate into every meal! Chocolate chip panckakes, chocolate milk...

N

ATIo

NAl CHoColATE DAy!

New Year’s Eve!

DecemberE-mail [email protected] images of

your family participating in one of these fun days of December and we may include

your photo in our January issue! And don’t forget to give us your suggestions!

cincinnati parent // 12.2010

Documents

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