This Months Articles Archives - Dayton Parent Magazine

The Adoption Option

Katy Mark — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

There are many ways a family can grow, and two of those ways are through adoption or foster care. With adoption, the goal is for the child to find a permanent home. With foster care, the goal is for the child to be temporarily cared for by the foster family until the child can return to their birthparents, or be adopted.

The thought of bringing a child into your home, whether through adoption or foster care, can be exhilarating, and can also raise a number of questions. You may be wondering if you are ready to welcome a child into your family through adoption, or if foster care may be a better option for you.

Paul Hemminger, assistant director at Isaiah’s Place in Troy, and Sarah Feine, youth specialist and family assessor at Focus on Youth in West Chester, offer tips for families considering taking this exciting, life-changing step toward adoption.

What should parents consider when thinking about adopting?

Feine: Parents should start with motivation. What is the motivation behind wanting to adopt? If their motivation is to grow their family, then adoption might be the right choice. Parents should consider the ongoing education they will need in order to be equipped to handle trauma responses from the child’s past. Just because a child is adopted does not mean they will not undergo stress, anxiety and behavioral concerns due to separation and loss. Parents should consider talking to their support systems to ensure they can provide a “village” for the child they welcome into their home.

Hemminger: Adoption can be difficult. What happens in the womb and beyond determines a lot of the stress resiliency and attachment levels. The bio-family of the adoptee is still in the background genetically, and sometimes physically or emotionally, influencing the child. There is a homing device in most, if not all, adoptees. They might be wondering, “Why didn’t you keep me?” or “Who are you?”

I would have long conversations with other parents who have adopted, and listen to podcasts about the ups and downs of adoption. This will help give you the highest probability of creating the best attachment for you and your future family member.

What are some first steps to take if you want to adopt?

Feine: Our agency is a foster care and adoption agency. We license families to foster to adopt, as well as adopt children who the county already has custody of in the community. If families are not wanting to foster, or not willing to accept siblings or older children, we would recommend they get licensed through a private adoption agency.

Hemminger: Look for an adoption agency, domestic or international, to begin the process. Through whichever entity you work with, you will decide all the characteristics of the child you are looking for. You can be very strict or very open.

How do you know if you are ready to adopt or become a foster parent?

Hemminger: No one really knows if they are ready. Ask lots of questions and begin by providing support to other foster families through Care Communities [teams of people who provide emotional, physical or financial support to a foster family]. Not everyone can foster, but everyone can do something for kids from hard places. Right now, the system is defined by “not enough.” We are here to work until there is more than enough.

Feine: If families are ready to adopt, parents will be on the same page about expectations and what’s ahead. Families will complete all training requirements, paperwork and interviews. Once a family is provided with a license, they are ready to foster or adopt.

“Every county has a number of children who need love, care and a home, whether that’s temporary or permanently,” Hemminger says. “We can solve the foster care crisis if we believe it’s possible, do our part and do it together. We can love those kids and guide them to healing. We need to understand the world of trauma-informed and trauma-skilled care. It’s imperative we lean into that wisdom shared by some of the greatest leaders and researchers of our time. This is a movement that requires all of us. Children are deeply suffering, and in whatever way we can, we can help. Just a meal, transportation, mentoring, tutoring or a place to lay their heads — you can lean in. You and the world will be better and transformed for it.”

The post The Adoption Option appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Five Brain-Boosting Benefits of Music Lessons

Katy Mark — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s been a long, draining school day. The boy in the waiting room clutches his trumpet case. His eyes are weary; sleep tugs at his lids. The screen time today has been excessive; even his gym teacher found a way to put him in front of a computer this morning. He couldn’t look at another screen today if he tried.

In a few minutes, his music instructor will call him into a practice room for his lesson. He has been waiting for this all day. All week.

When he pulls out his trumpet, he will use all of his brain.

He will use his eyes to read the music and his teacher’s face. He will use his hands and mouth to make sound. He will use his ears to hear the notes — the story of the song. Both his creative side and his logical side will be engaged as he reads and performs the music for his teacher.

And what happens in that room is just the beginning. The patience, persistence and discipline required to learn and play music well sets a child up for a lifetime of success. When this boy’s parent signed him up for music lessons, he signed him up for more than he could ever have realized.

Connection

In a masked world that can feel awfully lonely, music brings us together. Sheila Vale, director of Indian Springs Academy of Music in Cincinnati, says that music lessons, both virtual and in-person, offer children the opportunity to have a productive relationship with an adult person who is not a parent.

Discipline

The process of learning an instrument, and then learning to play music is challenging and time-consuming. Students must also have a passion for music in order to stick with it.

“One needs a lot of patience, discipline, strength and dedication to become a musician,” says Judy Yin-Chi Lee, director of community engagement for New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. “For a kid to learn how to play an instrument, she is taught to have the patience, and to never give up when things get hard in order to succeed. That is an important life lesson.”

Focus

Playing music requires the whole brain. “Learning how to play an instrument is the best way to exercise and strengthen brain muscles that typically aren’t used simultaneously,” Yin-Chi Lee says. “In order to sound an instrument, you have to use your eyes to read the music, your hands [and sometimes feet] to operate the instrument, your ears to listen. And all at the same time.”

Perspective

Studying the history of music from around the world opens children up to new ways of understanding and perceiving.

Students might encounter different sounds while studying and playing their method books. They may play an American folk song one day and an Asian song the next. Then when studying how history and culture intertwine with the music of a place and time, students have a broader understanding of the world.

“Great composers infused music with human experiences,” Vale says. She adds that with a students’ musical maturation comes a greater understanding of historical perspective.

“Music opens up one’s mind to be receptive of differences, and they learn to appreciate different cultures,” Yin-Chi Lee says.

Communication

Music is a universal language. Music puts sound to both feeling and experiences; it connects people (and sometimes animals) when words cannot.

Music makes words unnecessary, but when they are, music can help with that, too. It turns out that studying music can actually strengthen a child’s foundational literacy skills. According to a 2007 Northwestern study, music training — with its effect on students’ understanding of sight and sound — may be more enhancing for verbal communication skills than phonological studies.

In addition, musicians become practiced communicators when working with one another and alongside each other.

“Music is a powerful connector,” Vale says. “They say if you play music, then you have friends all over the world.”

There are so many reasons to hand your child an instrument and to invest in lessons. At this time, when the world can feel like a pretty scary place, especially to a child, music lessons can serve as a way for children to connect and channel their feelings in a beautiful way.

The post Five Brain-Boosting Benefits of Music Lessons appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Outdoor Adventure for All Seasons at Five Rivers MetroParks

Katy Mark — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Cooler weather isn’t a reason to put a pause on outdoor adventure. In fact, there’s so much to see along the trails after leaves have dropped. From cool birds to furry wildlife, some of the best times to hit the trails are in the fall and winter.

While colder temps and challenges with COVID-19 might deter some families from heading outdoors, having adventures in nature can be an enjoyable and safe option for family fun with extra precautions. Additionally, staying active and surrounding yourself with nature is good for your mind and body, both essential for everyone during this time that has many of us cooped up indoors.

Before you take to the trails, here are some tips to keep your family safe during winter.

When participating in a cold-weather outdoor activity, dress in layers to control your body temperature. Sweating too much in the sun can make you cold in the shade. It’s best if your base layer is made from a wicking material that pulls sweat away from your skin. Additionally, be sure you have a layer of insulation that provides heat and a weather-appropriate jacket.
Bring water and snacks to keep your body moving. Take frequent breaks with your little ones to make sure they have a drink and snack.
Sledding in MetroParks is permitted in Englewood, Germantown and Taylorsville MetroParks. Be sure to follow CDC guidelines when sledding, and keep a safe social distance from other sledders. Additionally, never turn your back on a sledding hill to avoid downhill sledders from running into you.
Many injuries on the trails in the winter come from falling. Be sure everyone in your family has footwear appropriate for the weather — sturdy shoes to hike and snow boots after a fresh snow.

Interested in a cool-weather hike? Here’s a list of MetroParks’ top trails for grownups with young kids.

Hills & Dales MetroPark: The Adirondack Trail loop is less than a mile and starts at Dogwood Pond. To make your walk longer, start at the Paw Paw shelter and cross the wetlands boardwalk.

Possum Creek MetroPark: Take the 1-mile blue trail around Argonne Lake for beautiful views of tree lines and the possibility to spot wildlife.

Englewood MetroPark: The 0.5-mile blue trail takes you along the boardwalk. Next, head to the nature play area for bonus fun!

Carriage Hill MetroPark: The 0.5-mile red trail loops around Cedar Lake. The orange trail is 1.3 miles and has options for shorter routes.

Germantown MetroPark: MetroParks has introduced two new, easy-to-hike trails as part of a five-year conservation project. The new 2-mile purple trail loop and the 0.7-mile brown trail loop wind through woodlands, prairie and wetlands, showcasing diverse habitats. These trails are easy to traverse and meant for families, schools and community groups to explore. The new trails can be accessed from the sled hill/Twin Valley Trail parking lot, 6202 Boomershine Rd., with an additional wetland entrance a little further south down the street.

Need help navigating the trails and finding interesting things in your favorite MetroParks? Download the free MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, at metroparks.org/mobile.

Learn more about MetroParks’ 18 clean, safe parks by visiting metroparks.org

The post Outdoor Adventure for All Seasons at Five Rivers MetroParks appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Find Fall Fun with MetroParks’ New Mobile App

Katy Mark — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Five Rivers MetroParks invites you to take an outdoor family adventure this fall with a little help from its new mobile app powered by OuterSpatial. The app allows visitors to access information about parks and trails from mobile devices, discover new places, navigate the trails, plan visits and more.

Perhaps most exciting for families are the self-guided tours, or “outings,” featured in the app. During times when people must be diligent about being socially distant, these self-guided outings allow families to tour MetroParks’ points of interest on their own time and at their own pace.

Featured Self-guided Tours

Carriage Hill MetroPark Historical Farm: This farm celebrates the Miami Valley’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can see a 19th century farm and remnants from a time when sustainable farm and home practices were simply practical.

Currently, the Carriage Hill Historical Farm buildings are closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, but families can explore the grounds of the farm. Heritage farm animals — including horses, sheep and goats — call the Carriage Hill Historical Farm home. Though the barn isn’t open to visitors, the animals often graze in the fields and sometimes enjoy saying “hello” to visitors.

Dayton Inventors River Walk: Dayton has a rich history of innovation, which you can learn about by talking a stroll at RiverScape MetroPark. As far back as the 1880s, innovation was happening in Dayton, producing more patents per capita than any other place in the United States. The Dayton Inventors River Walk highlights many Dayton inventions that make our lives better, from powered flight to the search engine. As you explore, think about how many of these inventions you use today.

There are seven invention stations represented by large works of art. They are:

Automobile Self Starter (Charles Kettering)
LexisNexis Search Engine
Hydraulic Jump Fountain (Arthur Morgan)
Wright Flyer (Wright brothers)
Pop-Top Can (Ermal Fraze)
Cash Register (John Patterson)
Ice Cube Trays (Vincent Apple)

Create Your Own Adventure

A seasonal family-friendly favorite is finding fall color. This activity can be done independently with help from MetroParks’ mobile app. While you can find beautiful fall color at all the parks, MetroParks’ outdoor recreation specialists offered these specific must-sees:

Bike: Jordan Hart suggested grabbing your bikes to experience fall color.

“Fall is my favorite time of the year to get out and ride because of the cooler weather,” he says.

Find fall color at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) along the Creekside Trail and at Taylorsville MetroPark on the paved Great Miami River Trail.

Hike: Kelly Kingery suggested heading to Possum Creek MetroPark for a fall stroll. Admire the color while relaxing to fish, find turtles and listen to owls.

Hills & Dales MetroPark is also a must for leaf peeping. The warm fall colors complement the beautiful Adirondack structures. The Adirondack Trail is a shorter, mostly paved trail, making it an easy walk for kids and older adults.

Paddle: Hart is also fond of a relaxing fall paddle at the Eastwood MetroPark Lagoon to check out changing leaves. If you’re interested in a fall family river adventure, put in at Aullwood Garden MetroPark and paddle the Stillwater River to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.

Download the Five Rivers MetroParks Mobile App powered by OuterSpatial for free on Apple and Android by visiting metroparks.org/mobile.

The post Find Fall Fun with MetroParks’ New Mobile App appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Happy Fall, Y’all!

Katy Mark — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The summer heat is giving way to crisp autumn air, and everyone is excited to celebrate the changing seasons. Check out our list of local attractions so you won’t miss out on enjoying some family-friendly fall activities!

Apple Country Farm Market

Hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin painting — what more could you ask for? These are just a few of the many fall attractions you’ll find at Apple Country Farm.

Where: 2323 U.S. Route 42, Spring Valley, 937-750-1005
When: Friday 5-8 pm, Saturday 1-9 pm and Sunday 1-6 pm

Clinton County Fairgrounds Corn Festival

If you love corn and other famous fall cuisine, then this is the festival for you. The three-day seasonal celebration features a parade, games, tractor pull and the “Corn Olympics,” which includes events such as outhouse construction and a tricycle race!

Where: 958 W Main St, Wilmington, 937-383-KORN
When: September 6-8: Friday 11 am-10 pm, Saturday 9 am-11 pm and Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Grandma’s Gardens

Fall fun at Grandma’s Gardens means visiting the spooky yet hilarious Graveyard of Lost Souls, several unique photo opps, a pumpkin patch and train rides for little ones!

Where: 8107 N. SR 48, Waynesville, 937-885-2740
When: Weekdays 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Hidden Valley Orchards

Hidden Valley Orchards sure knows how to celebrate fall! Festivals and events are lined up for nearly every weekend in September and October, which include themes such as apple butter, scarecrows, apple cider and pumpkins. They also offer U-pick fruits and fresh veggies depending on the weather so be sure to check their website for crop forecasts.

Where: 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, 513-932-1869
When: Wednesday and Sunday 9 am-7 pm, Thursday through Saturday 9 am-9 pm

Lucas Bros Fall Fest

Pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a free straw maze and visit with the farm animals. You might also like to take a hayride tour of the farm or attempt to find your way through the family friendly corn maze.

Where: 3329 Ferry Road, Bellbrook, 937-212-8020
When: Saturday and Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Lucas Bros Fall Fest

McMonigle Farms Pumpkin Fest

Boasting not only the most affordable, but also the most unique pumpkin patch around, McMonigle Farms is a great place to take your entire family. Once you’re there, you’ll find cow train rides, a corn and straw maze, a large play area with two corn boxes and U-pick pumpkins!

Where: 5490 South Dixie Highway, Franklin, OH 45005, 937-672-8248
When: Saturday and Sunday 12-6 pm throughout October

Monnin’s Fruit Farm

If you’ve already picked all the pumpkins you need but still want to get out in the cooler weather for some farm fresh fruit, head on over to Monnin’s Fruit Farm. Let your kiddos collect their own snack with U-pick grapes available mid-September through October or apples available through November.

Where: 8201 Frederick Pike, Dayton, 937-890-4536,
When: Monday through Saturday 8 am-6 pm and Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Pumpkin Party at Austin Landing

A fall celebration you’ll be sure to remember, the annual Pumpkin Party at Austin Landing features attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Internationally known pumpkin carvers offering live demonstrations, incredible chalk artists, and countless free activities for kids are only some of the highlights of the evening!

Where: 10050 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg, 937-291-6300,
When: October 23, 3 pm-7 pm

Tom’s Maze

Tom’s has claimed multiple awards for their amazing 8-acre maze. Promising to be more than “just a regular corn maze,” you’re invited to visit the farm, solve the puzzles and see if you can find your way out!

Where: 4881 Germantown-Liberty Rd, Germantown, 937-866-2777
When: Thursday and Sunday 12-6 pm, Friday and Saturday 12-10 pm

Tom’s Maze

Young’s Jersey Dairy (featured image)

Last but certainly not least, Young’s Jersey Dairy is another local favorite that does not disappoint when it comes to fall family fun! Visit the 43^rd Annual Pumpkin Festival for pumpkin donut hole making, pumpkin painting and a pumpkin launcher. You can also experience wool gathering, Cowvin’s Corny Maze and haunted wagon rides this season.

Where: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, 937-325-0629
When: Varying hours and dates throughout September and October; see website events page for full details.

The post Happy Fall, Y’all! appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Bishop Leibold: At School and At Home

Katy Mark — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Spring of 2020 brought many uncertainties to families when it comes to education. At Bishop Leibold School, we have been working tirelessly to re-open our buildings and bring our community back together.

We know that one of the things that sets us apart is our focus on educating the whole student by using our faith as our guide. That means that we are looking at not only bringing students back together physically but building a community around our e-learning option for families we have named Leibold at Home. Students will have the opportunity to choose the learning environment that is best for their family, but they can do so knowing that one thing they can always expect from us is a focus on faith, inspiring growth, and providing a true family experience.

For example, when spring brought to us the unexpected requirement to close our daily school environment, not only did we move quickly to online instruction, we also became creative to still have our various family events. We hosted virtual events like donuts with mom, weekend Masses from our parishes, and an online cooking class for families to sustain our community.

For as long as the pandemic keeps any of our students at home during the 2020-21 school year, we are committed to providing our true family experience at home and at school. Leibold at Home students will be able to join their teacher and classmates via live streaming the classes. They will participate in our weekly Mass and Virtue Campaign which is used during the year to recognize students that exemplify the characteristics of the virtue for which we are focused monthly. Our multi-tiered Student Support Team (MTSS) will provide defined interventions and accommodations. Families will be connected through Google Classroom training and our various Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) activities such as Open House, Grandparents’ Day, etc.

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back, both online and in person. It is going to be a great year at Bishop Leibold!

The post Bishop Leibold: At School and At Home appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

How to Help Kids in Foster Care

Katy Mark — Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The need for foster care doesn’t stop during a pandemic. Even during this time of global crisis, there are children facing their own personal crises who need foster homes and support from caring families and individuals. It takes a village to raise a child, and that saying especially rings true right now.

Fostering a child is an important commitment, and it might not be the right choice for every family. We are grateful to the Dayton-area families who foster children and welcome them into their homes. But even if you aren’t in a position to foster a child yourself at the moment, there are still many ways to support these children and their foster families.

Donate Resources

Children in foster care need the same resources as other children. “We always accept gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores that we use to provide food for families or take kids out to eat,” says Sara Faison, foster care and visitation supervisor at Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, which helps children throughout Ohio. Though the agency doesn’t have the facility to store items, “donations are accepted at Christmas when we are providing gifts to children,” Faison says.

When in doubt, money is always a good thing to donate. “Monetary donations are the best because we can use those to help meet ongoing or special needs as they arise,” says Emily Ballard, marketing and outreach coordinator for Focus on Youth.

Share Your Time

Donations of your time are always in need, and there are many opportunities for those wishing to volunteer. “We love and need volunteers to provide childcare at our monthly foster parent meetings,” Ballard says. “Volunteering at our agency events is also a big help. We use volunteers to help organize our Clothing Closet, expert adoption attorney services at our annual training conference and foster family Christmas party, and provide childcare for any of our annual events.”

Simply being willing to work alongside a foster family and assist wherever there is a need can be the best kind of support. That may be helping with yard work, providing a meal here and there, or helping drive kids to various appointments. For more information on volunteering with Focus on Youth, visit the web site at FocusOnYouth.com/get-involved.

Provide Respite Care

“Respite care provides temporary relief for our full-time foster parents who need a few days to themselves, or who may be dealing with a personal emergency of their own,” says Keri Carter-Moore, a team leader of foster parent recruiting at NECCO, which helps children in foster care situations in Dayton. “Respite care can be urgent or planned, lasting no longer than 14 days.”

Ballard adds: “Foster parents need breaks. But unlike most parents, they can’t ask just anyone to watch their foster children for a couple of days. So, respite care providers are a huge need. These are families who are willing to take foster children into their home for a few days at a time, giving foster parents that much needed break. It’s a tremendous help and allows you to build supportive relationships with foster children without committing to foster parenting.”

Become an Ambassador

NECCO ambassadors play a crucial role in building families by speaking up on behalf of those they serve, “from organized legislative outreach to collaborating with educators and community leaders, or even sharing our mission with friends and family via social media,” Carter-Moore says.

A CASA, or Court-Appointed Special Advocate, is a volunteer who acts in the best interest of a child. “CASA is a national association that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children in order to provide children with a safe and healthy environment in permanent homes,” Carter-Moore says.

Though the training program is a commitment of time, the rewards are great. Ultimately, the greatest joy for a CASA volunteer is to guide a child into a permanent home. “Those interested in volunteering as a CASA worker can, within less than 6 months, advocate for an abused or neglected child, supported by a ProKids Advocacy Team,” Carter-Moore says. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer at ProKids.org/volunteer.

These are just some of the ways you can help a child in the foster system and the families who care for them. During this unprecedented time, these children in need can benefit greatly from a little more support and love from everyone.

The post How to Help Kids in Foster Care appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Visit Your Favorite Dayton Spots Virtually

Katy Mark — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

There’s no denying that our world has been turned upside down. Schools are closed, businesses have shut their doors, and we have been asked to stay home as much as possible for the safety of our families, as well as everyone around us.

Although no one truly knows how to navigate these uncharted waters, many of the places we know and love are trying to remain sources of entertainment, engagement and creativity.

Check out our list of local organizations, and the virtual experiences they’re offering to keep your family connected while at home.

Dayton Art Institute

Your preschooler’s favorite art program can still be a part of your routine, even though the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is closed for now. PNC Tiny Thursdays continues to take place each week online.

Visit the DAI website to find a virtual story time, weekly featured artwork and a digital lesson plan, complete with project instructions for you to do at home with your little artists!

Boonshoft Museum

The Boonshoft at Home program is here to bring you a unique online museum experience each day until they re-open. Beginning at 9 a.m., join in on a science experiment with instructions for at-home discovery, a virtual tour of exhibits, an up-close and personal look at one of the animals that live on-site or a glimpse at a rare item from the vault!

Missed a day or two? Don’t worry! Visit their website to find links to each of the previous programs.

Boonshoft Museum at Home

Cincinnati Zoo

The pandemic won’t stop the zoo from sharing all of the animal residents with their biggest fans. Log in to Facebook each day at 3 p.m. for a Home Safari Live session and visit with one of the animals! There will also be a related activity accompanying each session that you can do at home. If you don’t have Facebook, recordings are posted to YouTube and the Zoo website after the live session has ended.

If your kiddo completes one of the activities or crafts, take a picture and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ZooHomeSafari — their artwork might be featured on the Zoo website!

Dayton Metro Library

There’s nothing quite like browsing the aisles at your local library to find the perfect book. And even though we aren’t able to go inside in the traditional sense right now, you can still access the amazing collection of e-books and audio books on the library website.

Additionally, in partnership with ThinkTV Network, Dayton Metro Library is presenting Mister C Live! The beloved local scientist will be making an appearance each weekday morning at 9 a.m. Your entire crew will love watching his fun-filled experiments and DIY science projects.

Little Gym of Dayton

Our friends at the Little Gym want you to keep moving even though you might feel stuck inside, so they found a way to bring the Little Gym to you! Check out their YouTube library full of virtual movement classes the whole family can enjoy. Online classes are free and available to the public.

Little Gym of Dayton

Goldfish Swim School

Pools are closed for now and that might mean no poolside swim lessons — but it doesn’t mean lessons have to stop altogether. Goldfish Swim Schools have incorporated Goldfish at Home into their teaching techniques. Head on over to their YouTube channel, and choose the level closest to your kiddo’s abilities to find a video series that’s perfect for them!

The best part? These programs are for anyone — you don’t have to have a prior membership with Goldfish to join the online fun. The goal is to engage current swimmers and reinforce safety skills, provide an introduction to kids interested in swim, as well as help beat boredom.

Music Together of South Dayton

Coming together to create music and express oneself through movement are the passions of Music Together. With the stay-at-home order in place, the Music Together organization has worked hard to give their members a virtual alternative to in-person classes.

Music Together Online is a new tool to introduce the “Maracas Collection” to families. Online tuition will include two Zoom sessions per week, a digital copy of the new songbook, bonus video content from Music Together Worldwide, and access to downloadable music, games and more!

OPEN* Downtown Dayton

OPEN* is an online platform committed to keeping families informed of the creative ways to support our local economy. It has also become an amazing resource for finding new virtual experiences like the ones mentioned in this article.

Visit the Things To Do, Restaurants or Retail/Services sections of the website. You’ll discover local businesses working hard to overcome the current challenges, in order to remain open and serving our community.

It will be a great day when we are able to visit our favorite spots in person again. For now, we are grateful that they have all stepped up to keep us connected during this unprecedented time.

The post Visit Your Favorite Dayton Spots Virtually appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Nature in Your Neighborhood

Katy Mark — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

While some kid-friendly summertime favorites may not be on the table this year, nature is always available, and it’s as easy to access as stepping into your back yard. Last spring, parents were asked to wear multiple hats: mom, dad, teacher, meticulous sanitizer and social distancing enforcer.

Let Five Rivers MetroParks pack your summer full of outdoor fun with some easy ways to keep your kids entertained and engaged in all the benefits nature has to offer.

Grow Something from Seed

Whether you choose to plant a tiny pot of herbs, small garden bed or big plot of veggies, gardening is a great way for kids to be active, learn something new and use their senses. According to community gardening coordinator Kate Lowry, Ohio is in zone six, which means it has a medium-length growing season. Visit metroparks.org/natureisopen to find more information about what is optimal to plant and in which month. For more information on gardening, landscaping and more, sign up for MetroParks’ monthly gardening newsletter at metroparks.org/newsletters.

Go Birdwatching

You can spot a variety of birds in Ohio during the warm-weather months. Make a DIY birdfeeder and place it in your back yard to see which birds you attract. Head to your favorite outdoor space, be still and see how many birds you can view. Visit metroparks.org/natureisopen for links to resources and information on Ohio’s native and migrative birds.

Stargaze

Warmer nights with clear skies create a great opportunity to explore the night sky. Download a free astronomy app on your phone — such as SkyView, SkySafari or SkyWiki — to learn more about the stars and constellations. Mark your calendar for August, when the Perseid meteor shower lights up the sky. According to Space.com, you can expect the Perseids to peak in the early hours of August 12, when you can see up to 75 meteors per hour.

Blow Bubbles and See How Far They Float

Bubbles are a go-to for summer fun. Have a friendly competition to see who can make the biggest bubble, the longest-lasting bubble and whose floats the furthest. Out of bubble solution? For the best bubbles, The DIY Network uses 2 cups of hot water, 1/4 cup of dish soap, 1 (0.25 oz) packet of gelatin and 2 tablespoons of glycerin.

Listen for Nocturnal Animals

Heading to your back yard or local greenspace at night is a great way to discover sounds — and maybe even sights — you won’t experience during the day. Let your eyes adjust to the dark and keep your ears open. You may see the glowing eyes of nocturnal animals and fireflies, and hear many insects, birds and other wildlife. Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the night. According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, some native nocturnal animals are opossums, southern flying squirrels, certain species of mice, voles, bats, badgers and racoons.

Go on a Bug Hunt

Warm-weather months are perfect for observing all kinds of insects. While some may think of all bugs as pests, many insects are integral to the environment. For example, bees and butterflies are responsible for pollinating much of our food. In fact, one in three bites of food is either indirectly or directly affected by pollinators, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Visit your favorite nature spots or step into your back yard to flip over rocks, peek at leaves and flowers, and see what’s crawling on trees. Take pictures of your favorite insects and then identify them later by visiting metroparks.org/natureisopen to find helpful links to naturalist smartphone aps and more.

Play Sensory Activities

Parents with early learners can explore nature through sensory activities. Splash in rainwater, make mud pies, touch rocks with different surfaces, smell and touch a variety of flowers and paint with leaves. Important for early learning development, sensory play helps little ones build motor skills, encourages problem solving and builds nerve connections in the brain.

Know Before You Go

While these activities can be done in your back yard or neighborhood, some can also be done in a MetroPark. However, many park amenities were closed due to COVID-19, so visit metroparks.org/covid for the most recent news on closures.

Whenever you and your family are spending time outdoors, follow the CDC’s recommendations, especially for social distancing, so you’re safe and healthy while exploring the outdoors.

The post Nature in Your Neighborhood appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Helping our Students Shine

Katy Mark — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

At Bishop Leibold School, we are helping our students to realize and develop their individual talents every day. You will find enhancements to our unique curriculum programming to help students take their learning to the next level.

Students live their faith through countless service projects and student-led organizations. Our Leibold Leaders program allows our students to plan and execute school fundraisers and special events, many that benefit our sister school in Nairobi. Junior high students complete hundreds of hours of community service on behalf of the school prior to graduation. Annually the students raise funds to help support the Clean Water Project organized by The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Students enhance their love of art through before and after school art, drawing, and clay clubs. Our teachers submit their art to various organizations for consideration in programs like the Montgomery County Violence Prevention Calendar each year.

STEAM Saturdays are just one of many examples of fostering a love for the arts and STEM at Bishop Leibold. Students take their love of science a step further with activities like STEM- an after school STEM club, robotics competition squads, visits from MIT students, our annual family ScienceFEST and so much more.

Students develop an understanding of careers in fields of their interest with relevant learning experiences! Site visits to local businesses, guest speakers, and hands-on learning experiences allow them to find their true passions.

There is something for every student at Bishop Leibold. Reading and writing are explored on a deeper level in our lunchtime reading and writing groups. Our annual spelling and geography bees are competitive and a huge showcase of talents! Our goal is to help develop the whole student.

Call us today for more information or to schedule a private tour! We can be reached online at www.bishopleibold.org or 937-866-3021. We look forward to meeting you and your student soon!

The post Helping our Students Shine appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.