Dinosaurs Unearthed Exhibit Now Open More Than 20 Life-Sized Dinosaurs Depicted in a Realistic Habitat
"Walking into Dinosaurs Unearthed is like stepping back in time," said Brad Nuccio, Senior Vice President of the Science Center. "The impressive, life-like replicas of the dinosaurs in their environment paired with the most current scientific theories and information make it an incredible entertainment and educational experience." The exhibition highlights the latest theories in paleontology. Though dinosaurs are usually portrayed with scaled, reptile-like skin, most scientists now accept the theory that many were covered with feathers. Dinosaurs Unearthed explores this theory and presents some of the first life-sized models of feathered dinosaurs ever created. Each model has been hand-carved, with thousands of down-like feathers also placed by hand. Visitors can also take control of several animatronic dinosaurs such as a baby Stegosaurus, Baryonyx, Parasaurolophus and an Allosaurus. Featuring new technology using electronics instead of hydraulics, these models demonstrate some of the most life-like motions possible with animatronics.
"We know how intrigued our visitors of all ages are with dinosaurs," said Nuccio. "This exhibition has the sense of mystery and excitement that always surrounds dinosaurs, grounded in the latest science, which makes it completely new and unique. "Not only are dinosaurs taking over the Science Center’s EXPLORADOME, but passers-by will also be greeted by a 57-foot long Apatosaurus on the front lawn of the museum, providing a preview of the amazing discoveries inside. Half-price tickets for Science Center Members are $6.25 for adults and $5.25 for children. Tickets and more information at www.slsc.org
Speaker Series Addresses Parenting Topics
Three noted speakers bring their parenting expertise to the Wilson School in Clayton in the coming months to discuss raising kids with character, learning to play and deciphering this age-old question: who's running your house, the parents or the kids? It's part of a new series the school has organized, said Director of Development and Public Relations Brooke Hutson Gibson. In the past, the Wilson community had the opportunity to attend less-formal speeches, but this time the general public is invited at no charge. However, due to space limitations in the school's gym, attendees are asked to register in advance via e-mail at speakerseries@wilsonschool.com.
The first speaker is an internationally recognized consultant and educator, Dr. Michele Borba, whose Oct. 15 talk is entitled "Parenting for Character: How to Raise Kids with Strong Minds and Caring Hearts Who Can Thrive in Today’s World." She has authored nearly two dozens books, the most recent of which, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, was released in early September. It includes step-by-step advice for handling many of the issues that pop up in the lives of children age 3 to 13 – biting, tantrums, sibling rivalry, sexual awareness and more. "Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally" is the second topic, presented on Feb. 10 by Dr. David Elkind, the professor emeritus of child development at Tufts University in Massachusetts and the chief scientific advisor at the Internet service JustAskBaby. The talk is based on a 2006 book by the same name; he's currently working on a new book tentatively titled The Stages of Parenthood: Growing Up with Our Children.
Joining those two nationally recognized experts in the series is a well-known and respected member of the local parenting community, Dr. Milton Rubin. For 40 years, he's been in private practice as a pediatric psychologist/family therapist with additional experience as a health consultant, counselor, school psychologist, corporate consultant and professional speaker. His down-to-earth approach to family life is evident in the title of his Apr. 21 speech: "Just Who Is Running Your House?!" All three events begin at 7 p.m. and take place at The Wilson School, an independent school for children age 3 through grade 6. For more information, visit www.wilsonschool.com.
Now Playing at the Saint Louis Science Center: Van Gogh: Brush with Genius
Seen for the first time with the full force of the immersive OMNIMAX
Theater format, the extraordinary colors and passionate brushwork of
Vincent van Gogh take on new life in the dazzling giant screen film Van Gogh: Brush with Genius.
Audiences will relive Van Gogh's life journey through his letters,
visit the landscapes that inspired him and discover a Van Gogh they
never knew before. $8 for adults; $7 for children and seniors.
Discounts for groups of 10 or more. At the Saint Louis Science Center
during regular hours. For more information and showtimes, go to www.slsc.org
COCA Family Theatre Series Individual Tickets Now on Sale
The 2009-2010 COCA Family Theatre Series showcases eight acclaimed productions from October 2009 through March 2010. The Series is a much-loved St. Louis institution, with world-class theatre, music, and dance presented in an intimate setting. This season's lineup boasts Grammy and Emmy Award-winners, and a Tony Award nominee, and continues the tradition of having a strong literary component. The series includes thought-provoking, professional productions
that are as artistically rich as they are entertaining. From the
inception of the series, tickets have been made affordable so that
families from the entire St. Louis community can experience the joy and
delight of live theatre.
Five shows are offered over a three-day
weekend serving 2000 audience members in COCA's intimate 400-seat theatre in University City. The series includes: Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company; (Click here to watch a video of the Inflatable Theater Company production); Room on the Broom; TAP! with Jason Samuels Smith; The Little Dancer; Creole for Kidz; A Year with Frog and Toad (click here to watch a promo); and Fairy Tales with Maestro Rob Kapilow. Individual tickets are available online at www.cocastl.org and range from $14-$18 for regular seats and $18-$22 for best seats. Or call the COCA box office at 314-725-1834, ext. 124. Season tickets are also available. For group rates, call 314-725-1834, ext. 207.
Prenatal Yoga Classes Set for November and December
Expecting mothers can focus on movement, flexibility and relaxation through breathing exercised in the new Prenatal Yoga class available at the St. Peters Rec Plex. The instructor will modify postures for all experience levels and stages of pregnancy. Classes meet on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for four weeks. New sessions of classes begin Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. The cost is $39 per person for Rec Plex passholders and $49 per person for others. Register by calling 636-939-2386, ext. 400 or at www.stpetersmo.net.
Infant Brain Imaging Study Looking for Participants
Do you have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who has a younger infant sibling? The Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is looking for interested families to participate in a new study of infant siblings. Twin and family studies have shown that younger brothers and sisters of children with autism are at a higher risk of developing autism than those children who do not have relatives with this condition. Information gained about early brain development in children at risk for autism may improve methods of early detection and intervention for infants who later develop autism. Washington University is part of a large multi-site national study which aims to identify very early brain features that may be characteristic of infants at risk for autism. To do this, they are actively seeking to enroll families who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder and an infant sibling 10 months old or younger for study. For more information, visit the study's web site or email flakel@psychiatry.wustl.edu
MAX Launches Early Childhood Dance & Gymnastics Preschool Program
Children ages 3 to 5 can learn the fundamentals of ballet, tap and gymnastics in one day in a new, unique program offered by Metro Arts Xchange/Technique Studios. This 2 1/2 hour morning program includes all three disciplines, and parents can choose a one, two, or three-day-per-month program. Pricing ranges from $75 to $150 per month. Students will be eligible to participate in the year-end Performing Arts Showcase and mini-meet. For more information, go to www.technique-studios.com or call 636-825-TECH (8324). Click here to read more about Technique Studios' newest dance and performing arts programs
Volunteer Training Sessions Set for November 10
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis will host a volunteer informational session and tour for those interested in lending a hand at Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Louis. These houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill children traveling to St. Louis for medial treatment. Volunteers are needed to assist with the day-to-day operation of the houses, as well as for those with handyman skills to keep the houses running. Training is open to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. The sessions will be held Tuesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. To RSVP, contact Alison Kaspar at 314-773-1100, ext. 415. To find out more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis, visit www.rmhcstl.com
Raintree Learning Community One of 10 Schools in the Nation to Receive Garden Grant
Raintree Learning Community, a school for ages 3-6 located in Ballwin, is one of just 10 schools in the nation to be awarded an Inspired by Bulbs grant, which they will use to construct a model peace garden in the school's playscape. The peace garden will serve as a place to teach and practice conflict resolution and to build a stronger sense of community on campus. Raintree also hopes the peace garden will serve as a teaching garden for other schools and educators and encourage them to make a strong commitment to teaching peace. The Inspired by Bulbs project is designed to help educators share the joys of growing flower bulbs with children and use the bulbs to help teach science, art, history and other subjects. To learn more about Raintree Learning Community, go to www.undertheraintree.org
Wild Ocean Now Playing at the Saint Louis Science Center
For more information about the film, click here, or watch the preview below:
St. Louis Children's Hospital Ranked Again Among Nation's Elite Pediatric Hospitals
St. Louis Childrens
Hospital-Washington University has been named among the nation's elite
pediatric hospitals on the Honor Roll of U.S. News & World Report's
2009 listing of America's Best Children's Hospitals. Just
10 pediatric hospitals, including St. Louis Children's Hospital, made
the Honor Roll by ranking in all 10 specialties evaluated. Hospitals
are ranked in cancer, diabetes and endocrine disorders, digestive
disorders, heart and heart surgery, kidney disorders, neonatal care,
neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, respiratory disorders, and
urology. The specialty listing is the most extensive ever conducted by
the magazine across pediatric hospitals.
"While many families bring their children to us from other states
and countries, local families tell us how comforting it is to know that
such nationally-recognized care is close by in their community," says
Lee Fetter, president of St. Louis Children's Hospital. "This honor
affirms the hard work and dedication of our staff and physician
partners at Washington University School of Medicine, who give their
best for every child and family, every day."
This is the seventh consecutive year St. Louis Children's Hospital has been honored by U.S.News, published online at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitalsand featured in the August issue of U.S.News & World Report, available on newsstands starting July 21, 2009.
Dr. Becky Brittain, PhD, AKA: The Mothering Coach (and Columnist for St. Louis Kids Magazine)
Our Own Mothering Coach Talks 'Baby Talk' on KMOV
Dr. Becky Brittain, PhD., who writes a regular column for St. Louis Kids Magazine, recently shared her expertise on how to talk to babies with the guest of Great Day St. Louis (airs weekdays at 10 a.m. on KMOV Channel 4). "Parents assume their babies don't understand what's being said, Dr. Becky says. "However, talking to babies early and frequently has great educational value, and babies understand more than you think!" On the show, Dr. Becky explains, and co-host Carol Daniel demonstrates, how to communicate effectively with babies, and how it helps create a sense of security and connection within the first year of life.
KMOV has featured St. Louis Kids Magazine's teen columnist, Russell Hyken, in recently weeks, as well as writer Amy De La Hunt, who discussed great retreats for moms.
Young Writers and Illustrators Contest Winners Announced
Winners have been chosen from the nearly 600 entries to KETC Channel 9's Young Writers and Illustrators Adventures in Science Contest. Tales of robots, space-traveling cats and math monkeys made for fun reading for the panel of teachers, librarians and editors who reviewed the submissions. The winners are:
KINDERGARTEN Story Award:The
Princess and the Cat by Abigail Pinkley, Edwardsville Honorable Mention:The Secret Door by
Bella Dortch, O'Fallon, MO I Have a Dream by Carl Swanson, St. Peters Illustrator Awards:I
Have a Dream by Carl Swanson, St. Peters The
Secret Door by Bella Dortch, O'Fallon, MO The
Noble Princeby Darby Duncan, St. Charles The
Princess and the Cat by Abigail Pinkley, Edwardsville
SECOND GRADE Story Award:Chicken
Bob's Dreamby Jimmy Marshall, Catawissa Honorable Mention: The Monkey Detective by
Levi Pinkley, Edwardsville Illustrator Awards:The
Monkey Detectiveby Levi Pinkley, Edwardsville
THIRD GRADE Story Award:The
Great Adventure of Nerd Man by Wesley Taylor, St. Peters Honorable Mention:Cora and Mt. Dish-more by
Cora DeBoard, Imperial Illustrator Award:Cora
and Mt. Dish-moreby Cora DeBoard, Imperial
Entries of the four first-place winners have automatically been
entered in the national level of the contest and will compete with
local winners from around the country. National winners will be
announced later this summer. Each child who entered received
a certificate and an invitation to a party sponsored by Channel
9 at The Magic House.
Local Elementary Schools To Get a Visit by the Tooth Wizard, PlaqueMan on Statewide Tour
More than 2,200 children from 15 elementary schools across St. Louis will be visited by Delta Dental's Tooth Wizard, his friendly sidekick Panda, and their arch-enemy PlaqueMan as part of the “Land of Smiles” statewide tour. These young students will be among the 73,000 Missouri children the tour will reach before the end of May, spreading its engaging message that encourages kids to adopt good oral health and overall health habits.
The highly entertaining theatrical "Land of Smiles" performance succeeds at captivating its audience and getting children excited about brushing and flossing properly, paying attention to what foods are good and bad for their teeth and their good health, visiting the characters' "best friend" the dentist, and learning how a healthy smile and healthy body go hand in hand. All the while, PlaqueMan is busy working to "plaque up the place" by shedding fragments of his "icky, sticky, slimy, grimy" self all over healthy teeth and doing his best to disrupt healthy habits. The show's interactive elements afford several students the chance to join the characters on stage and the program wraps up with a question and answer segment that allows the children to showcase all that they have learned. Each child receives a Healthy Smiles "Certoothicate" and a free goodie bag that includes a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, coloring sheet and a "Brush 2x a Day" mirror decal.
Each school is also given a curriculum kit featuring an educational DVD, lesson plans and other resources designed to expand upon the information taught in the live program. Find out more about the Land of Smiles show and tour at www.landofsmilesvideo.com. To have your child's school added to the waiting list for the 2010 tour, contact Katie Chatfield at 800-392-1167 or visit www.deltadentalmo.com.
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Casa de Ninos Bilingual Montessori Academy Earns Accreditation Grant
Casa de Ninos Bilingual Academy is among a select group of 31 pre-Kindergarten childcare programs in the St. Louis area that have earned Early/Accreditation Grants from the Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS). The purpose of the grant is to support Casa de Ninos in its re-accreditation process. To become accredited, centers must be assessed, create quality improvement plans, and continually use developmentally appropriate practices.
Casa de Ninos provides the only Spanish-language immersion Montessori environment in the St. Louis area. Since it opened in 2007, the bilingual academy has steadily grown and now offers care throughout the year. In addition to weekday schooling, the academy offers regular Saturday sessions open to anyone and are a great way for a family to learn about and experience the wonderful language-immersion Montessori instruction. Casa de Ninos also accepts DSS subsidies. The ARCHS grant ensures that Casa de Ninos will remain at the forefront of innovative, high-quality child care and education in St. Louis. The support also reaffirms the importance and advantage of multiple-language learning in the development of open-minded, curious, and well-rounded children. For more information about ARCHS, visit www.stlarchs.org. For more information on Casa de Ninos Bilingual Academy, contact founder and director Veronica Greene at 314-954-0104. Veronica is a certified Montessori teacher, artist, and mother who has been successfully nurturing children ages 2 through 6 for more than 20 years.
Parents magazine has named the Saint Louis Zoo one of the 10 Best Zoos for Kids in a national survey.
"We are very proud to be recognized as a great place for children to learn about nature and to have fun," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown President and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo. "We want to foster an interest in nature for kids that will last them the rest of their lives."
The results are the culmination of a three-month study which examined 50 zoos nationwide. Parents focused on honoring zoos that offer a variety of hands on, family-friendly activities while fostering appreciation, knowledge and excitement about the natural world. The results of this survey will appear in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine.
According to the survey, the 10 Best Zoos for Kids are:
1. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, Florida 2. Brookfield Zoo, Illinois 3. Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri 4. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Pennsylvania 5. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Indiana 6. San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium, Texas 7. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio 8. San Diego Zoo, California 9. Houston Zoo, Texas 10. Bronx Zoo, New York City
Zoos are ranked based on their responses to detailed questions about their facilities. The questions focused on: accessibility of animal encounter exhibits for children, exclusivity of the exhibits, zoo shows, educational programs, staffing, zoo transportation, restaurant services and admission prices.
St. Louis Children's Hospital Ranks #5 in National Survey
St. Louis Children's Hospital is among the top five pediatric hospitals in the United States according to the results of a comprehensive study of more than 100 children's hospitals. The #5 ranking is the highest overall the hospital has received since the Parents Magazine survey began in 2001. St. Louis Children's is the only hospital in Missouri, Illinois and the surrounding eight-state region to make the list. Additionally, four of the hospital's specialty services achieved top five status in individual reports conducted by the magazine, with a fifth ranked in the top 10. Newborn medicine and orthopedics each ranked #3; pulmonary medicine and emergency medicine ranked #4; and cardiac services ranked #6. Only six specialties were eligible for specialty rankings. Find out more at www.stlouischildrens.org.
Spanish Clubhouse Now Offering Enrichment Programs in Schools
The Spanish Clubhouse for Kids is now offering Spanish enrichment programs for preschools, daycare centers and elementary schools. Three unique programs are offered, and are taught by teachers with Spanish P-12 education degrees. Classes can meet during the day or after school hours. The programs are developmentally appropriate, and excite and engage young learners. For information about these new in-school programs, call 314-965-6440 or visit www.spanishclubhouseforkids.com
Subscribers to SmartParenting, the free St. Louis Kids Magazine enewsletter, are being offered exclusive, valuable prizes, tickets and gift certificates through our enewsletter "Great Giveaways." Coming to readers monthly, Great Giveaways offers parents free tickets to family events in St. Louis, exclusive discounts and gift certificates - and all you have to do to win these prizes is click!
Our October Giveaway winners were: L. Colmo of St. Charles, who won a birthday party package worth $125 at the Hardees IcePlex; K. Kossmann of Chesterfield, who won four tickets to see Circus Harmony's Fermata at the City Museum; D. Cauley of Ballwin, who won a $25 gift certificate to Whole Foods Market; and C. Marlow, who won four tickets to see the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater production at COCA. Congratulations and thanks for reading!
Our September Giveaways included four tickets to see Laura Ingalls Wilder at COCA, awarded to J. Testa; a gift certificate for Kindermusik Academy, awarded to Z. Smith of Ballwin; N. Schneider of St. Charles won the free month membership to The Club at Chesterfield; and C. Cooper won tickets to see Zing Zang Zoom, the Barnam & Bailey Circus at the Scott Trade Center.
Our August Great Giveaways winners were: J. Hejnal of St. Charles and M. Miromonti of Wildwood, who both won four tickets to see Disney on Ice at the Family Arena; M. Karop of Chesterfield and L. Winter of St. Louis who both won four tickets and VIP parking passes to a River City Rascals game; and T. Hallquist of St. Louis who won four passes to Raging Rivers Waterpark. Congratulations!
Our biggest Great Giveaway ever, in July, consisted of four tickets to the Jonas Brothers World Tour on July 28 at the Scottrade Center. Congratulations to Maryellen Pado of St. Charles! Sign up here to receive future Great Giveaways enewsletters!
Our June winners were: C. Fishman of Ballwin, who won four tickets to see Mary Poppins at the Fabulous Fox Theatre; K. Millslagle of St. Louis who won four passes to Raging Rivers Water Park; S. Kuehl of Wentzville, who won four box seat tickets and a VIP parking pass to a River City Rascals game; and C. Badamo of Des Peres, who won four box seat tickets and a VIP parking pass to a River City Rascals game. Congratulations!
Our April winners were B. Bries, who won a free photo shoot from Pixie Posie, and T. Vermillion of Fenton, who won a year's membership with NannyNurse Network. Congratulations!
Our March winners were: B. Norviel of St. Peters, who won a $100 gift certificate to a Vetta Sports camp; M. Finklang of St. Charles, who won a $100 gift certificate a Soccer Academy camp; M. Willy of Ballwin, who won a $75 gift certificate to Camp Jam; C. Meyer of Kirkwood, who won a $65 gift certificate to Gymboree Play & Music; M. Horton of Fenton, who won a $50 gift certificate to a COCA camp; G. Luther of Glendale, who won a $50 gift certificate to Laumeier Sculpture Park camps; K. Klotzer of St. Louis, who won a $50 gift certificate to Kindermusik Academy; E. Korobey of St. Louis, who won a $50 gift certificate to an Isaiah's Run camp; and L. Ramsey of Ellisville, who won a $50 gift certificate to Computer Bryte Kids.
Our February winners were: R. Murph of St. Louis, who won four tickets to see Cirque Dreams at the Fabulous Fox Theatre; and J. Allen of Chesterfield, who won four tickets to see Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny plus hardback copies of both books from The Center of Creative Arts (COCA). Two readers won four free tickets to see the movie Inkhart: L. Funston of Wentzville, and S. McAvoy of Kirkwood.
Our December winners were: B. Bonney of Wildwood, who won a one-year family Magical Membership toThe Magic House ($120 value); N. Geerlof of Maryland Heights, winner of four "best seat" tickets to COCA's Jungle Jack Hanna on Jan. 24 ($140 value); and C. Biedenstein of St. Charles, who won four tickets to see Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy at the Scottrade Center on January 8.
Our November winners were: C. Gillham of Belleville, Ill., won a family four-pack of tickets to the December 13 performance of The Little Dancer AND the Little Dancer Tea following the performance! This giveaway, valued at $120, is courtesy of COCA, the Center of Creative Arts, in University City. The Little Dancer is part of COCA's Family Theatre Series - a St. Louis family favorite. T. Coupey of St. Clair, Mo., won four tickets to see the Radio City Music Spectacular at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on December 19, and L. Duke of Chesterfield won four free passes to The Magic House. Congratulations!
Because of the large number of event notices and press releases we receive each week, we can't publish them all. But if you have news of interest to St. Louis parents, or if your organization is hosting an event to benefit local families, send your notice to editor@stlouiskidsmagazine.com . It's just what we're looking for.
