Winter 2015

WinterKidding Around Greenville

January 2015 | kiddingaroundgreenville.com

Kidding Around Greenville

©2015 Kidding Around GreenvilleBy Bethany Winston | bethany.winston@gmail.com

Marketing and Sales by Elizabeth Faulkner | elizabethgfaulkner@yahoo.comLayout and Design by Sarah Forsythe | purplegoatstudio@gmail.comPhotography by Julie Wingreen | J. Wingreen PhotographyCover photo courtesy of www.freeimages.com

Winter 2015

In This IssueClick the headings to go directly to the article.30 Indoor Activities for Kids in Greenville

Skin Therapy Play Dough Recipe

4 Tips for Choosing Quality Day Care by Greenville First Steps

50+ Greenville Preschools

Event Highlights for January - April

8 Tips for the Perfect Date with Your Kid

Great Winter Books Selected by the Greenville Librarians

Kidding Around GreenvilleYou see programs that help your child learn teamwork and social skills; they see a

Parent / Child Classes · Pre-K & Grade School Gymnastics · Dance · Karate Sports Skills · Awesome Birthday Bashes · Parents’ Survival Night · Camp

The Little GymStructured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Schedule your FREE Introductory Class, today!

The Little Gym of Greenvillewww.tlggreenvillesc.com(864) 254-0318

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Winter 2015

By Elizabeth Faulkner

Are you looking for a place for the kids to burn off energy while staying warm? Here’s our list of what venues offer indoor activities for kids. Use the follow-ing symbols to find the perfect place:

M - Music S - STEM A - Art L - Literacy P - Play

Bricks 4 Kidz P S www.bricks4kidz.com100 Batesville Road, Simpsonville 864.286.8061Bricks 4 Kidz classes provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play… with LEGO® Bricks. Programs are built around our proprietary model plans, designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes such as space, construction, and amusement parks. Our specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz approach to educational play. At Bricks 4 Kidz, we believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity.

Charleston Cooks! Awww.charlestoncooks.com200 N. Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.335.2000 Charleston Cooks! is a bustling kitchen retail shop where you’ll find the artistry, equipment and gadgets that help you make culinary magic happen, with a teaching kitchen featuring enjoy-it-now, fun-filled cooking classes led by our talented instructors.

Located in the middle of dynamic downtown Green-ville, Charleston Cooks! provides the space, tools and instruction with which food and wine enthusi-asts can happily gather, taste and learn. With both demonstration and participation classes, beginners and experts alike delve into an array of deliciousness, from savory sauces to wonderful wines. Our hope is that our exuberance is so contagious you’ll take it home and share it

Gymboree Play & Music M S A L Pwww.gymboreeclasses.com980 Batesville Road, Greer864.288.1774At Gymboree Play & Music, you and your child will build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships. Gymboree programs are specially designed to help young children learn and develop as they play. Our classes also help you learn about your child -- how to participate in and encourage his or her develop-ment -- while enjoying the simple pleasure of playing together.

Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios M L Pwww.pianocentralstudios.com1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville 757 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville 864.232.5010MORE than just piano lessons. We offer music in-struction for all ages, from Kindermusik and Group Piano classes to Introductory Classes for Beginners to Private Lessons in piano, voice, strings, flute, and guitar.

30 Indoor activities for Kids in Greenville

You see programs that help your child learn teamwork and social skills; they see a

Parent / Child Classes · Pre-K & Grade School Gymnastics · Dance · Karate Sports Skills · Awesome Birthday Bashes · Parents’ Survival Night · Camp

The Little GymStructured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Schedule your FREE Introductory Class, today!

The Little Gym of Greenvillewww.tlggreenvillesc.com(864) 254-0318

Kidding Around Greenville

Soccer Shots Pwww.soccershots.orgbuddy@soccershots.org864.621.1796It’s more than soccer! Soccer Shots is the national leader in youth soccer development for children ages 2 through 8. Our program has been created under the guidance of childhood education special-ists, MLS® and USL® professional soccer players, and experienced and licensed soccer coaches. Our in-novative lesson plans are developmentally appropri-ate and tailored specifically to the three distinct age groups we teach. Using these creative and age-appro-priate curricula and infusing each lesson plan with enthusiasm and structured activity, Soccer Shots aims to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child we serve.

South Carolina Children’s Theatre M L Pwww.scchildrenstheatre.org153 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.2885The mission of South Carolina Children’s Theatre is to educate and stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people and their families through partici-pation in high-quality theatre, year-round education, and accessible outreach. Due to its popularity Teddy Bear Picnic has been extended into February! Fancy Nancy, Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat, Sleeping Beauty, and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley are all coming this spring and summer! See ad or website for more details!

Indoor Activities, Cont’d

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Winter 2015The Little Gym M Pwww.thelittlegym.com1451 Woodruff Road, Greenville864.254.0318For every stage of your child’s development—from four months to 12 years—The Little Gym of Greenville offers a diverse line-up of Core Season and Summer Session programs filled with movement, music, learn-ing and laughter.

Upcountry History Museum S A L Pwww.upcountryhistory.org864.467.3100540 Buncombe Street, GreenvilleThe Upcountry History Museum – Furman Univer-sity connects people, history, and culture. The current exhibit Treasure! explores the history of treasures and treasure hunting, the technology employed in hunting treasure, as well as the people and personalities that hunt for treasure.

Acrosmith Gymnastics Pwww.acrosmithgymnastics.cominformation@acrosmithgymnastics.com126-C Corporate Drive Simpsonville, SC 29681 864.593.4066Acrosmith offers a wide range of recreational classes for kids of all ages!

Alchemy Comedy Theatre Lwww.alchemycomedy.com1 East Coffee Street, Greenville Offers classes, workshops, and shows.

Cakes By U Awww.cakesbyu.com864.322.3356We bake, you decorate! Cakes By U offers drop-in and decorate hours, Girls Night Out events and birthday parties. See website for details.

200 N.MAIN STREET,#101, GREENVILLE, SC 29601 / 864.335.2000 / WWW.CHARLESTONCOOKS.COM

A BUSTLING KITCHEN RETAIL SHOP,WITH ENJOY-IT NOW COOKING CLASSES

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Winter 2015

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Color Clay Café Awww.colorclaycafe.com2518-A East North Street, Greenville864.244.3445

Couture Cakes of Greenville Awww.couturecakesofgreenville.com1325 Miller Road, Suite H, Greenville864.288.6610

Creating Artists for Tomorrow Awww.creatingartistsfortomorrow.com1711 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer864.901.7465 or 864.561.7873

Dave & Buster’s Pwww.daveandbusters.com1025 Woodruff Road, Greenville864.603.6500

Eden Farms Pwww.edenfarms.net4700 Dacusville Highway Marietta, SC 29661864.898.0043Eden Farms offers indoor arena rides for 2 years and older, birthday parties, and riding lessons.

Frankie’s Fun Park Pwww.frankiesfunpark.com45 Park Woodruff Drive Greenville, SC 29607864.627.9888

Gravitopia Pwww.gravitopia.us864.485.9202 48 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Greenville Kid Jump, Mon – Fri, 9 – 10 am, 6 and under, $8

Greenville Gymnastics Pwww.greenvillegymnastics.com1311-C Miller Road Greenville, SC 29607864.297.5589

Greenville County Libraries M S A L Pwww.greenvillelibrary.org11 Greenville County Locations See calendar on website for story time details!

Greenville County Museum of Art A L www.gcma.org420 College Street, Greenville864.271.7570The Greenville County Museum of Art offers children’s field trips, art classes, and family events. Admission is free.

Greenville Road Warriors Pwww.greenvilleroadwarriors.com 864.674.PUCK Proud ECHL Affiliate of the New York Rangers

Indoor Activities, Cont’d

They’ll think it’s COOL. You know it’s EDUCATIONAL. They’ll think it’s They’ll think it’s COOL

Tap into your child’s potential by encouraging their curiosity and creativity with Bricks 4 Kidz® and Challenge Island®

Whether your children are cruising over shark-infested waters on Challenge Island or building the latest Comic Creation at Bricks 4 Kidz, they will be enhancing self esteem and improving

fi ne-motor skills with the STEM education based curriculum.

Michelle Paddenburgmpaddenburg@bricks4kidz.com 864-286-8061

100 Batesville Rd, Suite BSimpsonville, SC 29681

SEASONAL CAMPS IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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Kidding Around GreenvilleGreer Children’s Theatre Pwww.greerculturalarts.com301 E. Poinsett Street Greer, SC 29651 Dance classes begin January 6th. Aladdin Jr opens Feb-ruary 27th. Tickets go on sale January 15th.

Kindermusik of Greenville M L Pwww.kindermusik.com153 Augusta Street, Greenville864.834.1623

LeMans Karting Pwww.lemanskarting.com1524 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville864.412.3323LeMans Karting offers indoor go-kart racing. Drivers under 18 without a valid Driver’s License are required to complete training.

Music Adventure for Kids M www.facebook.com/musicadventureforkids Tuesday morning music classes for 4 year olds and under at 10:00 and 4 – 8 year olds at 11:00. Must RSVP, see facebook page for details.

M&G Awww.bjumg.orgAt Bob Jones University 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd. Greenville, SC 29614 800.252.6363At Heritage Green 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601 864.770.1331The M&G holds the largest collection of religious art in the Western Hemisphere. On Heritage Green,, the museum includes a children’s interactive floor. The museum also offers art camps and classes.

NoteAbility M www.noteabilitymusic.com 4800 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Taylors 864.630.6455

Nutty Scientists S www.nuttyscientists.comGreenville, SC864.993.6080Our mission is to awaken the curiosity and imagina-tion of children through interactive, hands-on scien-tific activities.

Pavilion Pwww.greenvillerec.com400 Scottswood Rd Greenville, SC 864.288.6470The Pavilion Recreation Complex offers public ice skating, bounce houses, sports lessons, and family events.

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Winter 2015Pro Martial Arts P www.promartialarts.com8 McPherson Lane Greenville, SC 864.569.0382

Pump It Up P www.pumpitupparty.com 75 Brookfield Oaks Drive Greenville, SC 29607864.987.9022

Roper Mountain Science Center S L P www.ropermountain.org 402 Roper Mountain Road Greenville, SC 29615 864.355.8900Family Day every second Saturday from 9 – 1 and Starry Nights Planetarium show on Fridays at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Sky Zone P www.skyzone.com2465 Laurens Road, Greenville 864.558.2400

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate M S A L P www.tcmupstate.org 300 College Street, Greenville 864.233.7755Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 11am – 5pm

Wine & Design A www.wineanddesign.comwineanddesigngreenvillesc@gmail.com864.288.1260

Yum Yum Snack Shop L www.yumyumsnackshop.com 1107 McKelvey Road Pelzer, SC 29669 864.243.2111Story Time with Mrs. B & Leigh.

For more indoor activity ideas, see our Kidding Around Greenville Rainy Day Guide.

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Kidding Around Greenville

Growing young minds around the world.

Music(Ages 6 mos.–5 yrs.)

Explore music

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*Offer valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit.

Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time in Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.

980 Batesville Road, Greer, SC 29651(Corner of Pelham Rd. and Highway 14)

1-864-288-1774

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Winter 2015

Skin Therapy Play Dough RecipeBy Bethany Winston

My kids love play dough but they also have sensitive skin. The salt in traditional play dough sometimes ir-ritates their skin, especially when it’s cold outside and their skin is already dry. With a little bit of experimen-tation though, I discovered this recipe for a salt-free play dough that conditions skin rather than irritating it. This play dough also requires no cooking, smells great, doesn’t leave a ton of residue, and only takes 5 minutes to make. No really it does! Try it yourself and see.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (plus a couple Tbsp) All Purpose Flour• 1 cup Water (If you want to color the play

dough, add the food coloring to the water.)• 2 cups Quick Oats• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil• 1 tsp Vanilla (opt.)• 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (opt.)

Directions

• Mix one cup of the flour, quick oats, and vanilla.• Add water and stir until the play dough forms a

ball.• Knead in the coconut oil one tablespoon at a

time.• Knead in the cocoa powder.• If the play dough is too sticky add flour a table-

spoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.• Knead the play dough for around three minutes

to make the dough elastic.

Store in the refrigerator and keep wrapped in an air tight container. Since this play dough does not have salt, it will not last as long as other play dough reci-pes. I usually toss mine after a couple of days. If the play dough becomes sticky, add a little oil.

Because of the smell, my kids love pretending that they are making cookies with this play dough. For an added element of fun, try punching mini “chocolate chips” out of brown foam sheets with a heavy duty hole-puncher and mixing them in.

Kidding Around Greenville

Our Saviour Lutheran Preschool

• K3-K4, 3 & 5 day• Small classes• Care available from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.• Experienced teachers

• Art, music, and PE included in our regular curriculum• Enrichment classes offered in Dance and Computer• Nurturing Christian environment

864.268.4714 | 2600 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Growing in mind, body, and spirit!

Come visit us during our Open House - Tuesday, May 24, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - meet the teachers and see what

Our Saviour has to offer. Visit the Usborne Book Fair!

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Winter 2015

4 Tips for Choosing Quality Day CareBy Derek Lewis, executive director of Greenville County First Steps

Picking a good childcare is such an important deci-sion, but how do you choose the right one. Derek Lewis, the executive director of Greenville County First Steps shares from his experience what steps families should take in the search for the perfect, safe place for their kids.

Who would you trust to watch your child? This is one of the greatest questions for working families. When my wife and I found out we were going to be parents, we immediately began the process of finding the “right fit” for our unborn son. We were on wait-ing lists months before we needed care- and 3 years later, are STILL on some waiting lists.

Choosing quality childcare is confusing. There isn’t a guidebook, and there is no clear mandatory rating system like there is in the food service industry. And, a voluntary system means some providers submit to rigorous assessments while others float by on their reputation- even if that reputation is over-inflated.

We often are asked to describe what we look for in a quality childcare environment. Here is a brief list of best practices:

Take a tour: Nothing is more important than tak-ing a tour of the facility. Visit when kids are in class. Walk around the classroom. Talk with the teachers. Ask if you can bring your child back and let him get a feel for it. Just like test-driving a car, you really need to get a good feeling for what a typical day is like.

Talk with the director/owner: Who is in charge? Do they strike you as someone who is calm, rational,

and even keeled—or is this someone who panics when things get rough. Every day something unex-pected happens in a center. Flexible directors handle stress well, and don’t pass that stress onto the staff or students.

Introduce your child to the teachers: Do they talk to your child? Do they seem comfortable with children and adults? Do they seem nurturing or controlling? Do they talk to you about what you should NOT do, or do they talk to you about what you child WILL do?

Ask some tough questions. Come prepared to ask some hard questions, and expect them to be an-swered:

1. Does your center have any current DSS viola-tions? What was the last violation your center had? There are very few centers with NO history of violations. It isn’t the violations that concern me; it’s how long it takes for them to resolve them.

2. Does your center have staff certified in First Aid and CPR? Describe the last time an emergency medical service was called? Again, accidents happen, the bigger question is how did they deal with the accident?\

3. What professional development opportunities are provided for you and your staff? Typically, staff receive 15-20 hours/year of professional development. Who provides it, what does it look like?

4. Does your center have an ABC rating? (This is the voluntary rating system that DSS uses to assess and improve centers) If so, what is your rating? And if not, why not?

Kidding Around Greenville5. How long has your director/classroom teacher

been in place? Turnover is high in this industry, that’s normal, but if everyone has turned over in the past 16 months then it could lead to instabil-ity for you or our child.

6. Is it secure? Are there cameras? Can people walk in off the street, or is there a locked door? Some centers have 24/7 video surveillance that parents can monitor from home/work. This helps ensure the teachers know someone is watching them at all times.

Choosing to leave your child with a non-family member for care is a gut wrenching decision. You shouldn’t worry every day whether your child is safe, happy, well treated. Ask your friends: find people you trust, and ask them where their children stay.

For additional information, check out these resources for more information: Visit www.greenvillefirststeps.org and take a virtual tour of child development cen-ters, with popups that show you what you should look

for. Or, visit www.sc-ccrr.org for more tips from the SC Child Care Resource and Referral network.

Derek joined Greenville County First Steps in 2008 as executive director after serving as director of youth and teen services with the YMCA of Greenville. He serves on a variety of community boards and com-mittees, including the United Way School Readiness Committee, Community Impact Cabinet and Green-ville Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. He also serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislator Committee on Children. He was part of Leadership Greenville Class 36 and serves on the Leadership Greenville Education Committee. He is also a member of the South Carolina

Education Policy Fellowship program (2011) and was named one of Greenville’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under (2009). Derek is married to Hedrick Lewis, a 4K public school teacher, and they live in Greenville with their son, William.

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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•Christian Values

•Individualized Instruction

•Small Class Size

•Low Student to Teacher Ratio

•Academic Excellence

•Nurturing Environment

•Christ-Centered, Family Focused

•LowTuition

•Multi-Grade Setting

On the corner ofBatesville andRoper Mt. Roads

Simpsonville, SC

(864) 288-4867www.apacademysc.org

Enroll Now for 2015-2016

Come and seeour new school

building!

MMO, K2 - 5th Grade

GN-0100751533

A Unique School with a Classic Approach

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Winter 2015

Compiled By Elizabeth Faulkner

Greenville

Abiding Peace Academy (Simpsonville, Five Forks)www.apacademysc.org864.509.6408A Lutheran Preschool and Elementary SchoolNow Enrolling for Fall – see ad for more details!

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church (Greenville, downtown)www.bsumc.info864.233.5050

Carolina International Prep (Greenville, eastside)www.carolinaprepschool.com864.385.6020

Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)www.cces.org864.299.1522

Disciples Methodist Church (Greenville, eastside)www.disciplescdc.org864.297.6951

Earle Street Baptist Church (Greenville, downtown)www.esbcgreenville.org864.331.0926

Eastside Christian Academy (Greenville)www.ecapreschool.com864.292.9909

Edwards Road Baptist (Greenville)www.edwardsroadpreschool.org864.292.0194

First Baptist Five Forks (Greenville, Five Forks)www.fiveforksbc.org864.288.9455

First Presbyterian Academy (Greenville, downtown)www.firstpresbyterianacademy.org864.235.0122

Fourth Presbyterian Church (Greenville)www.4thpres-grvl.com864.232.8123

Furman CDC (Greenville, north side)www.furman.edu864.294.2448

Gateway Academy (Greenville)www.gatewayacademy.com864.214.6890

Goddard (Greenville, Five Forks)www.goddardschool.com864.254.0708

Greenville ARP Day School (Greenville, downtown)www.Greenvillearpdayschool.com864.233.6309

50+ Preschools In Greenville

PROOF O.K. BY: _____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:___________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

ADVERTISER: ABIDING PEACE LUTHERAN P PROOF CREATEDAT: 12/19/2014 10:34 AMSALES PERSON: Vinson PROOF DUE: -PUBLICATION: GN-MONTHLY NEWS NEXT RUN DATE: 12/28/14SIZE: 3 col X 4.32 in

GN-0100751533.INDD

•Christian Values

•Individualized Instruction

•Small Class Size

•Low Student to Teacher Ratio

•Academic Excellence

•Nurturing Environment

•Christ-Centered, Family Focused

•LowTuition

•Multi-Grade Setting

On the corner ofBatesville andRoper Mt. Roads

Simpsonville, SC

(864) 288-4867www.apacademysc.org

Enroll Now for 2015-2016

Come and seeour new school

building!

MMO, K2 - 5th Grade

GN-0100751533

A Unique School with a Classic Approach

Kidding Around Greenville

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Winter 2015Directory, Cont’d.Greenville Montessori (Greenville, eastside)www.montessorigreenville.com864.232.3447

Greenville Tech CDC (Greenville)www.gvltec.edu864.250.8080

Haynsworth Private School (Greenville, downtown)www.haynsworthprivate.com864.235.3010

Immanuel Lutheran (Greenville, Five Forks)www.immanuellutheranschool.net864.501.8622

John Knox Kindergarten & Parents Day out (Greenville, eastside)www.jkkindergarten.org864.322.0045

Kiddie Academy (Greenville, Five Forks)www.kiddieacademy.com864.627.1985

Kids R Kids (Greenville)www.krkgreenville.com864.288.5455

Legacy Academy (Greenville)www.lagreenville.com864.288.4403

Mitchell Road Christian Academy (Greenville, eastside)www.mitchellroadchristian.org864.268.2610

Our Savior Lutheran (Greenville)www.osldayschool.com864.268.4714Join us for an Open House including an Usborne Book Fair - Tuesday, March 24th from 6 PM to 8 PM. Now enrolling for Fall - see ad for details.

Park Place Children’s Center (Greenville, Five Forks)www.parkplacechild.com864.270.5910

Primrose School of Greenville (Greenville, downtown)www.primroseschools.com864.370.8118Now enrolling infants through Pre-K. Enrollment begins January 24th. See ad for details.

Rocky Creek Baptist Church (Greenville)www.rockycreekonline.org864.331.1986

St. Giles Preschool (Greenville, eastside)www.stgilespres.org864.244.9403Please come visit - our doors are always open. Now enrolling for Fall - See ad for details.

St James Episcopal Day School (Greenville, downtown)www.stjamesgreenville.org864.244.6358

St Mary Magdalene Catholic Preschool (Greenville)www.smmcp.org864.288.4884

Kidding Around Greenville

St Matthews United Methodist Church (Greenville, downtown)www.stmatthewumc.net864.242.2880

The Edge Preschool (Greenville, eastside)www.theedgepreschool.com864.449.9938

Westminster Weekday School (Greenville, Augusta Road)www.westminsterweekdayschool.com864.232.5766

Woodruff Road Christian Preschool (Greenville)www.Lifechangingchurch.com/preschool864.288.6248

Greer/Taylors

Bushy Creek Baptist Church (Taylors)www.brushycreekweekday.org864.244.5075

Covenant Christian Academy (Greer)www.ccovumc.org/ministries/cca-preschool/864.244.1818

Fairview Baptist Church (Greer)www.fairviewgreer.org864.877.7959

Four Winds Child Development Center & Academy (Greer)www.fourwindscdc.com864.234.1534

Gilmore Prep Academy (Greer)www.gilmoreprep.com864.608.3745

Greer First Baptist (Greer)www.greerfbc.org864.879.3746

Kids R Kids (Greer)www.krkpelham.com864.877.7746

Kinder Cottage (Greer)www.kindercottage.net864.855.5242

Lee Road United Methodist Church (Taylors)www.leeroadumc.org864.268.3821

Memorial United Methodist Church (Greer)www.greerchurch.com/cep/864.801.1110

Rainbow Childcare (Greer)www.rainbowccc.com864.655.7152

Taylors First Baptist Church (Taylors)www.taylorsfbc.org864.678.8803

Preschools, Cont’d.

Winter 2015Simpsonville/Mauldin

Calvary Baptist Simpsonvillewww.calvarysimpsonville.org864.688.3043

Eastside Christian Academy (Mauldin)www.ecapreschool.com864.292.9909

Five Oaks Academy (Simpsonville)www.fiveoaksacademy.com864.228.1881

Gateway Academy (Mauldin)www.gatewayacademy.com864.214.6891

Greenville Classical Academy (Simpsonville, Five Forks)www.greenvilleclassical.com864.324.9884

Mauldin Montessoriwww.mauldinmontessori.com864.288.8613

Messiah Lutheran Church (mauldin)www.messiahmauldin.org864.963.4549

Simpsonville United Methodist Churchwww.simpsonvilleumc.org864.967.3071

Online Education

SC Calvert Academy www.southcarolinacalvertacademy.com803.462.0254A tuition-free virtual elementary and middle school A

dver

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Kidding Around Greenville

Virtual education featuring CALVERT curriculum for K–8

Start your research online or call us to speak with a staff member.

Learn about our curriculum and outstanding teacher support.

Visit: SouthCarolinaCalvertAcademy.comor call toll-free 855-422-5701

pinterest.com/SCCalvertK8/facebook.com/SCCAL

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Winter 2015

By Bethany WinstonWhile our Kidding Around Greenville calendar is the best place to get up-to-date local information on events, I’ve put together a list for you of what upcoming events I’m keeping my eye on over the next season!

January 17 – Kids’ Maker Fest at The Children’s Mu-seum of the Upstate

January 17 – Little Princess Makeover Event with Once Upon a Dream Parties

January 23-24 – Monster Jam at the Bon Secours Well-ness Arena

January 28-February 1 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME at Bon Secours Wellness Arena

January 30-February 8 – Fancy Nancy: The Musical at the Peace Center Gunter Theatre and performed by the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

February 6-8 – Switch-A-Roos Children’s Consign-ment Sale at the TD Convention Center

February 8 – Family Fun Day at the Upcountry His-tory Museum

February 12 – Valentine’s Day Tea at the Augusta Road Library

February 13 – Family Fun Day at the Greenville Road Warriors Game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

February 14 – STEMFest 2015 at Roper Mountain Sci-ence Center

February 20 – Super Hero Training at Anderson Road Library

February 20-March 1-Willy Wonka at Younts Center for Performing Arts

March 7 – Family Fun Day at the Greenville Road Warriors Game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

March 8 – Family Fun Day at the Upcountry History Museum

March 10, 16 – Adventures in History: Carnival at Greenville Library System

March 12-15 – SouthEast Homeschool Convention at TD Convention Center

March 13-15 – Weecycled Wear at TD Convention Center

March 13 – Let’s Pretend: Ms. Lisa’s Laboratory at Greenville Main Library

March 14 – Nanotechnology & Pi Day at Roper Moun-tain Science Center

March 14 – South Carolina Children’s Theatre Annual Character Breakfast Celebration & Raffle

March 21 – Lollipops Concert at Greenville Library System

March 22 – Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

March 27 – Harlem Globetrotters at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

March 27 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Gateway Park with Greenville Rec

April 4 – iMAGINE Upstate Festival in Downtown Greenville

April 11 – Chemistry Fun Day at Roper Mountain Sci-ence Center

April 24-May 3- Dr. Seuss’ The Cat In the Hat at the Peace Center Gunter Theatre and performed by the South Carolina Children’s Theatre

April 25 – Upstate Family Expo and Festival at the TD Convention Center

Event Highlights for January – April 2015

Kidding Around Greenville

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Winter 2015

By Bethany Winston

A date night is a fun and sweet way to schedule quality time in where the conversation isn’t limited to keeping order. And, it might be easier than you think.

Tip #1 – Plan an hour or two to spend quality time with your child one-on-one.

We recently split forces with my husband taking our youngest to MacDonalds and me taking our oldest to Chik-Fil-A, to allow each kid a chance to enjoy the un-divided attention of one of us alone. My daughter was thrilled to get a Happy Meal and my son and I were lucky enough to snag Home Depot’s family night at Chik-Fil-A. It was a really special evening even though our activities were simple.

If you have more children or are a single parent trying to carve out one-on-one time might take some creativ-ity. I won’t pretend to be an expert on how that works, but here are ideas I’ve heard from others.

Some ideas for carving out one-on-one time are:

One parent taking one child out for breakfast or for a special treat once a week while the other parents watches the other kids on a rotational basis.

Taking turns letting one child stay up later than the other children for a special game time or movie night.

The biggest thing is just spending time engaged with your kids without other distractions. If you have a large family or are a single parent, don’t feel guilty if you need to spend time with the kids all together. Schedule a “family date night” instead.

Tip #2 – Don’t make the date a reward for good behavior.

I know that I’m tempted to maximize everything to the fullest parenting advantage. If I’m not careful, all of our activities and surprises can quickly be reduced into prizes for good behavior. My children are remarkable gifted at then losing these privileges.

Don’t let that happen with this treat. Make it a treat that they get just because you love them and not be-cause they were good. The kid that constantly presses your buttons is likely the kid that also really needs your attention.

Tip #3 – Put your cell phone on “Do Not Disturb”

Most kids get quickly tired of photos and interruptions from cell phones. Go ahead and turn off your phone for a couple hours. If nothing else, it will send a clear message to your child that they are more important than your business.

Tip #4 – Do something inexpensive and simple.

The temptation is to try to impress your kids with something big when you are treating them to one-on-one time.

Remember this outing is about taking time to just enjoy your child. Big, glitzy programs can distract you from being able to really talk and get to know each other. When the outing is inexpensive and simple, it’s also easier to repeat frequently.

If you have a tight budget, don’t worry if you have to pick a free activity or even stay home. The best memo-ries are often the simplest moments. See our Free Things to Do in Greenville Pinterest board for a wealth of suggestions.

8 Tips for the Perfect Date with your Kid

Kidding Around GreenvilleTip #5 – Don’t force your kids to talk.

I know I’m not the only one who thinks, “I can’t wait for this time with my kid. They will finally tell me all about ______ when we are alone together.” Guess what? They probably won’t, and that’s okay.

Sometimes it’s good just to take a break from trying to find out information from your child, and instead give them space to talk about what they want to talk about. You never know where that might lead. They might even answer your unspoken questions.

Tip #6 – Stay off the soap box.

It’s likely that you have a list of things that you wish your child would fix or finally get. Like, that being potty trained really is cool. But, this time together isn’t the place for fixing your kid. It’s a time to show them that you love them no matter what (even if they are still wearing diapers in college.)

Tip #7 – Cater to your kid’s preferences.

Try to let your child do something that they enjoy rather than having to cater to your tastes. This might mean eating at a place that wouldn’t be your top choice or spending a half hour watching your kid climb a playground.

Tip #8 – Try to incorporate moments like these into everyday life.

Have a great time and then bring the ideas that created that great time home. Maybe you can’t take the kids on a date each week, but you can take a couple minutes to turn off your phone and TV, sit down, and give them your undivided attention each day.

That’s the sort of thing that really says “I love you”.

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Winter 2015

Winter—It’s the Perfect Time to Curl Up with a Picture Book!By Greenville County Library

Check out these fun winter reads recommended by our Greenville librarians next time you visit the Greenville Library. Remember you can reserve books easily online!

Fox’s Garden by Princesse Camcam

This wordless picture book tells the story of what happens when a fox that loses its way on a snowy night takes shelter in a village.

The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc

A lion finds a wounded bird in his garden and decides to care for it through the winter.

Mimi and Bear in the Snow by Janee Trasler

Bear is Mimi’s constant compan-ion until one busy day when Bear is not there.

Sleepover with Beatrice & Bear by Mônica Carnesi

Beatrice the bunny wants to share winter with her best friend Bear, but he will be busy hibernating.

Sugar White Snow and Evergreens: A Winter Wonderland of Color by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Verses follow a family as they visit a maple-sugaring farm and notice a variety of colors in their sur-roundings.

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