42 APRIL 2017 ARCAD A NEWS 4200 N SCOTTSDALE RD | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 | 480 629 4922 | BOURBONANDBONESAZ.COM (BPT) – The education children receive today will help them throughout their lives. School is the fundamental component of the learning process, but education doesn’t stop when kids arrive back home at the end of the day. “Education and family go hand in hand,” says Ellen Marks, curriculum director of Bricks 4 Kidz, an award-winning summer camp and after-school program. “Parents who take an active role by supporting classroom learning will not only see their kids’ education blossom, but their relationship with them, too.” The start of the new year is the ideal time to evaluate what you’re doing right and where you could improve in regards to supporting your child’s education. Marks offers these smart ideas guaranteed to help you keep this resolution in 2017 and beyond: Connections to real life: One of the best ways to help kids understand classroom lessons is to connect the material to everyday experiences. Practice fractions while cooking. Chat about biology as birds fly by the window. Learning moments are all around, you just have to point them out. Parent-teacher relationship: Sending check-in emails, attending conferences and volunteering are ways to build strong relationships with teachers. Be proactive about asking where your child excels and what areas they may need additional help. Enriching activities: Select fun after-school activities that emphasize cognitive development while building self- esteem. For example, Bricks 4 Kidz uses relatable tools like LEGO Bricks to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Learn more at www. bricks4kidz.com and sign up for an After School class. Health and wellness: A child must first be well before they can effectively learn. Make sure kids stay fueled with a variety of healthy foods. Next, ensure they get a good night’s sleep. Full, well-rested kids are always ready and eager to learn. Homework help: Good study habits are essential to excelling at school. Create a comfortable homework space with adequate supplies and few distractions. What’s more, be an active partner in your child’s homework and assist when needed with gentle guidance and encouragement. Reading buddies: Reading together can instill a lifelong love of literature. Try reading the same books your child is assigned in school so you can foster a good discussion about characters and storylines. When you both finish the book, rent the film version and plan a movie night. Active learning opportunities: Reading, writing and solving math problems are passive learning activities. At home, encourage active learning where your child builds models, creates art projects and can ask questions. It’s amazing to watch their minds work and see what they create. Positive attitude: Kids will mirror your attitude toward your work as well as how you view their school, homework and teachers. Stay positive, respectful and model resilience during difficult times; you’ll find they’ll do the same. Daily conversations: With a fun, no-pressure approach, go over what your children learned in school. If they don’t want to talk right after school, wait until later. During or after dinner may allow enough transition time so you’ll find they’ll open up more. Ideas to help your child get to the head of the class KIDS CORNER

43 APRIL 2017 ARCAD A NEWS DO YOU KNOW A TEACHER WHO REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE? It’s easy to recognize and nominate your favorite teacher for Teachers We Love! Nominate a teacher online at www.arcadianews.com Winning teachers will receive special gift certificates to Postino and The Phoenician! Now Accepting Applications for 2017-2018 Preschool – Grade 8 Schedule your private tour and learn why generations of families continue to choose STCS to help prepare their children for the high school of their choice! SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS · 2010 National Blue Ribbon School · 99% acceptance rate to Catholic High Schools · New 10,000 sq ft Early Childhood Center · National Junior Honor Society · ITBS scores above national and local averages · Chromebooks, Ipads and computer lab · Accelerated Reading Program · Competitive sports 5th – 8th · All school performances · PE, music, foreign language, library, art & computers · Vibrant Christ-centered community · Financial aid and scholarships available 602-840-0010 x200 5001 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 WWW.STCS.US A 2010 National Blue Ribbon School, Saint Theresa Catholic School offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students spiritually, academically and socially for the high school of their choice. Preschool through Grade 8 Accredited by Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) Schedule your private tour today! Saint Theresa Catholic School Saint Theresa Catholic School s will r work school, ositive, during l do the With a er what If they ol, wait r may you’ll FUN FACTS • The inventor of the Waffle Iron did not like waffles. • Nearly three percent of the ice in Antarctic glaciers is penguin urine. • J.K. Rowling chose the unusual name ‘Hermione’ so young girls wouldn’t be teased for being nerdy! • In England, in the 1880s, “Pants” was considered a dirty word. • The Pokémon Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are based off of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. • Each year, there are more than 40,000 toilet related injuries in the United States. • A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate! • Marco Hort has the world record for fitting 264 straws in his mouth at once! • Mel Blanc – the voice of Bugs Bunny – was allergic to carrots. • California has issued 6 driver’s licenses to people named Jesus Christ. • In the Caribbean there are oysters that can climb trees. • Squirrels forget where they hide about half of their nuts. EASTER CROSSWORD • J.K. Rowling chose the unusual name ‘Hermione’ so young girls wouldn’t be teased for being nerdy! • The Pokémon Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are based off of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. • A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate! • Mel Blanc – the voice of Bugs Bunny – was allergic to carrots. • In the Caribbean there are oysters that can climb trees. KIDS CORNER