Who wouldn’t want to raise a good sleeper?! Imagine this: a full night’s good sleep for you and your partner…. and upon waking, you find you have a cheery baby who has also had a good night’s sleep! Not that she is making any promises, but Dr. Janet Kennedy (aka the NYC Sleep Doctor), will give you the steps on making that a real possibility during her new workshops at Tribeca Parenting.

If you start early with helping your baby grow into a good sleeper, you may avoid the struggle of sleep training later on. When our youngest, Willow, was 5 months, I got mono and needed major sleep. Willow was doing that “baby thing” of waking up from her naps after 45 minutes and though she was exhausted, she couldn’t get back to sleep. I would rock her in the glider before trying to transfer her to the co-sleeper and then wahhh! she woke up the moment I tried to put her down. I ended up just sleeping with her in the glider for days on end. I called the NYC Sleep Doctor to help dig us out of the sleeping abyss we had fallen into.

Dr. Kennedy taught me methods to help Willow soothe herself back to sleep. We learned everything from recognizing her favorite sleep positions and sleepy signs to establishing a good schedule to get some control over our sleep patterns. It helped tremendously and when Willow eventually learned ways to get herself back to sleep, I made my own way back to recovery.

Here is the scoop on the 2 hours clinics that will be taught at Tribeca Parenting locations in Park Slope, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Tribeca and the Upper East Side. The one in Fort Greene starts this Tuesday (January 24th).

How to Raise a Good Sleeper:
For expectant parents and parents of babies 0-12 months

You will learn:

• The basics of infant sleep patterns
• How to make sure your child is well rested
• Soothing techniques for fussy babies
• How to help your child learn to put herself to sleep
• How to avoid excessive crying
• How to address sleep problems as they arise
• … and how to keep the whole family well rested!

No single method fits every family’s needs, just as there is no one way for infants to sleep. Let’s get away from sleep advice that doesn’t work for you, and we’ll find real, productive solutions for your family. Taught by Dr. Janet Kennedy, the NYC Sleep Doctor, these workshops will teach you to get more and better sleep for both you and your baby.

Details: $75 per couple. Please feel free to bring your baby! See Schedule and Register. If you do a phone registration they are offering our readers a $10 discount if you mention “A Child Grows”. (646) 863-4500

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“Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.” – The Holstee Manifesto. This is your moment. Take your incredible experiences of being a mother and share your writing with other mothers. A new course at PowderKeg, a community of women writers in downtown Brooklyn, is beginning this month called “Mothers Who Write (and Eat)” . Thankfully, dinner will also be served so “When you eat, appreciate every last bite” (The Holstee Manifesto again…)

Mothers Who Write (and Eat)

Instructors: Jen Nails and Sharon Lerner
Contact:fastlerner@gmail.com and jenmnails@gmail.com
Number of sessions: 8
Meeting time: 6:00-9:00 Tuesdays, 1/31-3/27
Course fee: $500
Have you been wanting to write about motherhood but unable to find the time? This workshop, co-taught by Jen Nails and Sharon Lerner at PowderKeg in Downtown Brooklyn, is for women who want to capture something about their experience of having children. Whether you’ve already started a memoir or just want to document some of the strange and wonderful stuff that happens between yourself and your kid(s), join us on Tuesdays to write, share, critique – and eat. Dinner will be served and is included in the cost! We’ll meet on 8 consecutive Tuesday nights from 6 – 9 pm, starting on January 31. (There will be no class on 2/21.) Each student will have a one-on-one meeting with either Jen or Sharon and the last session will be a performance/reading.

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Post tags: brooklyn mothers group, brooklyn writers group, jen nails, powderkeg, sharon lerner, women writers group in brooklyn

If your child can say  “nǐhǎo” and “gracias”, you  might not worry so much about them saying “please” and “thank you” in English.  This week and next, two language programs are offering the opportunity to give both Spanish and Mandarin a try with your tikes- for free!

Lango Kids NYC Free Trial Mandarin Class
It seems Mandarin classes are in great demand as Lango Brooklyn has added two additional classes for toddler/parents and for preschoolers. Classes start January 30. Here are the details for their free demos:
Free Demo:
Janaury 23, 2012
Toddler/Parent Demo: 9:30-10:15 am
Preschooler Drop Off Demo: 10:15-11am
Location:
Birthday Presence
182 8th Avenue (Between Garfield Pl and 1st St), Park Slope
Classes are scheduled to start the week of 1/30/12
Tuition:
Toddler/Parent $275 (10 classes + CD)
Preschool Drop Off $325 ( 10 classes + CD, book and online review portal)
Early Bird Discount: register on the day of trial classes and receive 10% discount
RSVP
to: langonewyork@gmail.com

Musica Para Mi’s Free Trial Music-in-Spanish Classes
Though I have never taken one of Gabriela’s classes, my friend on the UWS brought it up to me out of the blue one day, and I know it’s a popular class at GUMBO. Now might be a good time to try it out!
Free Demo:
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10 – 10:45, & 11 – 11:45
Location:
Gumbo in Boerum Hill, 493 Atlantic Ave, Nevins/Third

Free Demo:
Thursday, Jan. 19, 11:30 – 12:15
Location:
Bija Kids in Clinton Hill, 900 Fulton, Washington/Waverly

RSVP
Please send an email at musicaparami@aol.com or call 718-643-6660 and be sure to include your phone number in case of last-minute changes. If you don’t see this in time to get in touch, just let the teacher that you saw this listing  on A Child Grows.

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Post tags: brooklyn, classes in Brooklyn, free trial classes free demo classes, free trial mandarin class, lango kids nyc, language class for kids in brooklyn, language class in brooklyn, mandarin class in brooklyn, music class in brooklyn, musica para mi, musica para mi reviews, nyc, spanish class, spanish class for kids

When I looked up why chess is a good game to play (I know it’s supposed to be good for you, I just wanted to know why)- the reasons listed are numerous;

1. it develops memory
2. improves concentration
3. develops logical thinking
4. promotes imagination and creativity
5. teaches independence

and there are plenty more…but it made me think of chess in a whole new light. Though it is a sit-down activity, it’s anything but passive.

If you are interested in introducing your child to chess or helping them to continue their interest- there are some good (and some new) opportunities in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Lyceum Play
Bring your children in to the Brooklyn Lyceum Mezzanine to play for free! Chess lessons are also available for $25. Most Sundays. 10AM-2PM. Free to play.  Charge for lessons.
Details:
Brooklyn Lyceum
Corner of 4th Ave and President Street in Gowanus East (at border of Park Slope).

Greenpoint Chess Club
This brand new club from Town Square is a club where kids aged 6-10 can meet, play chess, and learn to improve their game. The hope is that the kids can go as a group to tournaments and compete across the city, although tournaments are not the main mission of the club – playing chess and having fun are.  This is for a child who knows the fundamentals and enjoys the game, is an advanced beginner or is an intermediate level player.  They are going to meet Sunday afternoons at 4 PM for 90 minute sessions.  They will have a coach and also make a rotating schedule of parental supervision.   There will be a $100 fee for the half year (which comes out to about $5 per session!).  They have about 8 kids interested and available so far, and we think they will max out with 16 kids based on the space.
Details:
The first and next meeting is Sunday, January 15th.  If you’re interested, please contact Debbie at 917.957.1714 or deborahfeiner@gmail.com with your child’s name, age, grade, school attended, and level of play (i.e. beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, etc) and whether they play chess at school or in competitions.

The Brooklyn Strategist Chess and Checkers
This board and card game center, cafe and social club is a pretty unique brick and mortar in Brooklyn. They run afternoon clubs, including one for chess and checkers on Wednesday afternoons from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm.
Details:
The Brooklyn Strategist
388 Atlantic Avenue (Ground Floor),
between Hoyt and Bond

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Joseph Lentol, Marty Markowitz, Julia Dawson (Co-Founder) and Carey Balogh (Co-Founder) at ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday at new playspace Frolic

With the grand opening of Frolic! today in Williamsburg, you have even more options for indoor play this winter.  Located in the new condominium building, The Edge, Frolic has the advantage of lots of space (approximately 5,000 square feet), ground floor access and ample stroller parking.

The soft opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was on Saturday (pictured above), where member-families got to be among the first to check out the much-talked about elements that make Frolic different: the interactive VW bus, interactive video wall installation, stage, ticket booth and best of all to some- the coffee lounge.

Want to check it out? Frolic! will offer Preview Passes for first-time visitors only (with advance reservations) to try out the space for a cost that will be applicable to membership if purchased within one month of visit.  Beginning today (January 9th) visit Frolic! in person to schedule a date for a Preview Pass as a limited number will be allotted each day.  As of now, they will only be accepting Preview Pass reservations in person.  Frolic! does not offer pay per play.

Details:
Frolic!
34 North 6th Street (between Kent Avenue and the East River)
Brooklyn, NY 11249

Hours Open 7 days a week
Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm (Thursday: 9am – 7pm)
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm

Directions By Subway:
L train to Bedford Avenue stop

By Water-Taxi:
East River Ferry to North 6th Street/North Williamsburg stop

Here are the details on what they offer for membership, classes and parties:

MEMBERSHIP:
Frolic! offers a membership-based indoor playground for ages newborn through six.  We offer three levels of annual membership with the option to pay on a monthly billing schedule (or pay upfront for added savings).  Annual membership packages start at $69 per month and include the entire immediate family plus caregiver(s).  There is no additional cost for more than one child.  Final days to receive our pre-opening offer of $100 off first year membership ends January 9th.  Sign up online with a $100 down payment at: http://www.frolicplayspace.com/membership.html

All Frolic! members have access to our 1,500 sq ft customized indoor playground and private coffee lounge seven days a week.  Members also have access to a variety of daily activities exclusive to members of all ages at specified times throughout the week, such as our customized video installation Creature Symphony, Open Gym, Members Meetup, Members Only Drop-off and Storytime.  See detailed descriptions and weekly calendar.

CLASSES:
Frolic! offers unique and custom classes to both members and non-members in music, art, dance/tumbling, language and yoga.  Exciting classes include Little Rock-its (our original Frolic! music program created by Tim Kubart of Tim and the Space Cadets featuring a live 3-piece band in every class), AudraRox Musical Theater, Super Hero Adventure!, Paint it Black…or Blue or Yellow! and Bilingual Birdies in French/Spanish.  We are extending our pre-opening offer of $50 off each semester class for early online registration until January 9th.   Click on the class calendar link to register online here.

Class participants and their caregivers also have access to the Frolic! private coffee lounge before and after scheduled class (note indoor playground use is reserved for members).

Frolic! ‘All Access’ and ‘I’m With The Band’ members receive 10% off each semester class (plus ‘I’m With The Band’ members receive one FREE Little Rock-its 15-week semester class per year).  If you sign up online before January 9th for the $50 early registration discount, we will honor an additional 10% off on top should you register for one of those two membership levels once we open.

The Winter 2012 class semester is 15 weeks beginning on January 16th and runs through April 28th (with 2 make-ups permitted within semester).  Language classes are 13 weeks and Parent & Baby Yoga, Mommy/Daddy Loves Babysitter Yoga and Prenatal Yoga classes are drop-in with the purchase of a 5-class card.

We are offering Little Rock-its classes for mixed ages at 6:15pm on Thursdays and 10am on Saturdays with working parents in mind.  If you are interested, please note these classes are filling up fast!

As we are unable to hold demo classes due to the close timing of our opening and Winter 2012 semester start date of January 16th, we will guarantee a 100% refund after the first class and 50% refund after the second class for this Winter 2012 semester only.  No refunds will be granted after the third class.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS:
Frolic! offers one-on-one music lessons in guitar, drums and piano in our Frolic! music studio also beginning January 16th for 15 weeks (ages 5 and up is recommended).  A concert performance will be held at the end of the semester for friends and family.  Please e-mail musiclessons@frolicplayspace.com to sign up and also to hear about our ‘meet and greet’ the week of January 9th with our teachers.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES:
Frolic! would love to host your birthday party!  We offer unique themes to customize your experience at select times on Saturdays and Sundays.  We are now accepting reservations starting in February (January is already booked).  See more information on Frolic! birthdays here.

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Post tags: 34 north 6th street, brooklyn playspace, condo building, frolic, indoor play space, indoor play space in brooklyn, kid activities in winter in nyc, play space in brooklyn, play space in nyc, playspace in brooklyn, playspace in williamsburg, the edge, what to do in the winter in brooklyn

Just tonight I found myself saying to my 5 year old son (who got out of bed for the 4th time), ” I’m sorry I got so angry, I need to take a deep breath before I react next time.” It seems that I could benefit from a new series of classes for parents based on Buddhist teachings and practices.  The series is structured in a most unusual way: you pay $90 at the beginning of the course, and you get $10 back for each of the 9 classes that you attend. So, if you are one of those people that rarely missed a day of school, this is your golden time!

Free?! What’s the catch? The instructor, Jonathan Kaplan, is developing the curriculum for publication as a book. Occasionally, you will be asked to provide confidential feedback on the course and complete a few surveys as part of your participation, too.

So, how do you get to this path of enlightenment in parenting? You will learn about the 8-Fold Path and explore its application to family life.  Each meeting will consist of a lecture, an experiential exercise or
meditation, and review of practice at home during the previous month.

Not so fast! There are a couple of requirements to be enrolled in the class. You need to  (1) have an interest in Buddhism; and (2) have maintained contemplative practice for at least two years (e.g.,
yoga, meditation, etc.).
Details:
Parenting on the Path: A Systematic Program of Study and Practice for Buddhist Parents and Families
The last Sunday of each month
7 – 9 pm
Bija Kids
900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY.
Near the
Clinton/Washington Station on the C Line.
1-888-343-6031

Class Schedule
January 29: Right View

February 26: Right Intention

March 25: Right Speech

April 29: Right Action

May 27: Right Livelihood

June 24: Right Effort

July 29: Right Concentration

< No Meeting in August >

September 30: Right Mindfulness

October 28: Right View (yes, for a second time)

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Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed the first week of 2012 and you’re ready to put your resolutions into practice. As always, this year, we’re resolving to bring you the best listings for the entire family! Are you ready to celebrate January with fun activities? We thought so! This will be the last weekend to see The Big Apple Circus’ Dream Big performance at Lincoln Center. Check out our review below — it’s a splendid performance and a terrific way to kick off the first weekend in the new year. Before you toss out your Christmas tree, stop! Don’t! Instead, help grow our beautiful borough by participating in a treecycle, aka MulchFest 2012. We’ve got a comprehensive list of MulchFests happening around town so that you can take part in the action. Remember Clifford the Big Red Dog? Of course you do! If you’ve got a Clifford fan in your home, you’ll certainly want to check out the musical performance on Sunday afternoon. Be sure to visit the music listings and calendar for even more events.

ONGOING

Friday, January 6th – Sunday, January 8th: various times
The Big Apple Circus: Dream Big
The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center is back again and we loved it! Grandma Clown (the emcee) is hilarious as she guides you through the Big Apple’s acts and set changes. The thread of the show’s theme, “Dream Big,” begins with a little girl who appears to have been plucked from the audience. She proclaims her desires to be a trapeze performer, which by the end of the show, she does become. Apparently, dreaming big does work! Fabulous international circus artists perform under an intimate tent with varying acts from acrobats to clowns. People seemed to especially respond to the animals, which include horses, dogs, and a porcupine. The acrobats were particularly enthralling to watch as they were jumping around as a human pyramid. The kids were doing acrobatics in their seats during the intermission. This is probably because they could totally relate it to their own experiences on the monkeybars. The show is perfect for ages 2.5 years and up. Both our children were totally engaged by it, and honestly, we were too. Runs Oct 20 – Jan 8.
Details: Tickets start at $15, children under 3 years are free on the lap of a paid adult.

Friday, January 6th – Sunday, January 8th: various times
Rumplestiltskin from the Netherlands
In this artful and eerie rendition of the fairy tale known to Dutch children as Niemand Weet, Niemand Weet… (Nobody Knows, Nobody Knows…), live music, storytelling and drama intertwine to turn this classic story into an enthralling, contemporary play. Recommended for ages 8 to adult
Details: January 6 – 8   Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday at 12pm and 5pm  The Duke on 42nd Street Tickets:  Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including up to 35-percent savings with tickets as low as $9.  Full-price tickets for individual productions are as low as $14 each. To purchase tickets online, visit NewVictory.org, and to purchase by phone, call 646-223-3010.  The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

Friday, January 6th – Sunday, January 15th at 3pm or 7pm
Company XIV’s Snow White at the Bond Street Theatre
Company XIV presents the critically acclaimed Snow White. Choreographed and directed by Austin McCormick, this performance blends opera, circus, dance, theater, projection and design that will surely delight the entire family. (Please note: the show will not run December 23rd – December 25th).
Details: The Bond Street Theatre. 303 Bond Street. $35 for adults; $30 for children 17 and younger.

Friday, January 6th — Sunday, January 22th
Math Midway at Liberty Science Center
This fabulous exhibit makes math fun for all ages from babies all the way up to adults. Try a square-wheeled bicycle, hang out with magnetic monkeys, or check out mind-bending mirrors. This show debuted at the World Science Festival Fair in Washington Square in 2009, and even in its smaller capacity there, it dazzled visitors. This interactive exhibit is fabulous fun worth a trip to New Jersey for – stay for an Imax show or one of the other permanent exhibits. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2012. It’s highly recommended.
Details: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard. Jersey City, NJ 07305

Friday, January 6th – Saturday March 31st from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue

Friday, January 6th – Sunday, February 26th: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.

Friday, January 6th – Tuesday, January 31st: various times
Polar Express 4D at Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium
The amazing Polar Express is making stops this Holiday Season at the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It is sure to be a great time and will play at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium until January 2, 2012, and the Central Park Zoo through January 31, 2012.
Details: 718.220.5100

Friday, January 6th — Tuesday, January 31st: various times
ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails Exhibit
Your kids will love this highly interactive exhibit at The New York Transit Museum. Who are we kidding?! You’ll love the exhibit too! Originally designed by the Liberty Science Museum, this exhibit allows kids to touch, feel, and see for themselves how the subways and buses work. Hands-on activities will have the little ones capturing light with a solar panel and operating a model train with a hand-cranked motor.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St. Phone: 718.694.1600. Click here to visit the website.

Friday, January 6th — March 10: various times
Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things
Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, as the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?” It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and the silliness of coins appearing out of every bodily orifice, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching things Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very entertaining and engaging performance. Our full review is here.
Details: The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things, in an open-ended Off-Broadway run.  Manhattan Movement & Arts Center  248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues)
Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm.  No performances on the following dates: Saturday, December 10; Sunday, December 25; Sunday, January 1. Special mid-week holiday performances have been added at 11am on the following dates: Monday, December 19; Wednesday, December 21; Friday, December 23; Tuesday, December 27; Monday, January 2; and Wednesday, January 4.
Tickets: The Amazing Max is performed at the MMAC Theater located in the  Magic Carpet Rides (VIP seating) $49.50, regular general admission tickets $29.50. Tickets are available at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250.

ALL WEEKEND

Saturday, January 7th — Sunday, January 8th from 10:00am — 2:00pm
MulchFest 2012: Various Locations
Don’t throw away your holiday tree! Bring it to a MulchFest so that it can be turned into an environment-friendly cover for our local parks. Last year, close to 17,000 Christmas trees citywide were recylced. Let’s top that number this year. You can help in two ways — (1) Bring your tree to a chipping location and walk away with your very own bag of welch, or (2) Leave your tree at a drop-off site and it’ll be recycled for you. Please remember to remove all lights and decorations from your tree first.

MulchFest Chipping Locations:
Prospect Park — Third Street at Prospect Park West
Prospect Park Circle — Parkside Avenue and Prospect Park Southwest
The Amazing Garden — Columbia Street at Carroll Street
Brower Park — Brooklyn Avenue at Prospect Place
Cobble Hill Park – Verandah Place and Clinton Street
Fort Greene Park — Washington Park and Willoughby Avenue
Marine Park — Avenue U and East 33rd Street
McCarren Park — Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street

MulchFest Drop-Off Only Locations:
Green-Wood Cemetery — 25th Street and 4th Avenue
Lincoln Terrace Park — Buffalo Avenue bet East New York Ave and Eastern Parkway
Maria Hernandez Park — Knickerbocker Avenue and Suydam Street
McGolrick Park — Monitor Street and Driggs Avenue
Prospect Heights Community Garden — 252 — 256 St. Marks Avenue
Sunset Park — 44th Street and 6th Avenue

Saturday, January 7th — Sunday, January 29th: 2pm and 4pm
The Piccolini Trio in Circus In A Trunk
A trio of clowns arrive Canal Park Playhouse excited to see a circus show… that never happens. Bummer, right? Not quite. The trio then decide to perform the show themselves, pulling together a funny performance out of an antique trunk. The Piccolini Trio combine contemporary and classic European style clowning for a performance replete with music, acrobatics, physical comedy, juggling, pantomine, and poetic whimsy. My son and I will be heading out to see the performance and we are pretty psyched! I’m sure it’ll be an amazing show!
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $20 (a pre or post-show Pre Fixe brunch is available for an additional $8 in advance and $10 at the door). For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111 or visit their website.

Saturday, January 7th — Sunday, January 29th: 11am
The Little Rascals
Head over to the Canal Park Playhouse to see Our Gang, also known as The Little Rascals! This was a hit this fall and we’re sure that it’ll be just as good, if not better. Enjoy the exuberant shenanigans of Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Darla, Froggie and the rest of the gang screened in the Canal Park Playhouse theater.
Details: Canal Park Playhouse. 508 Canal Street between Greenwich and West Street. Tickets: $9. (a Pre Fixe brunch is available before or after the screenings for an additional $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets or more information, call OvationTix at  1-866-811-4111 or visit www.canalparkplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY JANUARY 6TH

Friday, January 6th from 10:30am — 12pm
The 35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
Okay. I know that this is one long commute for many of us, but seriously, who can resist a good parade? And one that includes camels, music, colorful puppets, dancing, and floats? This is always a fun parade where the entire family can learn about Three Kings Day through the streets of El Barrio. The posession begins at 106th and Madison and continues up to 115th and Park. Did I mention there are going to be camels? Camels!
Details: FREE for all. 106th Street and Madison Avenue

Friday, January 6th from 11:00am – 12:00pm
Frolic! Play Space Soft Opening
This new cutting-edge play space officially opens on Monday for tours but you can get in early if you sign up online for annual membership or you can got in and sign up immediately and begin playing asap! Want to play tomorrow? Sign up right away and check out their 5,000 sq ft children’s indoor play space and enrichment center located on the waterfront in Williamsburg. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll play space for the urban “under six” crowd and their parents with VW bus and coffee lounge.
Details: Annual membership packages start at $69 per month and include the entire immediate family plus caregiver(s).  There is no additional cost for more than one child.  Final days to receive their pre-opening offer of $100 off first year membership ends January 9th.  Sign up online with a $100 down payment at: http://www.frolicplayspace.com/membership.html. The space is inside The Edge, Williamsburg  34 North 6^th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11249  (between Kent Avenue and the East River)

Friday, January 6th from 11:00am – 12:00pm
Yoga Stars Free Class
Besides being a Lululemon clothes groupie (hey, I can go from pjs to daywear and no one knows the difference!), I also love their whole attitude of sharing. Their local stores often host free yoga classes and seminars and it’s all in the name of good karma. This Friday, Lululemon in Brooklyn is spreading the good vibes around with a free Yoga Stars class. The event is not listed on their event calendar, but I got word that it really is happening! Yoga Stars, created by the team at Super Soccer Stars, is a new developmental yoga program for students aged infant to teen.
Details: Ages 2-3 Lululemon in Brooklyn, 472 Bergen Street at Flatbush Avenue  RSVP for free – 212.787.9642

Friday, December 16th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710

SATURDAY JANUARY 7TH

Saturday, January 7th from 10am — 4pm
FREE Activities with Bija Kids Yoga
Don’t let the cold temps give you a case of cabin fever! Head on over to Bija Kids Yoga for a day of FREE offerings, 10% off all class registrations, birthday party bookings, birth classes, and more!
Schedule of Events:
10am – Mommy and Baby Yoga with Kristen
10:45am – Buddhist Parenting Q&A with Jonathan Kaplan
10:45am – Rhythm and Rhyming with Jan Benson
11:30am – Storytime Yoga with Talia
12pm – Spanish Song and Dance with Musica Para Mi
1pm – Yoga Games and Parachute Fun with Lauren
2pm – Preschool Alternative Q&A with Lauren
2:30pm – Movement for Labor and Delivery with Kristen
3pm – Kirtan with Nina, Ambika and Friends
Details: Bija Kids Yoga. 900 Fulton Street between Waverly and Washington Avenue. For more information, call 718.4834795 or visit their website.

Saturday, January 7th at 11am
Kids Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore
Grab the kiddies and head to Saturday Story Time, which typically features Authors and Illustrators of picture books and/or neighborhood performers reading stories. At times, there may even be crafts! A totally entertaining Saturday morning? We think so!
Details: Geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years. Open to the public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718. 246. 0200. Website: http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Saturday, January 7th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Grad your little ones and visit the Totally Tots area to see what’s in store for your budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.

Saturday, January 7th at 3:00pm
Bedtime Book Pajama Party at Scholastic Store
Bedtime woes, be gone! Well, at least that would be the hope after this fun event. The Soho Scholastic Store is throwing a pajama party to celebrate bedtime. You and your little one can enjoy a special sandman storytime where a new release called Things I Love About Bedtime will be featured. You can also make printed-pajama portraits and introduce it at the stuffed animal show-and-tell.
Details: FREE for all. 557 Broadway. Phone: 212.343.6166

Saturday, January 7th: 12:30pm and 2pm
Steadfast Tin Soilder at Puppetworks
The holidays may be over, but you still have a chance to check out this show that’s been adapted for Marionettes.
Details: Ages 3 and up. 338 Sixth Avenue. Tickets — $7 for children; $8 for adults. Phone: 718.965.3391

Saturday, January 7th: 12:30pm and 2pm
Nutcracker Sweets at Puppetworks
The holidays may be over, but you still have a chance to check out this show that’s been adapted for Marionettes.
Details: Ages 3 and up. 338 Sixth Avenue. Tickets — $7 for children; $8 for adults. Phone: 718.965.3391

Saturday, January 7th: 10 am
Sleep S.O.S. for Families
In this free 60-minute interactive workshop with Mommywise founder, Natalie Nevares, and family psychologist Dr. Meredith Singer, they will discuss the fundamental, underlying reasons families with babies and toddlers don’t sleep, how you can get more rest, and feel better as a family. They will focus on internal factors that might be preventing you from getting the sleep you need (i.e. fears and emotions) and external factors (i.e. apartment layout or normal sleep transitions), they will trouble-shoot your family’s sleep woes, and help get you back on track!
Details: Park Slope Food Coop at 782 Union Street btw 7th and 8th. Brooklyn, NY 11215. Seating is limited to 20 families. RSVP here.

Saturday, January 7th: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Grand Opening Weekend Celebration at Cumbe Dance
Looking for a cultural event this weekend? Bring the whole family to the Cumbe Center for African dance lessons by a team of experts. There will be everything from contemporary to salsa to storytelling. Classes are available to everyone from tots to teens. The FREE classes are from 9:30 – 5:00 on Saturday and 10:45 – 4:00 on Sunday. West African, Afro-Caribbean, Samba, Salsa,, Tango, Hip Hop, Dunham, Yoga, Skekere and other drumming and more! Then, on Saturday night, they are having a dance party with the Brown Rice Family band. It’ll be your time to get your groove on while learning a cultural lesson!
Details: FREE for all. 558 Fulton Street. Visit the website by clicking here.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8TH

Sunday, January 8th at 11am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718.246.0200. Website: http://greenlightbookstore.com/storytime

Sunday, January 8th at 11am at 3 pm
Stam-Pede: Percussive Dance by 7 Companies
If you are into dance, this impressive collection of companies performing various types of percussive dance, should be on your list. Travel the dance world by seeing flamenco, Irish dance, body percussion (particularly exciting for kids), tap dance and Bharata Natyam (a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu,). All of this is Stam-Pede, an afternoon of the very best in percussive dance by seven celebrated companies and one up and coming artist.  Participating companies include:  Chicago Tap Theatre; Darrah Carr Dance; David Parker and The Bang Group; Maya de Silva & Flamenco Revolucion; SLURP by Adam Metzger; and Parijat Desai Dance Company. In addition, the program will also feature two of tap’s rising stars:  Michelle Dorrance, whose company Dorrance Dance, took home the 2011 Bessie Award for Outstanding Production, and Caleb Teicher, who also won a 2011 Bessie Award for Outstanding Individual Performance as a dancer in the production that Dorrance won her Bessie for. Gotham Arts Exchange in association with Symphony Space is hosting the family friendly afternoon.
Details: Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, NYC.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.symphonyspace.org or by phone at 212-864-5400.  Appropriate for ages 5 and up.

Sunday, January 8th at 2pm
Clifford the Big Red Dog LIVE!
Got a Clifford fan at home?! Then you won’t want to miss this performance at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. As Clifford’s 50th anniversary draws near, Brooklyn Center invites families to join in the fun as he and his friends from Birdwell Island — Emily Elizabeth, Cleo, and T-Bone — embark in an all new adventure in the form of a family-friendly musical!
Details: Ages 4 and up. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts — Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College. 2/5 train to Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College. Tickets are $10. Visit the website to order them online, or call the box office at 718.951.4500 (groups of 15 or more, call 718.951.5000 ext. 3326).

Sunday, January 8th: 10:45- 4 pm
Grand Opening Weekend Celebration at Cumbe Dance
Looking for a cultural event this weekend? Bring the whole family to the Cumbe Center for African dance lessons by a team of experts. There will be everything from contemporary to salsa to storytelling. Classes are available to everyone from tots to teens. The FREE classes are from 9:30 – 5:00 on Saturday and 10:45 – 4:00 on Sunday. West African, Afro-Caribbean, Samba, Salsa,, Tango, Hip Hop, Dunham, Yoga, Skekere and other drumming and more! Then, on Saturday night, they are having a dance party with the Brown Rice Family band. It’ll be your time to get your groove on while learning a cultural lesson!
Details: FREE for all. 558 Fulton Street. Visit the website by clicking here.

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Post tags: bija kids, brooklyn, brooklyn childrens museum, brooklyn heights, canal park playhouse, central park, Classes and Activities, clifford the big red dog, Events, fort greene, Greenlight Bookstore Story time, kids yoga, kids yoga in brooklyn, liberty science center, lululemon, Math Midway, moxit spot, mulch fest in brooklyn, mulchfest 2012, new york transit museum, nutcracker sweets, prospect park, puppetworks, review of puppetworks, rumplestiltskin, stam-pede, the amazing max and the box of interesting things, the big apple circus, the moxie spot, three kings parade, where to bring christmas trees, yoga in brooklyn, yoga stars free class

With the best movies of 2011 out in theatres right now, it would be total shame to miss them. Thanks to a new group of movie-loving parents, you can forget having to hire a babysitter in order to see Hugo or The Artist.  One Brooklyn mom has started Parent and Babies Movies, a community of cinephiles who love to bring their babies to the movies.  Relax: bring your blankets, binkies, boppies and burping babies to a matinee where unrest isn’t shunned or shushed and you are surrounded by sympathetic movie going parents.

Their first weekend brunch movie is this Saturday and they are expanding from Nitehawk Cinema to BAM next Wednesday. To get on their mailing list, sign up for their newsletter here.

Saturday, January 7th at 12:15 pm
Young Adult (R, Charlize Theron…looks hilarious. Check out the trailer!)
Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan Ave
(between Wythe Ave & Berry St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 384-3980
Info: Arrive 30 minutes early for pre-show and to order food. Tickets are
$11.00 each. The lights will be dimmed, the sound will be turned down and
they said they are installing a changing station in the restroom. Strollers
are welcome.

Wednesday, January 11th at 2:20 pm
Hugo 3D (supposed to be amazing for kids & adults, our first 3D flick)
UA Court Street
108 Court St (near State St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-8170
Admission: $13.50

Wednesday, January 11th at 4:30 pm
The Artist
BAM Rose Cinema
30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
btw St. Felix & S Ashland Ave near Flatbush/Atlantic
Phone: (718) 636-4100
Admission: $12, $7 for Cinema Club members

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Post tags: babies and movies, bam, brooklyn cinema group, brooklyn moms group, brooklyn parenting group, child friendly matinees, child friendly movie theater, child friendly movie theatre, movies and babies group in nyc, nighthawk cinema in williamsburg, parent and babies movies, parenting groups in brooklyn, programs for parents

I’m pretty sure you aren’t thinking about summer camp yet, but Curious Jane , a popular summer program for girls, wants to help you with your winter camp plans! If you have a daughter that might be interested in making toys, trying a trapeze, building a catapult or making bath bombs, get your mouse ready!  The Curious Jane Winter Field Trip Series are open for registration. These unique workshops are great opportunities for girls to create and support one another. Our friends at Shiny Brite Things loved the summer program for their daughter so much that they nudged Curious Jane’s founder to start a winter program too.

To Register: Download their registration form and email it to casey@curiousjanecamp.com. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can pay by credit card or check. Or you can register over the phone at 718.369.6320.
Transportation: For many field trips, they provide subway transportation to and from their Brooklyn Workspace; please note times and call with any questions.

Don't you love these girls' faces?! Goo yuck!

Workshop: Soft Toy Design
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th, 1-4pm

In this special focus of Toy Design, girls create their own stuffed creatures out of soft materials. They learn about character development and how to express personality traits visually using specific shapes and colors. They learn simple hand stitching techniques to make their shapes and how to add unique details. Just in time for the holiday season, this workshop is perfect for homemade gift-giving!
Ages: 7 to 11. Limited to 8 girls.
Cost: $60 ($45 for a sister or friend). Includes all project supplies and a snack.
Location: CJ Workspace, 530 3rd Avenue, 4R (bt 12th and 13th Streets) Brooklyn

Take Flight at Trapeze School New York in Manhattan!
Sunday, January 22nd (12–4:15 for transportation from Brooklyn; 1:15-3:15 if joining us there)

Build your daughter’s sense of confidence and adventure with a flying trapeze class! Girls will take a 2-hour lesson, beginning with safety instruction. They will learn how to do a knee-swing, a flip dismount and, if they feel ready, to catch or be caught. Enrollment is limited so that everyone gets plenty of time on the swing.
Ages: 8 to 11. Limited to 12 girls.
Cost: $125 ($95 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and subway transporation
Location: Trapeze School of New York, 518 West 30th Street (bt 10th and 11th Avenues)
And don’t forget: Parents must sign a consent waiver prior to the trip (we will email this to you). Socks are required; girls should wear stretchy clothes; long pants, like leggings, are ideal. Bring a water bottle and light snack.

Grab a tool and build something! at Makeville Studios in Gowanus
Sunday, February 12th (12:30–3:30 to walk from our Workspace; 1-3pm if joining us there)

Makeville is a professional woodshop with classes for amateurs to professionals. During this private workshop, girls will learn out to safely use hand saws, power drills, hammers, files, rasps, and other tools to construct their own pieces. Possible take-home projects may range from keepsake boxes (with an optional secret compartment!) and working catapults to step stools and small table lamps.
Ages: 8 to 11. Limited to 10 girls.
Cost: $65 ($50 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and take-home project.
Location: Makeville Studios, 119 8th Street, Studio 208 (bt 2nd and 3rd Avenues) Brooklyn
And don’t forget: Girls should wear comfortable sneakers or boots, keep long hair tied back and leave dangling jewelry at home.

Workshop: Spa Science
Saturday February 18th and Sunday February 19th, 1-4pm

Learn the secrets of your favorite spa concoctions! From goat’s milk lip-balm and magic moisturizers to bubbling bath bombs and purifying mud masks – these recipes hold plenty of science discoveries. They also draw from two of our camp favorites – Lab Science and CJ PJ Day!
Ages: 7 to 11. Limited to 8 girls.
Cost: $60 ($45 for a sister or friend). Includes all project supplies and a snack.
Location: CJ Workspace, 530 3rd Avenue, 4R (bt 12th and 13th Streets) Brooklyn

Whip up sumpin’ tasty at The Brooklyn Kitchen in Williamsburg!
Sunday, March 11th (11:45–3:15 for travel from CJ Workspace; 12:30-2:30pm if joining us there)

The Brooklyn Kitchen is a local culinary hot-spot selling gourmet goodies, cookware and meats from The Meat Hook, an in-house butcher counter. They also offer a wide range of classes in a dedicated cooking space. During their own class, girls will learn about local and seasonal ingredients, why these foods are good for you, and how to prepare them. Then they’ll cook a veggie dish from scratch and sample it! Plus, they’ll take a tour of the store and stop by The Meat Hook to learn from the butchers. Girls are grouped by age and given food prep and cooking challenges that meet their ability levels.
Ages: 5 to 11. Limited to 10 girls.
Cost: $65 ($50 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and subway transportation.
Location: The Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost Street, Brooklyn
And don’t forget: If you’re picking up your daughter from this event, come early to grab fixings for a delicious Sunday supper from one of Brooklyn’s premier food shopping destinations.

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Post tags: brooklyn day camp, brooklyn summer camp, curious jane, curious jane summer camp, curious jane winter field trips, day camp for girls, park slope camp, park slope day camp, preschool day camp in brooklyn, summer camp for girls, summer camp in brooklyn

Rock-ucation!

We are so lucky to live in Brooklyn where our kids have access to so many cultural activities and unique classes that it can be difficult to decide which ones to do. One way to figure out it out is to check out a trial and sample class where you and your children can see a sample performance, take a class, meet with instructors and go on a tour of a facility. Here are some trial and demo classes that are taking place very soon!

Classes offered NOW through Friday, December 16th
Jitterbugs music classes
Join them for free drop-in trial classes this week.  FREE for first time families, $20 for returning families. Jitterbugs is a retro-style music class for children ages newborn to 5 and their adult. Jitterbugs classes feature classic kids music and familiar tunes from the 1920s-70s, as well as original music by family entertainer and program creator Karen Kalafatas (“Karen K”) and her band Karen K & the Jitterbugs.
Details: No need to register – just show up!  Classes begin on January 9th and run for 10 weeks, $240 for session, $25/siblings. Some classes are already full, so please register soon!

Wednesday, December 14th: various times
Free Demos for Naomi’s Music/Music Together in Brooklyn Heights
Details: Click on “schedule a demo” from the home page.

Saturday, Dec 17th at  3pm
Rock-ucation Classes with Jeremy of Jeremy Plays Guitar
Their winter semester starts Jan 17th, so come and see for yourself before you register. “A Rock-ucation class combines an educational experience with music – where kids secretly learn skills and concepts while having fun! Rock-ucation classes foster social skills, stimulate language development, and support sensory integration. Rock-ucation Classes are Developmental music and Movement Classes for children ages 6months to 5 years accompanied by a caregiver.
Details: Just come to PLAY KIDS on Saturday, Dec 17th, 3pm….The demo class is free. PLAY KIDS, 676 Flatbush ave

Sample Class Week, Tuesday, January 3rd – Monday, January 9th
Brooklyn Arts Exchange Sampler Week
Registration is open for DANCE, THEATER, and TUMBLING CLASSES for ages 18 months to 18 years at locally and Nationally acclaimed youth arts education center, BAX, in Park Slope. Winter Youth Classes — Tuesday January 3 – Saturday, March 2. See the Winter Youth Class schedule. Financial Aid is available for all classes. For Financial Aid information, visit here.
Details: A trial class is available to new students. Upon registration, the cost of the trial class will be included in the tuition. Please register for trial class in advance (subject to availability). BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange   421 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215  718-832-0018

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Post tags: baby and me class, baby and me class in brooklyn, bax.org, brooklyn arts exchange, dance class, free demo classes, jeremy plays guitar, Jeremy Zmuda, kids gymnastics, kids music class, music class in brooklyn, music together brooklyn, naomi's music together, rock-ucation, theater class, theatre class, trial class, tumbling class in brooklyn