January 2013 1SanTan

FAMILYFUN

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SanTan Sun News

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Pages 2-4SanTan Family Fun Calendar

Page 5IQ controversy

Page 8Just 4 KidsSponsored by City of ChandlerRecreation Division

by Alison Stanton

Spend a few minutes on the play-ground of any elementary school, and itis easy to see children, just like adults,have all sorts of different personalities.While some kids are quiet and shy, oth-ers are outgoing. Although some stu-dents breeze through their days at schoolwith nary a concern, others can strugglesocially.

Cassie Curran, afifth-grade teacher atJacobson ElementarySchool in Chandler,says from observingboth her own stu-dents and othersaround campus, children from allgrade levels can bechallenged socially.She says especially

difficult times for these students are during recess or when they need tochoose a partner to work with.

Because every child is unique andcomes from a different background,Curran says there is not a one-size-fits-alldescription of a socially struggling child.

“It can be from family issues at home,acting out in class, not knowing how tomake and keep a friend or simply the student is struggling in their academics,”she explains.

Talk, listenWhen she notices one of her students

is having some difficulties with socialinteractions, Curran says she starts byhaving a talk with him or her. Parentswho notice the same issues in their childshould do the same, she adds.

“Always make sure you are there foryour child,” she says. “Once you knowwhat is going on, communicate that withthe teacher. The teacher will do their bestto make sure they are doing everythingthey can to help your child to be success-ful in the classroom and with friends.”

The main advice she offers parents isto make sure they keep the line of com-munication open with their children atall times.

“That way your child will always feelcomfortable talking to you and knowthey can come to you with any type offeelings they may be experiencing.”

Curran says she also works hard tomake sure socially struggling students feelcomfortable talking to her about any-thing from homework to a funny thingthat happened over the weekend.

“From what I have experienced, oncethat feeling of comfort is in place, it canmake it easier for the student to start toopen up.”

Peers helpOther students can be quite adept at

identifying children who are strugglingsocially, Curran says. Sometimes they takeit upon themselves to include them inclass activities or during recess time.

“If the students don’t pick up on thestudent, teachers may then ask certain students to talk or ask that child to play.”

In addition to speaking one-on-onewith a student who is struggling socially,Curran says she also tries to set up situa-tions that give the child the chance to

speak or play with other students.“This way it breaks the ice and then

the student doesn’t have to worry aboutasking to join a group, because the grouphas already been made,” she says.

Curran, who says she was very shy as achild, remembers how much she lovedbeing part of an extracurricular danceclass. The experience helped make Currana “firm believer” in extracurricular sports.

“I truly believe it helped me overcomemy shyness and gain confidence in notonly my dancing, but also schoolworkand in everyday life.”

Trio of traitsSherri Beck, student services coordina-

tor at Jacobson Elementary, says withinthe Chandler Unified School District she

and other staff mem-bers look at three com-ponents that can helpchildren reach theirfull potential.

“We believe the tri-angle consists of socialskills, academic skillsand behavioral skills,”she says.

“Social skills comefrom participating ingroups with theirpeers, sharing ideas,accepting differentviewpoints, listening to others and workingtogether in and out of the classroom,” she says.

Academic skillscome from setting high expectations andhelping students fulfill them, Beck adds.For example, in the early years the districtfocuses on the foundations of reading,writing and math. As for behavior skills,Beck says the district set clear rules andexpectations.

Overall, social growth is equally asimportant as academic growth, Beck adds.

“At Jacobson we have a variety ofsocial events which encourage students tobe involved,” she says. “Our teachers usesocial opportunities in their classroomsand on the playground. We celebrate ouracademic successes and encourage our

students to take pride in the hard workthey put forth.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer wholives in the East Valley. She can be reached atAlison@SanTanSun.com.

ResourcesBooks:• “The Unwritten Rules of Friendship: SimpleStrategies to Help Your Child Make Friends,” by Natalie Madorsky Elman and Eileen Kennedy-Moore

• “How to Make & Keep Friends: Tips for Kids to Overcome 50 Common Social Challenges,” by Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea

• “Raise Your Child's Social IQ: Stepping Stones to People Skills for Kids,” by Cathi Cohen

Websites:schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/10786-help-your-child-fit-in-at-school

kidsenabled.org/articles/index.php/201109/does-your-child-struggle-socially/

psychologytoday.com/blog/growing-friendships/201108/what-are-social-skills

Helping socially struggling child

What’sinside

SHY: Some children struggle with social skills if they are not as outgoing as others.photospin.com

SOCIALLY STRUGGLING: It’s harder for somechildren to get involved with others due tofamily issues, academics or other reasons.photospin.com

Cassie Curran,JacobsonElementary

BALANCING ACT:Successful stu-dents are thosethat find anddevelop a healthybalance betweensocial, academicand behavioralskills, says SherriBeck, student ser-vices coordinatorat JacobsonElementary.Submitted photo

2 January 2013SanTan

FAMILYFUN

20 21

Wiggle WormsToddler TimeStorytime

Wiggle WormsKnit Happens

Toddler TimeStorytimeToddler Storytime

“Cinderella”Baby Time

Walking TourMartin Luther King, Jr.Day

Baby TimeToddler TimeStorytimeWacky Wednesday

Plant WalkPuppet Show

Multicultural FestPaws 2 Read

Puppet ShowGeology Walk

19

Plant WalkWinter Visitors“Cinderella”Gourd Art

Burrowing OwlsVeterans ChoirPuppet Show

Walking TourFamily Storytime

9

18

22Sunday A’FairPuppet ShowDRUMline Live

Always call to verify information as some eventschange or cancelafter the calendar

is printed.

Send family events and activities to

STFF@SanTanSun.com

Pre-K Storytime

Family StorytimePuppet ShowToddler Storytime

“Cinderella”Free ConcertGeocachingPaws to Read

Fulton Ranch Towne Center4040 S. Arizona Ave., Suite #13Chandler, AZ 85248

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW AND BIGGER LOCATION!

Pre-K Storytime

Family StorytimeSonoran SunsetPaper Adventures

Cinderella’s BallSunday A’Fair

Baby TimeToddler TimeStorytimeCake Stands

January

Sunday A’FairPuppet ShowCamera class

11 12

17

23 24 26

27

“Cinderella”Pre-K StorytimeFamily Storytime

10

31

7

13

6

14 15 16

Knit HappensMagic TreehouseWiggle Worms

Puppet ShowPottery Pals

25

Pre-K StorytimeFamily StorytimeToddler Storytime

8

2 431

StorytimeWiggle WormsToddler TimeToddler Storytime

Baby TimeToddler TimeStorytime

30

Winter Visitors“Cinderella”

SanTan Family FunArrives!

5

29

HappyNew Year!

“Cinderella”Glass Class

LEGO Kit ClubFamily Storytime

LEGO Club

BabystepsMommy & MeFamily Storytime

28

January 2013 3SanTan

FAMILYFUN

5SanTan Family Fun Arrives!Pick it up the first Saturday of eachmonth in the center spread of the SanTan Sun News to plan your month.

5, 6Welcome Winter Visitors Weekend, tours each day at 11 a.m.,concerts at 1 p.m. Boyce ThompsonArboretum State Park, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 near Milepost 223.Show your out-of-state license with pride and get a special 2-for-1 admissiondiscount on a weekend featuring guided tours and afternoon concerts both days featuring Minnesota humoristMark Fogelson and Arizona singer-song-writer Eric Laubach. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.daily. Admission $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger.Annual memberships start at $45 per couple or $60 for a family. All ages. 520-689-2811,ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

5-6, 9-12“Cinderella” Puppet Show, 10 a.m. Wed.-Friday; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat. Great Arizona Puppet Theater. A beautiful girl, a wicked step-family, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince and transparentfootwear all add up to true love, lots of laughs and happily ever after inthis popular version of the famous fairytale. Recommended for preschool-grade four. $6 ages 2-15, $9 adults. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.

6Gourd Art Class, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park,45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 nearMilepost 223. Learn to make originalgourd art with paints, etching and wood-burning tools and coaching from expertgourd artists. $30-39. Registrationincludes gourd, instruction, use of toolsand paints. Ages 10 and older, enrolledalong with a parent or adult chaperone.520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, face-book.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

6, 19Plants of the Bible Walk, 1:30 p.m. Boyce Thompson ArboretumState Park, 45 minutes east of Mesa onUS-60 near Milepost 223. Queen ValleyBible scholar Leda Fide leads a walking

tour to see figs, palms, pomegranatesand pines. Stroll through Arboretum gardens. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12,free ages 4 and younger. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

7, 21Walking Tour, 11 a.m. daily. BoyceThompson Arboretum State Park, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 nearMilepost 223. Learn about botany andnatural history during a relaxing guidedwalking tour of the Arboretum. All ages.$9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4and younger. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

7, 14, 28Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m. BashaLibrary. Families enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, flannel board stories andpuppets. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.,Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

8Magic Treehouse Book Club, 4-4:45 p.m. Southeast Regional Library.Read the selected book “Christmas inCamelot” before the club meets andcome ready to talk about the book andmake a fun craft. Preregistration requiredonline. Ages 7-9. 775 N. Greenfield Rd.,Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

8, 15, 22, 29Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m. or11:15-11:45 a.m. Perry Branch Library.Tots have fun with flannel board rhymes,songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute playand age-appropriate books. Ages 18months-3½ years with a parent. Free.1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry HighSchool, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

8, 22Knit Happens, 2:30-3:45 p.m. PerryBranch Library. Teens earn communityservice hours while knitting or crochetingand continue the tradition of fun, foodand friendship. All levels welcome. The current service project is lap-sizedblankets for Project Linus. Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

9, 16, 23, 30Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.Perry Branch Library. Introduce baby tobooks, songs and fingerplays. Ages new-born-20 months. Free. 1965 E. QueenCreek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

10, 17, 24, 31Pre-K Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. PerryBranch Library. Preschoolers have funwith flannel board rhymes, dancing,songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute playand age-appropriate books. Ages 3-5with a parent. Free. 1965 E. Queen CreekRd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

10, 17, 24, 31Family Storytime, 6-6:30 p.m. PerryBranch Library. Enjoy stories, songs andfinger plays for the whole family. Allages. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at PerryHigh School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

11Glass Class, 7-9 p.m. As You Wish.Learn glass fusing techniques whilemaking a glass clock. $15 plus glassbase of your choice. Ages 10 and older.Locations: Crossroads Towne Center inChandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee,480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

12Free Symphony Concert, 2 p.m.Chandler Center for the Arts Hal BogleTheater. Chamber Music Series perfor-mance by the Chandler SymphonyOrchestra. All ages. Donations accepted.250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-899-3447, ChandlerSymphony.net.

Geocaching, 9-11 a.m. Veterans OasisPark. Learn how to use a GPS unit toengage in the sport of geocaching from apro. Geocaches are hidden worldwide,and now the park has some of its own.GPS units are provided. Sun protection,closed-toe footwear and drinking waterare recommended. Preregistration isrequired. Ages 6 and older. Cost $9-$13.4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Paws to Read, 10:30 a.m.-noon.Southeast Regional Library. Paws to Readpairs Delta-registered therapy animalsand their handlers with young readers,

which increases reading levels and wordrecognition, and gives kids a higherdesire to read and write. Registration ison a first-come, first-served-basis onprogram day. Free. 775 N. Greenfield Rd.,Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

13Cinderella’s Ball & Puppet Show, 2 p.m. Great Arizona Puppet Theater.Dress up like a prince or princess for thisspecial event. After the performance of"Cinderella" puppet show, stay forgames, activities, face painting and morefun. $10 per person includes both theshow and the Ball. Reservations andadvance payment required. 302 W.Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050,azpuppets.org.

13, 20, 27Sunday A’Fair Concert, noon-4 p.m.Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs or picnic basketsand enjoy a relaxing afternoon of musicalentertainment with friends and family.Each Sunday A’Fair features two bandsalong with a fine arts and crafts market,fun activities for kids and free admissionto Scottsdale Museum of ContemporaryArt. Grilled foods, crepes from Nosh andcocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks areavailable for purchase. Free guided toursof the Museum are offered at 1:30 p.m.and of the sculptures in the park at 3p.m. Band schedule includes: Jan. 13,Marty & The Party Band, noon-1:30 p.m.;Tesoro, 2-4 p.m.; Jan. 20, Peace andCommunity Day, RastaFarmers, noon-1:30 p.m.; Jan Sandwich Band, 2-4 p.m.;Jan. 27, Silver Thread Trio, noon – 1:30p.m.; The Big Fellahs, 2-4 p.m. 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale.480-499-TKTS (8587),ScottsdalePerformingArts.org.

14LEGO Kit Club, 4 p.m. Basha Library.The library supplies a variety of skill levelkits for kids to put together during thishour of fun. Ages 5-12. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

15-16, 22-23, 29-30Toddler Time, 10:15-11 a.m. QueenCreek Branch Library. Books, songs, fingerplays and a special friend are featured atevery event. Wednesday is a repeat ofTuesday's story time. Ages 18 months-4years. Free. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., QueenCreek. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

15-16, 22-23, 29-30 Storytime with Miss Karrie, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Queen Creek Branch Library.Stories, songs, rhymes, games, videos,finger plays and crafts. Wednesday storytime is a duplicate of Tuesday story time.Ages 3-6 years. Free. 21802 S. EllsworthRd., Queen Creek. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

16Wacky Wednesday, As You Wish. Freestudio time all day. Pottery not included,not valid with any other offer or coupon.Locations: Crossroads Towne Center inChandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee,480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

17Sonoran Sunset Series Concert, 6-7 p.m. Environmental EducationCenter. Live, lakeside entertainment suitable for the entire family, featuringthe music of singer songwriter CourteneyCastillo. Participants may bring blankets,chairs and food. Dress warmly duringcooler months. Program may be movedindoors or canceled due to inclementweather. Beverages and snacks areavailable for purchase, and a local foodtruck prepares meals. Free admission.4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.480-782-2889, chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Continuing Adventures with Paper for Kids, 4-5 p.m.Southeast Regional Library. Learn how totransform paper into homemade papertoys. Registration needed. Ages 8-12.775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

18Desert Discovery: Burrowing Owls, 10-11 a.m. Veteran’sOasis Park. Visit a known Burrowing OwlHabitat. Wear good shoes for walking onthe trails and bring a water bottle. Therewill be stories, games, finger plays orcrafts all about owls. Fee is per child,with 1 unpaid adult permitted.Preregistration is required. Ages 3-4 years with parent. $11-$14. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.,Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

See Calendar, Page 4

4 January 2013SanTan

FAMILYFUN

18New Directions Veterans Choir, 8 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts. A performance in conjunction with theCity’s Celebration of Unity, honoring thecommunity's heritage, diversity, spirit andideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. andthe civil rights movement. An award-win-ning a cappella group that sings rendi-tions of doo-wop, soul, traditional gospeland popular music, consisting of currentand former residents of New Directions'transitional facility, a VeteransAdministration drug rehabilitation program. Tickets: $18-24. 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

18-20, 24-27“Two Bad Mice” Puppet Show, 10 a.m. Wed.-Fri.; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.Sat.-Sun. Great Arizona Puppet Theater.Two bad mice make big trouble and a bigmess in a dollhouse when a little girl andher dolls go out to play. This funny show,full of slapstick action, is based on thestory by Beatrix Potter. Recommended forgrades K-3. $6 ages 2-15, $9 adults. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.

19Chandler Multicultural Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chandler Public LibraryCourtyard. Chandler’s 18th AnnualMulticultural Festival highlights the cultural diversity of our communitythrough music, dance, art, storytellingchildren’s area and more. Winners of the

Creative Expression Competition will beannounced. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=157

Paws 2 Read, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Perry Branch Library. Join a registeredtherapy dog that loves stories. Ages 5and older are invited to read their favoritebook to the special library dog. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry HighSchool, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

20DRUMline Live, 7 p.m. Chandler Centerfor the Arts. DRUMLine Live is an interna-tional tour based on the Historically BlackCollege and University marching bandtradition. With riveting rhythms, boldbeats and ear-grabbing energy. Thestaged show is a synchronized musicalshowcase of the HBCU experience.Equally at home performing the hottesthip hop, R&B and classic Motown tunes,the group’s performances range fromcolorful, choreographed routines to heavydoses of drum riffs and cadences withthe rousing sound of the great brass tra-dition. Tickets: $38-46. 250 N. ArizonaAve. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

22-23, 29-30Preschool Storytime, 11:30 a.m.Southeast Regional Library. Preschoolersenjoy storytime including books, songsand finger plays. Ages 3-5. Free. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

22, 24, 29, 31Toddler Time Storytime, 10:30 a.m.Southeast Regional Library. A fun story-time including stories, finger plays andsongs. Toddlers learn letters, sounds andhave fun with music and movementactivities. Toddlers up to age 3 with adult.Free. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

23Beginning Technique Class – CakeStands, As You Wish. Learn basic paint-ing techniques and how to fuse potterypieces together to create a cake stand.Ages 12 to adult, $15 plus pottery of yourchoice. Locations: Crossroads TowneCenter in Chandler, 480-899-1231;Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

25Pottery Pals – Cupcake TimeClock, As You Wish. Create a whimsicalclock featuring cupcake add-ons that canbe switched out for different add-onsthroughout the year. Ages 5 and older.$25 all inclusive. Locations: CrossroadsTowne Center in Chandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

26Geology Walking Tour, 1:30 p.m.Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 45 minuteseast of Mesa on US-60 near Milepost223. This guided walk teaches about the

rocks and volcanic formations seen alongthe main trail, spanning almost two bil-lion years of geologic history. Learn whythe rocks make this region one of theworld’s richest in copper and how anactive geologic past shaped the land-scape of today. All ages. $9 adults, $4.50ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger.520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

27Camera Basics Photography Class,1-3 p.m. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 nearMilepost 223. Learn basic photographyskills including composition, lighting,white balance and aperture-exposure.Scottsdale artist Tom Boggan helpsimprove camera skills on a relaxed out-ing surrounded by beautiful gardens, withplenty of chances to ask questions aboutthe dials, settings and controls on cam-eras. Ages 12 and older. $20-29. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

28LEGO Club, 4 p.m. Basha Library. The library supplies the LEGOs and kidssupply the imagination to engineer creations. Ages 5-12. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

Mommy & Me – Love Prints, As YouWish. Using your child’s hand and foot-print create a whimsical platter express-ing your love. Preschooler / toddler and a

parent, $20 all inclusive. Locations:Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler,480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

Babysteps, 9:30-9:55 a.m. Queen Creek Branch Library. Share stories, finger plays and movementto help baby wiggle, giggle and growthrough brain-developing activities. Ages newborn-22 months with parent or caregiver. Free. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org.

Calendar, From Page 3

Lessons, Training and Horse Sales

Cupid’s arrow....navigating from first crush to fiancée.

Coming in February:

January 2013 5SanTan

FAMILYFUN

We offer classes ages 6 months and up:• Gymnastics• Tumbling• Trampoline• Martial Arts• Dance• Cheer• Ballet, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater

• Adult Bootcamp• Swimming

Great after schoolactivities for kids

of all ages!

Independent gymnastics classes

for 2 year oldsoffered!

480-820-3774www.aspirekidsports.com

50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

32,000 Square Foot, Air-Conditioned Facility with an Indoor Heated Pool

NOW OFFERING:

ONLINE REGISTRATION AND CLASS

ENROLLMENT!

$30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 3/31/2013.

IQ controversy Can schools, parents make a difference?

by Dr. Eleanor Jordan and Carol Elias

The topic of IQ growth in children can be loaded withcontroversy. For decades researchers pondered whetherIntelligence Quotient – the figure derived through testingthat purports to measure an individual's "intelligence" – canbe manipulated or is it simply a static product of our DNAand therefore unalterable. New Vistas' directors have long-suspected IQ is not a predetermined number solely, but onethat parents and educators can influencein positive ways.

Noted psychologist and educationresearcher, Dr. Richard Nesbit, asked asimple question concerning IQ: "Is itnature, nurture or a combination of thetwo that fosters IQ growth?"

"His findings and ours may surpriseyou," says Carol Elias, co-director ofNew Vistas Center for Education withEleanor Jordan. "You may ask why New Vistas would evenbe interested in exploring the answer to such a question.Quite simply, because we have repeatedly demonstrated thatcertain environments and input can positively influence achild's IQ.

"Yearly, we have marveled as children dramaticallyincrease their ability to reason, solve problems and thinkabstractly – all essential skills that are basic to IQ levels,"continues Elias. "We wanted to understand the sciencebehind our results at New Vistas, namely, that our childrenconsistently perform on average two to six years above gradelevel. It is here that we must rely on Dr. Nesbit's research tohelp us explain what we have already seen and experienced

in our own students, namely, children's brainsare not the product of a genetic lottery, but ofenvironment coupled with heredity. So, schoolsand how they teach, as well as parents and howthey parent, count."

Here are the common threads that seem to linkwhat New Vistas' parents and teachers do on adaily basis with Nesbit's research and findings,according to Elias and Jordan. In each case, New Vistas' co-directors agree all three – parents, teachers and Nesbit'sconclusions – point to the fact that adults in positions ofinfluence to a child can indeed influence a child's IQ, as wellas contribute to the child's ability to acquire life-long skills;thus, serving as facilitators of overall academic success.

Here is a partial list of the adult behaviors that make adifference:• Adults who model that there is a positive correlationbetween rewards and a high quality of performance. Praise is linked to effort not outcome.

• Adults who "encourage" children.• Adults who utilize and encourage high levels of vocabu-lary and actively engage children in adult conversations.

• Adults who encourage analysis and evaluation of interesting aspects of the world.

• Adults who openly model organizational skills and expect organization from their children.

• Adults who allow time for creativity in problem solving. • Adults who model the value of delayed gratification and patience.

• Adults who praise children for effort, not intelligence.• Adults who encourage children to solve problems and

model constructive ways of handling frustration.• Adults who offer games and activities that foster focusmemory, listening, concentration, conflict resolution and inhibitory control.

• Adults who encourage physical activity and value recuperative rest.In short, the adults in a child's life can help to enhance

not only learning, but increased cognitive ability simply byoffering new challenges in an encouraging, supportive environment.

"Neuroscientists from Columbia University in New Yorkand Harvard University have discovered that the brain can,and will, adjust itself when confronted with new challenges,even through adulthood," concludes Elias.

Founded in 1979, New Vistas Center for Education wasnamed a Top Ten School by Johns Hopkins University CTY.The private school, serving preschool through sixth gradeschool August through May and preschool through highSchool June through August, is at 670 N. Arizona Ave., Suite35, Chandler. Info: newvistasaz.com, newvistasblog.com.

This article was contributed by New Vistas Center forEducation in Chandler.

Carol Elias

6 January 2013

REGISTER NOW: SPRING SEASON STARTS MARCH 23!

January 2013 7

8 January 2013

Just4Kids

This month’s Just4Kids Page is sponsored by:

The City of Chandler Recreation Division

Register for Winter Classes! The winter Break Time magazine outlining

all-ages recreation classes and special

events for January and February is

available at libraries and recreation

centers and at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

Registration is open for residents and non-residents.

For more information, call 782-2727.

Stay Connected!Follow us on Twitter (@ChandlerRec)and Facebook (Chandler Recreation)for the latest news. Check out theJanuary episode of the “Come Out & Play, Chandler!” show on the Chandler RecreationYouTube Channel. Sign up for themonthly e-newsletter at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. For more information, call 782-2727.

Teen Talent Competition Chandler Teen Programs presents the ninth annual Teen Talent Competition at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, Jan. 11 from 6-9 p.m. Applications forsingers and musicians to audition are available at www.chandleraz.gov/teens.Admission for the show is $5. For more information, call 782-2711.

Sonoran Sunset SeriesThe Environmental Education Center presents the Sonoran Sunset Series on Thursdays in the winter that feature free lakeside entertainment by musicians. The next performances will be Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and March 21 from 6-7 p.m. at 4050 E. Chandler Heights road. The January 17 concert features the melodies of local rising star Courtney Castillo. The Dry River Yacht Club will provide an eclectic performance in February and the rousing Irish sounds of The Knockabouts will fill the park in March. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis or call 782-2890.

Celebration of Unity is Jan. 19The 18th annual Chandler Multicultural Festival will be held on Saturday, January19 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and feature a day of dance, music, art, crafts, and ethnicfoods from the courtyard of the downtown Chandler Public Library, at 22. S.Delaware Street. The free festival includes entertainers, artisans and an interactivearea for children. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/special-events orcall the Special Event Hotline at 782-2735.

Wednesday Family NightsJoin in the fun at Family Night at Tumbleweed Recreation Center every Wednesdayfrom 5:30-7 p.m. There is a different activity each week. The fee is $2 ($3 for non-residents ages 1-12) and $3 ($5 for non-residents ages 13-17). Call 782-2900 or visitwww.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed for more information.

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