Imagine Kids Magazine 09

Contents:PROFILE06 06 Meet Dr. Gustavo SalasMY HEALTH08 How would your child react alone in the water?10 Dental care for children with developmental disabilities 12 Keep your kids safe during summertimeMY FAMILY16 Summer vacation activities18 Saving kids´ lives by instilling healthy habitsACTIVITIES22 Activities for kidsGOURMET24 Blackberry ice pops25 GUIDE TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSMY PARTY26 Imagine kids Event Spring 201228 Isabella Sordelli29 The Houston Children´s Festival

CONTENIDO ESPAÑOL:EN FAMILIA31 Creciendo en campamento32 Actividades ExtraescolaresMI SALUD34 Mi hijo sufre de insomnio en las vacacionesMI FIESTA37 Alessandra Venturini38 Daniela Contreras

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CreditsDirector: Jhakees [email protected]

Managing Director: Marianellys [email protected]

Creative Director: María Lorena [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief: Isabel Gonzá[email protected] Design Director: Daniela Dí[email protected]

Graphic Design: Patricia Ochoa

Sales Consultants:Amy Dukes Mónica SánchezLaura MorenoJuitala Piovan

On the Cover: Micah and Matthew Lee

Photography: Cover Production/Austin Houck

Translation and Editing: Sheila [email protected]

Social Events: Beatriz Rodriguez

Distributed by: Eduardo [email protected]

www.imaginekidsmagazine.com 05

Meet Dr Gustavo SalasD.D.S., M.S.

As an specialist in orthodontics for children and adults, I am given each day a humbling opportunity to help people look and feel better. It is my passion to put my expertise towards helping my patients improve their lives by giving them a healthy and beautiful smile. I am continually reminded how much the smiles I create for my patients give them new, elevated senses of self and con-fidence, and this is something I never take for granted. I am dedicated to my patients’ health and happiness, and every day I act out that dedication through creating unique and rewarding orthodontic experiences for each person I treat.

EducationI received my Doctor of Dental Surgery de-gree from Venezuelan Central University in Caracas, Venezuela in 2002. I then enrolled into the University of Texas’ Dental Branch in Houston to complete both my orthodontic specialty training and my Master of Science degree in 2008.

Continuing EducationI understand how important it is for my pa-tients that I stay abreast of the latest and most advanced trends and techniques in the ever-evolving field of orthodontics. Be-ing fully committed to bringing my patients the gentlest and best orthodontic care

available, I take many continuing education courses annually. Further, I am a Board Certified Orthodontist, a title reserved for only a small percentage of practitioners. I am also offered many opportunities to stay current and on the cutting edge of ortho-dontics through membership in the follow-ing professional affiliations:American Association of OrthodontistsAmerican Board of OrthordonticsTexas Association of OrthodontistsSouthwestern Society of OrthodontistsI became Board Certified in 2009 by the American Board of Orthodontics.

At HomeI am a native of Caracas, Venezuela, and I have been blessed to be a part of the Hous-ton area community since 2003. When I’m not in the office with my patients, I spend as much time as I can with the light of my life, my beautiful 19-month-old daughter, Alex-andra. I also stay active by playing sports, hiking, biking, running, and snowboarding.I look forward to having you in my practice and taking advantage many special promo-tions our practice has this summer.

For more information go to www.ashfordorthodontics.com or call (281) 762-0256. (We are located just off Katy Freeway at Dairy Ashford)

Dr Gustavo Salas, D.D.S., M.S.

Just as your smile is your first impression then our office is our first impression presented to you. Experience a warm, modern, comfortably-furnished Ashford Orthodontics office.

06 www.imaginekidsmagazine.com

Profile

How would your child react alone

in the water?


My Health

The Center for Disease Control and Pre-vention recently issued a report that states: “Drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children ages 1-4 years… These children most commonly drowned in swimming pools.”Sadly, too many people still don’t know how dangerous an unse-cured backyard pool can be.Drowning is so swift and silent that even a momentary distraction can lead to tragedy. Most drownings are preventable by simply equipping toddlers with survival swimming skills.

Studies have shown that toddlers may be less likely to drown if they’ve had swimming lessons. When enrolling infants and tod-dlers in swimming lessons, parents should choose a program that emphasizes water safety and survival swimming skills that are taught by an infant aquatics specialist.

Survival swimming is the ability to float and breathe, regardless of the water’s depth, for an indefinite period of time. The most es-sential skill for a child to learn is to roll from a face-down position in the water to a face-up independent back float. Infants and toddlers cannot raise their heads to take a breath. If your child falls face down into the water, knowing how to roll onto a face-up back float can save a life! If your baby is walking, then he/she can also learn to swim to the pool edge or steps, rolling over to breathe whenever air is needed. Roll over breathing is a technique that many schools and learn-to-swim teachers don’t even attempt be-cause it takes time, skill and patience. But once children learn to roll over to float, relax and breathe whenever air is needed, they can truly swim, stay afloat, conquer fear and

experience the joy of swimming. Swimming and floating are motor skills that can be taught to babies through repetitive exercises, along with gentle verbal encour-agement. We show the babies what we want them to do, and over a short period of time, they learn the skills necessary to survive. Infants six to twelve months can learn to:* Hold their breath in the water * Roll from a face-down position to a face up back float * Float, relax and breathe until rescued by an adult * Perform these skills fully clothed Particularly active infants may also learn to propel a short distance through the water between two parents.Children who are walking (1-6 years) can learn to:* Hold their breath in the water * Swim with their face in the water to the steps, side, or parent * Roll over onto their back when they need to breathe * Flip back onto their tummy to continue to swim until reaching their destination, or roll to their back should they need to breathe again * Perform these skills fully clothed It’s not just about being comfortable in the water, it’s being able to swim and survive. Empower your child with the skills needed to safely enjoy the water.

Kathleen McMordie, RNTexas Swim Academy 3514 Greenbusch Rd. Katy, Texas 77494.Phone: 832 437 6186www.texasswimacademy.com


My Health

On April 17, 2012, at the Children’s Muse-um of Houston Dr. Elsa Alfonzo-Echeverri was invited to an event called “ Evening with Genetics” one of a monthly free semi-nar series, open to all and sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine and The Texas Children Hospital. During the presentation she mentioned that “there are over 9 million US children and adolescents ages 17 and under with special health care needs, this is 13 % of the population. Most of these children have special dental needs. A trip to the dentist can be an anxiety filled, expensive expe-rience for many people. Add to that the stress of taking a special needs child for a visit and some parents avoid appointments for years”

Developmental disabilities include among others:• Autism Spectrum Disorder• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)• Mental Retardation (Mental Challenges• Seizure Disorders• Cerebral Palsy (CP)• Blood Disorders• Asthma• Cancer• Cystic fibrosis• Cleft lip and/or palate

The main objectives of the dental care are:• Motivate the patient and caretaker to maintain oral health• Prevent infection and tooth loss• Prevent the need for costly and extensive treatment that patients may not be able to tolerate due to their physical or mental con-dition• Make dental appointments pleasant and comfortable for the disable childMost children with mild or moderate dis-

abilities can be treated successfully in the general and/or pediatric dental practice set-tings.

The highlight takes home messages are:• Dental Caries (Dental cavities) is a pre-ventable infectious disease.• Transmitted to babies from parents and caretakers• First visit to the dentist should be at 6 month of age.• Make brushing and flossing a fun daily routine in a comfortable position for the child and the parent or caretaker • Recommendation for dental visits for pro-fessional application of preventive mea-sures such as topical fluoride and sealants• Rinse thoroughly with water after eating or taking medications containing sugar• Parents and caretakers need to have good oral health.• Parents and caretakers avoid sharing utensils, cups and toothbrushes with child• Patients with cardiac conditions need to maintain optimal oral health and hygiene to reduce the incidence of bacteria.• Protocols for post-dental trauma (immedi-ate professional care and locate/preserve missing tooth if avulsed)

Elsa Alfonzo-Echeverri DDS, FAPD Dr. Echeverri, a board-certified pediatric

dentist, in addition to practicing in her office also has the academic responsibili-

ties as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at UT Health Science

Center.

For more information visit Echeverri Dental Center, 7844 Long

Point Rd, Houston TX, 77055 Phone 713-956-8767

www.echeverridental.net

Dental Care for Children with Developmental

Disabilities Elsa Alfonzo-Echeverri

DDS, FAPD Dr. Echeverri, a board-certified pediatric dentist,


Summer is here, the kids are out of school and we all have many outdoor plans in the next few months. However, before hitting the beach, pool and other fun activities out in the sun, here are a few tips on how your children can safely enjoy the sun and water.

Sun Safety

- Babies under 6 months should avoid long periods of direct sun exposure and should be dressed in light weight long pants, long-sleeve shirts and always have hats that shade their neck to prevent sunburn. When adequate shade is not available, then parents should do trial of baby sunscreen to small areas of the body first, to check for possible allergic reaction before applying to entire body.- It is best to avoid direct sun exposure between 10am to 4pm which is considered the most intense time of sunlight and always wear hat and sunglasses for eye protection.- Always apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and be sure to reapply every two hours even if it states to be sweat or water proof.

Exercising in the sun

- It is recommended that high intensity exercise for more than 15min should be reduced in days with extreme heat, which unfortunately in Houston is almost the entire summer. Therefore, practices and games in the heat should be shorter with

more frequent water breaks and as stated earlier best if they happen before 10am or after 4pm to avoid high intensity sunlight.- Make sure children are very well hydrated before starting. Water can be used for the first hour of exercise and should be available every 20 minutes. After an hour, Gatorade should be used in order to replace electrolytes lost in sweat and provide carbohydrate (sugar) for energy.

Pool Safety

- #1 rule: never leave children alone near a poor or spa, even for a moment and even if they “know how to swim”.- Pools at home should have a fence at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool. The entrance should self-close and self-latch at a height children cannot reach.- Avoid “floaties”. They are not a substitute for life vests and give a false sense of secu-rity to both parents and children.- There is a lower risk for drowning in chil-dren 1-4 years of age if they have had for-mal swimming lessons. Therefore swim-ming lessons are definitely worth it for children.

These are just a few tips for enjoying a safe summer. For more details or other advice I suggest checking the American Academy of Pediatrics website: www.aap.org.

Kathrym Espana, MDTCPA Fannin

Texas children’s Pediatrics Associates

Keep Your Kids Safe During Summertime

During school vacation children and adolescents usually don’t follow a sleep routine as they do during the school year. They tend to have a deficit in the number of sleep hours. This results in a resistance to sleep that creates a “cascade effect” and a difficult circle: the fewer hours they sleep, the harder it is for them to fall asleep.

Our children will say “But we are on school break!” They will convince us that they need to seize the moment and we end up giving them the freedom to choose when to go to sleep.

When it’s time to go back to school, they will be more tired than when school ended a few months back. If this reality is not taken seriously, the cascade effect keeps building up and causing problems. What can we do? Start by recognizing the importance of sleep so you can implement a plan that works with your child.

Sleeping is as important as eating for the vital functions of our bodies. However, we usually ignore this and our children get the message that “sleeping is not as important.” Sleep deprivation may derive in negative health consequences, such as being more prone to disease due to lower body defenses.

If a seven-year old child sleeps only six

hours at night, his behavior will reflect his lack of sleep. The next day he may be in a bad mood, irritated, throw a tantrum and behave inappropriately.

The adolescent who has slept only four hours won’t be able to function well mentally due to tiredness. He or she won’t be motivated or strong enough to work or perform adequately, resulting in limited productivity.

Studies show the number of sleep hours needed for a child’s physical and mental health. For example, a two-year old needs 13 hours of sleep, a five-year old needs 11 hours, a 9-year old needs 10 hours, a 14-year old needs 9 hours and a 16-year old needs 8.5 hours of sleep nightly.

My child suffers from insomnia when on vacation


My Health

We as adults need to sleep to be able to work, but are responsible for the conse-quences if we don’t sleep enough hours.

A child doesn’t have that control. That is why we as parents must have a plan to keep our children within the recommended margins of sleep hours according to their age.

Even if they are on vacation, we can work on a plan with them to ensure that their health won’t be affected. Talk to them about the importance of sleep and tell them that as the school year nears they have to adjust their bodies to sleep the appropriate number of hours.

It is recommended to do this adjustment gradually, decreasing by fifteen minutes each day until reaching the appropriate bedtime. For example, a girl who used to go to bed at midnight should go to bed at 11:45 p.m. the next day, then at 11:30 p.m. the following day, and so on.

If our kids learn to sleep the necessary number of hours, we will notice that their “alertness” will improve and they will enjoy the summer plans (special activities or fun) to the maximum. Moreover, good sleep patterns have a positive effect on learning.

In 1925, doctor Lewis Terman (inventor of the Stanford-Binet intelligence test) published in one of his studies that the most gifted children were those who slept more hours (Weissbluth, 1987.) The interpretation of this information is that the more children sleep, the better their school performance will be, even for those with learning difficulties.

It will depend on how much interest we have in establishing healthy sleep patterns for our children. If we can make time for other things, we need to make sleep a priority as important as eating, or going to the doctor when we are sick. Let’s take the time to explain to our children the importance of sleep; the results will be very favorable for them.


The activity level of children increases during summer vacations. Life outdoors and longer daylight hours result in a steady stream of energy all day long.

Being mindful of what they eat and trying to have meals and bedtimes at the same time every day will help children recover. These simple rules will also help adults recover from the hectic pace.

The break from school routine and extra-curricular activities, changes in the daily schedule and life outdoors may overwhelm anyone, mainly children who suddenly have much more time to play, be with friends, be outdoors and share with the family.

CREATING A NEW ROUTINEIt is recommended that you plan a new routine for summer vacation, albeit not as firm as the one you followed during school days. This is necessary not only to avoid children from being overwhelmed by so much free time, but also to help you plan activities with your children. Here are some ideas:

Strive to keep a routine. Adhere more strictly to a routine for meals, bedtime, study, and play.

Watch what they eat. Don’t neglect their diet, it should be varied and balanced. The tendency to eat between meals, eat junk food, or keep going back to the fridge at any time makes it difficult to keep their diet under control.

Plan summer vacation activities with your children. It is important to plan activities so children are not bored. However, don’t make the mistake of scheduling their activities as if they were still at school.

Some children are more capable of creating their own games or keeping busy than others. At the beginning of the summer break, it is a good idea to work with them on a list of activities they would like to do and the ones parents would like them to do as a complement.

Make time to be with them. During school break, most adults have to find extra time to satisfy the demands of their children. Make time in your schedule to enjoy time with them, it will be worthwhile.

Scheduling. It is a good idea for children to spend more time with their parents, if not with both, at least with one of them. Make arrangement so the children can be with at least one parent, grandparents, or other family members. You may also schedule their activities so they coincide with the end of your workday.

Field trips and summer camps. These are good to promote contact with nature and connections with other children. They will also learn to be alone and have fun. Going to see them while they are in their activities shows your support.

Your vacations and theirs are on differ-ent dates. Ask friends and family with chil-dren if your children can spend some time with them during their outings and other activities so your children can be with other children in a different environment.

Water fun. If you don’t live near the beach or have a swimming pool close by, impro-vise a pool in your backyard or terrace. Just by playing with a hose, your children will spend a fun day. Of course, you will have to clean up afterward, but they can also help and have fun doing so.

Vacation Activities


My Family


My Family

“In 2005, we created Recipe for Success Foundation to translate research into action and change the way our children eat. Many of the finest chefs in town joined my effort and together we took a small step in the war against childhood obesity. Prevention.

The statistics are staggering: more than 30% of American children are overweight and at risk for obesity or already suffering from its effects. The rates in Texas, where nearly 50% of fourth graders fall into an at-risk weight category, are among our na-tion’s highest.

The loss of connection with food and the traditions of the table; reluctance to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and cultural preference for a meat-based diet; and reliance on processed food with a huge carbon footprint are some of the key con-tributing factors. We knew that creating a successful replicable program in Houston’s stressed urban environment could impact the whole country, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs, but more importantly, rescue an entire generation of Americans.

We began in the schools, giving monthly hands-on classes that put children in touch with their food from seed to plate and we made it fun. We built the program from there to include after-school, summer camp, parent classes and community outreach. Our strategy is powerful. Children are changing their habits and attitudes, surprising them-selves by trying and even liking vegetables that they would never even touch before. Parents report that their children now want to help cook and more often reach for the healthier option without prompting.

Research shows that food attitudes and weight patterns are set for life by age elev-en and that experiential learning presents the most successful model for changing be-havior, which is why the core of our activity is with elementary students. RFS determined to put children in touch with whole, healthy food through fun, hands-on activities with the express goals of increasing their con-sumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing their resistance to trying new foods.

Today with professional staff and volunteer assistance from more than 80 of Hous-ton’s finest chefs, RFS delivers its signa-ture Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ monthly, weekly or daily programs to 3,050 students in four elementary Showcase Schools within the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and many more hun-dreds in RFS Program Sites and Pilot Af-filiate locations in HISD, Spring Branch ISD and Pearland ISD.

Seven years and more than 16,000 chil-dren later, we are poised to take our proven Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ pro-gram to national scale with an intensive train the trainer certification and curriculum support structure. At the same time we are expanding our activities in Houston to satu-rate every elementary school with our nutri-tion education program. We are in this fight for the long haul. The children are counting on us.”

For more information visithttp://www.recipe4success.org/

P.O Box 56405Houston, Texas 77256Phone: 713.520.0443

Saving kids’ lives by instilling

healthy habitsby Gracie Cavnar Gracie Cavnar Founder & CEO


My Family

Extracurricular Activities,enjoyable education for

our childrenIt is increasingly more important to complement our children’s academic activities with extracurricular activities to achieve an integral development and address their concerns. The main objective is to learn.Learning a second language, reinforcing the subjects studied at school, and computer training are the most important. Your child’s age is the decisive factor when selecting the extracurricular activity most appropriate for him or her. Below we offer a list of the most popular activities and the most appropriate age to start:

From 3 years old:Languages. According to neurological studies, children are able to learn two languages at the same time and both languages are stored in the same area of the brain. However, when an adult tries to learn a second language, the second language is stored in a different area of the brain. Therefore, children who are exposed

to a second language early in life, grow up acquiring both as native languages without the risk of linguistic contamination. Moreover, the benefit on their professional and personal life is undisputed.

From 4 years old:Dance. It develops expression and body language, awakens the musical sense, and stimulates coordination and teamwork.Psychomotricity. It is recommended to motivate and re-educate children through movement and interaction. Drawing. It helps children expressfeelings and emotions. It encouragescommunication with others and oneself,creativity, self-control, and self-confidence.From 5 years old:Gymnastics. It reinforces motor skills, fosters knowledge of the body, rhythm, and movements. It involves teamwork. Soccer. It promotes speed, reflexes, motor coordination and values team competition.Tennis. It develops reflexes, coordination and psychomotricity.


Basketball. It increases endurance and coordination of movements, strengthens muscles, speed, agility and flexibility as well as control over individual actions to adapt them to the team. Martial Arts. Martial arts such as Tae-Kwon-Do, Karate, Yoga, Kung fu, etc., offer health and mental development. They develop concentration, endurance, strength, and flexibility and also teach values such as integrity, honesty and self-discipline.

From 6 years old:Painting. It encourages creativity, manual and visual skills, and plastic expression. It also promotes concentration and serenity.Music. It awakens the musical intelligence and rhythm; it’s fun, relaxing and enjoyable. It develops coordination and concentration. Skating. It develops leg muscles, arms and shoulders endurance, promotes speed and motor coordination. Computers. Today’s children belong to the Internet era. For them, the new technologies are daily tools. Computers must be used as an educational resource to further learning and the achievement of goals in the different educational stages.

From 7 years old:Chess. It develops memory, concentration, and imagination; it teaches decision-making, and responsibility for one’s actions. It teaches to overcome error and enjoy success, and also encourages self-confidence.

From 8 years old:Children’s Theatre. It develops memory, interpretation, reading, and body movement. It also stimulates imagination, creativity and self-confidence.

From 10 years old:Volleyball. It develops agility, reflexes and speed; it teaches values such as respect and tolerance toward teammates and game rules as well as sportsmanship and teamwork.


May 4 until September 3 - Dinosaurs! at the Houston Zoo presented by Orkin. Houston Zoo - 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Few other words conjure up images of of such strength and power. Thousands of years ago, the huge monsters didn’t just walk the Earth, they ruled it. Houston Zoo 6200 Hermann Park Drive Houston, TX 77030. Phone 713-533-6500 http://www.houstonzoo.org

Every Thursday in June and July, Gamemeisters 4:00 pm - 5:00 pmCome play our games with us! Learn some new ones or challenge a friend to one of your favorites. This is recommended for ages 5-10 and parents are welcome to stay. As an added bonus, all games are 15% off during Gamemeisters. Blue Willow 14532 Memorial Dr Houston, Texas 77079. www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Every Wednesday in June and July 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm Camp Blue Willow is collecting together our favorite activities and crafts from various books that we love. Each week, we’ll do an activity of some kind aimed at elementary-aged kiddos. This program is geared at elementary-aged children from 1st-5th grades. Blue Willow Bookshop 14532 Memorial Dr Houston, Texas 77079 www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Jun 1-6 - Summer Rockin’ Fun 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM CDT Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz Houston TX 77004 US Phone: (713) 522-1138http://www.cmhouston.org

June 9- Cinema Alfresco Every second Saturday of every month Vintage Park features a family-friendly flick in the Piazza. Admission is free, and you can enjoy the film while dining on one of our fantastic outdoor patios, or feel free to bring your own blanket or chair for a movie under the stars, but please, no coolers. For more information: www.vintageparkhouston.com

June 11-15 - HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS For the first time ever, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are partnering with fitness club industry leader, 24 Hour Fitness, to host 120 summer skills clinics for youth across the U.S. Designed to take fans ages six to 14 behind the curtain to see the magic behind the Globetrotters’ electrifying basketball skills and tricks, participants will also learn about the importance of staying active and eating healthy.• 130 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood, TX 77546; June 11; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.• 5946 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77505; June 12; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.• 1800 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380; June 13-14; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.• 1550 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 77450; June 15; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.Visit: www.harlemglobetrotters.com

June 12 Pinocchio 11:00 a.m – 12:00pm. Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Drive Houston, TX 77030

June 25-29 ( Ages 4-5) June 18-22 ( Ages 6-11) June 25-29 ( Ages 12-15) Drama Kids Camp Schedule. The Holly Apostles Church 1225 W.Grand Pkwy . Katy , TX 77494. Register online at www.dramakids.comor call us at 281-829-2287

June 28 at 7:00 pm Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer, discuss and sign their new book, BETWEEN THE LINES. At Living Word Lutheran Church, 3700 South Mason Road at Westheimer Parkway, Katy, TX. www.bluewillowbookshop.com

June 31 - Bilingual Storytime SaturdayThis program includes a combination of stories, finger plays and songs in Spanish and English Ages: 3-6. Free. 10:30am-12:30pm. Event website: http://www.hcpl.net

Activities for kids


July 1st - Free Famiily Thursdays The Health Museum 2:00pm - 5:00pm The Health Museum 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004. Phone: 713-521-1515

July 4 - Monday Partial Lunar Eclipse The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Americas.

July 4 - Freedom Over Texas For decades, the Mayor’s Official July 4th Celebration has been a six hour event of festivities and tradition in Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou. It has become Houston’s signature annual event attracting nationally recognized recording artist(s) and, regional and local talent 1113 Vine StHouston, TX 77002 (713) 752-0314www.houstontx.gov

July 4 - A Star-Spangled Salute: Houston Symphony Miller Outdoor Theatre Celebrate Independence Day in style with the Houston Symphony led by Michael Krajewski. Experience Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as well as a host of all-American favorite tunes at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theater. Concert is immediately followed by a fireworks display. 100 Concert Drive, Houston, TX 77030 Phone: (713) 284-8351

July 6- Journey Through China II 11 a.m. - Take an amazing “Journey through China” with Dance of Asian America. Visit many of China’s 56 ethnic groups and learn about their cultures, traditions and history. This an interactive program with audience participation.Produced by Dance of Asian America. Miller Outdoor Theatre Texas 77030. www.bluewillowbookshop.com

July 6,13,20,27 , Saturday Lunch With An Astronaut Space Center Houston - 12:00pm Space Center Houston is now proud to offer you and your family an extraordinary opportunity to spend time with a NASA astronaut. This casual event gives you the opportunity to hear first hand stories from a NASA astronaut while enjoying a cosmic lunch prepared by our

award winning catering staff. http://www.spacecenter.org/lunchwithanastronaut.html

July 6,13 - 20, 27 Fireworks Fridays - Enjoy the fireworks show over Galveston Bay at 9:30pm. Kemah Boardwalk-9:30pm www.kemahboardwalk.com

July 16, 6:00 p.m. - New York Times best selling author Jennifer Weiner will discuss and sign THE NEXT BEST THING. Monday, We will begin handing out line numbers at 5:30 p.m. Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079 Admission: In order to go through the signing line and meet either author for book personalization, please purchase THE NEXT BEST THING from Blue Willow Bookshop.

July 26 - Cirque du Soleil KOOZA IN HOUSTON Sam Houston Race Park www.cirquedusoleil.com

July 29 @ 11:59 AM Beat the Heat - For the Love of the Kids Virtual Run - Houston, Texas .Your Favorite Running Route Sunday, A virtual run means you run your favorite route on race day, then, visit the web page and log your run. Through the Hole in the Wall Gang, 100% of the proceeds will support Hole in the Wall Camps, which serve seriously terminally ill children. Run for fun, run to make a difference! www.fortheloveofthekids.com

Bugs 3D Daily @ Wortham IMAX Theater at the Museum of Natural ScienceOne Hermann Circle Drive Houston, TX 77030. Website: http://www.hmns.org

All summer at the Memorial Athletic Club , Registrations going on NOW! for BOTH Parisi and MAC Kids Summer camps this summer, Summer Youth Aqua Fit and The Learn to Swim Classes.

For more information visit www. fitmac.com14690 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079 (281) 497-7570


Gourmet

Directions:• In medium bowl, mix together blackberry fruit pulp, honey and ½ cup water, stirring until honey dissolves. • Evenly divide blackberry mixture among eight 3-oz. ice pop molds. Transfer molds to freezer; freeze until slushy, about 1 hour. Insert Popsicle stick into each mold. Freeze until ice pops are solid, about 3 hours more. • To serve, quickly run bottom of molds under hot water before unmolding.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (14 oz.) frozen GOYA® Blackberry Fruit Pulp, thawed • ¾ cup honey or agave syrup

Source: www.goya.com

Making naturally fruity, refreshing ice pops is easier than ever when you use GOYA® Blackberry Fruit Pulp. Already mashed and seeded, the bright blackberry fruit pulp is simply sweetened with a touch of honey, and then frozen in molds. Easy enough for the kid chefs in your family, these ice pops are extra cool on the hottest summer days. Serves 8Prep time: Less than 5 min.Total time: 5 min., plus freezing time

BlackberryIce Pops


Abiding Word Lutheran School Ascension Episcopal School The Awty International School Beth Yeshurun The Branch School The Briarwood School The British School of Houston The John Cooper School Cornerstone Christian Academy Corpus Christi Catholic School Duchesne Academy The Fay School First Baptist Academy Fort Bend Christian Academy Grace School Holy Spirit Episcopal School Holy Trinity Episcopal School The Honor Roll School The Joy School The Kinkaid School Lutheran South Academy Memorial Lutheran School The Monarch School Northland Christian School Our Savior Lutheran School The Parish School The Post Oak School Pilgrim Lutheran School Presbyterian School The Regis School River Oaks Baptist School Rosehill Christian School St. Ambrose Catholic School St. Anne Catholic School St. Catherine’s Montessori School St. Francis Episcopal Day School St. Francis de Sales School (Catholic) St. John’s School St. Laurence Catholic School St. Mark’s Episcopal School St. Mark Lutheran St. Michael Catholic School St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Houston St. Thomas’ Episcopal School St. Thomas More Parish School School of the Woods Second Baptist School The Shlenker School Southminster School Trinity Lutheran School Trafton Academy Village School Veritas Christian Academy Westbury Christian School Westlake Preparatory Lutheran AcademyThe Westview School Woodlands Christian Academy Woodlands Preparatory School Yorkshire Academy

17123 Red Oak Dr. Houston TX 770902525 Seagler Houston, TX 77042 7455 Awty School Ln. Houston, TX 77055 4525 Beechnut Blvd. Houston, TX 77096 1424 Sherwood Forest Houston, TX 77043 12207 Whittington Dr. Houston, TX 770774211 Watonga Boulevard Houston, TX, 77092 One John Cooper Dr. The Woodlands, TX 773812140 Sugar Land Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 774794005 Cheena Houston, TX 77025-4799 10202 Memorial Houston, TX 77024 105 N. Post Oak Ln. Houston, TX 77024 7450 Memorial Woods Dr. Houston, TX 77024 1250 Seventh St. Sugar Land, TX 77478 10219 Ella Lee Houston, TX 77042 12535 Perthshire Houston, TX 77024 11810 Lockwood Rd. Houston, TX 77044 4111 Sweetwater Sugar Land, TX 77479 One Chelsea Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 201 Kinkaid School Dr. Houston, TX 77024 12555 Ryewater Drive Houston, TX 77089 5800 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77057 1231 Wirt Rd. Houston, TX 77055 4363 Sylvanfield Houston, TX 77014 5000 W. Tidwell Houston, TX 77091 11001 Hammerly Blvd. Houston, TX 77043 4600 Bissonnet Bellaire, TX 77401 8601 Chimney Rock Houston, TX 77096 5300 Main Houston, TX 77004 7330 Westview Houston, TX 77055 2300 Willowick Houston, TX 77027 19830 FM 2920 Tomball, TX 77377 4213 Mangum Road Houston, TX 77092 2120 Westheimer Houston, TX 77098 9821 Timberside Houston, TX 77025 335 Piney Point Rd. Houston, TX 77024-6505 8100 Roos Houston, TX 77036 2401 Claremont Ln. Houston, TX 77019-5897 2630 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land TX 77479 3816 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77025 1515 Hillendahl, Houston TX 770551833 Sage Road Houston, TX 77056 1815 Sul Ross Houston, TX 77098 4900 Jackwood Houston, TX 77096 5927 Wigton Houston, TX 77096 1321 Wirt Road Houston, TX 77055 6410 Woodway Houston, TX 77057 5600 N. Braeswood Houston, TX 77096 4200 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 800 Houston Avenue, Houston, TX 77007 4711 McDermed Houston, TX 77035 13077 Westella Houston, TX 77077 7000 Ferris Street Bellaire, TX 77401 10420 Hillcroft Houston, TX 77096 23300 Bellaire Blvd. Richmond, TX 77406 1900 Kersten Drive, Houston, TX 77043 5800 Academy Way The Woodlands, TX 7738427440 Kuykendahl Road Spring, TX 77389 14120 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079

GUIDE TOELEMENTARY SCHOOLS


Events

Imagine Kids Party

Vibrant Imagine Kids Magazine PartyA large number of people gathered on Saturday April 14th at CityCentre Plaza for the second Imagine Kids Event Spring 2012, a family party full of music, color, and fun. Imagine Kids Magazine organized the fundraising party to benefit Kids Meals, a non-profit organization dedicated to offering free nutritious meals to thousands of children in need every year.

Imagine Kids Magazine would like to thank all sponsors and donors who helped make our event successful. We appreciate your support!

Kids Meal’s Team delighted to be part of the fun day

Berj Khanoyan from LifetimeKarina Barbieri, Marianellys Noble and Solmaira Saab

Marianellys Noble and Marta Vina from Convivio Restaurant.

Concentra Urgent Care

You can view more pictures, visiting us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/imagine.kidsmagazine events and advertising opportunities, please visit www.imaginekidsmagazine.com

Goya Foods INC Eneida Adrianza and Claudia Monagas Adrianza

A large crowd enjoyed a wonderful afternoon Mr Clint’s Snake Show was a hit

Yaritza Diaz and Mariana Quijada from Zermat giving away wonderful raffle prizes

The Ashford Orthodontics Team Dignity Memorial

Events

Imagine Kids Party

Vibrant Imagine Kids Magazine PartyA large number of people gathered on Saturday April 14th at CityCentre Plaza for the second Imagine Kids Event Spring 2012, a family party full of music, color, and fun. Imagine Kids Magazine organized the fundraising party to benefit Kids Meals, a non-profit organization dedicated to offering free nutritious meals to thousands of children in need every year.

Attendees enjoyed six hours of fun activities with clowns, face-painters, magicians, the excellent show of Mr. Clint Snake Show dances, sports and many raffles where prizes such as Lifetime memberships for summer camps. The event not only raised funds for Kids Meals but also thousands of pounds of food were donated by Goya. Imagine Kids Magazine would like to thank all sponsors and donors who helped made our event successful. We appreciate your support!

For further information about Imagine Kids Magazine, please visit www.imaginekidsmagazine.com, call 1.888.885.7712, or e-mail [email protected].

Kids Meal’s Team delighted to be part of the fun day

Berj Khanoyan from LifetimeKarina Barbieri, Marianellys Noble y Solmaira Saab

Marianellys Noble and Marta Vina from Convivio Restaurant.

Isabella Sordelli

Guadalupe Rodríguez

Isabella and friends

The Birthday Cake, a wonderful creation

Daniela Giovanuchi, Isabella and Andrea Giovanuchi

Singing Happy Birthday with Mommy and my brother Diego

My Party

Celebrating her 2nd Birthday

Location: Wonderwild The HeightsTheme: Flowers and butterflies

Cake and desserts by: Isabella’s mommy


The Houston

Children’s Festival

Events

The Houston Children’s Festival Rocked Downtown Houston Once Again

The 2012 Houston Children’s Festival, the largest children’s party in Houston, took over the city’s downtown once again. It was a fun weekend for children and adults, where magic, colors, music and games provided a world of amusement and entertainment from March 31 to April 1st benefiting Child Advocates, INC.This great annual party -the largest in the U.S.- had 10 big areas of entertainment for the whole family, 6 stages, and over 300 activities hosted by the different event sponsors. There were sports, games, juggling, magic, dance, painting, and many other shows including those featuring stars such as James Maslow, star of the Nickelodeon series “Big Time Rush,” and Raini Rodríguez, from the Disney series “Austin and Ally”, presented by Radio Disney Live.Endless children’s events where kids played and learned about health, science, arts, communications and even the animal world in an activity where the little ones interacted with a great array of zoo animals, made this an adventure-filled weekend!During these two days of fun and entertainment Imagine Kids Magazine, edited by the Murano Group, was also present with a stand where kids, the big stars of the future, enjoyed and learned from fun activities designed just for them, and they also received nice gifts.

By Sandra Urdaneta


The Houston

Children’s Festival

Events

The Houston Children’s Festival Rocked Downtown Houston Once Again

The 2012 Houston Children’s Festival, the largest children’s party in Houston, took over the city’s downtown once again. It was a fun weekend for children and adults, where magic, colors, music and games provided a world of amusement and entertainment from March 31 to April 1st benefiting Child Advocates, INC.This great annual party -the largest in the U.S.- had 10 big areas of entertainment for the whole family, 6 stages, and over 300 activities hosted by the different event sponsors. There were sports, games, juggling, magic, dance, painting, and many other shows including those featuring stars such as James Maslow, star of the Nickelodeon series “Big Time Rush,” and Raini Rodríguez, from the Disney series “Austin and Ally”, presented by Radio Disney Live.Endless children’s events where kids played and learned about health, science, arts, communications and even the animal world in an activity where the little ones interacted with a great array of zoo animals, made this an adventure-filled weekend!During these two days of fun and entertainment Imagine Kids Magazine, edited by the Murano Group, was also present with a stand where kids, the big stars of the future, enjoyed and learned from fun activities designed just for them, and they also received nice gifts.

By Sandra Urdaneta

Creciendo enCampamento

Se acercan las vacaciones, todos queremos divertirnos y recuperar las energías invertidas en las actividades escolares, nos proponemos entonces a buscar entre una y otra cosa espacios de crecimiento y diversión para los más pequeños de la casa.

Los planes vacacionales cada vez se hacen más populares, en la actualidad existen diferentes modalidades de ejecución que varían según la temática, tiempo, lugar y hobbies.

A lo largo de los tiempos, expertos en la materia garantizan que estas actividades generan actitudes óptimas para el crecimiento socio-emocional de los niños, fortaleciendo el desarrollo de algunas competencias relacionadas con: Autoconocimiento, aprecio por sí mismo, convivencia, liderazgo, creatividad, toma de decisiones, independencia, comunicación, trabajo en equipo.

Este tipo de actividad responde a la visión de educación experencial, (de la vida para la vida). Es un espacio de convivencia fuera del hogar, que permite fomentar la participación del niño en un contexto en contacto con la naturaleza y estimular aprendizajes, relacionados con los componentes personal - emocional, relacional, recreativo, físico, ético, entre otros.

Es necesario tomar en cuenta algunas consideraciones.• Pregunte sobre aspectos generales relacionados con el traslado, ubicación del campamento, clima, instalaciones, vías de acceso, centros de atención médica cercanos, medios de comunicación con el campamento.

• Asegúrese de quienes son los profesionales que acompañaran a su hijo durante el campamento, cuantos recreadores hay por cada niño, que tipo de entrenamiento reciben, como supervisan la seguridad de los acampamantes.

• Una vez tomada la decisión de que su hijo asista al campamento, disfrútela y disfrute cada etapa: arreglar la maleta, comprar lo que hace falta, empacar, despedirse, dejarlo disfrutar, y recibirlo con amor.

Sin lugar a dudas un campamento es un excelente complemento educativo más allá de las aulas y el sistema educativo formal, que robara a tus hijos las mejores sonrisas y aprendizajes de vida y convivencia.


En Familia


Cada vez e hace más necesario completar la ac-tividad académica de nuestros hijos con una se-rie de actividades complementarias y extraesco-lares con el fin de satisfacer las necesidades de un mejor desarrollo integral para ellos y dar respuestas a sus inquietudes. Su objetivo principal es el logro de cono-cimientos.

El aprendizaje de algún idioma, el refuerzo de las asignaturas del colegio y la informática son las más importantes. La edad de tu hijo es el factor decisivo a la hora de seleccionar la actividad extraescolar más adecuada para él, por lo que aquí te presentamos una lista de las actividades más comunes, señalando la edad recomendada para ponerlas en práctica.

A partir de los 3 años:Idiomas: Según revelan estudios neurológicos, los niños pueden aprender dos lenguas al mismo tiempo y ambas son recogidas en la misma área del cerebro, sin em-bargo, cuando se aprende siendo mayores, el segundo idioma es recogido por una zona cerebral dis-tinta.

Por ello, los niños que son expuestos precozmente a un segundo idioma crecen adquiriendo los dos como si fueran lenguas propias y no hay riesgo de contaminación lingüística. Además, su utilidad futura tanto en el desempeño profesional como en la vida personal es indiscutible. Indicado a partir de los 3 años.

A partir de los 4 años:Danza: Desarrolla la expresión y la comunicación corporal, despierta el sentido musical y estimula la coordi-nación y el trabajo en grupo.Psicomotricidad: Es aconsejable tanto para es-timular como para reeducar a los niños a través

de los movimientos y de la interacción. Dibujo: Ayuda a que los niños expresen sen-timientos, emociones y sensaciones. Estimula la comunicación con los demás y con uno mismo, la creatividad, el autocontrol, y la confianza en sí mismo.

A partir de los 5 años Gimnasia rítmica: Trabaja las habi-

lidades motrices, fomenta el cono-cimiento del cuerpo, del ritmo y de los movimientos. Se trabaja en

grupo.Fútbol: Estimula la velocidad, los reflejos, la coordinación motora y valora la competencia en grupo.

Tenis: Desarrolla los reflejos, la coordinación y la psicomotricidad.

Baloncesto: Aumenta la resistencia y la

coordinación de movimientos.

Fortalece los músculos. de las piernas, d e s a r r o l l a los bíceps, la

rapidez, la agilidad y la flexibilidad.Controla las acciones individuales para adaptarlas al resto del grupo.Artes Marciales: Artes marciales como el Tae-kwon-do, Kárate, Yoga, Kung fu, etc., brindan salud corporal y desarrollo men-

tal. Ayudan a desarrollar la con-centración, la resistencia, fuerza,

y flexibilidad y enseñan valores como la integridad, honestidad, y

la autodisciplina.

A partir de los 6 años Pintura: Estimula la capacidad cre-ativa, destreza manual y visual y la expresión plástica, además fomenta la concentración y la tranquilidad.Instrumentos musicales: Despierta la inteligencia musical y el sentido del ritmo; divierte, relaja, estimula y da placer. Desarrolla la coordinación y la concentración.Patinaje: Desarrolla los

músculos, los muslos y las piernas. Brinda resistencia a los brazos y hom-bros y estimula la velocidad y la coor-dinación motora.

Actividades extraescolares...educación divertida para

nuestros hijos

En Familia


Informática: Los niños de hoy en día pertene-cen a la era de Internet y para ellos las nuevas tecnologías son una herramienta de uso cotidi-ano. La informática debe ser utilizada como un recurso didáctico para favorecer el aprendizaje y la consecución de los objetivos en las distintas etapas educativas.

A partir de los 7 años Ajedrez: Desarrolla la memoria, la concentración y la imaginación. Enseña a tomar decisiones, y a asumir responsabilidades por sus actos. Enseña a superar errores y a disfrutar de los aciertos. Estimula la seguridad en uno mismo.

A partir de los 8 añosTeatro infantil: Desarrolla el control de la me-moria, de la interpretación, de la lectura, y de los movimientos corporales. Estimula la imagi-nación, la creatividad y la seguridad en uno mismo.

A partir de los 10 añosVoleibol: Desarrolla la agilidad, los reflejos y la velocidad. Enseña valores como el respeto y la tolerancia hacia los compañeros y a las reglas del juego y el sentido de la deportividad y del trabajo en equipo.


Las vacaciones de los niños y adolescentes son épocas donde usualmente no se mantiene una rutina de sueño como cuando están en el colegio. En general, los niños tienden a acumular el déficit de horas necesarias de sueño, obteniendo como resultado una resistencia al sueño, lo que produce un “efecto de cascada”: entre menos horas duermen, más difícil es conciliar el sueño lo que finalmente se traduce en un dañino círculo vicioso.

Nuestros hijos pueden decir: ¡Pero estamos en vacaciones! Nos convencen de que hay que aprovechar el momento y tomamos la opción de darles la libertad de disponer de su sueño y hacer lo que quieran.

Llega la hora de entrar al colegio y están más cansados de como estaban al salir de los exámenes unos meses antes. El efecto de cascada se va acumulando y haciendo sus estragos si no se toma en serio esta realidad. ¿Qué podemos hacer? Hay que empezar por reconocer la importancia del sueño para poder implementar un plan que funcione con nuestros hijos.El dormir es tan importante como comer en la ejecución de las funciones vitales de nuestro cuerpo. Sin embargo, comúnmente ignoramos esto y el mensaje que nuestros hijos reciben es que “dormir no es importante”. La falta de sueño a la larga puede traer consecuencias negativas para la salud, como por ejemplo, estar más propensos a enfermedades debido a las bajas defensas del cuerpo.

Un niño de siete años que en una noche sólo

haya dormido seis horas, su falta de sueño se reflejará en la conducta. Lo más probable es que al día siguiente esté de mal humor, irritado, tenga una pataleta y se comporte de una manera inapropiada.

El joven que sólo haya dormido cuatro horas no podrá funcionar bien mentalmente debido al cansancio, no tendrá la motivación ni las fuerzas para trabajar o desempeñarse adecuadamente, limitando su productividad.

Estudios han demostrado la cantidad de horas necesarias según la edad para una adecuada salud física y emocional en nuestros hijos. Por ejemplo, un niño de dos años necesita 13 horas, una niña de cinco necesita 11 horas, un chico de nueve años necesita 10 horas, una chica de 14 años necesita nueve horas y un joven de 16 años necesita 8 horas y media por noche.

Los adultos necesitamos dormir para poder trabajar y somos responsables de las consecuencias si no obtenemos el sueño necesario; un niño no tiene esa capacidad de control. Es por ello que los padres debemos tener un plan de acción para mantener a nuestros hijos dentro de los márgenes recomendados de horas de sueño según su edad.

Aunque estén de vacaciones, podemos hacer un plan junto con ellos para garantizar que su salud no sea afectada. Hábleles de la importancia de dormir y propóngales que ya se acerca el colegio para que empiecen a educar al cuerpo a dormir lo que es adecuado para ellos.

Mi hijo sufre de insomnioen las vacaciones

Mi Salud


Es aconsejable que el cambio se haga gradualmente, acortando la hora de acostarse de 15 en 15 minutos cada día hasta lograr la hora adecuada. Por ejemplo, una niña de nueve años que se acostaba a la medianoche deberá acostarse a las 11:45 p. m. el día siguiente, luego a las 11:30 p. m. el próximo día y así sucesivamente.

Si nuestros hijos aprenden a dormir lo necesario, nos daremos cuenta que su “estado de alerta” va ser mucho mejor y que ellos aprovecharán al máximo los planes de verano (clases especiales o diversión). Además los buenos patrones de sueño afectan positivamente el aprendizaje.

Desde 1925 el doctor Lewis Terman (padre de

la prueba de inteligencia Stanford-Binet) publicó entre sus estudios, que los niños más dotados eran los que dormían más (Weissbluth, 1987). La interpretación de estos datos es que entre más duerman nuestros hijos mejor será su rendimiento escolar, incluso en aquellos con dificultades de aprendizaje.

Todo dependerá de lo interesados que estemos en establecer patrones de sueño saludables en nuestros hijos. Si hacemos tiempo para otras cosas, debemos hacer del sueño una prioridad tan importante como el comer y visitar al médico cuando estamos enfermos. Tomemos el tiempo para explicarles a nuestros hijos la gran importancia del sueño y los resultados serán muy favorables para el niño.

Alessandra Venturini

Beberly, Eduardo, Alessandra y Veronica Venturini

La hermosa Alessandra

Beberly , Alessandra y Eduardo Venturini

Sebastiano Lapi, Carolina Lapi, Susan Sarache y Per Olsson, los padrinos

Mi Fiesta

Bautizo

Bautizo Alessandra Daniela VenturiniIglesia : Saint Ann Catholic Church

Recepción : Restaurante NardinoFotografía : Accent Images

www.accentimagesfoto.com

Alessandra con su abuelita Norvelia Navarro de Pena


Daniela Contreras

Arreglos y Aromas

Innovacion y creatividad en cada detalle

Exquisita mesa de postres

Colores y Acentos que hacen volar nuestra imaginación

Mi Fiesta

Primera Comunión

Ubicación: Residencia Contreras Iglesia: Cecilia Catholic Church

Fotografía: Nancy Aidee PhotographyDecoración / Coordinación de Eventos :

Eclat Event Design

Nicolas, Andrés, Carlos , Keltze , Daniela y Renata Contreras

Elementos y detalles se mezclan en armonia cautivando los sentidos


Imagine Kids Magazine 09

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Transcript of Imagine Kids Magazine 09