MetroFamily Magazine March April 2021

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Adventure Awaits!

Plan an exciting OKC Spring Break Take a nature- inspired road trip

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Features 14 Making a Splash

Departments 10 Local Family Fun

Water safety questions answered 16 Teaching Beyond the Land Run Centering the Indigenous experience 28 Social Emotional Learning

5 days of Spring Break fun in OKC

20 Mom Talk

7 ways to support your young athlete

24 Calendar

Springtime family fun events

34 Family Mental Wellness Tips for teens gaining independence 48 Exploring Oklahoma Adventure awaits on nature- inspired day trips 54 Real Moms of the Metro Norman legislator exemplifies power in representation 58 Super Kids of the Metro One family’s journey with autism

in the Classroom Teaching empathy, relationship building and healthy identities

On the cover Plan an OKC Spring Break page 10 Take a Nature-Inspired Road Trip page 48 Summer Camp Guide page 40

38 Seeking Normalcy This Summer

Four families share benefits of summer camp experiences

40 Summer Camp Guide 29 virtual and in-person options for every child’s interest

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2020

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers April Deocariza Stacey Johnson, LPC Rebekah Mack Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Marissa Raglin Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Andrea Shanks

PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES

A nyone else feel like the word “adventure” is a rosy way to describe the past year of our lives?! Who knew 2020 and into 2021 would include parenting feats like conquering multiplication tables (again), acquiring the often-elusive package of toilet paper or reaching expert level in video chatting? But when you think about the definition of adventure — an unusual, typically hazardous experience or the exploration of unknown territory — I’d say that pretty well hits the nail on the head. In that vein, this spring we’re bringing you adventure in every sense of the word, from activities and trips to opportunities to learn and understand. Find safe, close-to-home family fun ideas in our Spring Break itinerary on page 10 and road trips promising outdoor adventure around the state on page 48. Check out summer camp ideas to match every child’s personality and interest, including both

virtual and in-person options, on page 40. Learn about how the Land Run reenactment traditions of the past can be harmful and find alternative ways to understand our state’s history and appreciate modern day Native culture on page 16. Read about a courageous young girl whose parents share their family’s journey with autism in our Super Kids series on page 58. Whether your family has endured extreme challenges or you’ve relished in more quality time with the people you love most over the past year, I hope the dawn of spring gives you renewed strength and the opportunity to plan either rest or adventure as needed. With gratitude,

Erin Page Managing Editor

This Month’s Cover Happy birthday to Cover Kid Iker, who turns 10 this month! Iker’s mom Carla describes him as very independent and a true helper. He attends Deer Creek Schools, and his hobbies include dominating math challenges, creating origami and playing soccer. Iker is thoughtful, has a great sense of humor and is especially hip to OKC’s local restaurant scene. He has an older brother named Derek and enjoys spending time with his dad in Kansas City. Fun fact: Iker is reigning Rey de La29, king of the Southwest 29th District in Oklahoma City, crowned during the district’s El Día del Niño event each spring.

tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Proud member of

Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 5

OFF THE PAGES

Refuel, Refresh, Renew

Mamas who need to rejuvenate (and who doesn’t?!), this one-hour virtual workshop is for you! Join us from the comfort of your home on Friday, March 26, or watch back later at your convenience, to hear from a local life coach, Enneagram coach and yoga and meditation expert. The workshop is FREE for MetroFamily Insiders or $10 general admission. Register today, and find all the benefits of becoming a MetroFamily Insider, at metrofamilymagazine.com/ insider-events.

New Collab = A Chance to WIN Local Swag

A new collaboration with our friends at 405 and Edible OKC magazines means exceptional content on green living coming up in all of our May issues, plus an exciting contest to celebrate. You can win tickets to area museums and attractions, gift cards to locally-owned restaurants and swag from area retailers. Enter through March 31 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Plenty Mercantile, and Supporting Sponsor, Oklahoma Environmental Services, and to our prize sponsors: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, Patrono Italian Restaurant, Ludivine, Prelude Coffee, OKC Zoo, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Science Museum Oklahoma, SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Sam Noble Museum and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

What’s the best advice your dad, grandpa or a father figure has given you? From the sentimental to the silly, share your stories from the supportive Cool Pops in your life through March 21 at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests. The top five submissions will be shared in our May/June issue, and you’ll have a chance to vote on your favorite in May. The winner and finalists will be eligible for prizes from local retailers like Sun & Ski Sports, Red Coyote Running, Anthem Brewing, Elemental Coffee and more! Nominate a Cool Pop

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 7

OFF THE PAGES

Help us show some love to your favorite local businesses! From dance studios and splash pads to restaurants and attractions (and even family restrooms!), our Shout Out your Family Favorites

HELLO SPRING! Take advantage of warmer weather and lengthening days with our lists of family-friendly festivals, 50 things to do for $5 or less, farmers markets, Spring Break fun, ways to celebrate Easter, Earth Day activities and much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/spring.

reader-voted Family Favorites awards make it easy for OKC parents to find the best local resources. Nominate your favorites between March 24 and April 14 at metrofamilymagazine.

com/vote. Then vote to determine the winners May 5 through 19. The winners and finalists will be highlighted in our Everything Guide, which will be published in July. Thanks for helping us uplift and honor local businesses!

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LOCAL FAMILY FUN

30 ideas for family fun in OKC BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED. Last year’s Spring Break has been described as the one that never happened or perhaps the one that went on far too long. But Spring Break 2021 is an opportunity for a reboot, and we’ve got plenty of safe, staycation fun for you. Get inspired by these 30 things you can say YES to! REBOOT

Kick off your break with a frenzy, a Second Saturday: Print Frenzy at Oklahoma Contemporary. Art demonstrations, collaborative activities and hands-on projects will explore the fun and funky side of printmaking during this free afternoon event on March 13 from 12 to 3 p.m. oklahomacontemporary.org Feed the wildlife at the Oklahoma City Zoo! Families can hang out with flamingos, giraffes or the zoo’s newest feeding opportunity, Indian rhinos, and help out with snack time. Reserve your animal feeding experience when you reserve your advanced admission tickets online. You can purchase your feeding experience at the zoo but capacity is limited. okczoo.org

Spend a day exploring the change of seasons at Martin Park Nature Center. The nature center offers cleverly hidden

See the groundbreaking Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World exhibit then get hands-on with kid-focused crafts and activities that explore Native art and craftsmanship at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. From clay figurines to twining and more, each day features a different drop-in activity, free with admission while supplies last. nationalcowboymuseum.org 4

geocaching treasures, an ADA accessible hiking trail and a bird wall that is a great place to get bird-watching tips. Did you know Oklahoma is home to 450 species of birds, some of which only visit for a few weeks each spring? You can also feed carp and turtles from the park’s two bridges. They like to eat dry dog food and fresh veggies or fruits like apples but please do not feed other animals or give any animal bread, caution park staff. okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation

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Ages 5-12

5 Plan the ultimate day at the park! Scissortail

Park will be hosting daily storytimes in the Play Pavilion, nature crafts, Park Ranger hours, games and laser tag on the lawn, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laser tag will also be open in the evenings from 6-9 p.m. scissortailpark.org

Summer Camps June 1-Aug. 6

6 Organize your own Project to Go for Infant Crisis Services, help hide books in OKC parks for Little Read Wagon’s #Look4ABook program or sign up to help pack donations for Filling Tummies! Whatever you choose, volunteering and giving back are sure to brighten your break. metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer 7 Travel to far away worlds with a visit to Oklahoma History Center’s Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space exhibit that focuses on the Oklahomans who played a part in early aviation and the U.S. air and space program. See lunar rock samples, an Apollo Command Module and clothing worn by crew members on International Space Station missions. okhistory.org Oklahomans at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame . The museum is offering free admission during spring break and will have games for families to enjoy in the courtyard, weather permitting, Tuesday- Friday, 9am-1pm & Saturday, 10am- 2pm. oklahomahof.com 8 Hear stories of more inspirational

9 Take a tour of a working alpaca ranch! Magnolia Blossom Ranch books private tours for $5 a person so families can hang out with some gentle grazers and learn how their fleece is used to make a variety of products. During the month of March, if you spend equal to or more than the value of your private tour in the gift shop, your families’ tour admission is free! Ask for more details about this deal when you reserve your ranch visit. magnoliablossomranch.com 10 Putt a round of mini golf! Create your own course at home or hit up a local course. 11 Set up camp in your own backyard or at a close-to-home destination like Arcadia Lake. 12 Catch a flick at a drive-in. There are three drive-ins still in operation in the metro. 13 Spend the afternoon exploring Downtown . Urban hangouts like Mid- town’s Bocce ball courts, Kerr Park and Wheeler Ferris Wheel and Riverfront Plaza incorporate art and fun.

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14 Spend some time on the water. RIVERSPORT Adventures will have kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals open at all three locations during Spring Break as well as their land adventures in the Boathouse District. Day passes are $39.99 and single experiences start at $19.99. riversportokc.org 15 Futsal is a fast-paced, freestyle version of soccer played with teams of five, making it a perfect family activity or pickup game with friends. The OKC metro has several futsal courts open to the public including at Together Square. metrofamilymagazine. com/futsal 16 Have you tried pickleball? If you haven’t, OKC has a brand new attraction to get you started. Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/ outdoor entertainment complex mixing pickleball with casual dining. They also have Bocce ball, shuffleboard and ping-pong, and the spacious complex and court reservations encourage safe social distancing. 17 Immerse yourself in the world of Mix-Tape at Factory Obscura , a unique handcrafted art experience where art is all around you. Advanced reservations are required and tickets are limited. factoryobscura.com/mixtape 18 Tiptoe through thousands of tulips in bloom at Myriad Gardens! (42,000, in fact!) Get your wiggles out with a spin on Mo’s Carousel and some fun in the Children’s Garden, which will offer hands-on activities Wednesday through Friday. Carousel rides are $3 per person or free with a Family Plus Membership; activities are $3 per child. myriadgardens.org

23 Hike a nature trail to see what’s blooming and what animals are on the move. 24 Plant an herb garden. Easy-to-maintain container gardens are great for beginners. 25 Go on a bike ride. Popular spots for families include Arcadia Lake, Lake Hefner, Oklahoma River trails, Mitch Park and Tinker-Draper Trail. 26 Create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece . Experiment with different techniques like adding water to increase saturation or swapping your chalk for soft pastels to elevate your colors.

19 Learn a new skill in a fun class with Edmond Parks & Recreation. The MAC at Mitch Park offers ceramics, archery, photography and more. Prices vary by course and in-person and virtual options are available. edmondparks.com 20 Harness the Oklahoma wind and fly a kite. Spacious parks like Ruby Grant, Earlywine or Mitch Park are great places to catch the breeze. 21 Play a round of disc golf at Will Rogers Gardens. The 18-hole course winds through streams and waterways offering a peaceful setting for some friendly competition. 22 Picnic at the park . Then kick back and cloud watch.

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY

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27 Shake up your story time and read a book outside. 28 Go fishing. The metro offers plenty of close-to- home options to drop a line. 29 Explore two habitats of the Cretaceous Period and examine how large dinosaurs lived in a variety of distinct environments in Sam Noble’s temporary exhibit Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice . The museum is extending its hours and will be open Monday through Saturday during Spring Break. Advanced registration is required. 30 Make s’mores and start planning for warmer days ahead.

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Making a splash WITH WATER SAFETY BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTO PROVIDED.

what drowning is (when you go underwater and can’t breathe) so kids understand the danger and the need for safety rules. Reinforce the message: Act, Throw, Don’t go! If a child sees someone in trouble in the water, throw them something that floats and get an adult. Emphasize that kids should never try to rescue someone themselves. This can be hard because their inclination is to help, but remind them if they fall in, too, there won’t be anyone to go for help, and that’s most important. Brainstorm with kids about what kinds of floating items they could throw in (pick something that won’t pop!) and choose an item together to place near the pool in case of emergency. Go over rules with kids before entering the water EACH time as they will be different at grandma’s pool versus a neighborhood pool versus open water. Point out where the shallow end is, whether jumping or diving is allowed depending on water depth and reminders on rules about rough play. When my child is visiting a friend or relative with a pool, what questions should I ask about their water safety rules? If your child is not yet swimming independently, visit the pool with your child if possible. Consider (or ask if you don’t know) whether the home opens directly to the pool area or if it is fenced or secured. Ask the rules of their pool regarding adult supervision (not even adults should swim alone!) and rough play in or around the water. Don’t get a false sense of security if the pool isn’t “that deep” as drownings can happen in very shallow water. Water safety is important even when it’s not swimming season; in fact, the majority of drownings happen when kids aren’t expected to be swimming. Stress with your child and the homeowner that they should not be outdoors around the water without an adult. Beware of water hazards other than pools, like ponds, low-lying areas that fill with water only when it rains heavily and even wading pools, buckets and bathtubs filled with water. By opening the conversation up with the pool owner and talking about water safety, you can get a good feel for whether you feel safe sending your kids to swim at their pool.

Drowning is the number one cause of injury- related death in children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for kids 5 to 14, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With the swimming season quickly approaching, neighborhood pools opening and water-centric vacation season kicking off, water safety is likely to be at the top of parents’ minds. We talked with Natasha Neumann and Kristy Blew of Goldfish Swim School—Edmond about water safety and their protocols to keep families safe during the pandemic. For a child who does not yet know how to swim, do you recommend life jackets or puddle jumpers? It’s important for kids who are learning to swim to have time swimming without flotation devices, and they should always be within arms’ reach of an adult and working on swimming skills. There are also scenarios when life jackets or puddle jumpers need to be worn for safety. For example, when you’re with a big group, all kids who are not yet great swimmers should wear one. Even adults need to wear life jackets in open waters like lakes or oceans. When choosing a life jacket or puddle jumper for your child, find one that is the right size and fits well — it should be snug. It should also be something your child is comfortable in, and that will depend on their body shape and how their weight is distributed.

What are the most important water safety rules to stress with kids each summer?

When it comes to water safety, it’s important to have layers of protection. Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by up to 88 percent! Discussing water safety frequently is another essential step. In a developmentally appropriate way, explain

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with incredible results and technique- focused classes for serious swimmers, plus how to schedule a free W.A.T.E.R. Safety Presentation for your group or learn more about the free Water Guardian program, at goldfishswimschool.com . Get tips for helping your child acclimate to the water — from a small child who doesn’t like getting his head or face wet to a child who needs a quick swim skill refresher before a vacation or visit to a pool — at metrofamilymagazine.com/water-safety. Check out Goldfish At Home’s FREE swim- inspired exercise videos families can do from their living room at youtube.com/user/ swimgoldfish/playlists .

Your Water Guardian program is really innovative — how is it helping parents keep kids safe? The Water Guardian program ensures when kids are in the water they have a dedicated adult to monitor their safety without any other distractions, cell phones or talking to others. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a water crisis to occur. The program was launched by a mother whose son tragically drowned while the family was on vacation. She realized if it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. Parents or grandparents can come to our facility, read and take the Water Guardian pledge and receive free Water Guardian lanyards. Whether you are swimming as a family or hosting a party, the adult in charge wears the lanyard and commits to watch children in the water without distractions. Think about it like serving as the lifeguard. You should switch grownups on duty every 30 minutes, with each staying on guard until their replacement is ready.

What new protocols have you put in place during the pandemic to keep families safe during swim lessons? We err on the side of caution, always. Ev- eryone gets their temperature taken before entering the building. Everyone over age 11 must wear a mask, and our instructors wear masks. In our viewing area, the chairs are socially distanced and we’re cleaning every- thing between lessons. We have closed every other changing room to provide distancing. In our pool, we’ve made our lanes for lessons wider so we can space kids out. In our little kid classes, where they are often seated on the side of the pool, we space the children out and have clear dividers between them. We sanitize the pool deck between each lesson block, our air filtration system provides fresh air exchange every 10 to 12 minutes and the com- bination of chlorine and 90 degree, 50 percent humidity environment enhances safety. Find out more about swim lessons for children of all abilities, from baby and parent classes and introductory lessons to one-week Jump Start Clinics to brush up on swim basics

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Centering the Indigenous Experience BY APRIL DEOCARIZA . PHOTOS BY OKCPS NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT SERVICES & METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM. OKCPS STUDENTS Teaching Beyond the Land Run

for Sovereign Community School, an Oklahoma City charter school with a focus on teaching Native culture and identity. “However, the narrative has often overlooked that many Native people lost their land and were essentially pushed to the outskirts of Oklahoma.” The first of five land runs in Oklahoma took place on April 22, 1889, and allowed settlers to claim a quarter section of land, 160 acres, within a total of almost 2 million acres being opened in central Oklahoma. Before the land runs even began, Indigenous tribes had already endured a long, painful history of removal from their lands, losing countless lives along the journey. Dating back to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the president was given power to remove Indigenous people east of the Mississippi River. This removal led to the deaths of roughly 13,000 people from five tribes alone, Cherokee, Muskogee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole, many of whom were elders and children. Indigenous territory once covered the majority of modern day Oklahoma but quickly downsized to the eastern half of the state in large part due to the land runs, lotteries and auctions. In 1887, the Dawes Act divided Indigenous land settlements and more than 90 million acres of tribal land were stripped from Native people to be sold to non-natives. After the Civil War, the tribes were forced to sell their land to the federal government.

In elementary schools across Oklahoma, learning about the Land Run of 1889 has often included a reenactment of the event for students. While some students dress up as settlers and pretend to stake their claim to land, others stay home due to the triggering effect this day has for their family. Such was the experience of Rochell “Ro” Werito as a child, now the Native American Student Services cultural programs coordinator for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS NASS). “My mom kept me home on that day,” recalled Werito, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, as well as the Navajo and Yuchi tribes. “As a little kid, you don’t really understand why you are stuck at home or are sitting at the library. My mom talked to me in a way that I could understand and explained how the Land Run wasn’t a fun day for our Native people.” The Land Run has long been a defining moment in Oklahoma’s history and statehood, but Native families are often disheartened at best, traumatized at worst when the Indigenous experience throughout the land runs and Oklahoma’s history is not taught. “We are not saying to not teach about the Land Run at all,” explained Kyla Molina, a child therapist and interim board chair

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An Alternative Approach to Land Run Reenactments

A 2014 listening tour sponsored by the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education brought up concerns about Land Run reenactments from Native families and prompted OKCPS to revisit how teachers should educate students about Oklahoma history in a more intentional, inclusive manner. Thanks to departments like OKCPS NASS, there are now resources teachers and families can utilize to teach about events like the Land Run that center the Indigenous experience. “We recognized that our schools still have to teach about the Land Run from all perspectives, so we asked ourselves, ‘What can we do to support our teachers?’” said Dr. Star Yellowfish, director of OKCPS NASS. OKCPS NASS developed the downloadable booklet “From Trails to Truths: A Resource Booklet for Teachers,” available on the OKCPS website. The booklet includes recommended books, tips, lesson plans and activities and can be used in classrooms, as a homeschool resource or by families seeking an inclusive history of Indigenous people in Oklahoma. Dr. Yellowfish and Werito have also developed a week-long educational program they offer to schools throughout the district. The program teaches Native American history to third graders and covers topics such as pre-European contact, Native

removal, the land runs and Oklahoma statehood. Students also participate in hands-on activities and can watch the OKCPS Resonative Youth Dance Troupe perform Native cultural dances, showcasing the modern day beauty and immeasurable value of Native culture in our world today. Dr. Yellowfish, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma, acknowledges that some teachers may have intentions of teaching more about Native American culture but may not know where to begin or fear being offensive. “We suggest teachers call us at OKCPS,” advised Dr. Yellowfish. “Have courage and use the lesson plans we have developed in our booklet. I understand where teachers are coming from. Even I get concerned sometimes about giving the wrong information and I am Native myself.” OKCPS has also developed a summer teacher training, taking place over two- and-a-half days where roughly 40 teachers can receive Oklahoma/Native American History 101 training. The first half of the day is dedicated to a lecture and the afternoon is devoted to projects. Native food and customs are also integrated into the course. While Native history is a crucial part of Oklahoma’s past, it’s also important for teachers and families to underscore that Indigenous people, culture and traditions are present and flourishing throughout schools and communities today.

LEARN ABOUT METRO LIBRARY’S INDIGENOUS STORYTIME ON PAGE 27.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 17

“It is a great way for teachers to gain confidence in teaching about our culture and bring something back to their students,” said Werito. Teachers can visit the OKCPS website or follow their public Facebook page “OKCPS Native American Student Services” to get the latest event information. Developing Advocates Beyond how to teach about historical events like the Land Run, there are ways both educators and families can foster cultural awareness and inclusion among young people to carry throughout the rest of their lives. Molina, a former sixth grade teacher of Chickasaw descent, urges educators to listen to their students and invite the sharing of their cultures and heritage. “Listen to the voices of your students if they say they don’t feel heard or seen,” advised Molina. “Teach them to speak what’s on their heart and try to incorporate multiple stories within your classrooms.” For families, Molina’s advice is simple but is an important reminder: teach kindness. “Teach your kids to stand up for their community instead of being silent,” said Molina. “If we want to teach our kids to be an advocate for others, it has to start at home.”

OKCPS STUDENTS ENJOY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES WHILE LEARNING ABOUT INDIGENOUS HISTORY IN OKLAHOMA.

For free resources for teachers or families created and compiled by OKCPS NASS, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/native-education.

ENTER TO WIN BIG!

Three popular local magazines are joining forces to bring their readers an ongoing series of high-impact stories. We’re starting with a fabulous contest.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Premier Sponsor: Supporting Sponsor: And stay tuned for our first editorial series on green living and sustainability in our May issues. Enter at bit.ly/Win_OKC by March 31! Thank you to our prize sponsors: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, Patrono Italian Restaurant, Ludivine, Prelude Coee, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Science Museum Oklahoma,

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MOM TALK

Tips to be a supportive sports parent

Getting started As a parent with a child beginning youth sports, it can be an exciting and anxious time in your and your child’s lives when they first join a team. You’re anxious for your child to learn, grow and be an impactful part of a team. Your child is excited to play, make friends and have fun. Finding your role in your child’s sports path can be both enjoyable and challenging. Perhaps like me, your parenting path may lead you to coaching. If coaching youth sports interests you, I encourage planning and patience. Spend time researching practice and game ideas, get to know the kids on your team and their parents and have fun! If your role is one of supporting from the sideline, you are still an important part of the team and your child’s growth in the sport. There are many roles a parent can perform to assist a youth sports team from managing the team to sideline cheerleader. Whether your child plays competitively or recreationally, your child and their coach will appreciate any effort you are willing to put in. Lifetime Lessons Life is all about teamwork whether in a professional setting or a personal relationship, and as parents we want our kids to learn how to work together to achieve a common goal. Youth sports are more than win or lose. Youth sports are about empowering our children to grow and become individuals who are capable of being happy, healthy and hardworking. And as a parent of a child in youth sports, we are fortunate to take that journey with them.

As a parent of four children with my own past full of a passion for sports, my journey has taken me to coaching my kids in many sports. I also hold the titles of chauffeur, laundry maid and queen of the snacks! I get to witness firsthand that sports provide our children ways to build endurance and strength for a healthy body. Sports provide our children the ability to gain confidence, learn strategy and build the mental capacity to overcome defeat. Sports allow our children to learn how to work with others, build relationships and become leaders. As parents, our role in the lives of our young athletes is both important and impactful.

BY REBEKAH MACK . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

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7 Tips to Support Your Youth Athlete 1. Whatever role you decide is best, whether coaching or cheering, remember the human aspect of the sport : the player and the coach are human, therefore imperfect.

4. Encourage and support your child with words of wisdom, backyard practices and a smile from the sideline. 5. Learn when your child needs nudging to improve versus understanding when they have met their limit. 6. During a game, let the sideline instruction come from the coach . As a parent, encourage your athlete from the sideline with encouraging language that will incite hard work and focus. Come up with short, specific words or phrases to use during a game that will encourage and support your child to remember to work hard and try their best. Words like “hustle,” “move your feet,” “keep working” or any phrase specific to their sport will remind them of their job on the team. Do not use discouraging words or new phrases during a game that your player will not understand as this can cause frustration. 7. Remember if your child is playing a team sport, the team is made of individual players who work together to win. Encourage your child to play the sport in a way that benefits the team , not their individual statistics.

2. If you aren’t coaching yourself, seek a coach who has similar values as your family , who will encourage your child to grow and work with others and who prioritizes collaboration and team success over individual accolades. Unfortunately, this might not happen on your first attempt as good coaches can be hard to find. Don’t get discouraged if you have to switch teams several times before finding the right fit for your athlete. Once you get on a supportive team, hold on to that support group for as long as you can. Your child will form lasting relationships that will endure for years. 3. Support the coach with encouraging words, kind advice and helpful actions. Your child’s coach may be a seasoned professional or new to the position and he or she will see the team, including your child’s progress, differently than you. Be willing and available to discuss your child’s position on the team or any concerns you may have with the coach during the appropriate time, which is typically before or after a practice or via a phone call, text or email.

MV_PrintAds_MFM_BleedMarks.pdf 6 1/19/21 2:08 PM Rebekah Mack is the mother of four children, a registered nurse, co-owner with her husband of Anytime Fitness in Edmond and lover of all sports. She has volunteered for many years as coach of her children’s basketball and soccer teams.

Moving Vision Op and Kinetic Art from the 1960s and 1970s

Open Wednesday-Sunday

Kids 17 and under see it FREE!

CMY

Tadasky (Tadasuke Kuwayama) (American, born Japan 1935 ) C- 1 8 2 (detail), 19 6 5 , Acrylic on canvas, 5 6 x 5 6 in. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Museum purchase with funds from the Beaux Arts Society Fund for Acquisitions and the Pauline Morrison Ledbetter Collections Endowment, 201 6. 0 6 4 © Tadasuke Kuwayama

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 21

Patterns All Around Us A pattern is a design or idea in which elements repeat. There can be patterns on the clothes you wear and you can also find patterns in nature. Greek philosophers like Plato and artists like Leonardo da Vinci looked for naturally-occurring patterns to help them understand and explain the order in nature. Tessellations are patterns formed by repeating “tiles” or shapes. Think of a honeycomb or a snake’s scales: they are made up of shapes that repeat again and again. You can see patterns everywhere once you know what to look for! Pattern Scavenger Hunt Hunt for patterns around your home or while out on a nature walk. Use the patterns you find to create a Zentangle abstract, which is black-and-white art made up of different patterns. 1. Gather your materials: • A pencil • Two pieces of paper • Something round to trace, like a bowl • A ruler or straight edge • A paperclip • A pen 2. Look for patterns. Hunt around your home or go outside to find eight different patterns. Take a picture of each pattern you find. 3. Make a circle spinner. Take one piece of paper and place your bowl or other round item on top. Trace it with your pencil. Use your ruler to draw a line across the middle of the circle in both directions so you have four equal sections. Divide each of those sections in half so you have a total of eight sections. 4. Fill each section of your circle with a pattern. Look at your pattern photos. Draw one of the patterns you found in each section of the spinner. 5. Now make your Zentangle abstract. On your second piece of paper, draw several wavy lines that go from edge to edge and cross each other to form a doodle that creates several sections on your page. Make sure it crosses itself in multiple places so you have individual sections. 6. Grab your circle spinner on your first piece of paper. Place the paperclip in the center of your spinner, holding it in place with a pencil. Flick the paperclip so it spins around, landing on a pattern. 7. Fill in your abstract piece. Using a pen, draw the pattern your paperclip landed on in one of the sections created by your wavy lines. Use your spinner to select a pattern for each section, filling each one with a pattern from your spinner. Integrated arts activities are created by certified teachers and provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools to meet the Oklahoma Academic Standards across multiple content areas. Find more activities at metrofamilymagazine.com/integrated-arts. Thanks to our friends at Oklahoma A+ Schools, we’re continuing a 6-month series of easy, fun and engaging arts integration activities that kids and families can enjoy together. For this third installment, we’re exploring patterns . Bonus: integrating the arts with students’ everyday academics is proven to increase comprehension and retention! Integrated Arts

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CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

March 13 FREE Shamrock Search at Edmond Parks (various locations). Search for shamrocks in designated Edmond parks, take photos of what you find and post on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtags #shamrocksearch21 and #edmondparks for a chance to win prizes. The first 100 complete entries will receive an Edmond Parks & Recreation gift pack. edmondparks.com FREE Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features artist demos, collaborative activities and printmaking projects including an art project inspired by artist Ed Ruscha’s Chocolate Room . Admission is free but tickets are required. Noon- 3pm. oklahomacontemporary.org St. Patrick’s Day Garden Walk at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St) features a walk through the gardens to see what is blooming, growing or is dormant. Attendees can take home a hardy shamrock plant. All ages welcome. Preregister. $5. 10-11am. okc.gov/parksignup

Top in-person events

young anglers with prizes and other fishing-themed activities including the annual race around the pond. Bring your own fishing poles and lawn chairs. 8-11am. yukonok.gov Kids Take Over the Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a variety of themed, hands-on activities for kids to explore the history of the American West. Using Spiro iconography as inspiration, scratch your own designs into a variety of objects, then enjoy story time at 10:30 & 11:30am. Activities are free with admission for children while supplies last. 10am-noon. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids

March 5 OU Women’s Gymnastics vs BYU at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman) features the defending National Champions as they take on the BYU Cougars. Adults, $10 & up; kids & seniors, $8 & up. 6:45pm. soonersports.com March 5-7 Oklahoma City Auto Show at State Fair Park (333 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features special appearances, a military vehicle exhibit, model debuts, a classic car show, special events, vendor booths, activities for the kids and more. Adults, $10; kids (7-12), $5; kids (6 & under), free. Friday & Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 8am-6pm. okcautoshow.org March 6 FREE Kid’s Trout Fish Out at Dale Robertson Center Pond (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) features a fishing derby for

Editor's note: Due to COVID-19, events are subject to change. Please check with each venue for updates.

24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

SPRING BREAK POP-INS AT MYRIAD GARDENS CHILDREN’S GARDEN PORCH

of the archaeological site to see the mounds created by the Caddoans that line up to equinox sunset. Adults, $12; kids, $7. 11am, 2pm & 7pm. okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds.php April 10 FREE Spring Thing! Outdoor Activity Walk at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features spring activity stations including games, dancing, bubbles and more. All ages welcome. 10am-1pm. oklahomahof.com April 16-18 The Little Mermaid presented by OKC Ballet at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the story of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her identity and life in the sea to gain a human soul. Enjoy choreography by Artistic Director Robert Mills, multimedia projections and spectacular sets and costumes. $38 & up. Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. okcballet.org April 17-18 Family Camping Weekends at Arcadia Lake (7100 E 2nd St, Edmond) features fishing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Set up and borrowed

March 15-19 Spring Break Drop-in Activities at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) feature family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s exhibition Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World . Enjoy a different make-and-take craft each day, while supplies last. 10am-2pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids March 16-20 FREE Spring Break at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features free admission, crafts and games in the courtyard (weather permitting). All ages welcome. Tuesday-Friday, 9am-1pm; Saturday, 10am-2pm. oklahomahof.com March 17-19 Spring Break Pop-Ins in the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden Porch (301 W Reno Ave) feature hands-on activities to welcome the coming of spring. Enjoy activities like clover seed planting, creating bird nesting bundles and making weather sticks. $3 per child. 10am-noon. myriadgardens.org March 19 Vernal Equinox Walks at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center (18154 1st St, Spiro) features guided tours

tents included. $75 per family. 3pm-10am. edmondparks.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 25

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

April 24 FREE Steamroller Print Fest at Artspace at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St) features live printing demonstrations, local art vendors, kids’ activities, live music, food trucks and more. COVID protocols will be observed. 10am-6pm. 1ne3.org May 1 Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features a family- friendly festival with more than 50 areas of fun including kayaking, pony rides, painting, inflatables, crafts and more. Activities are geared for children 12 & under. $5 in advance, $7 day of; adults, free. 10am-4pm. yukonok.gov

PHOTO BY EVAN BEASLEY

Pediatric Occupational Therapy SPECIALIST

HISTORY LIVES at the

“Do not try to do everything. Do one thing well.” Steve Jobs

Bring your eld trip group to see artifacts and events that you will not see anywhere else but the Oklahoma History Center. Check out our virtual resources: okhistory.org/historycenter/home

One stop shopping is great for your groceries

Because of the tremendous demand, please book your trip at least two weeks in advance. (405) 522-0765 education@okhistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

but it’s not the Best for your child’s therapy.

405-285-1828 TOTALPOSSABILITIES.COM 2917 NW 156th St., Edmond, OK

26 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Top virtual events

March 26 MetroFamily Insiders Event: Refuel, Refresh, Renew (online) features a one- hour virtual workshop that moms can watch on-demand with an Enneagram personality pattern review, a goal-setting exercise and a meditation and yoga session. $10 per person; free for Insiders. metrofamilymagazine.com/insider-events April 6 FREE Indigenous Storytime with the Metropolitan Library System (online) features local storytellers as they share books and stories by Indigenous authors and illustrators. Best suited for kids in preK & under but all ages are welcome. 9:30-10am. metrolibrary.org

April 9-11 Medieval Fair of Norman (online) features unique, handmade wares including whimsical and fine art, jewelry, woodworking, leather goods, swords and shields, pottery and more. Buy from artisans and food vendors, enjoy performing groups and play games online. medievalfair.org/vendors April 25 FREE Author & Poet Visit with U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (online) features readings from her internationally renowned work and a Q&A session.

April 29 FREE Living History Performance - York, Explorer with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (online). Hear the story of the enslaved man who traveled West with the Lewis and Clark expedition. He was never permitted to tell his story, but expedition journals, William Clark’s letters and other accounts provide a sketch of the man and his importance to the Corps of Discovery. For kids in 3rd grade & up. Preregister. 10:30- 11:30am. nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids

Event will be held on Facebook Live. 2-3:30pm. metrolibrary.org

For a full, up-to-date list of events in the OKC metro, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 27

Social Emotional Learning

Teaching empathy and relationship building in the classroom

BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY LOUNSBERY AND OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THERAPY DOG HANK RELISHES GIVING AND RECEIVING HUGS FROM ELEMENTARY STUDENTS.

28 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021

Hank visits his mom’s classroom once a week, sparking joyful giggles, inhaling errant crumbs and providing reassurance when a classmate struggles. The 2-year-old English chocolate labrador is a certified therapy dog who’s become a mainstay for a room full of second graders during a tumultuous year. “When Hank is at school, the mood shifts,” said Amy Lounsbery, Hank’s human mom and a second grade teacher at Rose Union Elementary School in the Deer Creek School District. “The kids are calmer and he provides them confidence and connection.” This year marks Lounsbery’s twentieth in the education industry, and she has been incorporating daily social emotional learning in her classroom for years. This is Hank’s first year to help with animal assisted therapy, and Rose Union Elementary has adopted incorporating morning circles in all classrooms this year as well, with team leads piloting social emotional curriculum. “Social emotional learning improves [student] achievement by an average of 11 percent,” said Lounsbery of the research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) that first motivated her to prioritize teaching social and emotional skills in her classroom. “It increases social behaviors like kindness, empathy and sharing, improves students’ attitudes toward school and reduces their stress responses.” Lounsbery adds when students get comfortable, they can take risks, and new skills or concepts aren’t often conquered without first a willingness to try. While the concept of social emotional learning is not new, and having a classroom therapy dog is icing on the proverbial cake, the pandemic has brought to light what many in the mental health and education industries have been shouting from the rooftops for years: children must first feel safe, secure and connected before they can successfully learn academia, and building social emotional skills endures beyond the classroom. “If we can instill lifelong skills that create kinder, more empathetic people, that will take us so much farther than any academic skills,” said Sarah Kirk, school counselor specialist for the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

What is social emotional learning? Social emotional learning (SEL) involves developing healthy identities, learning to manage emotions, goal setting, feeling and demonstrating empathy, developing relationships and responsible decision making, all imperative soft skills needed for human development and eventual success in the workforce. “Empathy should be a subject in school, just like writing, math and science,” said Lounsbery. A 20-year study in the American Journal of Public Health by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that kindergartners who are more inclined to share, cooperate and help are more likely to succeed in higher education and their careers. For every point higher the kindergarteners scored in social competence traits, they were 54 percent more likely to graduate high school, twice as likely to earn a college degree in early adulthood and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job by age 25. When students feel they belong, that quantifiably increases their levels of hope, which has a direct impact on academic achievement, attendance and behavior, according to Beth Whittle, executive director of counseling for OSDE. Just as kids aren’t born knowing how to solve a word problem, they don’t inherently have social emotional skills. When OSDE has received pushback on the value of SEL, with naysayers in favor of a pick-yourself- up-by-your-bootstaps methodology, Whittle is quick to explain it doesn’t work that way: “A kid can’t do that if they haven’t been taught skills to be resilient.” Kirk adds for SEL to be truly effective, the practices must be embraced and employed by an entire school and encompass how all parties in the school talk to and treat one another. “We’re not doing SEL if we’ve checked things off a list or read a story about feelings,” said Kirk. “To be effective, it has to be done with fidelity. Lots of schools say ‘we’ve done SEL’ but then a student gets in trouble and the principal isn’t talking to the child through an SEL trauma-informed lens.”

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