guide 2014 - Toronto4Kids

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Table of Contents LISTINGS 1

The Marketplace

CONTENT 19

The Coolest Supplies

23

What’s for Lunch?

24

A Smooth Transition Back

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The Marketplace 4Cats Arts Studio Avenue Road 1823 Avenue Road North York, ON M5M 3Z4 416-792-2287 www.4cats.com/avenueroad 4Cats Arts Studio is a professional art studio for children ages 2 to 15. We offer classes, seasonal camps, PA Day activities, family and kids workshops, and parties! At 4Cats, kids learn about the weird and wonderful lives of famous artists and use professional quality art materials to create masterpieces inspired by each artist’s work. We also throw in a lot of age-appropriate art history! Highly-trained 4Cats curators share stories and encourage art conversation as children create amazing art projects. We’re now accepting registrations for Fall classes.

Action Potential Lab 451 Christie Street Toronto, ON M6G 3C7 416-538-4100 www.actionpotentiallab.ca Action Potential Lab is Toronto’s first laboratory dedicated to merging science and art. Sign up now for Fall classes! From analyzing the bones of different animal skeletons in forensic science to drawing robots that make pictures like Jackson Pollock, every week learn a new branch of science fused with a new style of art and take home a creative project based on the day's topic. Our Fall classes run September 22 to December 1 (10 weeks).

Art Works Art School 238 Jane Street Toronto, ON M6S 3Z1 416-766-0662 www.artworksartschool.com A community based art school whose mandate is to introduce adults, teens, and children to the enriching world of art in a positive, creative, and healthy environment. Classes for children ages 3-12 take place during the week, after school, and on weekends in art fundamentals, cartooning, drawing, painting, mixed media, new media, learning Mandarin, sculpture arts, stop motion, and traditional studio techniques. We also offer PA Day atelier studio programs, art parties for all ages, drop-in family Sundays, March Break, and Summer camps.

Toronto4Kids 2014 Back to School Guide | 2

The Marketplace Avenue Road Arts School 460 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M4V 2J1 416-961-1502 www.avenueroadartsschool.com Our large roster of visual and performing arts programs for kids and teens are carefully chosen and designed to offer students lots of choice, while incorporating a nice balance between challenging, creative, engaging, skill-based, and fun classes. Programs teach children proper technical skills in both classical and latest studio approaches. Each student is encouraged to trust their own creative choices and develop their own unique, artistic voice. Visit our website to get an overview of Fall classes by day with our Program Calendar.

Beach Blast 15 Leswyn Road Toronto, ON M6A 1J8 416-785-6677 www.beachblast.ca Beach Blast has over 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor sandbox courts, and league. The all-in-one-stop shop for anything beach volleyball or sport on sand related. We offer youth clinics for kids and athletes interested in developing their individual skills to enhance their indoor volleyball game, and to keep fit through quality ball touches in the sand. Clinics are for kids 8-17 years old and classes are split according to age and skill level.

Bravo’s Party Dance & Fitness Studio 2 Locations in Thornhill 1 Location in Toronto 647-893-7891 www.bravosparty.com The ZUMBA® Kids Program is a 45 minutes class specially designed for children 4-11 years old, that incorporates fitness as a natural part of their lives through dance, music, and exercise. Our programs includes rhythm reviews (information on how to do basic steps as well as its background), dance choreography, games, and performance to encourage healthy lifestyle habits as well as developing leadership, respect, team work, pride, confidence, and responsibility. We also offer classes for adults. Visit our website for our Fall schedule.


The Marketplace Camp Tournesol - French for Preschoolers 488 South Service Road, Mississauga, ON L5G 2S5 905-891-1889 www.camptournesol.ca Located in Mississauga, we offer a 10 week program for kids, ages 2 1/2 to 5, introducing French in a fun environment. The programs are led by a university student specializing in education, with a maximum class size of 8. Vocabulary is reinforced through exciting activities: welcome and greeting vocabulary; language circle: 4 themes/session; arts and crafts; worksheets; songs; and rhymes. Limited sessions offered beginning end of Sept. Register online early to secure your spot.

Ceramics Canada 385 Bloor Street West, Unit #4B Oshawa, ON L1J 5Y5 905-728-6939 www.ceramicscanada.com Be creative this Fall and join Ceramics Canada for some walk-in creative fun after school or sign up for one of our fired arts classes. Our classes are designed to be non-competitive with loads of room to grow creatively while building self-esteem. Our offering is widespread and includes pottery wheel, clay hand building, stoneware, terrific techniques, and sm’Art - our mixed fired arts media class. Each class runs for four weeks consecutively beginning the first week of each calendar month. Visit our website for details!

The Chess Institute of Canada 41 Nina Street Toronto, ON M5R 1Z5 647-852-2428 www.chessinstitute.ca The Chess Institute of Canada (CIC) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn and play chess. We offer one-on-one and small group instruction to beginner to advanced chess players, ages 4-14. Our trained instructors will visit your child in the comfort of your home for a series of customized chess lessons. We also provide private sessions for larger groups. Don’t live in our area? We can also provide remote one-on-one chess lessons anywhere in the world using Skype Video Chat.


The Marketplace Chocolate Tales Chocolate Making Workshops Various Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 800-905-2858 www.chocolatetales.ca Chocolate Tales’ classic chocolate making workshops are ideal for excited chocolate crafting beginners and any chocolate lover wanting a hands-on lesson into the world of chocolate making! We share with you the unique history of chocolate and chocolate making and pass the tradition onto you by teaching you how to make your own gourmet chocolate treats... Roll up your sleeves, it’s time to get crafty! Workshops are 90 minutes; we offer 5 different types of class including a seasonal twist throughout the year. Discover the wonderful world of chocolate! Call or email us to begin your chocolate making adventure.

Classical Martial Arts Centre 3 Locations across the Greater Toronto Area 416-923-1501 www.martialartstoronto.ca We offer martial arts programs for children (ages 4+), teens, and adults, including Karate Do and Jiu Jitsu. We help youth develop confidence, self-discipline, and the ability to focus and concentrate, needed to succeed academically and in life. We teach the values of respect, compassion, and gratitude and expect our students to practice these martial values inside the dojo and in everyday life. Children and teens can protect themselves from bullying and improve their fitness. Sign up for a free trial class!

Colour With Me Art Studio 113 Main Street Markham N., Suite 203 Markham, ON L3P 1X9 647-588-8480 www.colourwithme.com Colour With Me Art Studio presents: Back to School Special. Finish off the Summer by capturing your favourite Summertime memories through a series of projects. Explore and experiment with different mediums such as collage, painting, watercolour, sculpture, mix media, and more! Starting at $154 for 10 sessions. Register now till September 11! Visit our website to contact us and find out more!


The Marketplace Dance Kids Canada 1 Location in North York (Thornhill) 1 Location in East York (Toronto) 416-422-5920 www.dancekidscanada.com Dance Kids Canada offers weekly dance classes for children 18 months to 15 years of age. With 2 locations, East York and North York/Thornhill, we have been serving our communities for more than a decade. A quality syllabus taught by our experienced dance teachers culminates at the seasons end (June) on the stage of the prestigious Markham Theatre. We offer daytime dance and weekly after school and weekend classes in all popular children's dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and broadway. At Dance Kids Canada, it's about more than just dance, it's about building character, and enhancing lives!

Designher Co. 1380 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5R 3J1 416-889-4437 www.designherco.com With a stylish studio in midtown Toronto, Designher Co. offers an antidote to macaroni necklaces with exciting workshops in which designer DIY projects include handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and much more; each one high-quality and gift-worthy. Designher Co. will inspire kids to design, build, and create beautiful, functional goods to enliven home, school, and wardrobe spaces. In addition to specialty craft workshops, Designher Co. provides stylish solutions for birthday celebrations, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet 16s, and school break and Summer camps.

Diva Girlz 80 Bass Pro Mills, Suite 18 Vaughan, ON L4K 0A7 905-660-3482 www.divagirlz.ca Back by popular demand! Our Tween Fall Club will be starting Wednesdays September 24th, 2014 and will run for 8 weeks. We are so excited to be bringing this back for our Divas! Our empowering Tween Clubs inspire Girlz to create new friendships. Visit our website to get a list of our unique and creative programs that enrich our Tweens so they become leaders and positive role models. Cost: $100.00 for 8 weeks. Receive 10% off siblings.


The Marketplace Diverse Dancers Inc. 777 Warden Avenue, Suite 201 Toronto, ON M1L 4C3 416-477-8083 www.diversedancersinc.com Diverse Dancers Inc. is the best non-for profit dance company in North America. Our services include mobile dance workshops, in studio dance classes, dance camps, and dance parties with characters and mascots of your choice! Our mobile dance workshops run in community centres, day care facilities, school boards, and more. We provide a wide range of dance styles that kids can learn and focus on the technique and culture of each dance style while introducing fun and educational dance games. Sign up for Fall programs now!

Dragonfly Bellydance 559 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6 416-534-0330 www.dragonflydance.ca Dragonfly Dance is a unique school, forming students from beginner to professionals in traditional Egyptian Dance, but also well rounded artists skilled in different international bellydance styles, fusion, and bellydance props. We offer specialized pre and post natal classes as well as a fantastic children's program that develops creativity, musicality, coordination, and social skills. Take advantage of our Early Bird pricing until September 12. Try a free class! Visit our website for a complete list of Fall classes.

Dune Kids 1 Promenade Circle Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8 289-597-4602 www.dunekids.ca Dune Kids is creative play centre with a world theme. Integrating art, play, learning, and culture in a unique space designed to serve young families and bring the community together. Each month features a new theme to explore. Children can enjoy being active, creative, and learn about the world, while parents can enjoy a class with their young ones, shop at the mall, or have coffee with a friend. We provide art workshops as well as structured and enriched activities for children on a flexible basis. Visit our website for a schedule.


The Marketplace Fenigo Online Shopping Shipping within Canada 519-954-7877 www.fenigo.com Comments from our Customers: “A candy store for lunchboxes!” “Love this store!” “There is nothing like it out there!” Visit FENIGO.com for our authentic customer service and the latest and greatest in the litter-less lunch world! Be inspired to go litter-less!

Fun With Music Together Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 416-283-0589 www.funwithmusictogether.ca Music and movement for infants, kids, and the adults who love them! A research-based early childhood music program which recognizes that all children are musical. Children and caregivers share songs, chants, movement, and instrument play in a relaxed, fun environment! Classes are mixed-age, from birth to 5 years. 9 different song collections, new CD and songbook each semester. Celebrated internationally! Locations include Bloor West Village, Roncesvalles, Trinity Bellwoods, Riverdale, Leslieville, and the Beach. New families receive a $10.00 discount when using the coupon code NEWFAM when registering.

Glama Gal Tween Spa Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area www.glamagalparty.com

Award winning Glama Gal Tween Spa is a spa just for girls of all ages. Register for our Fall programs with our Tuesday Tween Club. We offer an engaging program where creativity is ignited and leaders are born. Ages 7+. Glama Gal Tween Spa provides the best spa birthday parties, spa services for girls, Be YOU workshop sessions, PA Day camps, and much more. Our PINK Motto: Be Confident! Be Positive! BE YOU! We have locations in Vaughan, Ajax, Oakville, Newmarket, Toronto, and Markham.


The Marketplace Gymalaya 2 Locations in the Greater Toronto Area Vaughan Location: 905-760-5655 Newmarket Location: 905-868-8200 www.gymalaya.com Gymalaya, with locations in Vaughan and Newmarket, offers recreational gymnastics classes for children 9 months-12 years. Gymalaya's state-of-the-art clean and bright facility is designed specifically for young children. The kid size proportions of the equipment help motivate, enhance performance, and increase safety. Gymalaya's professionally developed, non-competitive curriculum is designed to build physical, mental, and social skills while having fun! Our Fall session runs from September 3 to December 21 for a total of 14-16 weeks.

Gymboree Play & Music 1213 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4G 2Z8 416-410-6386 www.gymboreeclasses.com Gymboree Play & Music offers a progression of play, music and arts classes for children and their parents. Our class curriculum is developed by our experienced child development program directors and incorporate a balanced whole-child approach with activities to support what your child is mastering right now and what he or she will aspire to later. Classes are designed in 6month increments to meet a child’s unique interests and abilities. From birth to age 5, there’s always something special awaiting you and your child at Gymboree Play & Music.

H2T Elite Dryland Training 573 Alness Street Toronto, ON M3J 2T8 416-645-0428 www.H2Tdryland.com H2T is a multi-faceted state of the art dryland facility for kids aged 5-16. Our various forms of training will develop your child/athlete to improve their athletic performance, agility, cardio, and overall health. By offering conditioning, strength training, plyometrics, and yoga we are sure to make a difference to the quality of life for each child. That is why we are a fitness centre geared to kids unlike anything else. Come and explore how we make fitness fun not only kids for today but, for the rest of their life.


The Marketplace Krudar Muay Thai Kids Don Mills Location: 1335 Lawrence Ave. East Kensington Location: 152 Augusta Ave. 416-444-5633 www.krudar.com/kids Bring out your child's true champion! Introducing Krudar's all-new Thai Boxing and Fitness program for kids. Through a fun, engaging, and educational program, kids participate in a series of Muay Thai fitness activities, team work games, and pad work sessions with Toronto's top champions. Classes for children ages 4-11 focus on discipline, confidence, character development, healthy-living, and anti-bullying techniques. In our Champions program, children progress through levels 1-5 as they learn to set personal goals and see them through. Sign up for a free class!

The Little Gym of Mississauga East 2200 Dundas Street East, Unit #6 Mississauga, ON L4X 2V3 289-521-1358 www.tlgmississaugaeaston.com The Little Gym of Mississauga offers a diverse line-up of Core Season (Sept.-June) programs filled with movement, music, learning, and laughter. Our age-appropriate curriculum is designed to facilitate ongoing skill development and maximize fun. Children progress at their own pace, developing confidence while developing skills. Explore our programs for every stage of your child’s development from four months to 12 years! Join us for a serious fun free introductory class. We also offer birthdays, camps, and Parents' Survival Nights.

Little Kickers Multiple Locations across the Greater Toronto Area 905-903-5437 www.littlekickers.ca At Little Kickers the focus is very much on fun – an international network of informal yet professionally run soccer classes where enthusiastic boys and girls (18 months-7 years) are given a head start in sport. Little Kickers learn the basic skills of soccer through creative games while building confidence, coordination, control, and social skills. Locations: Ajax, Beaches, Danforth, Etobicoke, Guelph, Niagara Region, Oakville, Oshawa, Pickering, Port Perry, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Uxbridge, Vaughan, and Whitby.


The Marketplace “Little Voices, Dancing Feet” with Jodie Friesen 472 Milverton Blvd. Toronto, ON M4C 1X3 416-461-9989 www.littlevoices.ca Interactive, age specific, educational, and FUN! Jodie has been sharing the joy of discovering music with young children (newborn-8 years) in the Beach and Leslieville areas for over 20 years. In these small group classes, she combines Orff, Dalcroze, and Kodaly teaching methods in a way that makes learning a delight. Kids have hands-on experience with a variety of global instruments (including xylophones, drums of all shapes and sizes, and almost anything that can be struck, rubbed, or shaken to make sound), plus puppets, scarves to dance with, and more!

L.M.J. Music Scarborough Southwest 416-419-5332 www.lmjmusic.com

L.M.J. Music is the music school founded by Lisa M. Jones. We offer toddler and Orff music classes for children as well as private piano and guitar lessons. Everyone should have the chance to experience the joy in music-making! We emphasize the fundamentals of music as well as encourage exploration and creativity! Music experiences are vital to the day-to-day development of every child. L.M.J. Music provides a comfortable and natural learning environment. Visit our website for our Fall class schedule.

Lovable Labels Online Shopping Shipping within Canada 866-327-5683 www.lovablelabels.ca Lovable Labels provides parents with personalized labels, tags, safety products, and more. Our durable labels withstand the dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, and, the greatest test, your child! Our line of labels include regular and slimline stickers, clothing labels, shoe labels, iron-ons, bag tags, household labels, and more. They are not only bright, fun and colourful but also meet the high standards that parents have come to expect. Check our website seasonally for Back to School packs!


The Marketplace Luncharoo.ca Online Shopping Shipping within Canada 855-319-4999 www.luncharoo.ca Luncharoo.ca is a boutique style online store featuring environment friendly lunch boxes, water bottles, lunch bags, bento boxes, backpacks, containers, and more, suited for everyone in the family from baby to school aged kid to the parent. We carry popular brand names such Lollacup, Lunchbots, Laptop Lunches, and So Young. We offer free shipping within Canada for orders over $49. Our small size makes it easy to find your items quickly. Visit our website now to take advantage of our Back to School Sale.

Lytton Sports Camps Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 416-312-5300 www.lyttonsportscamps.com We offer year round tennis lessons and sports camps. Give your child a fun way to stay healthy with Lytton Sports Camps. Certified sports instructors with years of teaching experience. Kids can enjoy our multi-sport camps including tennis, soccer, Frisbee, basketball, and more! Small instructor to student ratio. Beginner to advanced for ages 4-16 as well as adult tennis lessons. Locations: Avenue & Lawrence, Bloor West Village (Etobicoke), Pape & Carlaw, Bayview & Lawrence, and Leslie & Sheppard.

Mad Science of Toronto Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 416-630-5282 www.toronto.madscience.org Mad Science of Toronto provides fun and hands-on lunchtime and after-school programs to spark imaginative learning. Topics include Rocketry, Dry Ice, Slime Making, and much more! Children engage in exciting and interactive activities, observe spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions, and take home cool items that they have made themselves such as: model rockets, periscopes, Mad Science putty, and more. Appropriate for children ages 4-12.


The Marketplace Mess For Fun Indoor Play & Ceramic Studio 73 Alness Street, Unit #3 Toronto, ON M3J 2H2 416-736-7101 www.messforfun.com Mess For Fun is a unique indoor playground and ceramic and art studio that offers fun art programs for kids along with physical activity. If your child loves to run around and play and as well enjoy some quiet time creating, then this is the place to go. Sign up for after-school/evening or weekend art sessions for $145 for 8 classes. Kids will learn ceramic painting, clay modeling, mosaic, canvas painting, t-shirt painting, and shoe designing while having fun at a bouncy castle. All materials, paints, and ceramic pieces included. Registrations open: call to book.

Nitwits Lice Removal 2 Locations in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto and Etobicoke) 416-546-4455 www.nitwits.ca Trust Nitwits for an effective, safe, and private lice treatment solution when your child brings home head lice so you can get back to doing all the things life has to offer you and your family – 100% guaranteed! Nitwits has 2 state-of-the-art lice clinics offering professional head lice removal to services. Appointments are available same day, 7 days a week. We also offer in-home treatment. We are so confident that we can help you become licefree that we guarantee our lice removal services.

Parent Education Network 10 Pittsboro Drive Toronto, ON M9V 3R4 416-255-6989 www.parenteducationnetwork.ca Parent Education Network is a not for profit, charitable organization that offers parent education classes in the GTA with topics such as toilet training, temper tantrums, homework strategies, and more! As a parent, you face one of the most challenging, and rewarding roles of your life. No matter how much you love your child, there will still be moments filled with anger, frustration, and at times, desperation. Since 1974, parents in Toronto just like you have joined the Parent Education Network to learn a consistent and common-sense approach to parenting.


The Marketplace Pawsitively Pets 202 Parkhurst Blvd. Toronto, ON M4G 2G3 416-901-4776 www.pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com Pawsitively Pets encourages all children to explore their love of pets and animals. Our one-of-a-kind programs will give your child the rare opportunity to spend time with live animals and to develop the important skills of observation, classification, and communication. Using a hands-on approach to learning, your child will participate in age appropriate science-based, educational, hands-on learning experiences that are all about animals. Programs are available for children 2 to 12 years old in a variety of different formats with many types of animals.

Petits Chefs Academy 9661 Jane Street, Unit #1 Maple, ON L6A 3X5 289-553-4445 www.petitschefsacademy.com This Fall, Petits Chefs Academy offers a 9 week Cooking Program with age appropriate programming for children and youth ages 3+ up. Classes start the week of Monday September 15, 2014. Cooking sessions at Petits Chefs Academy are a great opportunity to sharpen life-skills and stir-up creativity! Join us each session as we explore a veritable smorgasbord of dishes. These courses are designed to help petits, moyen, and grande chefs explore cuisines while building upon life skills.

Propel Dance Centre Manor Road United Church 240 Manor Road East Toronto, ON M4S 1R8 647-827-9362 www.propeldancecentre.com Propel Dance Centre is a dance school for children ages 18 months to 8 years in the Davisville village area of Toronto. We offer ballet, creative movement, early dance programs, jazz, tap, and adult classes that are structured with a focus on developmental learning and creativity. We create a safe, nurturing environment in which young movers can freely explore the many aspects of dance. It is Propel Dance Centre’s goal to foster creativity and imagination in every child, while instilling the basic principles of ballet and contemporary dance.


The Marketplace Rebellion Gallery & Art Academy 914 Eastern Avenue Toronto, ON M4L 1A4 416-469-1777 www.rebelliongallery.com Rebellion Gallery and Art Academy is an accessible gallery, educational, and recreational space that encourages community engagement and celebrates and nurtures creativity. Located in East End Toronto, we offer art education and recreational programming for kids, and formal art instruction for kids, teens, and adults in an inspiring, creative, and supportive environment. In a series of exhibition spaces that feature 18-ft. high ceilings and an authentic gallery setting, we have designed thoughtful children’s programming. Visit our website for Fall programming.

Singer’s Edge 5 Clarence Square, 1st Floor Toronto, ON M5V 1H1 647-871-7464 www.singersedge.com Toronto's leader in singing lessons for kids and youth. We develop skill, creativity, and confidence with our industry-leading contemporary vocal development program for all levels. Our singing studio and vocal coaches bring the world’s best singing lessons, techniques, and vocal training together with vocalistcentred members-only classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. Used by Disney and many international music schools! Voted Toronto’s best music school by top choice!

Spirt of Math Schools Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 1-866-SMS-MATH (767-6284) www.spiritofmath.com Spirit of Math is an after-school program for motivated, highperforming math students. It is not a tutoring program. Under the instruction of highly trained teachers, students learn as a class and progress together to complete the course. Classes are 1.5 hours on Tuesday evenings from September through June. The Spirit of Math curriculum was designed in the classroom over 25 years, and it both reinforces and goes far beyond the skills students learn in their day school. Students with a minimum B+ average are considered for acceptance.


The Marketplace Sportplay Multiple Locations in the Greater Toronto Area 416-465-7439 www.sportplay.ca Sportplay offers multi-sport programming for kids ages 1-12 years old. Our child-centered, play-based programs are designed to develop gross motor and athletic skills in a positive, supportive, and non-competitive environment. Multi-sport means children learn the skills and concepts of a variety of sports. At Sportplay, kids will learn the skills of 8 different sports: basketball, baseball, football, ball hockey, soccer, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Classes are offered throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Visit our website for schedules.

Steps Dance Studio Inc. 1216 Yonge Street 2nd Floor (in Ultimate Athletics) Toronto, ON M4T 1W1 416-656-STEPS (7837) www.stepsdancestudio.com Kids Latin Dance Class starting Sunday, September 7. Kids Latin Dance, ages 4 to 7 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Kids Latin Dance, ages 8 to 12 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Classes will emphasize movement, musicality, coordination, and fun. Kids will learn the basics of Merengue and Salsa and a short choreographed dance routine they will perform at our annual Winter Ball. Double the fun! Parents can sign up for adult Salsa class in studio 1 as their child takes their class in studio 2.

Talking Together’s Language Learning Series 25 Harshaw Avenue Toronto, ON M6S 1X9 647-352-3922 www.talkingtogether.ca At Talking Together we know parents want to give their children the best start, especially when it comes to developing language. Our unique classes for babies 0-18 months are a fun way for caregivers to become leaders in their child’s language development. Run by a registered speech-language pathologist, caregivers learn about typical language development in babies, tips and tricks to boost communication with their child, and how to use these skills to make enriched communication part of their daily routines.


The Marketplace Thinking Skills Club Online Educational Service www.thinkingskillsclub.com

The Thinking Skills Club is an online club where children 8-12 can play brain-growing games that are fun, being selected from popular game websites based on neuroscience research that shows how they benefit memory, attention, executive functions, and more. When your child beats the criteria for a game, they get a piece of a Brain Puzzle that shows their progress and lets you know which areas of the site they have and haven't visited yet, so you can guide them. Membership is just $1.99 per month, and may be cancelled at any time.

Toronto Athletic Camps (TAC Sports) Fall After-School and Weekend Lessons and Camps 416-627-1092 www.tacsports.ca TAC specializes in recreational and academy soccer, tennis, and basketball for kids ages 4-16. We utilize the latest technology to provide the most personalized and individual feedback to our students. We build life skills, sports skills, and self-confidence to increase our student’s self-image and leadership skills. Our programs maintain a safe and secure environment where kids can learn from the best instructors who serve as their coaches, mentors, and friends. Contact us for more info about junior and adult classes!

VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto 427 Bloor Street West, P.O. Box 5 Toronto, ON M5S 1X7 416-788-8482 www.vivayouthsingers.com VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto is holding auditions for singers for its 2014-15 season on Saturday, September 6. Celebrating its 15th season, VIVA! is a vibrant, innovative choral organization for singers ages 4 to young adults. We offer youth the opportunity to achieve artistic excellence - in a singer-centred, inclusive community. VIVA!’s membership of over 140 choristers is drawn from downtown and across the GTA. Auditions are open to all levels of experience and ability. Tuition fees apply. Rehearsals are Mondays near Spadina and Bloor.


The Marketplace York Academy of Martial Arts 2081 Dufferin Street Toronto, ON M6E 3R3 416-256-7463 www.yorkama.com Our karate classes offer an outstanding mix of traditional principles with practical real world skills, which meet the needs of today’s kids, while at the same time keeping the classes fun and exciting. Students develop their bodies, minds and spirits through training their fundamental blocking, punching, kicking, and grappling techniques as well as traditional karate forms. In addition they learn to use their hearts and minds by cooperating with partners, thinking their way through drills and learning self defense concepts. Visit our website for Fall classes.


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Lovely Animals Sticky Memo Set Each adorable set comes inside a school bus with five unique, colourful animal designs that easily peel and stick to most surfaces. They’re the perfect desk accessory! $3.99 at www.perpetualkid.com

Natural Beeswax Crayons These bright, vivid, and triangular shaped crayons are great for artists of all sizes and the environment. Their unique shape also adds built-in brakes to your crayons... gone are the days of chasing after crayons as they attempt to escape your grasp and roll off your desk! $12.99 at www.perpetualkid.com

Six-Colour Pen You’ll never have to compromise for just one colour when you have six different inks in one pen! Simply click to select your hue. $4.00 at www.chapters.indigo.ca


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What’s for Lunch? Packed lunches can get boring fast... Give one of these fun ideas a try!

Ladybug BLT Sandwich www.meetthedubiens.com

Flower Power Bento www.lisastorms.typepad.com

Open “Face” Egg Salad Sandwich www.delish.com

Rocket Ship Sandwich www.foodchics.com

Panda Yogurt Snack www.canadianfamily.ca

Funny Face Chicken Potato Pies www.annabelkarmel.com

Animal Muffins www.meetthedubiens.com

Two Little Hens Bento Box www.motheringcorner.com

You Are My Sunshine Sandwich www.canadianfamily.ca


A Smooth Transition Back It’s almost back to school. Here’s a list of things to do before heading back to make sure the return is effortless! Don’t wait until the last minute for school supplies shopping. Take advantage of the selection and sales well in advance. Check your school bag from last year in case there are things you can reuse! Make school shopping fun. Allow your child to choose some of his/her own clothing for school by offering choices of clothing that you can afford and live with. Pick up a few special supplies with their favourite characters… this will get them excited about going back to school. Get a proper backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps, and a padded back. Don’t forget the lunchbox. Start going through your kids’ fall clothing now to determine what you will need to purchase (and make a list!). Purge and donate items that no longer fit. Don’t forget to get a comfortable pair of shoes for gym and indoor shoes. Start the transition slowly. Have your child start going to sleep a little earlier each day, a week before school and before you know, they'll be used to getting up early again. Ensure that children are getting their 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. Prepare breakfast the night before. Have them put their "order" in the night before so you can have breakfast ready when they get up. Remind your child of the importance of breakfast – a hungry child is not a child capable of learning! Prepare everything the night before by packing school bags, picking clothes, and setting the table. Keep a central spot in your house, a school “headquarters” if you will so that everything remains in the same area. Sign up your kids early for after-school activities and post a calendar of all activities, so everyone is aware of the family’s schedule. Do not over-book your kids and make sure they have “down” time. Do go to the Open House or Curriculum Night to meet your child's teacher. It's important to have open communication with the teacher and to understand your school/teacher’s expectations for the year. Plan the lunches together. Keep your child's lunch box healthy but “interesting and fun” to encourage them to eat. Check their lunch box regularly to see what gets eaten or left behind. If children are involved in making their lunches, they will likely make more of an effort to eat it. Use our daily lunch planner to help out! Remember that your attitude toward school goes a long way toward influencing your child's attitude. Be involved. Be positive. Be active. Show your child that you are excited about his/ her school year. Chances are your child will get excited, too!
