The Zebra School

Got Blocks and Yarn? Teach the kids the proper way to floss.

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:39:35 -0400

(Photo Credit - Pre-K Collaborative Peeps!!)

The Science Behind Making Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:41:00 -0400

How this …

…became this - in just 15 minutes… without using a machine!

Come out a join us this spring/summer for some great hands-on workshops! Learn how you can make ice cream at home or on the run without a machine.

Also, we are excited about the relaunch of our website and the introduction of some great events we have planned! So, in just a few weeks, our new and improved website (www.thezebraschool.com) will be LIVE! Check back for thoughtful discussions on early-childhood education topics, lesson plan ideas, creative DYI craft projects, workshops and exciting news/event about S.T.E.M!

Here it is as promised. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:09:31 -0400

Here it is as promised. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin talks to TEDMED…a true inspiration for our kids!

Date Night at the Washington Hilton!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:56:00 -0400

DC: It was a very interesting Date Night this Saturday! My hubby and I decided to have dinner at the Washington Hilton (same location of the 99th Annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner) and we captured some great shots of many VIPs before they entered the event ballroom.

First up, Surgeon General of the United States -

Dr. Regina M. Benjamin

“She enrolled in Xavier University in New Orleans where she met an African American physician for the first time. This encounter persuaded her to pursue a career in medicine. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier in 1978, she then attended Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta between 1980 and 1982 but completed her medical degree at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.” (www.blackpast.org)

***Check out her inspiring talk at TEDMED in our next post***

Gayle King, CBS This Morning Co-Anchor

Actor Jeremy Renner

Steve Chase- Chairman and CEO, Revolution

Co-Founder, American Online

What is Your Child's Learning Style?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0400

(Photo Credit: http://prekandksharing.blogspot.com)

In just a few weeks, our new an improved website (www.thezebraschool.com) will be LIVE! Check back for thoughtful discussions on early-childhood education topics, creative DYI crafts projects and exciting news about our spring/summer event series!

(Photo Credit: Jeff Urbanchuk) DC: Earth Day Network and the...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:25:00 -0400

(Photo Credit: Jeff Urbanchuk)

DC: Earth Day Network and the historic Union Station have team up for a month-long education experience in honor of Earth Day! Today’s events included an appearance one of the popular National’s mascot - Abe Lincoln, a fresh fruit/veggie stand and the following speakers and exhibitors:

Speakers from the following organizations will speak in the East Hall:

NASA, Young Voices for the Planet, Solar City, Best Western, Atlas Recycled, UN Foundation, Millennium Challenge, Planet 2025, Tropical Resource Foundation, Copia, Human Rights Campaign, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Eco Boys and Girls, Union Station Redevelopment Corp., and the Northeast Corridor Future

Exhibitors include:

Best Western, Car2Go, Earth Day Network, Green Bee, Human Rights Campaign, NASA, Planet 2025, Real Green Machine, SLAB Watchdog, Sobe Organic Cleaners, Solar City, Southern Utah Wildlife Association, Tropical Dolphin Research Foundation, UN Foundation, Millennium Challenge and The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, Washington Gas & Electric, Wyndham Resorts, Young Voices for the Planet, Copia

The display will be around through the end of the month! Find out more information on the celebration http://www.earthday.org/.

Out of this World Bedding for Your Future Astronaut

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:40:00 -0400

If your little one wants to become an astronaut - The Snurk Astronaut bedding is the perfect way to send them off to bed at night! They can imagine a journey through distant galaxies and explore the mysteries of what exists far beyond the night stars as they drift off to sleep.This realistic looking bedding is a great addition to the room of a future astronaut! Find out more about this bedding at www.snurkbeddengoed.nl/

Science Fun and Style at Tots to Teens on 4/20

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:40:00 -0400

A little visitor and his mom trying out the optical illusion activity - There’s A Hole in My Hand!”

SPOTTED: A little cutie in her blue tutu and zebra print shirt.

SPOTTED: A “Zebra Mom” in her black and white!

Our Earth Science Display DC: Many thanks to everyone who came out to support our appearance at the Tots to Teens Expo yesterday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event was a huge success and featured many wonderful booths and activities. A special “hello” to all the new families we met yesterday and for your interests in our lesson plans, events and products. It was nice meeting all of you…let’s keep in touch over the spring and summer at one or all of our upcoming events. Our main site (www.thezebraschool.com) is currently under construction and will relaunch later this month! Continue to follow us here and on Facebook!

kennedycenter: Just announced! The Kennedy Center will produce...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:11:47 -0400

Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1878-1881, yellow wax, hair, ribbon, linen bodice, satin shoes, muslin tutu, wood base. National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul M

Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1878-1881, yellow wax, hair, ribbon, linen bodice, satin shoes, muslin tutu, wood base. National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul M

kennedycenter:

Just announced! The Kennedy Center will produce the world premiere original musical production of “Little Dancer”featuring book and lyrics by Tony Award® winner Lynn Ahrens, music by Tony Award® winner Stephen Flaherty, and direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award® winner Susan Stroman. Inspired by the Edgar Degas sculpture “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen”(which can be viewed at the National Gallery of Art), the musical will begin performances in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater in October 2014. Casting and additional details will be announced at a later date.

Image: Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1878-1881, yellow wax, hair, ribbon, linen bodice, satin shoes, muslin tutu, wood base.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon.

Art by Fraver

It's Pi Day!

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:51:52 -0400

In celebration of this never-ending number (3.14159…) let your little ones make their own pie and eat it too!

Photo Credit: Montserrat Mc on Pinterest

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:57:57 -0500

Photo Credit: Montserrat Mc on Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/MontserratMc/

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:47:47 -0500

http://pinterest.com/MontserratMc/

Code.org has put together this cool video to encourage kids to...

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:51:00 -0500

Code.org has put together this cool video to encourage kids to learn how to code.

Entertainment Power Player Faith Evans

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:48:00 -0500

Grammy Award winning artists, Author and Producer Faith Evans chats exclusively with The Zebra School about her family, her children’s education and what she is up to these days.

_________________________________________ _______________

1. How do you communicate with your children the importance to succeed in school and life?

I sit and reflect on growing up in Newark, New Jersey. So many of my childhood friends ended up taking the wrongs roads, not knowing the value of an education, or having had the loving, yet sometimes firm hand of a mentor. For this reason, I choose to be active in my kid’s academic careers. Despite that fact that they may find it embarrassing, annoying, or sometimes harsh, is of no concern to me. The best way to communicate to them is through being involved. I show them that their life and future take precedence over anything else in their schedule, as well as mine.

President Obama unveiled a proposal to greatly expand pre-K and other early childhood education during the State of the Union address earlier this month, what do you think about this?

I think that President Obama is definitely an advocate and friend to our children. Providing more government funded and community operated programs to assist in areas that need it most, will help mold the developing minds of our youth - but not at the expense of struggling parents. Our nation is only as strong as its next generation. It is obvious that he understands - as do many parents - that it is during these vital years that young minds are most receptive to the information that will undoubtedly set the pace for their future.

How do you take an active role in your children’s education?

I’m a typical parent of some sorts. I make time to sit and help with homework. I meet with teachers. I ask questions and expect good answers. (laughter) I have become my mom!!!

TV One recently announced that “R&B Divas” will return this spring. How are you enjoying filming this reality show? What do your kids think of the production?

It has been a great experience, both as a cast member, and co-executive producer. I love my girls! And we all love music!! The kids are cool with it. I made it clear to them, when Nicci Gilbert and I conceived the idea, the show would not infringe upon our domestic life.

What’s next for Faith Evans on the music front?

Musically, I have been working on some great things for my fans. A lot of thought went into the “Faith Evans presents: R&B Divas Album” that was recently released on my imprint. Needless to say, not every song made the album. I am excited to release some of those tracks on my FizzyFridays via the web. I’ve been dusting off the pen, collaborating, and enjoying what my camp over at Prolific Music Group and I have come up with.

________________________________________________________

Many thanks to Faith Evans, Cheryl Briggs and the rest of the Prolific Music team for making this interview possible. For our DC Family - Faith Evans will be performing live at the historic Warner Theater on April 18, 2013. Visit http://warnertheatredc.com and http://www.faithevansmusic.com
for event details.

Just wonderful! Visit www.greatartists.com to start a program in...

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:36:27 -0500

Just wonderful! Visit www.greatartists.com to start a program in your local school.

DC,MD&VA: The Zebra School has joined forces with business...

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:09:00 -0500

DC,MD&VA: The Zebra School has joined forces with business e-magazine company, WashingtonExec, to increase parental awareness about all-things-STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering & Math) in their communities. STEM is a popular topic in the media, government space and private sector (President Obama reference STEM related efforts multiple times during this recent inaugural address and State of the Union speech.) The future strength of the American workforce depends heavily on attracting and retaining the next generation of talented science, math and engineering students.

Watch the above video from Golide Blox, a new engineering book/building toy geared toward young girls. The goal of Golide Blox is, “to get little girls to love engineering as much as I (Debbie, Golide Blox CEO) do.”

Visit : http://www.washingtonexec.com/category/science-council/ for more information about this effort.

Smart Food Play

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:07:00 -0500

(Photo Credit: tryangle.com)

Kids love popcorn and they will love this “Make it Pop” app by tryangle.com

“We all love to make things pop! Learn shapes, letters, colors, and numbers while popping bubbles, balloons, fireworks and popcorn! Well suited to young children, each of the four games focuses on one educational concept. Beautiful illustrations and colors are sure to make this an instant hit!” - Tryangle.com

Hittin' the Road this weekend? Take along this clever craft for the kids!

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 02:56:00 -0500

Keep the kids busy on your next road trip with this very clever idea from Ashley Folger - Pintrest - Homeschooling.

kennedycenter: The Olli Hirvonen Quartet jammin’ in the Cool...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:04:20 -0500

kennedycenter:

The Olli Hirvonen Quartet jammin’ in the Cool Club #nordiccool2013

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Center) DC: Are you in need of a new date-night spot? Well, The Zebra...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:54:00 -0500

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Center)

DC: Are you in need of a new date-night spot? Well, The Zebra School can be your new source! Since you already come to us for cool event ideas for the kiddos, now you can plan your evenings out with our help. So, check back each Friday afternoon for our pick of a new hot date-night spot !

This Week’s Pick: Cool Club at The Kennedy Center - featuring Olli Hirvonen Quartet

__________________________________________________________

Lessons for the ‘Center’:

“February 19-March 17, 2013, the Kennedy Center presents Nordic Cool 2013, a month-long international festival of theater, dance, music, visual arts, literature, design, cuisine, and film to highlight the diverse cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden as well as the territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Áland Islands.

Perhaps more so than any other international festival we’ve created, Nordic Cool 2013 manifests the intersection of life and nature, art and culture. Appreciation of and respect for the natural environment are reflected throughout the Nordic countries-and they’re deeply rooted in the arts there, too.

The impact of the region’s long, dark, and cold winters (sometimes brightened by the amazing light of the aurora borealis). The sounds of the surrounding sea. The long horizon. The midnight sun in summer. All of these elements create a unique environment in northern Europe. The purity of the water and air. The lava rocks and evergreens. They all comprise a landscape and natural world that is truly breathtaking.” - Kennedy Center

EXTRAS:

Go to the South Gallery of The Kennedy Center to experience the Nordic 2013 Festival with these kid friendly events:

Lego Exhibit and Play Space (Free Event) Now - March 17

Nordic Mobile Gaming Creations (iPad) Play Space (Free Event) Now - March 17

Teatret Group 38 - The award-winning Danish theater company presents two productions:

Hans Christian, You Must be an Angel ($18) and Denmark: A Sontatina ($18)

Visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/12-13/nordic/events.cfm?genre=FAM for a complete list of show and how to purchase tickets.