10 Great Events For January 2014

"Mysteries of the Unseen World" at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013 — “Mysteries of the Unseen World” at AMNH; photo courtesy of National Geographic 2013

A Bear-y Good Time
January 4, 5, 11 & 12
[Ages 3 & Up]
Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Little Wee Bear go out for a morning walk, hoping by the time they get home their porridge will be cool enough to eat. But they don’t realize a mischievous curly-haired girl is on the way. Things are about to get messy before the Bear family has a chance to eat their porridge! Kids and families will enjoy Puppetworks’ hand-puppet adaptation of Robert Southey’s beloved 1837 fairytale, Goldilocks & the Three Bears. Children $8, adults $9; show times 12:30pm & 2:30pm, Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave. at 4th Street, Brooklyn, 718-965-3391, puppetworks.org

Vroom, Vroom
January 8
[Ages 12 & Up]
After selling out shows across the globe, the high-octane Nitro Circus Live is coming to Madison Square Garden on its first North American tour. X Games medalist Travis Pastrana hosts the action sports extravaganza, which features the cast of the namesake MTV series, plus 40 of the world’s zaniest action sports stars in freestyle motocross, BMX, and skating. The fearless antics feature snow skis, kids’ tricycles, boogie boards, and even a Barbie car. From $49; 7:30pm, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 800-745-3000, nitrocircus.com

"Bessie's Big Shot" at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre; photo by Aylin Gucalp — “Bessie’s Big Shot” at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre; photo by Aylin Gucalp

NFL Official In Training
January 8 to February
[All Ages]
With “You Make the Call: Learn to Be An NFL Official,” the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) lets visitors go “under the hood” and make game calls in a stylized rendition of the sideline instant replay systems used by real NFL officials. There’s a video kiosk and obstacle course designed to help inspire kids to get more active and healthy. There might even be surprise visits by NFL reps, officials, coaches, and current and former players for special programs, clinics, and activities. The exhibit hopes to help children and their parents gain an understanding that good decisions make a critical difference in a game and also in their daily lives. Free with admission; Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm (7pm Saturdays), 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org

Up Close And Personal
January 10 to June
[All Ages]
Glimpse up close the thread of a spider’s web and the splatter of a shattering pitcher of milk with the American Museum of Natural History’s new IMAX film, “Mysteries of the Unseen World,” which takes an incredible look at things that are normally too slow, too fast, too small, or too vast to be seen by the human eye. Whether offering magnified views of shark skin and a fruit fly’s eye, or slow-motion footage of popcorn popping and lightning striking, the film uses high-speed and time-lapse photography—inviting you to see the world in a whole new way. Children $16, adults $27 (includes museum admission); various show times between 10:30am and 4:30pm, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

Bobby McFerrin returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center; photo by Petra Hajaka

A Girl-Cow Tale
January 14 to June 29
[Ages 3-9]
Presented at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre with circus-themed puppets, City Parks Foundation’s original production “Bessie’s Big Shot” follows Bessie the cow’s dream of joining the circus. Can she lift more than strong man Ziegfried, fly on a trapeze high above the crowd, or train Munson the monkey? Cheer on Bessie as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents. Children under 12 years $7, adults $10; Tuesday-Friday 10:30am and 12pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm, Central Park (81st Street and Central Park West), 212-988-9093, cityparksfoundation.org

Sweet Lullaby
January 18-20
[Ages 4 & Up]
Getting kids to sleep can be rough, but not for Miss Ivory Tinklefinger, the star of “Still Awake Still!” With nothing but a grand piano and her sweet and soothing singing voice, the “Queen of Sleep” can calm the rowdiest of children…until treble ensues! To her dismay but the audience’s delight, the piano plays more than just musical notes in this amusing show. Commissioned by the Sydney Opera House, it’s a madcap cabaret for kids. From $14; 11am and 3pm, the New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

The Little Prince: A New York Story at the Morgan Library & Museum; photo by Graham S. Haber, 2013; courtesy of the Estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A Wintry Twist
January 18 to February 9
[All Ages]
In a far-away land, a long time ago, shivering townsfolk travel to the Ministry of Winter to lodge a formal complaint to save the world from the coldest season! A children’s musical based on the book of the same title, The Gift of Winter, by John Leach and Jean Rankin, features TADA! favorite tunes “The Answer is Snow” and “Down with Winter.” Children from $8, adults from $20; various show times between 10am and 6pm, TADA! Youth Theater, 15 West 28th Street, 212-252-1619, tadatheater.com

Showing Spirit
January 24
[All Ages]
Returning to Jazz at Lincoln Center for a second season, legendary vocalist and composer Bobby McFerrin re-imagines an American tradition with a performance from his new recording “spirityouall.” With iconic songs like “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” and “Every Time I Feel The Spirit,” along with original tunes, McFerrin explores his roots in rock, folk, funk, and bluegrass. From $30; 8pm, Broadway and 60th, 212-721-6500, jalc.org

The Prince Of NYC
January 24 to April 27
[All Ages]
Readers throughout the world have been charmed by The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tale of a cosmic traveler who comes to Earth in search of friendship and understanding. Did you know that French-born Saint-Exupéry wrote and illustrated the famous story right here in New York City? The 1943 novella was first published in the U.S., before France, both in English and French. In “The Little Prince: A New York Story,” view the original manuscript and watercolor drawings. Explore the American origins of a poignant story that timelessly reminds us: what matters most can only be seen with the heart. Children ages 12 and under free, adults $18; Tuesday-Thursday 10:30am-5pm, Friday 10:30am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm, the Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, 212-685-0008, themorgan.org

Party Time
January 25
[All Ages]
Get ready to celebrate! The second annual DiMenna Children’s History Museum Family Benefit takes place this month. Parents and children are welcome to dress up in historical costumes, make ice cream, meet living history re-enactors, and explore special exhibitions. Children from $75, adults from $150; 11am, DiMenna Children’s History Museum, 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level. As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, &amp; MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!