Best Of The Web: March 28-April 3

Contributors: Meghan
Gearino and Elizabeth Raymond

Here’s a weekly roundup of parenting articles that piqued
our interest. Enjoy! —

At The
New American Academy in Brooklyn, 60 students and four teachers work in
one, big open room, acting as a large ensemble while helping one another and
learning from one another. Will this education model work, or will it crash and
burn? (New York Times)

Chances are you saw “The
Hunger Games” this weekend and contributed to its astonishing success. This
weekend alone, it grossed $155 million and was the third-best movie debut in
American history! (CNN)

Dara-Lynn Weiss’ Vogue
article on her 7-year-old
daughter’s weight issues has tempers flared. Now, she has a book deal to
delve further into her story. Will it explain her awful approach to child
obesity? (The Huffington Post)

With celebrity moms like Mad
Men’s January Jones being increasingly vocal about the benefits of placenta
capsulation, check out this blogger-mommy’s
opinion on this controversial maternal trend. (New York Times)

Love snacking on popcorn? Good news – studies
are now finding that along with being a great source of fiber, popcorn is
chock-full of healthy antioxidants. Pop away! (CBS
News)

While SIDS rates have certainly stabilized in recent years,
there are still 2,500 SIDS-related deaths a year. Here are some great safe-sleeping
guidelines for your infant (WebMD)

How is it possible that Jessica Simpson is STILL pregnant?
Check out the pics
from her celebrity-filled baby shower. (Popsugar)

Will the iPad replace old-fashioned books in your house when
it comes to reading bedtime stories? Read what one dad has to say on the topic. (WIRED)

Check these girls out! After learning that the daughter of
their favorite teacher couldn’t afford a therapy dog, these fourth graders
start their own business to raise
the money themselves. (WQAD.com)

If you’ve ever tried to sit
through a Church mass with your little one, you are bound to relate to this
lovely writer/mom/teacher. (The
Huffington Post)

A 5-minute video chat on unsolicited advice from mothers-in-law.
Anne Lamott and Kelly Corrigan tell it like it is. (YouTube)

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &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.