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)

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers&rsquo; Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one&rsquo;s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;</p>