The Top Kid-Friendly January Events in the Bronx for 2020

Get active in the community and make new friends when you dive into the new year with these fun and exciting events happening in the Bronx! From learning to cook at Wave Hill with a Horticultural Interpreter to seeing the Drummers of Japan at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, there is plenty of fun for everyone. Browse through our round-up of all the ways to enjoy this month with this list of January events in the Bronx!

For other exciting events happening around the city, check out The Top Kid-Friendly January Events in Manhattan for 202 0

Film Screening: The Lion King – West Farms
January 4

Happen to miss The Lion King (2019) in theaters? No worries, because now you can come see the movie at the library with your family. A classic story reimagined using pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the animals to life on the screen, The Lion King was an instant hit for all ages. Kids will love the music, humor, and, of course, the adorable Simba! Free, 1 pm. West Farms Library, 2085 Honeywell Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460, nypl.org

Art Workshop: Snowflakes Suncatchers – West Farms
January 7

Just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean that the snow is! In this workshop, kids will decorate snowflake suncatchers using suncatcher paint. They’ll learn about the artist technique and then dive into the craft. Recommended for ages 5 to 12, creativity is certainly encouraged. Free, 3:30 pm. West Farms Library, 2085 Honeywell Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460, nypl.org

Jasmine’s Song: A Bronx Girl’s Musical Adventure – Soundview
January 7

Written by Mary Ann McSweeney for the Bronx Arts Ensemble, The Children’s Theater Company at Lehman will put on an unforgettable performance for your whole family. Jasmine is getting tired of her violin lessons. Who cares about music anyway? Follow a young girl’s tale of musical discovery as Jasmine uncovers her roots and realizes the power of song. Free, 3-4 pm. Soundview Library, 660 Soundview Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473, nypl.org

Frozen Jr. – North Riverdale
January 11-12, 18-19

The Riverdale Rising Stars presents Frozen Jr., based on the 2018 Broadway musical. Featuring all of the memorable songs from the animated film, Frozen Jr. tells the story of the powerful bond of sisterhood through Princesses Anna and Elsa. With magic, adventure, humor, and the most beloved characters, your family is sure to love the performance. $20, $15 Students and Seniors, 7 pm Jan. 11, 1 pm and 4 pm Jan. 12, 7 pm Jan. 18, 1 pm and 4 pm Jan. 19. Riverdale YM-YWHA Neuwirth Theater, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, riverdaley.org

Arts, Culture & Fun: Make Your Mark – Fabric Collage Workshop – Fordham
January 15

Feeling crafty? Join artist Jon Bunge in a fabric collage workshop, where you’ll make collages form a variety of fabrics. Explore different styles, learn about artists that use fabric as a medium, and leave with your own creation. No experience necessary, but while all supplies are provided, it is recommended that you bring your own fabrics. Free, 12:30-2:30 pm. Poe Park Visitor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458, nycgovparks.org

Bronx Zoo Mornings: Jungle World – Fordham
January 18

In this special before-hours program, little ones get to meet a live rainforest animal up close before getting to watch the zoo animals enjoy their morning enrichment. Bring your family to learn all about the rainforest with one of the Zoo’s expert educators. Discover more about these unique and important ecosystems through hands-on activities! $45, $36 Members, 9-10:30 am. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, bronxzoo.com

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan – Bedford Pk
January 19

Yamato, the Drummers of Japan, is back in 2020 and the group brought their high-energy, ready to entertain an audience. As they interpret a centuries-old Taiko tradition with a new production title, Jhonestu-Passion, your family is sure to love their sense of joy on stage. The performance starts with dozens of players hitting a Japanese drum made from a huge 400 year-old tree, and it only gets more exciting from there! $25-$45 depending on seat, 4 pm. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468, lehmancenter.org

Cooking With Zing: The Ginger Family (Zingiberaceae) – Riverdale
January 25

Get cooking (and tasting!) at Wave Hill with your family. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day will share a sampling of herbs in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, while a chef from Great Performances demonstrates various ways to cook with fresh and dried members of this aromatic plant family. Free with admission to the grounds, 1 pm. Wave Hill House, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org

Family Art Project: Bronx Photo & Poetry Archive Story – Riverdale
January 25

Little ones will join Winter Workspace artist Stephanie Alvarado in archiving Bronx stories through photos. Create “choreo-poems” to help capture the stories of the people of the Bronx. Explore your own identity and background in your biological or chosen family as the workshop looks at who we are in the Family Art Project community and in the Bronx. Free, admission to Wave Hill free until 12 pm, 10 am-1 pm. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org

Keepers: Bee-Eaters -Fordham
January 26

Bring your young zoo-lovers and future zookeepers to this interactive, hands-on program. Focused on bee-eaters, little ones will get up close animal encounters, help with enrichment for the animal collection, and practice the skills it takes to care for wild animals. Open to grades 3 through 5, kids will conclude with a visit to the World of Birds exhibit, where they’ll meet a real zookeeper. $55, $45 Members, 9 am-12 pm. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, bronxzoo.com

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills. </div> </div> </blockquote>

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:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</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;