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46 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 30, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com One, two, three, set your froggies free! Anyone with kids can tell you how short their attention spans are. Even in a house filled with toys and games, it isn't uncommon to hear complaints of "we have nothing to do!" Burlington real estate agent Marlyn Katerenchuk, a mother of three kids, aged 3 ­ 17, had seen her share of playgrounds and was inspired to create something different for families. "We found that there was a lack of indoor play areas in Burlington, especially in the North end, where it is `Kid-Central," Marlyn said. So Speckled Frogs was born, an indoor children's play area where you can set your froggies free! Located at Appleby Line and Upper Middle, Speckled Frogs features a state-of-the-art 24'x 13' jungle gym, which Marlyn designed herself with the assistance of Orca Coast in B.C. She had two specific goals in mind for the playland. "Number one was safety, visibility and accessibility for parents to their kids. Number two was parental comfort." Marlyn accomplished all this and more and is thrilled with the results of their play structure which includes an open double-wave slide, moon walk climb, a frog pond, punching bag and plenty more to keep the little ones entertained. There is also a smaller climber for younger kids and a `Quiet Area,' which will include toddler toys, dolls and a wooden train table set-up. It was also important to Marlyn to create a relaxing space for parents to supervise their kids. By including comfy seating, gourmet coffee, magazines and free WiFi, Marlyn envisions a place where parents can chat and take a breather from their busy day, or catch up on their emails while their kids are happy and safe. Speckled Frogs offers Drop-In Play Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to noon. Fees vary depending on age. Speckled Frogs also hopes to be the location of choice for children's birthday parties. A number of packages are offered. The "Tadpole" for example is available for just $150 and includes one hour in the private party room, table accessories, invitations and playtime for up to 10 children. The "Bull Frogs" party is offered for groups of up to 15 children and includes a 2-hour party with pizza, juice, and birthday cake, table accessories and invitations, a party host, a Speckled Frog's T-Shirt for the birthday boy or girl and more. Oh and for everyone who is wondering `Where did that name come from?!' "Speckled Frogs was my kids' favourite nursery song," laughs Marlyn, who has been asked a number of times the origin of the name. Grand Opening celebrations at Speckled Frogs will take place on September 6 with Mayor Cam Jackson and councilor Carol D'Amelio in attendance. Stop by anytime after 12 noon to enjoy the 1/2 price special and everything Speckled Frogs has to offer! Call 289-337-2993 to book your party or visit online at www.speckledfrogs.ca. Get Your Wheels in Motion out Ask AbParties Birthday Join th e Fun Public Skating Bowling Gifts Billiards Video Games Snack Bar THE OXFORD DIFFERENCE Local educator says teaching three-year-olds to read is key to success in school Oakville ­ Local learning expert Nicole Sutton says teaching your three-year-old to read may hold the key to preparing him or her for a successful lifetime of learning at school. Nicole Sutton, education director of Oxford Learning location in Oakville, says, "Children who are introduced to reading at a young age continually show better learning skills when they finally reach first grade." Oxford Learning conducted more than 15 years of education research and studied the learning habits of thousands of students across North America before releasing its findings. Sutton, elaborates, "There's a huge body of research on early childhood education, including our own research, which indicates that the learning process develops early. It suggests that children who learn how to learn before the age of six develop more appropriate learning and thinking processes." Another education study has stated that three years of age is the most appropriate time to begin a child's education. With research pointing the way, Oxford Learning developed their Little Readers AcademyTM. Sutton remarks, "Young children love to learn and our Little Readers AcademyTM half-day program takes advantage of your child's natural curiosity. We can actually teach your child to read using rhymes, songs, games, drills, music, movement and fun. It's amazing how easily children learn the sounds of the English language at three- and four-years-old, how much they love to read and how rewarding it is for them." Sutton concludes, "Learning to read opens the mind of a young child to an incredible world of knowledge and imagination and helps them develop creativity and thinking skills. As a parent, if you want your child to start enjoying the learning process, it's imperative to get your child reading early." In addition to Little Readers AcademyTM, Oxford Learning also offers programs for students up to grade 12 that reinforce academic skills such as math, reading and writing, plus teach each student how to learn more effectively. For more information, or to book a no-obligation visit, please contact your closest Oxford Learning Centre. A better future for your child starts here! Contact us today for more information. www.oxfordlearning.com Ask about our little reader program. Register for fall now! OAKVILLE NORTH EAST 380 Dundas St. E. Oakville (905) 257-1207 alace cooter's Roller P rive S D Windsor 2105 Royal Southdown Road) west of (just ers.on www.scoot .ca Children's Indoor Playground (905) 823-4001 OAKVILLE SPEED SKATING CLUB · Fun and exciting Olympic Sport · Club is in its 14th year of serving the Oakville Community with in excess of 140 skaters, ages 5 and up, from beginner recreational to Nationally ranked skaters · Certified coaches teach beginning to advanced techniques · Information for membership ­ Ontario and Canadian Speed Skating Associations · Entirely optional Local, Regional and Provincial meets BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! www.speckledfrogs.ca 289-337-2993 Come and Party where you can... SET YOUR FROGGIES FREE! GRAND OPENING September 6th @12pm Registration & Orientation Meeting Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. River Oaks Recreation Centre All Sessions at River Oaks Arena ­ Late September, 2008 - early April, 2009. Visit our Club's website or call for details of our several affordable programs. Skaters access to grouping based upon experience, age and upon participation in recreational, competitive, Learn to Speed Skate (5-10 year olds) and Adult based programs. (Southwest corner of Appleby and Upper Middle) 1940 APPLEBY LINE Voted Best Learning Centre Mark O'Donnell ­ Pres. (905) 842-6653 Al Moss ­ Tres. (905) 844-6535 www.oakvillespeedskating.com 289.337.2993 www.speckledfrogs.ca OAKVILLE NORTH 1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville (905) 469-1929 OAKVILLE SOUTH Maple Grove Village 511 Maple Grove Dr. Suite 2, Oakville (905) 849-4027