Young Filmmakers Contest submissions, from students in grade 3 up through age 25, are due by 11:59 p.m., June 25, 2023. There are no submission fees. All winning films will premiere on September 17, 2023, and some will be selected for the One Earth Film Festival in March 2024. Questions? Please contact Lisa Files at lisa@oneearthfilmfest.org.

Click here for complete details.

Excerpt from the Acton Children's Business Fair web site: 

The Acton Children's Business Fair of Chicago offers a unique opportunity for children to turn their creativity into reality.  Whether a child wants to monetize a hobby, test a business idea, or a young veteran entrepreneur who already has an existing business, this one-day marketplace is where they showcase their innovative ideas.

We will host up to 25 booths at the 2nd annual event at the Mary Bartelme Park in the West Loop of Chicago on Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 2 PM–5 PM. 

For a child to become a vendor is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Register to reserve a booth. Fee: $20
2. Choose something to make 
3. Sell handmade products at the fair

Free Admission to the general public. Invite family and friends for a fun day, support the child vendors, and get ready to be inspired by our young entrepreneurs who launch their very own startup businesses!

This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, RISE: An Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Next Great Adventure, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers.  We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

Click here for complete details.

From Bright & Quirky: What Truly Works for Challenging Behaviors, with Mona Delahooke

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to look and listen. 

Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook. All ages. Free. No registration. Through June 30, 2022. Click here for complete details.

With the temperature starting to warm up and hopefully the rain starting to taper off a little, it is a great time to get outdoors to the Palos Preserves. In August, 2021, Palos Preserves, which is a part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, was designated as the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world by the International Dark-Sky Association. Click here to read the announcement article. 

From ADDitude: "The Secret to Quality Time with Your Child? Let Them Lead the Way. Genuine and joyful family connections click when children are able to share their interests and 'call the shots.' Here, learn how to make the most of child-led time, and how to gently encourage your child, tween, or teen to want to spend time with you. Leave with ideas for ADHD-friendly things to do with kids of all ages." Read more here.

From ADDitude: "Q: How Can We Teach Accountability to Our Middle School Child? We are trying to teach independence and accountability to our middle school student with ADHD. But he forgets assignments a lot, doesn’t remember lessons, and generally fails more than we’d like. How can we help him take responsibility for his obligations and education without setting him up to fail or accepting his excuses?" Read more here.

Would You Rather Questions for Kids with ADHD: Conversation Starters (additudemag.com)

"How was your day?" Nothing inspires shrugs and grunts better than an uninspired question. To spark a real conversation with your kid, try asking one of these "would you rather" or "if you could" questions — plus find additional talking tips and sample language to foster connection »

Cinema/Chicago announced this year's CineYouth Festival with 71 international short films will be streaming in-person April 22-24 at FACETS Chicago (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.) and streaming globally from April 25-May 1! Tickets are free and open to the public.

This year's selection spans 10 short film programs featuring everything from mind-bending animation to nuanced portraits of home to our Opening Night program of new filmmaking voices from the Chicagoland area.

CineYouth is the Chicago International Film Festival’s annual film festival that showcases short films made by filmmakers 22 years old and younger from around the world. CineYouth encourages the talent of young filmmakers and supports diverse youth voices by providing opportunities to have their work showcased, to learn about filmmaking from industry experts, and to network with their peers.

Live events including panel discussions and livestream Q&As with filmmakers, to be announced soon.

Click here for complete details.