Kids Corner

“Speak Up,” Susie McNamee's six-week program, is designed to develop and enhance your child's speaking and communication skills so they will be able to talk confidently to anyone, anywhere. This is achieved through exercises including role-playing, reciting and reading out loud, telling stories, receiving awards and running for a school position. Advice is given on how to stand, where to look, how to talk and then practiced at every session. The program is geared for ages 7 to 10.

The fee is $125. Classes meet at Wainwright House Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. beginning April 18 and ending May 30. To sign up, contact Susie McNamee at 967-6676 or susiemack50@aol.com.

Make new friends for you and your children (under age 3). Sign up for a Rye Newcomers and Neighbors' spring playgroup Thursday, March 29, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the library. If you're not a member and want to become one, bring a check for $45. For more information, call Jane Rosenstadt at 921-4323.

Middle school students are invited to a screening of “Step Up” (PG-13) Friday, March 23, 3 to 4:40 p.m. at the library. Starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, the 2006 movie follows the coming together, both on and off stage, of a street dancer in trouble with the law and a talented ballet student looking for a partner for her senior recital. For more information, call 231-3162.

Enjoy a buffet Breakfast with the Bunny at Rye Rec April 7, 9:30 am. The Bunny is available for family photos and each child will receive a gift. The program is geared for ages 2 to 6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $12 for children, $14 adults. Enrollment is limited.

Science projects can be Sciensational. First through fifth graders can find out at the next hands-on Rye Rec workshop, Friday, March 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make ice cream, grow a crystal tree and make silly putty in this all-day program.

Come play the most popular game on XBOX 360 during Rye Rec’s March Madness 2007 Tournament March 24, 3 to 8 p.m. Prizes will be given to the winners of the double elimination tournament. And, don't worry, you won’t miss the real tournament, because the Rec will show the game on the big screen. The cost is $10.

Middle schoolers are invited to travel with the Rec to the Rock Club in New Rochelle for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing March 23, 12 to 3 p.m. This new location is great for all levels of climbers. The cost is $45, which includes transportation. Registration is limited.

Come play the game that was voted #1 multi-player game for 2006, tournament style during Guitar Hero Tournament Friday, March 23, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Damiano Center. Participants will be matched up against each other with a chance to win some great prizes. The Guitar Hero rhythm games have you rocking along with tunes on a guitar-like controller — think of it as Dance Dance Revolution for your fingers. Refreshments will be served. The fee for the program is $10.

Become a junior engineer as you examine the science of physics during Mad Science Mad Machines Tuesday, April 3, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Damiano Center. Experiment with various forces including gravity, inertia, centrifugal force and more. Use these forces to build your own machine. The class is for children in grades K through 3. The fee for this class is $45 for residents, $55 non-residents.

For information on Rye Rec events, call 967-2535 or visit www.recreation@ryeny.gov.

It’s time to register for Session IV classes at the YMCA. Session IV begins April 9 and runs through June 11. Hundreds of classes are offered for all ages, from ballet to youth roller hockey to aqua flex.

Member registration for new classes begins March 28 and non-member registration starts March 30. Online registration is available for many classes at www.ryeymca.org. Members currently enrolled in a class can “roll-over” into Session IV by stopping by the Member Services Desk. Member “switch day” is March 27.