✱ THE CASE FOR “UNSCHOOLING”
✱ MAC & CHEESE TO EASE SCHOOL JITTERS
✱ HOW TEACHERS PREP FOR THE FIRST DAY
Six teachers prepare for the big day
In Cabot, one family makes the case for “unschooling”
A Burlington pediatrician fights to end child abuse
inspired her cover comic.
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Use our curriculum independently or enroll in our fullyaccredited distance learning school. We’re here to support you every step of the way as you discover your own inspired path to learning.
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I ALWAYS LOVED SCHOOL. I was the eager pupil who shook with excitement while raising my hand with the answer. I couldn’t wait for summer to end so I could find out who I’d have for a teacher and who’d be in my class.
My most formative educational experience, however, was an untraditional one. In 10th and 11th grades, I enrolled in an alternative, interdisciplinary program called Principio at my New Jersey high school.
Two basement classrooms served as home base for the Principiates — 22 students and five teachers — but we spent many of our days out in the world. We drove up to a largely Hispanic community in Bergen County, N.J., to practice our Spanish, ordering meals in cafés and inquiring at travel agencies about imaginary trips. Science class often took place in the woods where we’d each sit alone for an hour, taking notes about the birdcalls we heard.
Our English teacher, Mr. Clements, led us all on a 10-day bike ride to Washington, D.C. I’ll never forget floating in an inner tube near Harpers Ferry while he stood waist deep in the Potomac River, reading aloud to us from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
I missed much of the conventional stu you’re supposed to learn in high school. I never read Lord of the Flies, nor did I take chemistry or calculus. But I learned to be at home in the world. Or, as we used to say in
Principio, to be an “independent, self-su cient, techno-whizzy, kick-ass woman of the 21st century.”
It’ll be several years before my daughter, Joni, starts school. But as I edited the stories in this month’s back-toschool issue, I started to think about what kind of education I want for her. I decided that I want it all.
I want her to sit on a world-map rug and learn words in other languages, as preschoolers do in Silvia Wakim’s class at the EDGE in Essex. I want the Principio-esque, experiential learning that 2014 Vermont Teacher of the Year Luke Foley is facilitating in Northfield High School’s STAR program [“Class Acts,” p. 18]. And what a thrill it would be to drop her o for a day in the woods — with knives! — at Crow’s Path Field School [“Risking It,” p. 55].
Despite my love of school, I’m also drawn to the free-range, “unschooling” approach Ben Hewitt and his wife have taken with their two sons on their Cabot farm [“Back to School — Or Not,” p. 22] — though I’m not sure how it would work in urban Winooski. We’ve got time to figure it out.
However our plans evolve, I’ll keep in mind the most important thing I learned at Principio: sometimes the best learning happens outside the classroom.
MEGAN JAMES, MANAGING EDITOR
Erinn Simon (“Mealtime”) writes about her adventures as a lunch lady at the Burlington Children’s Space on her blog, bcslunchlady.blogspot.com. An artist, toy maker and amateur ukulele player, she lives in Burlington with her husband, photographer Sam Simon, and their three kids.
Kathryn Flagg (“Back to School — Or Not”) is a Seven Days sta writer. She lives with her husband and 14-month-old son, Asa, in Shoreham.
Vermont Law School professor and legal analyst Cheryl Hanna committed suicide in July — she su ered from severe depression. Back in 2012, Hanna wrote an essay for Kids VT about the challenge of balancing career and family.
[Re: “Par for the Course,” August 2012.] Knowing what we know now, this sounded like a cry for help. As a career woman and mom, I feel her pain so much. We live in very di cult times. We carry too many burdens constantly. I hope something changes for our children.
CHRISTINE DAVIS TAKACS, BRATTLEBORO
It’s wonderful to see literacy and libraries featured prominently in every issue of KidsVT! Thank you for celebrating reading and writing by printing monthly book reviews from Vermont librarians and young readers, highlighting story times around the state in your calendar, and featuring new publications from Vermont authors and illustrators. I was delighted to read this month’s toy hacking article [“The Art of Toy Hacking,” August 2014], which revealed some of the exciting STEAM programming available to students this summer at the library.
TONI JOSEY, COLCHESTER
Josey is president of the Vermont Library Association.
[Re: “Sleep No More,” August 2014.] Sounds like you’re out of the woods — ’til teething starts, anyway. Welcome the break and know that [parenting] is still the best thing you could do in your life. As a grandma, seeing my daughters do their thing as new moms, observing them giving of themselves so much, only reflects the strength and character they’ve been given, and the fullness of their understanding and appreciation of life’s wonders up ahead. Nothing like a sense of humor as an antidote. Don’t give up on that and everything else will fall into place.
RONNIE WIENER, MORICHES, N.Y.
“Silas, 2, loves the chickens and the sheep. He was thrilled to just walk the midway and watch and listen to all the wild rides. He’s always up for a good time, and even though we stayed past his bedtime, he groggily insisted, with his eyes closed, that he wasn’t tired and wanted to play.”
JAMIE SLATER, COLCHESTER
“Sophia, 6, loves the funslide and kiddie motorcycle ride, but her most favorite is the classic carousel!”
MARY JANE CALDERON, ST. ALBANS
When the Champlain Valley Fair rolls into Essex Junction each year, it signals that summer is drawing to a close. We’re sad to see the season go, so we asked readers to submit photos of their kids enjoying the fair in all its deep-fried, sword-swallowing, pig-racing glory.
“Ruby, 2, was pretty stoked about the carousel. Although deep down inside she wanted a chance on the wild mouse ride with her big brother.”
HEATHER POLIFKA-RIVAS, SOUTH BURLINGTON
“Zoey, 2, and her Poppy. She loved all of the animals! She got to ride Romeo the pony (twice) and pet some bunnies.”
ASHLEY CLEARE, MILTON
“Lily, 10, Maggie, 6, and Sunshine, 8. Lily really liked that people of all ages were having a good time, and the Wild Animal Show.”
BECKY CASTLE, SHELBURNE
We asked you to send us your back-to-school photos and, boy, did you deliver! More than 100 Vermont moms and dads posted snapshots of their cute kids in their first-day finery on our Facebook page. We randomly chose Jesse Fowler as the winner. He’ll receive a $50 gift card to Kids City. Thanks for sharing your special moments with us!
Kids VT contributor Jessica Lara
Ticktin was finalizing plans to travel the world with her family — and to homeschool three daughters along the way — when she found out she was pregnant. The trip is still a go. She’ll be documenting her family’s adventures on the Kids VT blog each Tuesday until her family returns to Vermont in December.
Two years ago, my husband, Adam, and our three daughters, Dahlia, Lola and Kaya — then 8, 6 and 3 years old, respectively — took a September hike in the Northeast Kingdom. It still felt like summer, and the leaves had yet to turn, creating a brilliant canopy of green above us. We let out a collective gasp when we reached the top of Mount Pisgah.
BY ALISON NOVAK
Scrolling through the food blog the Forest Feast, I stopped and swooned over a picture of a yellow-squash galette. Not only did the savory tart look beautiful, but I knew it would be a perfect way to use the farm-fresh baby zucchini, squash and cherry tomatoes I had just bought at the farmers market. Conveniently, pu -pastry sheets — the base for this recipe — come in packs of two, so for dinner, my friend Lexy and I made two versions, one for
Registration is now open for the 2014 Vermont Fatherhood Conference, Thursday, September 25, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Statehouse in Montpelier. John Badalament, the program director for the Fatherhood
The winners of our three $25 gift certificates to Creative Habitat are:
Sheer cli s dropped hundreds of feet directly into Lake Willoughby. The view was breathtaking. But with no guardrails or fences up there, it was also scary.
Adam and I have always sought out that perfect combination of beauty and risk — in work, travel and love. That afternoon, we decided we were ready to take a leap of faith as a family. On our descent, we hatched a crazy idea: In two years, we’d relocate with our kids to another country — simply for the sake of living abroad...
adults and one for kids. The adult one was pretty faithful to the original recipe: a thin layer of ricotta, topped with pesto and finished with rows of zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes. For the kids, we went for an upscale pizza vibe, with a mixture of precooked sweet chicken sausage, shredded mozzarella cheese and tomato.
The finished products were delicious — and almost as pretty as the one on the website.
What’s that smell? It must be the sweet, skunk-inspired creativity of our 60 coloring contest participants. These young artists sure didn’t stink! They drew everything from fly-swirled stench clouds to rainbows and hearts pu ng out of their rodents’ backsides. Winner Mercedes Burnham, 12, went the extra mile — she sent her entry in an envelope she embellished with a beautiful skunk-in-the-garden scene. We were thrilled to see kids — including one of our youngest ever artists, 1-and-a-half-year-old Conan Burroughs from St. Albans — embrace these critters rather than run the other way. Congratulations to all the winners!
HEART FARTS
Ruby Kohn, 7, Burlington
FABULOUS FIREWORKS
Aliyah Lashua-Morris, 9, Montpelier
TERRIFIC TEEPEE
Kaya Rubin, 4, Burlington
SPARKLY SENSATION
Luna Dantagnan, 12, Philadelphia, PA
RED HOT
Izabella Lashua-Morris, 3, Montpelier
FLOWER POWER
Abby Remington, 6, Jericho
SMELLIEST STINKER
Britta Zetterstrom, 10, Duxbury
HAPPIEST APPLE TREE
Maddie Lozier, 5, Georgia
INTRIGUING CREATION
Maria Worden, 9, Burlington
ENCHANTING EMBELLISHMENTS
Jakobi Kmiecik, 5, Worcester
HOLY ZOMBIE!
Sam Russell, 8, Plainfield
FASHION FORWARD
Lola Rubin, 7, Burlington
“MUSHY MUNCHER”
Project at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the keynote speaker. You don’t have to be a dad to attend this free day of workshops focused on strengthening the bond between fathers and their families; moms and other caregivers are welcome. But registration is limited to 150 participants, so sign up now.
Oliver Wilcox, 5, Milton
“KING LOOKOUT”
Max Newman, 8, Colchester
“SKUNK IN PARIS”
Aubrey Merrill, 8, South Burlington
Find this month’s coloring contest on page 53. The deadline for submissions is September 15.
Judah
5 BURLINGTON “Flash”
Kaitlyn McCullagh, 8 COLCHESTER
“Sea Glass Skunk”
Mercedes Burnham, 12 COLCHESTER “Sneaky Skunk”
Kohn,Going back to school is a big transition for all kids. But 14-year-old SARINA MARTINEZ DE OSABA of Burlington is in for some major changes. She’s moving across the country with her mom, Sara, to study dance at the San Francisco Ballet School.
Sarina has been performing since she was a preschooler, first in an Itty Bitty Drama class with Burlington Parks and Recreation, then in movement classes at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Her star potential was evident even as a beginner. Sara remembers Andrea Rogers, the Flynn’s former director, saying, “Now, remember, when she’s famous, she was a Flynn kid.”
Sarina began training with Vermont Ballet Theater in Essex when she was 9. Last year, one of her dreams came true: She was cast as one of four Claras in its production of The Nutcracker. Then, over the summer, she did
Vermont is often cited as one of the best places in the country to raise children, but under a new federal policy, nearly every school in the state is now considered “low performing.” SECRETARY OF EDUCATION REBECCA HOLCOMBE thinks that’s hogwash — and she said as much last month in a letter to Vermont parents and caregivers. Her missive drew praise from the Northwest Progressive Institute and from New York University education professor Diane Ravitch, who called Holcombe a “hero of American education.”
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, as of 2014, if just one child’s NECAP test scores aren’t proficient, that student’s school must be identified as low performing. Only eight Vermont schools avoided the label this year, and only because they helped pilot a new state assessment and therefore did not administer the NECAPs.
“This policy does not serve the interest of Vermont schools, nor does it advance our economic or social well-being,” Holcombe wrote. “It is not realistic to expect every single tested child in every school to score as proficient. Some of our students are very capable, but may have unique learning needs that make it di cult for them to accurately demonstrate their strengths on a standardized test. Some of our children survived traumatic events that preclude good performance on the test when it is administered. Some of our students recently arrived from other countries, and have many valuable talents but may not yet have a good grasp of the academic English used on our assessments. And, some of our students are just kids who for whatever reason are not interested in demonstrating their best work on a standardized test on
a three-week summer intensive with the San Francisco Ballet and was invited to train with them this year.
The rising ninth grader says she’s always wanted to pursue ballet as a career. “I really love everything about it,” she says. “I like having to go to class every day and work harder than the day before, and I also love performing, because that’s where you really get to express your emotions.”
Sarina will attend a yet-to-be-determined high school in San Francisco and train in ballet after school and on weekends. That doesn’t leave much time for typical teenage stu .
But she’s OK with that. “You give up a lot of childhood experiences, but it’s all worth it once you get on the stage,” she says.
a given day.”
She went on: “The federal law narrows our vision of schools and what we should be about. Ironically, the only way a school could pass the NCLB criteria would be to leave some children behind — to exclude some of the students who come to our doors. That is something public schools in Vermont will not do.”
At the end of August, the State Board of Education added its voice to the critique, adopting a resolution urging the federal government to reduce the number of grades in which testing is required.
— M.J.
READ HOLCOMBE’S LETTER: Find it at education.vermont.gov.
Garret Keizer has watched the evolution of education firsthand. He began teaching at Lake Region Union High School in Orleans in the 1980s, left in the ’90s to become a freelance writer, then returned in 2010 to teach for a year at the same Northeast Kingdom school where he’d started his career. A contributing editor to Harper’s magazine and former Guggenheim fellow, he writes about the experience in his new book, geTTing schooled: The re-educaTion of an american Teacher
“I have been warned to expect big changes between now and the old days,” he writes, “but for the most part the students I meet are interchangeable with types I taught more than twenty years ago, even down to the baseball caps. I’m a bit surprised by the ubiquitous display of décolletage, the respectability of the word sucks, and the number of students who readily identify themselves as ‘attention deficit.’ If such a disorder exists, as I’m inclined to think it does, I’m glad there are medicines to treat it, although hearing someone say ‘I’ve got ADD’ in a culture of such vast distractedness is a bit like having a fellow passenger on an ocean liner tell you that she feels afloat. Who doesn’t?”
What has changed, Keizer discovers, is the prevalence of technology and the emphasis on standardized testing. With a sense of humor and a dose of outrage, he presents the obstacles public educators face and proposes that it’s time to reassess not just our schools, but our society.
The Chicago Tribune had this to
say about Keizer’s book: “More than just thoughtful, reasonable, carefully observed, elegantly written and deeply humane — and it is all of these — it is also that rare thing, a work of genuine wisdom.”
—
M.J.
geTTing schooled: The reeducaTion of an american Teacher: Metropolitan Books, 320 pages, $27.
Q: I have so many photographs of my children — thousands! — and I don’t know what to do with them. They are all over the place: on Facebook, Instagram, my phone, Shutterfly, my computer, the cloud. I want to keep them safe for the future, but it feels completely overwhelming. Help!
A: You are not alone. Taking pictures with our mobile devices is so quick and easy that it’s hard to know what to do with all of these images.
The first step in organizing your photos is to figure out where you want to store them. The platforms you mentioned — Facebook, Instagram, your phone — are all impermanent options; you can’t guarantee they will be there tomorrow.
My advice is to create space on your home computer hard drive and then select a back-up option “in the cloud,” which is simply a mysterious way of describing server space owned by companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft where you can store data.
Next, decide how you want to prioritize the images you plan to save and how often you’ll transfer them to your hard drive and to the cloud. One option is to spend an hour each month going through the images you’ve taken that month and saving the best ones. That should help you feel less overwhelmed.
The good news is that companies such as 23snaps, Familio and Vermont’s own Notabli are working to help families solve this problem. The Notabli app allows you to share photos with family and friends easily, store them so they’re searchable, and export them — all while giving you control of privacy settings. It’s a great way to keep everything in one place. Good luck!
Elaine Young is the author of Tuned-In Family: How to Cope, Communicate & Connect in a Digital World, and is a professor at Champlain College, where she specializes in digital marketing and social media. Got a question about navigating the digital world with your family? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.
MARY POPPINS WAS RIGHT: A spoonful of sugar can help the medicine go down. But Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, has other tricks up his sleeve. He shares some dos and don’ts of dosing this month, as kids head back to school — and into cold and flu season.
KIDS VT: What are some common drug-dosing errors parents make?
LEWIS FIRST: Parents can do more harm than good with over-the-counter medicines if they don’t know what’s in them. Many people don’t realize that cough and cold medicines for older children sometimes contain acetaminophen. Too much of it can be harmful, so be careful not to double-dose kids with another medicine that may already contain it.
And parents are often confused about how much to give their child. Best to use the dosing instrument that comes with the medicine. When parents start to measure medicine on a teaspoon or tablespoon from their kitchen, they can end up with twice as much as the recommended dose. Stop thinking in terms of teaspoons and tablespoons and look at the measurements in milliliters to avoid an over- or under-dose.
KVT: How important is a drug’s expiration date?
LF: It’s very important. After the expiration date, the medication may not do what it’s supposed to. Often the chemicals decompose and can actually make your child sick.
The other issue is, even if a child is feeling better after a day or two of taking an antibiotic, he or she still needs to take the full duration until the antibiotic is gone. Some parents will say, “My child is fine,” then leave the medicine with five or six days of dosing left. Then, the next time the child is sick, they’ll pull out the antibiotic because it worked the first time when, in fact, the child may not need an antibiotic. The more that a bacterial organism sees an antibiotic and survives, the more likely it can become resistant to it.
KVT: Some medications give doses by age; others by weight. Which one should parents follow?
LF: Parents should be dosing medication based on weight, not age. The pharmacist can show you the appropriate line to use on the medication syringe.
KVT: Why do some children’s medications taste awful and others like candy?
LF: The ones that taste good have added artificial flavoring, but for some medicines, a chemical flavoring would a ect its e cacy, so the manufacturer won’t add one. If there are medicines that children don’t like to take, parents can ask the pharmacist if there are flavorings that can be added later that won’t a ect its e cacy.
KVT: Any tricks for getting a young child to swallow yucky medicines and pills?
LF: Assuming the pharmacist says it’s OK, the child can suck on a Popsicle. The cold numbs the mouth and taste buds, and the Popsicle flavor helps mask the taste. If you crush up a pill — as long as it’s not an extended-release tablet — you can put it in small amounts of foods that the child
won’t have to chew, such as vanilla yogurt, chocolate pudding, ice cream or apple sauce. You can dilute a liquid medication in juice, as long as the doctor or pharmacist says the juice won’t inactivate the medicine.
KVT: At what age can children learn to swallow pills whole?
LF: We usually start introducing pills at around age 5 or 6, though some children can do it sooner, if they’re developmentally ready.
KVT: Is there a trick to it?
LF: You can introduce the concept by starting with those tiny sugar-ball cake decorations. Put one on your child’s tongue before he or she sips a favorite drink through a straw. Next, ramp up to a mini-M&M, then a full-size M&M. You can even play games, like “beat the clock" — once your child has successfully swallowed candy without chewing it — to make the swallowing more fun.
Another trick: Insert a pill into a Jell-O cube. It’s great for disguising the bitterness and getting the pill to slip down the child’s throat. Always praise children when they master it.
KVT: Anything else?
LF: Parents should be very matter-of-fact about administering medicine. It’s not a negotiation; parents should never ask, “Are you ready to take your medicine?” Instead, they should say, “It’s time for your medicine. Let’s see how well you can take it.” The positive approach goes a lot further.
Finally, giving medicine shouldn’t be automatic, especially cough and cold medications, which can cause potentially serious side e ects in children under 4 years of age. Parents shouldn’t give their kids cough and cold medicines without talking to their doctor to truly understand whether the benefits will outweigh the side e ects. The evidence is not strong that these medications do much to relieve symptoms — and they certainly don’t make the virus go away any sooner.
Insert a pill into a Jell-O cube. It’s great for disguising the bitterness and getting the pill to slip down the child’s throat.By Sarah Tuff
Billy Mattison and his wife, Helene, used to stage mini-obstacle courses for their kids’ birthday parties at their Colorado home. Now the couple runs a nationwide series of Kids Adventure Games, giving athletes ages 6 to 14 the chance to tackle zip lines, rope bridges and mud crawls.
The games came to Vermont for the first time this summer. The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe hosted the event one sunny Saturday morning in July. Ninety participants split into teams of two to tackle a dozen sports and problem-solving challenges, including a gigantic Slip’N Slide and a tightrope stretched over a mud pit.
The payoff? Chafing dishes of mac and cheese, coolers of chocolate milk and official certificates at the finish line. After completing the course in about an hour, teammates
Nate Rice and Noah Lippiko, both 13-yearolds from Stowe, couldn’t seem to wipe the smiles — or the dirt — off their faces. “It was fun!” they said in unison. K
“Kids realize that when they work together, obstacles become easier to deal with,” said Kids Adventure Games cofounder Helene Mattison. “They’ll do things that maybe they thought they would not be capable of.”
“Fit
“I’m
little
Carly Trapeni, 9, of Shelburne, before the race. She had fueled up on a granola breakfast and stashed a first-aid kit and water in her backpack. On the sidelines, her dad, Chris, a longtime Nordic skier and cyclist, was green with envy. “It looks like fun,” he said. “I wish I could do this race.”
missed this year’s Kids adventure games? Here are a few ways families can prepare together for next year’s event: Participants in the Kids adventure Games should know how to ride a mountain bike. Practice riding on dirt, not pavement. hike and bike in the clothes you plan to race in. Study maps, such as car routes while driving. hike through creeks and other rough terrain.
Spartan Kids race: Part of the Spartan World championships at Killington on September 20 and 21, the pintsize version puts 4-to-13-year olds through courses of a half-mile and mile riddled with rope climbs, balance-beam walks and mud-pit crawls. spartankids.com
Adventure racing requires both endurance and skill. “In this event, the success rate is just about 100 percent,” said Helene Mattison. “And the life lessons are plenty: perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, overcoming fatigue and learning to be efficient.”
Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
Bolton valley Wintry Wander: Teams for this three-hour adventure race consist of one adult and unlimited kids. last year’s inaugural event included snowshoeing to checkpoints, followed by hot cocoa, cookies and awards. This year’s event will take place in March. gmara.org
Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF?
For the September issue, Kids VT asked local educators and librarians to recommend their favorite books that take place in schools
BY KEVIN HENKES
Congratulations to these enthusiastic young critics who shared their reading recommendations with us in August. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ favorite books of the summer and have included some excerpts below.
Ages 4-8
Little mouse Chrysanthemum thinks her long, flowery name is absolutely perfect — until she starts school. Classmates tease her because of it. But her music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle, helps her blossom again. Kristen Eckhardt, a preschool teacher in She eld and part-time librarian at Newark Street School, recommends the picture book because “it embraces a young child’s anxieties about entering school in the early years. As a child, you never really know who that special somebody may be who recognizes your gifts and shows them to others.”
because Ages 10+
BY LOUIS SACHAR
Wayside School is 30 stories high, with only one room on each floor. This book, the second installment in the Sideways Stories from Wayside School series, chronicles the unusual events that happen there; when one student falls out of a window, for example, another rescues him using her pigtails.
Ages 8-12
“This book always flies o the shelves of the back-to-school book display,” says June Osowski, youth librarian at Rutland Free Library. Each chapter is short and self-contained, and kids enjoy the “funny, light-hearted stories” about the wacky school.
Lifelong homeschooler Cap Anderson must enter a traditional middle school for the first time when his hippie grandmother and teacher, Rain, is injured in a fall. The events that unfold shed light on the meaning of education and the importance of developing a strong sense of identity during one’s teen years.
The book is “funny, poignant and wise,” says professional book reviewer, librarian and homeschooling mom Sheila Trask of Bethel. She recommends it as “a great conversation starter in any school classroom or homeschooler book group.”
Anna Schwarz, 11 CAMBRIDGE recommends: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
“I enjoyed the plot of this book, in which a very unique ninth-grade girl starts going to a public school after being homeschooled. I liked how Stargirl was herself. Even if things got rough, she wasn’t about to change her attitude.”
Lily Benoit, 7 MONKTON recommends:
Lucy the Littlest Puppy by Holly Webb
“I love dogs. It made me happy to read about Lucy because my mom and dad won’t let me have a dog.”
Cecilia Luce, 8 BURLINGTON recommends:
The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
“I love this book because of the fact that I have a craze for animals. In the story, three kids venture into the local zoo looking for one of their sisters. Once the kids find a secret part of the zoo, the adventure begins!”
Hunter Norton, 8 FERRISBURGH recommends:
Spirit Animals: Wild Born by Brandon Mull
“What I like about this book is the kids are willing to fight for Erdas (their world). Their enemy is this guy named Zerif. He is really evil!”
2 medium butternut squash; peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
3 tart apples; peeled and diced
1 large yellow onion, medium dice
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme; chopped
4-5 cups chicken stock
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
3-4 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 cup crème fraiche, plus more to finish
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
FOR THE CROUTONS:
5-6 slices crusty bread; roughly cubed
Olive oil; to coat
Fresh cracked pepper and Kosher Salt
In a large soup pot, sweat onions and thyme in olive oil over low heat until soft and fragrant. Add squash and chicken stock. If stock does not completely cover the squash, top off with water until just covered. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until squash is very tender and falling apart. Transfer contents to a blender in batches and puree until smooth (You can also use an immersion blender if you have one). For a very creamy textured soup, you may choose to pass your soup through a mesh strainer as well. Stir in sherry vinegar, maple syrup, crème fraiche and salt and pepper to taste. To serve, heat soup over low (do not boil!), transfer to bowls and garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche.
FOR THE CROUTONS: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and toss the bread with a generous amount of olive oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake until golden brown and crunchy!
• Egg Drop Soup
Wednesday, 9/10 · 4:00 - 5:00pm
• Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Wednesday, 9/17
All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569.
$20
$20
In the last weeks of August, it’s tempting to close the windows halfway at bedtime, to start thinking about picking apples instead of berries and to dream about making soup. Despite these autumn yearnings, I try to stretch summer out as long as I can. But it’s impossible to avoid the event that essentially ends the season: the first day of school.
At the Burlington Children’s Space, where I work preparing food for toddlers and preschoolers, we spend that final week of August getting ready to transition kids into new classrooms. Older preschoolers take o for kindergarten, and babies arrive in the infant room. It’s an exciting time, full of possibility. But it can also be anxiety provoking for kids and parents.
I keep this in mind in the kitchen. During those first few weeks, I make comforting favorites for lunch to help everyone settle in. A new place seems friendlier when you can fill your belly with something warm, tasty and familiar.
Macaroni and cheese — from scratch, of course — always seems to do the trick. The dish hooks even the pickiest eaters and goes well with just about any vegetable that’s in season.
It’s tradition to kick o the BCS school year with a big family dinner in September. We invite the kids and their families to relax and get to know each other over a shared meal. Macaroni and
cheese gets everyone to fill their plates, and never fails to break the ice. I serve it with a big salad and fresh bread, just as I do for my own family.
This year, for the first time, I’ll drop o all three of my kids on the first day of school. Sadie, 3, heads to Integrated Arts Academy with her big brothers — Eli, 10, and Cal, 7 — for preschool. I’m not sure what I’ll do that morning, alone for the first time in seven years. Most likely, I’ll mope just a little, then start thinking about making this for dinner, to welcome everyone home.
I learned to make basic, from-scratch cheese sauce from the Betty Crocker cookbook my mom gave me when I got married. This recipe, which I created, feeds my family of 5, with leftovers for lunch the next day.
INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. pasta, any shape
3 Tbsp. butter
1-1 ½ lbs. good cheddar cheese (I usually use Cabot Sharp or Seriously Sharp)
3 Tbsp. flour
2 ½ cups milk (no skim)
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. breadcrumbs
(Note: Substitute wheat-free pasta and omit breadcrumbs to go gluten free.)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese and set aside.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium-size saucepan. When it’s fully melted, add the flour and whisk together until it makes a paste. Add the milk and whisk! Turn the heat up to medium-high, and continue whisking until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken up. Don’t let it sit.
Add the cheese and keep whisking until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. (You could also add a clove or two of finely chopped garlic, a teaspoon of cumin or a little crushed red pepper if your family likes the spicy stuff!)
Turn the heat down to low until you’re ready to pour the sauce over the pasta.
When the pasta is ready, drain and pour it into a 13-by9-inch casserole dish or a Dutch oven. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix well to make sure all the pasta is coated. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top, then pop it into the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until it’s nice and bubbly around the edges. If you like the top a little brown and crispy, like I do, put it under the broiler for an extra 4-5 minutes.
A new place seems friendlier when you can fill your belly with something warm, tasty and familiar.Sadie Erinn Simon gets help from Eli. MIRO WEINBERGER BURLINGTON
MAYOR OF BURLINGTON
Daughters Li Lin, 8, and Ada, 10 months
Growing up in Woodstock, Vt., I had an eighth grade English teacher — her name was Mrs. Alsop. She was engaging and charismatic and fun. We all paid pretty close attention to her.
I was a competitive student, so I cared about getting good grades. But I didn’t think of myself as a writer, looking to build my vocabulary in a conscious way, to be clear and precise with my word choice. I think I blossomed under her. She taught me to respect the written word and had a lot to do with me becoming a strong writer, which I’ve found to be the most important skill I have as an adult.
SHELBURNE
OWNER, URBAN RHINO
Daughter Fiona, 7; son Shamus, 6
My major at Burlington College was cinema studies and film production, but I took a lot of classes with Sandra Baird. The subjects — on topics like international history or politics — were outside my major, but I felt compelled to take them. Sandy inspired me because she was the first person I can remember who pushed her students to question everything, to do our own research and decide things for ourselves.
And as cliché as it sounds, another “teacher” who contributes to my success would be my mom. I definitely picked up my strong work ethic, drive and principles from her — skills I never appreciated until I was an adult.
KEITH KARPINSKI COLCHESTER PHYSICAL THERAPIST, LONG TRAIL PHYSICAL THERAPYDaughters Taylor, 9, and Dakota, 7
As a sophomore at Milton High School, I already knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I probably didn’t know all the aspects of physical therapy — and I hadn’t been exposed to a lot of other professions — but I had a great teacher named Dave Gilbert, my instructor for biology and human anatomy and physiology, who was also an athletics coach. He brought a lot of experience from the playing field into the classroom.
When one of my good friends sprained his ankle, I went with him to his physical therapy and really liked the environment. Mr. Gilbert, recognizing my budding interest, gave me an assignment — a paper on ankle sprains, their causes and diagnoses. I think my curiosity, combined with my teacher’s encouragement, led to my career.
JERICHO
METEOROLOGIST, WCAX
Son Samuel, 3; daughter Abigail, 9 months
In the fourth grade, I had a teacher named Mrs. Sands at Pine Island Elementary near Warwick, N.Y. who was absolutely great. She gave you the feeling that whoever you were, you were important, and she really cared about whether you were learning. I remember her being very strict, but very fair. If I was successful at something, she’d say, “Congratulations! Nice work!”
But once, I took some rulers that belonged to the class and broke them apart; I ruined them. She called me up to the front of the class and told me how disappointed she was. She made me write 50 words about what I had done, why it was wrong and why I wouldn’t do it again. Thinking about it now, 50 words is nothing. I was in tears then, though, because I had disappointed her.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school?
I think my curiosity, combined with my teacher’s encouragement, led to my career.
KEITH KARPINSKI
than drawing or painting. They confidently threw around terms such as “making frit,” “slumping” and “tack fusing.”
The complexity of the craft is what drew Samantha Tritt, 14, of Shelburne, to an after-school class at Davis Studio last spring. A longtime Davis student, she wanted to try something new and sophisticated.
Over six weeks she created a decorative bowl, a wind chime and — her favorite — a sun catcher with four small rectangles hanging from beaded strings, spelling out the word “draw” (pictured, No. 4). The creation is so special to her, she said, that she doesn’t want to hang it in her room for fear that it will fall and break.
Glass-blowinG studios are a common fixture in Vermont, but there’s another way artists work with the material: glass fusing. Kids can try their hands at the craft during Burlington’s 22nd annual South End Art Hop this month.
The Davis Studio, an Art Hop stop, offers classes in glass fusing. In August, four young artists gathered there to explain the craft, which involves cutting glass and firing it in a kiln to bond colorful pieces together. The artists, ages 11 to 15, noted that glass fusing is a more specialized, technical art
Ali Barritt, 15, of South Burlington, created an array of earrings and pendants during a three-day jewelry workshop for teens and adults in July. Glass fusing can be “unpredictable,” she said, because the glass sometimes changes color when you fire it, and it can be tricky to cut it into exactly the shape you want. But it’s exciting, she added, to be able to make the type of jewelry she’s admired and bought at craft shows for years.
Davis Studio teacher Micaela Wallace acknowledges that glass may seem like “a scary, sharp medium” for kids. But she says they quickly build confidence. “I just love watching the kids really own their work by the end of class.”
1. maKinG FRit: Using a tool called a frit maker, alana bigos, 13, crushed colored glass into small pieces, then sifted it through different strainers to create glass grains called frit, which can be affixed to flat pieces of glass as an embellishment.
2. cuttinG Glass: ali barritt pushed the glasscutter away from her in a straight line while applying pressure to score the glass. She then took a set of running pliers and clamped down on the glass, squeezing until it broke cleanly along the scored line.
3. usinG powER tools: A variety of water-fed power tools help to shape glass more precisely than a hand-held cutter can. Eleven-year-old william tritt manned a flat lapidary grinder, used for polishing glass — and stone, too.
During the south End art hop, the Davis studio will be open to the public for glass-fusing workshops on Friday, september 5, from 5-9 p.m. and saturday, september 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Using pre-cut glass, kids ages 5 and up can assemble their own sun catchers and leave them at the studio to be fired and picked up later; $5 per child. For more information about art hop activities, as well as fall glass-fusing classes, contact the Davis studio at info@davisstudiovt.com.
“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
BY MEGAN JAMES AND ALISON NOVAK
If you have young kids, or you know people who do, you’ve probably taken or seen countless pictures documenting the first day of school. They’re everywhere on social media at the end of August and beginning of September.
Missing from most parents’ Facebook feeds, however, are photos of the educators who await these eager young learners. Kids VT spent the last precious weeks of summer meeting six of them, and peeking inside their classrooms.
We chose teachers in di erent parts of the state who are working in a variety of learning environments, from a oneroom schoolhouse at the end of a steep gravel road in Fairfax to a magnet school in the heart of Burlington’s urban Old North End. We asked them to tell us about their unique experiences and approaches to educating Vermont kids.
These days, the public conversation about education is dominated by talk of testing, standards and the Common Core. These snapshots remind us that there are people behind the policies. And some of them are just as anxious about the first day of school as their students are.
First-grade teacher SUE KOLK has welcomed students to Grand Isle Elementary School for the past 27 years. Kolk grew up in northern New Jersey and came to Vermont to study education at the University of Vermont. She lives in Williston with her husband, dog and cat and has two children in college. She’s an avid runner and volunteers weekly at the Humane Society.
Why teaching 6- and 7-year-olds is fun: I like first graders because they’re a little more independent than kindergarteners. They’re
excited and eager. They’re affectionate. They’re open to trying new things.
The first week of school: I spend a lot of time getting to know them, going over classroom procedures and school and classroom rules, even practicing things like how to put a cap back on a marker, building independence so they can do things on their own. I really think kids thrive on routine.
On teaching kids how to be good citizens: Last year, we collected our trash produced during snack time for one week. We sorted the trash and then they came up with
ideas to reduce for the next week. We did reduce, and many parents said their children wanted to use resuable containers. Quite a few asked if they could start composting food waste at home.
What she aspires to teach her students: I feel like a really important part of my job is modeling. If I want people to speak kindly to me, I need to speak kindly to them. At the end of the year, I hope I’ve taught kids to enjoy learning, that it can be fun and that we need to treat other people and creatures kindly. It’s not all here for us to pillage.
When the school year starts, that’s when the rubber hits the road. I’m excited, and I am nervous.
SCOTT BECKWITH
scoTT BecKwiTh was an operations supervisor for a national trucking company before he decided to become an educator. now he’s the teacher leader in the social studies department at mt. abraham Union high School in bristol, where he’s worked for the last seven years. he lives in burlington’s new north end with his husband, chris, and two dogs.
what prompted him to switch careers: I had a corporate job, but I was so miserable and wasn’t feeling inspired by what I was doing. It wasn’t challenging anymore, and it made me realize that it was not what I wanted to be doing. I don’t make as much money as I used to, but I’m so happy.
how he transitions from summer to school: I really love my time to be able to think about where I’m going with my classes and develop new ideas, but when the school
year starts, that’s when the rubber hits the road. I’m excited, and I am nervous. I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night lately saying, “oh, I gotta write this down.”
something inspiring he’s working on this year: I’m teaching an honorslevel class called american Studies. It’s literature- and reading- and writing-intensive. my (recently retired) colleague rick Desorda and his students have gone around and interviewed veterans in the addison county area. I’m hoping to connect with the Vermont Folklife center and digitize the transcripts, have the veterans or someone in their families read them aloud, kind of like Storycorps.
on his tendency to shed tears when a student does something great: they’re tears of joy. I just love to see people happy, and [see them] surprise the world with their talents.
silVia waKim taught music in her native brazil before moving to the U.S. in 1999. She’s been teaching pre-k at the eDGe in essex for 11 years. the mother of three — catherine, 27, Giana, 25, and eric, 14 — brings a worldliness to her curriculum, which features music, art and geography. She loves to sit with her students on a huge world-map rug while teaching them words in different languages. She lives in essex Junction with her husband, renato, son, eric, and two cats, Friday and Frisbee.
on preparing for the new school year: the classroom needs to be beautiful. the kids really look forward to being in this classroom because it’s fun and comfortable and very organized. I work in a clean environment; it cannot be dirty or messy.
what happens on the world-map rug: we learn a few words in six to 10 languages. the kids can point to where australia is, where France is. we do
imaginary trips to different places. we discuss what’s the best way to get to that country, how many days will it take. they might say, “huh, there’s a big ocean in between. let’s go by boat.” “oh, but the ocean can be wild.” then another says, “well, the pilgrims came across in eight days.” one thing links to the other and finally [someone says,] “let’s just go in an airplane.”
why she focuses on geography: I like the kids to get out of [pre-k] knowing countries and languages, knowing there’s something other than the U.S. they understand diversity [and that] everybody’s different, but inside we’re all the same. I think it’s a great concept to grow up with.
on the joy of teaching: one girl — she’s 13 — came to visit and say hello. She left my class when she was 5 and she remembered me. that made me really happy.
for the past three years, LuKe FoLey has taught the StAr program (Students taking Alternative routes) at northfield middle and high School. the program, which was created 15 years ago for kids who were “falling through the cracks,” now includes about a dozen students. Last fall, the state recognized foley’s work by honoring him as the 2014 Vermont teacher of the Year. before moving to Vermont in 2007 to teach, foley led wilderness-therapy programs in utah. he lives in warren with his wife, rachel, their 2-year-old daughter, nora, 7-month-old son, tobin, and a black lab named dozer.
on his first day teaching high school social studies: i had planned a really cool activity and i remember getting jazzed about it. but one of [the kids] just raised a hand and said, “uh, this is the stupid class; the smart class is over there.” And that really stuck with me. Any time a group of kids has that mentality, they’re doomed to failure. it’s also a way for them to cop out. it’s always been a mission of mine to level the playing field.
BRooKe King teaches a second and third grade multi-age class at the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence barnes School in burlington; she’s also studying for her administrator’s license at Saint michael’s College. during her 10-year teaching career, King has worked at an alternative school in maine and as a middle school teacher for english language learners. She’s mom to Autumn, a fourth grader at the Sustainability Academy, as well as 3-year-old twin boys, Kieran and Joseph.
How she starts off the year: A successful first week of school for me is connecting with every student in a way so they feel excited to be there, in a way that makes them feel like, “this is my classroom.” i never call it mrs. King’s classroom.
on allowing children to have a voice in the classroom: Last year they studied the solar system, and each student got to pick a question
related to the topic and research it independently. i just let them do what they were genuinely interested in. during independent work time, i don’t care if they learn on the floor or stand up at their desk, as long as they’re engaged. there’s no set snack time in this classroom. Kids are able to eat when they’re hungry.
What it’s like to live and teach in the same neighborhood: there’s a lot about it that i really love: the fact that i can walk from my house to the community dinner; i love that my kids are a part of this community, that we can come [to the school] in the summer and check on the gardens.
Back-to-school jitters: i always have these dreams. it’s recurring. i didn’t plan anything and i didn’t set up my classroom. would that ever really happen?
— A.N.on the sTAR program: it’s focused on project-based service learning out in the community — working with school gardens, universities and senior centers. we work with a population of kids who are typically disconnected from the school. oftentimes they feel pretty disenchanted. we give them an opportunity to give back.
What an alternative approach to teaching food history looks like: we do hikes where kids collect all the food that they’re going to eat. they’re picking up dandelions and eating wild sorrel. part of that is about building perspective. toward the end of the year we start looking at industrial food systems. when you’re trying to understand why people would cram thousands of chickens in a tiny cage,
it’s pretty important to understand what it’s like to walk 5 miles to get 500 calories.
on camping with sTAR: it’s amazing what kids will talk about in front of a campfire. we have kids write their life stories to really foster that sense of community.
the brand-new, one-room Imagine School house in Fairfax will have just one teacher when it opens this fall: Jessica TomKowicz. She’ll work with fewer than a dozen students — in first through fifth grade — to create personalized learning plans that will guide the curriculum. a native Vermonter, tomkowicz got her teaching certificate from the University of Vermont in 2010, then moved to Florida to run a one-room schoolhouse there called rising Stars academy. She returned to her home state last year to raise her now 1-year-old son, maxton. they live in Colchester with her husband, matthew, and cat, lo.
Her most memorable first day: my first day at rising Stars, I had no idea what I was walking into. I had this whole lesson planned out so perfectly, and there were three new students coming in, brothers who had been homeschooled. they came into the classroom and completely turned everything upside down. We ended up spending half of our day at the playground because they had so much energy.
How she tackled the challenge: [ those boys] loved tinkering with car engines. they were very smart, but sitting down to read a book was insurmountable. So [we created] personalized learning plans where they could go outside and sit on the swings with a clipboard, just so they were moving. We would talk about nuts and bolts and screws; those would be their manipulatives for math. the 6-year-old would add washers to bolts. that’s how he learned multiplication.
The lesson plan at imagine: We’re studying communities for our first semester: the classroom community, what native american culture and community looks like, and what colonial culture and community looks like. Within that, whatever students are interested in is going to drive what we delve into deeper.
on landing this new gig after a year and a half working in an orthodontic office: I’m so excited to be back in the classroom! What a perfect opportunity. this is everything that I wanted. It’s a dream job.
Fin and Rye Hewitt are boys on a mission. On a cool afternoon in late summer, the two boys tear across the 40 rolling, green acres in Cabot that they call home — on bicycle, by foot, at a run and occasionally on a thoughtful walk. There are pack baskets to shoulder, trapping manuals to read, cats to chase and blueberries to pick, and woods to roam in pursuit of who knows what other projects.
If, at 12 and 9, they don’t exhibit the wistfulness that nags at other kids at summer’s end, it’s because there’s nothing to be wistful about. When the vast majority of school-age children in Vermont head back to the classroom this week, the Hewitt boys won’t be among them.
They don’t attend school, and never have. Nor do they follow any kind of set curriculum. No math homework, no required book reports, no lectures on American history — just the freedom to explore and, in the process, learn. Or so their parents trust. The commonplace shorthand for this kind of learning — “unschooling” — doesn’t sit particularly well with the boys’ father, Ben Hewitt, but he concedes it rolls o the tongue more easily than the alternative: self-directed, adult-facilitated life learning.
That’s the topic of Hewitt’s latest book, which will be out September 9 from Roost Books. In Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting O the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting With the Natural World, he writes at length about educating his children at home — or rather, allowing his home to educate his children.
And what a home it is. Ben and Penny Hewitt purchased those 40 acres of field and forest in Cabot in 1997. A year later, they built “the quintessential Vermont hippie shack,” says Hewitt, which they expanded in 2001. The couple did most of the building themselves, and financed much of it outof-pocket — choices that give them the autonomy to work from home full-time. Theirs is not a trust-fund story, but one of scrimping and saving and holding priorities that, Hewitt writes, are unconventional in modern society.
In the years since, the Hewitts have cultivated abundant gardens, fruit trees and berry bushes. A few cows graze in one of the pastures; the family also keeps ducks, chickens, sheep and pigs, as well as a few goats tended by their sons. Hewitt estimates that the family grows 90 percent of what it eats.
Here, and not in the confines of a classroom, is where the Hewitts want their sons to grow up. “Of all the things I want for them,” writes Hewitt in the early pages of Home Grown, “connection to place and a sense of knowing how they fit into this world usurps all others.” He can’t guarantee that
connection will take root, just as no parent can know what will become of his or her children. “But I also know what I have seen,” he writes, “which is that the more freedom and autonomy I allow my children to follow their passions and to learn on their own terms, the more passionate and eager to learn they become.”
The boys’ handiwork and interests are visible everywhere: in Rye’s pack basket, which he wove himself; in the handle Fin crafted to fit an old axe head; in shelters built in the woods and bows fashioned by hand.
The Hewitts always knew they wanted to educate their children at home, but they initially expected that would look a little more like conventional homeschooling. Inspired by the Waldorf system, which emphasizes teaching basic skills through crafts and other creative pursuits, the couple decided to institute some structure when their older son, Fin, was about 5. They sat him down at the kitchen table with a ream of paper and expensive pastels — but, to their dismay, he wasn’t having it. Fin just wasn’t the kind of kid suited to sitting quietly and drawing. The upshot?
“It forced us to liberate our thinking about what constituted education,” says Hewitt.
BY KATHRYN FLAGGThe term unschooling dates to 1977; that’s when John Holt, author of the 1964 treatise How Children Fail, coined it in his magazine Growing Without Schooling. Holt argued that institutional schools diminished the natural curiosity that children bring to learning, and advocated strongly for homeschooling. But when he realized that some parents were simply replicating the structures of institutionalized education at their kitchen tables, he proposed a new approach: unschooling.
Today, more Vermonters than ever are choosing to educate their children at home. State figures show 2,384 children were enrolled for “home study” last school year — up nearly 18 percent from a decade ago. Meanwhile, enrollment in Vermont public schools fell 14 percent over the same period, largely due to the shrinking population of school-age kids in the state. Last year, homeschooled children constituted nearly 3 percent of the total number of registered students in Vermont.
State law requires that children between the ages of 6 and 16 be enrolled in a public or private school — or register for home study with the state. In order to enroll, a family must prepare and submit a detailed outline or narrative
Today, more Vermonters than ever are choosing to educate their children at home.Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting Off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting With the Natural World by Ben Hewitt, Roost Books, 224 pages. $14.95 paperback.
describing the content of the home-study program, meeting predetermined areas of study such as basic communication, fine arts and natural sciences. Though followers of unschooling don’t adhere to a set curriculum, the categories are broad enough to allow for some flexibility. For instance, instead of listing the textbooks a child might study for science, an unschooling parent could provide examples of alternative, educational activities — such as walks in the woods to learn about wild edibles.
It’s a hoop to jump through that, at some level, runs counter to the ideals of unschooling. That said, it’s not hard to break down Fin and Rye’s interests into the subjects they might study in school, said Hewitt, who was preparing for the year ahead: geography; reading and writing; anatomy; earth sciences. But that’s not the point, writes Hewitt in Home Grown. “Such segregation is not the way of the natural world ...”
The state also requires an annual assessment, which can take the form of a visit from a licensed teacher, a parent report including a portfolio of student work, or standardized test results.
It’s unknown how many of the children studying at home in Vermont are unschooled. But longtime homeschooling advocate Retta Dunlap, who lives in Woodbury, suspects the approach is growing more popular among families fed up with, or failed by, institutional school systems.
“I’ve done it all, from videos to workbooks to unschooling. You name it, I did it,” says Dunlap, who homeschooled her four kids. “I used whatever method worked to get my children learning.”
Those children now range in age from 26 to 32; all have gone on to satisfying professional careers, and two own a software-development company. Dunlap remains a go-to authority and resource on homeschooling for many families and policy makers in the state. To those curious about unschooling, she warns that the unstructured approach typically involves more work for parents than following a set curriculum. “It’s not [that] you can sit and watch TV every day and the kids are o unschooling themselves,” says Dunlap. Parents have to be willing to help their children chase down answers or resources when they don’t have them at their fingertips, and indulge their curiosities.
“It’s parent-intensive,” she says. “The whole point is for this child to have a rich learning environment to bounce around in.” Give them that, Dunlap says, and kids will learn.
That’s similar to the answer Hewitt finds himself giving those who pepper him with questions about unschooling. Chief among
those questions: But how do your kids learn, if not in a classroom?
“Children learn,” he says. “You can’t really stop them.”
Consider Fin and Rye. They’re curious, capable children. They taught themselves to read by about age 8. They learned penmanship in part by filling out hunter-safety manuals, and by sending letters to friends and family and keeping journals about their exploits. Occasionally they’ll fire up YouTube to watch an instructional video,
but Hewitt estimates they spend fewer than 10 minutes a day on the computer.
They’ve acquired skills, too, uncommon in most classrooms. Both boys are avid hunters and trappers; Fin, the older, made his first kill — a chipmunk — at 6, with a homemade bow and arrow. He skinned and dressed the critter and roasted it over a fire, and told his father, “Here, Papa, try some.”
They’re not being raised in a vacuum, either. The Hewitts have engaged mentors who’ve taught the boys wilderness skills, trapping ethics and how to play the banjo. The boys frequently spend time with their neighbors, including an older dairy farmer whom they help with chores. They belong to a small group of homeschooling families that convenes once a week for an afternoon of skill sharing.
Hewitt is relieved that, so far, Fin and Rye don’t display the kind of painful self-consciousness he experienced as a child in school. There’s no one to judge the clothes they wear (faded camouflage and rubber barn boots, mostly), or the games they play, or the company they keep. “I want them to be social,” says Hewitt. “I don’t know that I want them to be socialized.”
And though it may sound cliché to reduce parts of their day to “teachable moments,” those times do crop up — often. Take the pack baskets the boys recently learned to make. They weave the baskets from black ash wood and have learned from experience that the wood needs to be wet and supple. That sparked an impromptu lesson about intra- and extracellular moisture.
Another example: The Hewitts read together as a family every night, and recently Rye interrupted the evening’s story with a question. What did the word “panache” mean? They chatted about the definition and pulled out the family’s dictionary. Is there really a need for vocabulary quizzes or worksheets amid moments like that one?
“It bubbles up all the time,” says Hewitt. “There’s no need to really sit down and segregate this subject material in the way that is so common. We have this institutionalized, monoculture educational system, and that’s exactly what makes kids sour on learning.”
It’s a frustration Hewitt knows firsthand. Burned out on school and unconvinced of its relevance for his life, he dropped out at 16, the so-called “school-leaving age” in Vermont. He went on to work a series of jobs in various trades, mostly construction. A few years after dropping out, Hewitt began rising early every morning to write, not because of any school assignment but because of some innate desire. He went on to a successful career as a freelance writer; his articles have appeared in numerous national magazines, including the New York Times Magazine, Wired, Discover and, most recently, Outside He authored three other books before Home Grown: Saved, The Town that Food Saved, and Making Supper Safe
“Schools have gradually become more and more oppressive in a variety of ways,” says Peter Gray, a Boston College psychologist who authored the 2013 book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. He pointed to the Boston public schools, where elementary schoolchildren have only 15 minutes a day of recess — “and that’s out in something that looks like a prison yard,” says Gray.
“Twenty percent of boys in our schools are getting diagnosed with ADHD at some point before they graduate,” he continues. “We’re beginning to realize, hey, there’s something wrong here. We hear all this propaganda about the importance of school, and test grades, and I think there is starting to be a real backlash about it.”
Gray stumbled into the world of unschooling while giving talks about the importance of play in education at various workshops and conferences. But he has some personal experience with the subject, too; Gray’s son rebelled in school in the 1970s and ended up at the Sudbury Valley School — an alternative school without grades or curriculum and with many of the same tenets of unschooling.
His research gradually evolved to focus on what became of students educated
this way, and eventually to the importance of play in a child’s upbringing. Speaking on the subject at conferences attended by unschoolers and their families, he found himself impressed by the kids.
Still, Gray wondered, with a bit of skepticism: “Can you provide at home the kind of environment that I felt was necessary for children to become educated when they’re in control of their own schooling?”
Gray has undertaken two surveys with parents and adult unschoolers. He found 83 percent of the grown-up unschoolers had gone on to some form of higher education, with 44 percent completing or currently working on a bachelor’s degree. (Many of the others had gone specifically for skills or licenses related to vocational interests that did not require a bachelor’s degree.) Their chosen careers included urban planner, field biologist, archaeologist and textile artist.
What’s more, the vast majority reported that their childhood avocations had turned into careers.
The most frequent disadvantage to unschooling that the survey participants reported? Dealing with other people’s opinions.
I arrived at the Hewitts’ farm with a baby in tow; my usual babysitter was out of town, and I figured that if ever there was an interview for which a toddler might be welcome, it must be this one. Asa, at nearly 14 months, dozed on the long drive to Cabot and woke up to a picturesque farm scene. I walked the fields of the Hewitts’ farm on what Ben Hewitt called the nickel tour, the baby on my back. Asa pointed at cows, cackled over Rye’s goat kid, Monkey, and, when I set him loose in the front yard, proceeded to eat a bit of dirt and chase the family dog.
One eye on the kid, the other on my notebook, I marveled at Hewitt’s easy confidence in the path he and his wife have chosen for their family. In a later interview, Dunlap would tell me that it’s often hard for parents to trust homeschooling, no matter what method they choose.
“We parents seem to trust it up to the age of 3 to 5,” she says. “The kids learn to walk and eat and talk and dress.” But when a child hits the age we associate with the onset of schooling, many parents assume schools must better facilitate learning.
Fin and Rye tore through the front yard. Asa watched them go and turned back to, well, eating dirt. I spent the next several days wondering, often: Should I send this child to school?
In Home Grown — a meditative, thoughtful treatise on rural living and lifelong education — Hewitt acknowledges that not every family will have the capacity, or desire, to educate their children at home in this kind of freewheeling, free-ranging manner. Of course, not everyone who unschools needs a farm and 40 acres. Plenty of families unschool in cities and suburbs; their children’s classrooms become city streets and parks and museums instead of woods and barns.
What families do need, though, is at least one parent or caregiver at home with children. Some families that might wish to educate their children at home simply can’t, and schools provide a place for children to go while parents work.
“It’s not feasible for everybody,” agrees Hewitt. “I can’t
answer everyone’s personal educational crisis with our experience.” But what is feasible, he says, is to look for ways this model — unschooling — might assist in rethinking what an education can and should be.
He does have some advice for those curious about applying the principles of unschooling to their more structured lives: Don’t schedule your kids “to the freaking hilt,” he says. Give them time to be kids.
He writes that he doesn’t want to be “overtly prescriptive,” but Hewitt has some concrete advice. Play hooky now and then — take a day off work, and pull the kids out of school, without an agenda or plan. Cancel nonessential plans and stay home. Equip your children to be of use, and remember that even if they’re not productive, they’re learning to be resourceful and confident.
Gray has his own recommendations: He warns against putting too much pressure on children about grades or academic achievement or even attending a prestigious college. “If you can avoid looking at the report card, and just sign it, do that,” he says. “Don’t add extra stress and extra pressure.”
I’m not the only one engrossed in — and a little beguiled by — Hewitt’s choices. His book has yet to hit the shelves and he’s already causing a stir: As of last week, his article about unschooling in the September issue of Outside magazine had already generated hundreds of comments and more than 95,000 shares on social-media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook.
The responses ranged from the vitriolic — “the world will always need ditch diggers,” wrote one commenter, “so if that’s what you want to raise then have at it” — to the grateful and inspired.
Hewitt is quick, and careful, to explain he’s “not trying to tell anybody what to do,” nor is he advocating for shutting down schools. He’s merely telling the story of his own family members and what works for them. As a society, he says, “we’ve really lost touch with the ability to intuit what is right for ourselves and our families.”
Disclaimers aside, the last seven years of “unschooling” have only made Hewitt more confident in the choices he and his wife have made for their children.
As idyllic as the scene in Cabot is, he’s forthright about the challenges. Children take pleasure in being useful, but including Fin and Rye in the work of the farm, especially when they were younger, required immense patience.
There’s another challenge: Now that the boys have grown accustomed to the rare autonomy they enjoy, Hewitt writes, they’ve become “enormously particular about how they pass their time.” They still contribute willingly to the work of the house and farm, but they’re also stubborn.
“It’s not really convenient to raise strong-willed children,” says Hewitt, only half joking.
But that’s the point, after all: to raise children who recognize their passions, who question convention, who think critically.
What about a plan for the future? Will the Hewitts insist on GEDs, or college? “There is no plan,” Hewitt says. He trusts that, just as they have all along, the boys will provide their own. K
schools have become more and more oppressiVe in a variety of ways.
Peter Gray, boston colleGe PsycholoGy Professor
Dr. Joseph Hagan’s first patient of the morning has been running a fever for days. Wren eyes him warily as her mother, Amanda, reports the 6-month-old has been fussy ever since she received a round of vaccines a week earlier. Hagan sits down at the girl’s eye level, clucks his tongue and scoots his chair close to her. Wren lets out a high-pitched wail.
“You don’t believe I came near you. How rude of me!” Hagan jokes, as he presses on the baby’s belly. Wren’s cries jump an octave as she flushes beet red. “I know, I know,” he says soothingly, examining her ears, mouth and throat.
Upon noticing some red spots in her mouth, Hagan diagnoses Wren with an enterovirus similar to Coxsackie, which can cover a child’s hands, feet and mouth in painful sores and leave him or her cranky and miserable.
“She may have a fever tomorrow, but you’ve probably paid your dues,” Hagan reassures the mother. “By Sunday, she’ll be ready to party.”
After 35 years as a Burlington pediatrician and a University of Vermont medical school professor, Hagan routinely sees patients like Wren, whose issues are relatively simple to resolve. But the 63-year-old physician, a candidate this fall for president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is also Vermont’s resident expert on abusive head trauma, more commonly known as “shaken baby syndrome.” In 2009, the AAP adopted the more inclusive term in recognition that many of the serious injuries that infants and toddlers suffer at the hands of adults aren’t caused by shaking alone. Gripping, squeezing, slamming or wrenching their small bodies can also result in permanent injury or death.
In those cases, it’s usually too late for Hagan to help the patient.
Hagan, a native of the Washington, D.C. area, first developed an interest in child-abuse prevention back in the mid-1970s, while he was still a resident at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He joined the faculty there in 1979.
“I realized ... that these cases make me incredibly angry,” Hagan recalls. “But I also realized that in order to be an effective pediatrician,” that reaction “was not going to serve me well, so I began to study it.”
His interest predates the term “shaken baby syndrome,” which didn’t appear in medical literature until 1984. It wasn’t until the late 1980s and early
’90s that pediatricians began to fully grasp the effects of abusive head trauma, where the brain sloshes back and forth inside the skull like a bag of water, breaking blood vessels, causing swelling and killing neurons.
For nearly three decades, Hagan has been on the front line of abuse prevention in Vermont. In the mid-1980s, he helped the state develop its regulations governing infant medical neglect. Soon thereafter, he was hired to be the state’s medical consultant on large and complex child-abuse cases; these days he fields about four to six such cases each year. For the last 19 years, Hagan has also volunteered to either chair or cochair the citizens’ advisory committee of the Department of Children and Families, which reviews all known instances of serious child abuse.
While Hagan acknowledges a cluster of “horrendous cases” in Vermont this year — so far, physical abuse has allegedly claimed the lives of three young children in Chittenden County, and a fourth death is under investigation — he points out that the problem of AHT isn’t a new one. In general, it often happens to children before age 1; infants between three and four months are at the highest risk. That’s when babies tend to cry the most, he says, which can trigger a sudden, violent outburst on the part of a parent or caregiver.
Are there “typical” perpetrators of abusive head trauma? Interestingly, Hagan said that in his experience, the problem cuts across all socioeconomic lines, just like alcoholism and opiate abuse. And, contrary to popular opinion, he adds, most offenders aren’t mentally ill, alcoholics or drug addicts, though such problems can further predispose a parent to abusing a child. As he puts it, “There’s no ‘we’ and ‘them.’ It’s ‘us.’ We’re all vulnerable to this.”
Usually, there are three factors that coalesce into a “perfect storm” for abusive behavior. First, parents may be predisposed to abuse because they, too, were raised in abusive households or are managing chronic stress in their lives such as a bad marriage, a substance problem or employment difficulties.
Second, Hagan says there’s usually some “provocative” behavior on the part of the child, such as a tantrum, an uninterrupted bout of crying or defiant behavior by an older child.
Finally, Hagan says, there’s usually an “inciting event” such as a lost paycheck or a job dismissal that pushes the parent over the edge.
Why does it seem as though
Vermont is experiencing a spike in both the frequency and seriousness of these cases? Hagan suggests that one underlying cause may be “toxic stress” — that is, strong, frequent and prolonged adversity caused by persistent poverty, substance abuse, food insecurity and violence in the home, which can actually alter the functioning of the brain by causing neurons to not divide or grow. Researchers now believe that this effect can last not just for one lifetime, but even change the way people’s DNA functions over multiple generations in a process called epigenetics.
“It’s very difficult to change the epigenetics once it happens,” Hagan says. “So now we have this multigenerational experience that’s very hard to break.”
Addressing the problem will take more than just hiring a few more DCF investigators and social workers. It’ll take more “inputs upstream to
prevent those needs down the road,” he says. Hagan isn’t sure whether Vermont can muster the “enormous political will and heavy investment” that would require, especially for gains that may not be seen for a generation.
But he’s not giving up. Hagan likens the campaign against child abuse to that of childhood nutrition, then mass immunization, which helped launch the field of pediatrics more than a century ago. Nowadays, he says, pediatricians have begun asking parents not just about their children’s health but also about what else is happening in the household.
Years ago, the doctor’s question, “How are you all doing?” was merely a conversational icebreaker. Today, it could save a life.
A version of this article appeared in the August 6, 2014 issue of Seven Days
Parents who say they have never been so furious at their child that they wanted to break something are either lying or have the patience of Job. But in today’s child-safety-obsessed culture, it’s taboo to admit that the thought has even crossed their minds. And that, experts say, can be dangerous.
“I’ve heard parents say, ‘I was so angry, I wanted to smack him!’” Hagan reports. “And I say, ‘So, you’re normal. And I’m really proud of you that you didn’t do it. Now, let’s talk about how to deal with it.’”
Sometimes the best solution, Hagan suggests, is simply to leave the child alone for a few minutes and gather your wits. So your 10-monthold won’t stop screaming? First, make sure the baby isn’t sick or injured. Then, if you’ve tried everything imaginable to settle her, without success, it’s OK to put her down in the crib, “take 10 minutes to drink a cup of tea, take a deep breath or just go in the corner and cry,” says Hagan. “Sometimes, babies need 5 to 10 minutes to shout it out.”
The same, he adds, goes for tantrums, which typically start at around 15 months.
“Tantrums aren’t personal; they’re a sign of frustration,” he says. “The best way to deal with tantrums is to ignore them. The first one you won’t ignore because it’ll catch you off guard. So what do you do about them? Walk away.”
Friends, family members and work colleagues can help parents relieve some of the daily pressures that can push them to the brink. Agreeing to watch someone’s child for a night, or even an hour or two, can be an invaluable gift to a stressed-out mom or dad.
It can be much harder for strangers to intervene. But Hagan says that if you see a parent losing patience with a child in public, offering to carry their groceries or lend a hand with one child while they attend to another can make a world of difference.
Finally, parents shouldn’t hesitate to call their pediatrician if they’re experiencing undue stress with a child. As Hagan points out, “Parents will learn over time that we’re not just here to talk about fevers.”
While your child’s teeth might appear to be straight, there may actually be a problem that needs to be evaluated by an Orthodontist. Please schedule a check up with Champlain Orthodontics. It may be of the most important actions you can take to ensure your child’s healthy & happy smile!
Families bike, skate and stroll along three miles of roadway during OPEN STREETS
BTV, a celebration of healthy living and active transportation inspired by the South American Ciclovia. The Spanish word means “bike path,” and refers to the occasional closure of city streets to create car-free zones. The concept originated in Colombia in 1976 and has since spread across the U.S. The Vermont version, organized by Local Motion, takes place in Burlington’s Old North End. It features activity hubs in which riders young and old can decorate helmets, practice hulahooping, paint murals, dance to the beat of local musicians and buy produce at a mini farmers market. Roughly 100 volunteers, or “intersection superheroes,” will help ensure a fun — and safe — experience for all.
OPEN STREETS BTV: Sunday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Burlington’s Old North End. All ages. Free. Info, 861-2700. localmotion.org To volunteer to be an “intersection superhero” contact Katelin Brewer-Colie at katelin@localmotion.org.
2 TUESDAY
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.
Vermont state Fair: Crowds converge on the midway for circus acts, racing pigs, demolition derbies and live music at this annual ag-centric affair. Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, noon. $5-15 per day; free for children 12 and under with an adult; $4 for parking. Info, 775-5200.
Food
old North End Farmers market: Fresh fruit and veggies, breads and baked goods, prepared foods, pickles, and more draw a crowd. All ages. Dewey Park, Burlington, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 376-1977.
catamount Trail Running series: Athletes of all ages and abilities choose between 2.5 and 5 kilometer courses — with a 10K option on the second Tuesday of each month — during this fun evening race. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $3-8; free for children under 9. Info, 879-6001.
Essex open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 11 a.m.-noon. $8. Info, 655-3300.
Yoga with danielle: Curious toddlers and preschoolers learn movement techniques through social interaction, repetition and play. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1800.
Fairfax Game Night: Moms, dads and kids bring their own boards — or borrow from the library’s collection — for some tabletop fun. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.
Fairfax Preschool story Time: Kids and their caregivers settle in for themed gatherings around books. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
Gaming For Teens & Adults: Players of all skill levels engage in Magic: The Gathering and other amusements. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
ArtsRiot Free movie Tuesdays: Film buffs of all ages enjoy family entertainment outdoors while noshing on delicious and affordable tacos from local chef Tommy Winrock. Bring a chair. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; cost of food. Info, artsriot.com.
children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician and educator. Preschool-age kids and younger. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889.
Night sky: Out-of-this-world kids and adults take a 30-minute tour of stars, planets and constellations. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 3:30-4 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.
3 WEDNESDAY
montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with babies one year and under. Emerge Yoga, Montpelier, 10-11 a.m. $12. Info, 778-0300.
Vermont state Fair: See September 2.
colchester Farmers market: Rain or shine, local farmers, artisans, food vendors and musicians gather on the green. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 879-7576.
Woodstock market on the Green: Fresh vegetables, farm eggs, local meats and cheeses, cut flowers, and seasonal fruits and berries represent the best of the growing season. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3555.
Essex open Gym: See September 2.
creative Writing club: Young wordsmiths let their imaginations take off on the page. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle is the subject of a spirited conversation. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Preschool music With derek: Kids tap their toes in time to a fun, tune-filled gathering. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags “ooh” and “aargh!” during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under, with their parents. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.
Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: Horse-drawn rides provide fun for the whole family. Admission includes all farm programs and activities. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $414; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.
Vermont state Fair: See September 2.
milton Farmers market: Farmers, foodies and crafters come together to celebrate the bounty of the growing season. All ages. Hannaford Supermarket, Milton, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009. summervale: Live music, food tastings, kids crafts and food-focused activities promise locavore fun. All ages. Burlington Intervale Center, 5:30-8 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Info, 660-0440.
Essex open Gym: See September 2.
Lego Thursdays: The library supplies the building blocks, and kids bring their imagination and creativity. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.
music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918. music With mr. chris: Singer and storyteller Chris Dorman leads kids in music and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.
spanish musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin culture through songs and games en español Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 917-1776.
Farmyard storytime: Little animal lovers enjoy books about cows, chickens, pigs and more, then visit them in the barn. Shelburne Farms, 10:15-11 a.m. $5-8 general admission; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.
south End Art Hop: Queen City artists come out of the woodwork for this exciting and varied exhibition of visual art. Visit seaba.com for a complete schedule of events. Various South End locations, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222.
Vermont state Fair: See September 2, noon.
Food
Burger Night: Live music and kids activities lend a festive air to a local feast of grilled fare. All ages. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:307:30 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Weather dependent; visit breadandbutterfarm. com for latest information. Info, 985-9200.
richmond Farmers market: Vendors peddle maple iced tea, honey ice cream, vegan chocolates, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, rfmmanager@gmail.com.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2.
music
Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toe-tapping good tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346.
music With derek: An immature audience shakes out its sillies with tune-filled activities. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.
music With robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
List
Art and creative movement: Explore the parallels between creative movement on the dance floor and lines and colors on the page. Students play the roles of dancer, choreographer, artist and audience, expressing the emotion and mood evoked by music in both dance and art making. Ages 8-12. Weekly on Tuesdays, Sep. 23-Oct. 28, 3-5 p.m. $110/ members; $135/nonmembers. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@ helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.
Botanical drawing: Draw plants in both a scientific and creative manner. Learn how artists have documented their findings while creating a beautiful reference. Students will sharpen their observational skills, working in pencil to create a folio of their drawings. Ages 8-12. Weekly on Thursdays, Sep. 25-Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m. No class Oct. 16. $90/members; $115/ nonmembers. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.
Foundations of drawing: Discover the basic concepts of drawing including line, texture, shape and composition using a variety of media. Students will focus on creating selfportraits, working from still life, exploring the abstract and drawing animals. Ages 5-7. Weekly on Wednesdays, Sep. 24-Oct. 29, 3-4:30 p.m. No class Oct. 15. $90/members; $115/nonmembers. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday. com, 253-8358, helenday.com.
storybook Play: Explore the world of printmaking by experimenting, investigating and creating with multiple printing processes. Students will add descriptive text and bind their prints into their very own storybook!
Ages 3-6. Weekly on Thursdays, Sep. 25-Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m. No class Oct. 16. $90/members;
$115/nonmembers. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday. com, 253-8358, helenday.com.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids Program is designed to promote self-esteem, discipline, “bullyproofing,” cooperation with peers, and overall health and well-being. Brazilian jiu-jitsu promotes mental toughness and perseverance and builds courage and self-confidence. Your son or daughter will interact with other kids and have a chance to make new friends! Ages 4-7: Wednesdays, 4:15 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:15 a.m. Ages 8-10: Wednesdays, 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. Info: Julio@bjjusa.com, 660-4072, vermontbjj.com.
music Together with Joanna may: Singing, Dancing, Drumming, Jamming! Make music an important part of your baby, toddler or preschooler’s early life with a super fun, research-based family music and movement class. 10-week fall session starts in September with classes offered in Richmond, Huntington, Jericho and Hinesburg. Visit musictogetherjmay.com for more information or to sign up for a free sample class. Info: musictogetherjmay@gmavt.net, 318-5338.
Aikido of champlain Valley: Martial Arts and Conflict Resolution for Children: The Japanese martial art of Aikido integrates selfdefense with a philosophy of non-violence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness and prevention, and methods to cultivate inner peace. Visitors are always welcome, and children can try a free class. Ages 5-6: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Ages 7-12: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington.
Info: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, 9518900, www.burlingtonaikido.org
EvoKids at Evolution Yoga: Join us this fall for baby and kids yoga! Whether you are looking for a way to bond with your baby, tap into your toddler’s imagination or give your child tools to focus and find confidence, our children’s yoga series for birth-age 11 offer a consistent way to bring yoga into your family’s life. Mondays: 9:45-10:30 a.m., Tots on the Move (ages 1.5-2.5); 10:45-11:30 a.m., Kids Creative Yoga (ages 2.5-5). Wednesdays: 9:4510:30 a.m., Infant Yoga and Massage (6 wks.-6 mo.); 10:45-11:30 a.m., Baby Yoga (6 mo.-1 yr); 4:30-5:30 p.m., After School Special (ages 5+). Fridays: 9:45-10:30 a.m., Tots on the Move (ages 1.5-2.5); 10:45-11:30 a.m., Kids Creative Yoga (ages 2.5-5). Saturdays: 9:1510 a.m., New Explorers Yoga (walkers-18 mo); 10:15-11 a.m., Tots on the Move (ages 1.5-2.5). Sundays: 2:30-3:30 p.m., YoGirls (ages 7-11). Sessions begin Sep. 14. $78/6-wks or $156/12-wks. Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: 864-9642, evolutionvt.com.
Little music makers: Toddler & Baby Music Makers (0 – 2.5 years): 11-11:45 a.m. Guitar sing-a-longs, instruments, knee bounces, peek-a-boo songs, finger plays, dancing, beach balls, parachute fun and LOTS of bubbles! Preschool Music Makers (2.5 – 5 yrs.): 1010:45 a.m. Hands-on instruments (trumpet and banjo), echo songs, cooperative activities, rhythm instruments, creative movement, parachute games and LOTS of bubbles! Instructor: Ellie Tetrick, early childhood music educator for over 20 years. Session 1: Sep. 20-Oct. 25. Session 2: Nov. 8-Dec. 20 (no class Dec. 6). Colchester Meeting House, 898 Main St. $55/Colchester residents; $60/nonresidents. Register online at colchestervt.gov/ Recreation/parksNRec.shtml. Info: elliesparties@comcast.net, 264-5640.
young artists unleash their imaginations at Kids hop, the family-friendly fest that’s part of burlington’s annual South end Art Hop. the Kids Hop tent behind the maltex building is home base. It hosts face painting, aikido demonstrations and creative projects with wood, paint and beads. but you can also bring your petite picassos to evolution yoga for giant bubble making and Japanese ink painting; to wingspan Studio for magical mobile making; to main Street Landing for chalk drawing; and to Davis Studio for sun-catcher making and an interactive, deep-sea art installation.
Kids hop: Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Burlington’s South End. Free. Ages 3-12. Info, 859-9222. seaba.com
arts & crafts
Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039.
steamroller Printmaking Workshop: Helen Day Art Studio hosts an art-making session where families make big prints with heavy machinery. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Drop in any time. Rain date September 7. Sushi Yoshi, Stowe, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $20. Info, 253-8358.
Traditional craft saturdays: Local artisans demonstrate felting, blacksmithing, pottery making and more. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355. Webby’s art studio: monet magique: Drawing inspiration from works in the museum’s collection, young impressionists make their own masterpieces using tissue paper. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.
Baby sale: La Leche League and Babywearers of Central VT host a giant bazaar filled with clothes, toys, books, nursing and diapering supplies, and more. Donations accepted at the church on September 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. Bethany Church, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free to browse. Info, 244-1254.
indigenous Peoples movie: ECHO, Vermont ethnographer Ned Castle, and award-winning Vermont filmmaker Matt Day created these four films focused on Native American topics including basket making, drumming, language and fellowship. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free with $10.50-13.50 admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
Kids Hop: A family-friendly complement to SEABA’s South End Art Hop, the event offers cool crafts, aikido demos and face painting. (See spotlight on page 32.) SEABA Tent, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222. south End art Hop: See September 5, 10 a.m.6 p.m.
Vermont state Fair: See September 2, 10 a.m.
Burlington Farmers market: Producers and artisans offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.
capital city Farmers market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. State Street. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.
Pittsford Farmers market: Local vendors peddle home-grown goods. All ages. Pittsford Village Green, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 483-2829.
shelburne Farmers market: Musical entertainment adds cheer to this exchange of fruits, veggies, herbs, honey, maple syrup and more. All ages. Shelburne Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2472.
Therapy dogs of Vermont: Canine companions visit with a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Toy Hacking: Budding engineers take apart batteryoperated playthings and learn what’s inside that makes them work. Ages 8 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 10 a.m.noon. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
creeping colors: Small scientists watch capillary action as water rises up their paper strips and separates out marker dyes. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. milk to cheese magic: After cow milking at 11 a.m., dairy-loving families taste some cheddar and learn about the cheese-making process. Shelburne Farms, 11:30 a.m. $5-8 general admission; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.
my sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this program geared toward kids ages 3-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30-1 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.
sound science: Keen listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
Time Travels Through nature: a Guided Walk: An interactive Stowe Land Trust naturalist-led walk of the remains of a sheep farm, saw mill and ski cabin lets hikers of all ages discover the rich history of the land. Mill Trail Property, Stowe, 10:30-11:30 a.m. & 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 235-7221.
7 SUNDAY
Burlington Postnatal yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun, nurturing environment. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, first Sunday of every month, 12:15-1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.
Burlington Prenatal yoga: See September 2. 10:05-11:30 a.m.
Barn dance: Refreshments, live music, hayrides, games and a silent auction make for family fun. Beard’s Barn, Waterbury Center, 2-5 p.m. $15 per person; $20 per family; proceeds benefit the Children’s Room. Info, 244-5605.
Education
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Fairs & Festivals
maple Leaf montessori Evening with Family: Live performances, a bouncy house, face painting, arts and crafts and an Imagination Playground provide tons of family fun. Boyden Family Farm, Cambridge, 4-7 p.m. $35 per family. Info, 808-561-6356.
Vermont state Fair: See September 2, 10 a.m.
Skating
Registration Schedule: Wed. Sept. 10 6:00-7:30 p.m. 11 Week Session
Children’s Lessons
7 sunday (ContinueD)
south Burlington farmers market: Skip the grocery store and head to this outdoors market for produce, meat and eggs, plus goods from local artists and ethnic lunch options. South Burlington High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, sbfm.manager@gmail.com.
stowe farmers market: Live music, face painting and cooking demos complement an array of food and craft vendors. All ages. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8027.
Winooski farmers market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids activities and tunes come together on the banks of the Winooski River. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 413-446-4684.
catamount family center fun run: Kids ages 4-12 lace up their sneakers for half-, 1- and 1.5-mile treks sponsored by Ready, Set, Run! Registration at 12:30 p.m. Race starts at 1 p.m. Catamount Family Center, Williston. $3-10; preregistration encouraged. Info, 863-8412.
essex sunday open Gym: Little gymnasts stretch, bounce and jump in an open play space. The under 7 crowd is welcome from 1-2:30 while the 7-12-year-olds come from 2:30-4 followed by ages 13 and up from 4-5:30. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-2:30, 2:30-4 & 4-5:30 p.m. $8. Info, 655-3300.
night sky: See September 2. sundays for fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about feathers and flying through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-9; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; preregister. Info, 434-2167.
8 MONDAY
See Dr. First videos “first With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
essex drop-in story Time: Sensational stories thrill little readers ages 5 and under. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Write now!: Best-selling authors-to-be get inspired to start penning a book or poem. Grades 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. young adult advisory Board: Teens help make the library a destination for their peers.
Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
milton activities fair: Milton community members learn about local recreational activities, clubs, services and nonprofits at this informational event geared to families. Milton Elementary/Middle School, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.
pride center family program: LGBTQA families share experiences and gain insight from like-minded peers in a supportive space. Topics include Navigating Systems and Gender Fluid Families. 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812
old north end farmers market: See September 2.
montpelier prenatal yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will ready their bodies for the next phase of life. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.
essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: Tumbling tots burn energy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and more. Saturday 9 a.m. session for ages 1-5 only.
Gymstar Gymnastics, Shelburne, 10 a.m., noon & 5:30 p.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948.
Williston open Gym: Petite gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months-6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family. Info, 652-2454.
music for preschoolers: See September 4, 11 a.m.
9 TUESDAY
Burlington la leche league: New moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Babies and older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.
Burlington prenatal yoga: See September 2.
catamount Trail running series: See September 2.
essex open Gym: See September 2.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8. yoga with danielle: See September 2.
fairfax preschool story Time: See September 2.
Gaming for Teens & adults: See September 2.
9 Tuesday, p.38
How Sweettravel back in time for the nineTeenTh cenTury apple & cheese harVesT fesTiVal at the Justin morrill Homestead. Visitors to the historic landmark — which is devoted to the legacy of the senator who established federal funding to create many of the nation’s public colleges and universities — use an antique press to make cider, taste heirloom varieties, make apple prints and play period games. A short hike on the homestead’s lookout trail and a scavenger hunt provide exercise, while handcranked ice cream and an apple pie contest add a sweet finish to the day.
nineTeenTh cenTury apple & cheese harVesT fesTiVal: Sunday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford. $5-10 admission includes lunch; preregister. All ages. Info, 765-4288. morrillhomestead.org
You’ll find a lot more than vibrant leaves at the BURKE FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVAL in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. A sports-themed parade features a town green bustling with 60 vendors showcasing their wares, from handmade soaps to chocolate truffles. Kids lap up free ice cream cones, meet farm critters and burn off energy in a bounce house while Chickweed entertain the crowd with folksy tunes. An owl, hawk and falcon from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science captivate wildlife enthusiasts; a rubber ducky race provides tamer fun.
BURKE FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVAL: Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in East Burke Village. All ages. Free. Info, 626-4124. burkevermont.com
MONDAY
Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per child. Info, 223-0517.
Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.
Fusion 802 Playgroup: Fusion 802, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.
Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.
Richford Playgroup: Richford Elementary, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.
Swanton Playgroup: Swanton Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.
Winooski Family Center Playgroup: O’Brien Community Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.
Burlington Dad's Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.
Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details.
Barre Open Gym: See Monday.
Colchester Playgroup: Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5643.
Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.
Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.
Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667.
Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.
Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.
St. Albans Building Better Families Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.
Essex Junction Building Bright Futures
Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.
Essex Junction Building Bright Futures
Spanish Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, first Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.
Hinesburg Infant Playgroup: Carpenter-Carse Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 482-4667.
Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.
Winooski Family Center Playgroup: See Monday, 10-11:30 a.m.
FRIDAY
Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 899-4415.
Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.
Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.
Swanton Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.
Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.
Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.
Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.
Franklin Tumble Time & Playgroup: Franklin Central School, Starts Sep. 13, 9-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 370-0838.
Williston Spanish Music & Movement Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, last Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 876-7555.
In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution’s museums offer free admission every day. During SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY LIVE!, more than 1,500 museums across the country — including 19 in Vermont — follow the capital city’s example. Learn about the state’s rich past at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, test your sea legs at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes or see the stars at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury. You can spend the cash you’ve saved in the gift shop.
SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY LIVE: Saturday, September 27. Various locations. All ages. Free. Visit smithsonian.com/museumday to search for participating sites in Vermont.
9 TUESDAY (CONTINUED)
Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 2.
Night Sky: See September 2.
‘Possum’s Harvest Moon’: A story about a marsupial’s plans for a party is a springboard to talking about the phases of the moon and how animals prepare for winter. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. $10.50-13.50 regular museum admission; free for children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386. Storytime in the Nestlings Nook: Little ones listen to stories about feathered friends. Tales are followed by a nature walk, craft project or music. Intended for preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.
Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 3.
History for Homeschoolers: Education and one-room schoolhouses in Vermont is this month’s topic of discussion, then kids practice arithmetic on slates and writing with quill pens. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $4-5; free for parents and nonparticipating children; preregister. Info, 828-1314.
Colchester Farmers Market: See September 3.
Kids in the Kitchen: Egg Drop Soup: Chinesefood lovers make an easy, at-home version of a restaurant favorite, with an aromatic chicken broth full of scallions and ginger as the base. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per adult-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.
Woodstock Market on the Green: See September 3.
Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Bring your own or borrow from the library. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643. 10 WEDNESDAY, P.40
10 WEdNEsday (Continued)
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon. Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Library & Books
creative Writing club: See September 3. Lego club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.
music
moving & Grooving With christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music. Recommended for ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Preschool music With derek: See September 3.
Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See September 3.
Nature & science
Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 3.
11 THURSDAY
Baby & maternity
Burlington Prenatal yoga: See September 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
community
stuttering support Group: School-age children with stutters and their families are invited to join these community-building gatherings. Pomeroy Hall, University of Vermont, Burlington, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Free. Info, 656-0250.
History for Homeschoolers: See September 10.
Food
milton Farmers market: See September 4. Games
st. albans Legos: Building-block lovers keep busy with the library’s giant collection. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
‘Getting schooled’ Book Event: Parents and educators listen as Vermont author, teacher and Harper’s magazine contributing editor Garret Keizer talks about his latest book, Getting Schooled: The Re-education of an American Teacher. Phoenix Books Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3350. card making: Crafter Karen McNall provides inspiration and materials for kids to make their own paper greetings. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. $2 per card made. Info, 849-2420.
Lego Thursdays: See September 4.
music
music for Preschoolers: See September 4. music With mr. chris: See September 4. spanish musical Kids: See September 4.
Behind-the-scenes Tour: Fans of feathers learn what it takes to care for the myriad of avian patients at the nature center and tour the Wild Bird Hospital. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 2-2:45 p.m. $4-6 fee for ages 8 and up with $11-13 regular admission; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000. Farmyard storytime: See September 4.
12 FRIDAY Education
Homeschool Project day: Out-of-classroom learners share their current projects with an audience of parents and siblings. Grades K-12. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Food
artsRiot Truck stop Burlington: Families of foodies enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Free; cost for food. Info, artsriot.com.
Burger Night: See September 5. Richmond Farmers market: See September 5.
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 5.
music With derek: See September 5. music With Robert: See September 5.
13 SATURDAY arts & crafts
‘Break it make it’ Family Workshop: Curious kids and their grown-ups bring old toys and household junk to the Generator lab to tinker with and transform into DIY creations. Ages 8-12. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per child. Info, 578-2512. saturday Kids drop-in class: Hand builders create clay projects with seasonal themes, including flower vases, fall leaves, animal creatures and coil pots. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling; children must be accompanied by an adult. Info, 985-3648.
Traditional craft saturdays: See September 6.
Babywearers meeting: Parents partial to wearing their tots chat about a variety of topics and try on and borrow wraps and carriers from the lending library. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; $10 to check out an item from the lending library.
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Glory days Festival: An annual familyoriented fest celebrates the town’s choo-choo history with mini-train rides, carnival games, children’s entertainment and engine displays. Downtown, White River Junction, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; $10 for train excursion. Info, 295-5036.
Food
Burlington Farmers market:
See September 6.
capital city Farmers market: See September 6.
See Dr. First videos
“First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
chocolate-Bar making: Budding chocolatiers temper and mold the sweet stuff, then create and wrap four goody-filled bars to take home. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. South End Kitchen, Burlington, 3 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 864-0505.
Pittsford Farmers market: See September 6. shelburne Farmers market: See September 6.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, 9 & 10:10 a.m.
meet Pete the cat: Eric Litwin’s moving and grooving feline protagonist entertains little ones at an hourly story time, complete with crafts and fun activities. Buttered noodles for all! Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.
‘The Expeditioners & The secret of King Triton’s Lair’: Middle schoolers are enraptured as Vermont author Sarah Stewart Taylor reads from her newest adventure book featuring maps, solar-powered pirates and killer eels. Norwich Bookstore, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.
movies
internet cat Video Festival: A collection of the web’s funniest cat videos — along with three winning selections submitted by locals — make audience members LOL. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 2 & 7 p.m. $5-10; 50 percent of the proceeds benefit Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society. Info, 382-9222.
smArt series: ‘Back to the Future’: A viewing of the 1980s Michael J. Fox classic is followed by a movie-inspired scavenger hunt on the museum grounds. Ages 4 and up. Shelburne Museum, 1-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.
Fiddle Bowing Workshop: Young Traditions
Vermont and the Summit Schoool sponsor a music making session geared toward players under age 18 of all skill levels. Students will learn to use their bow hand to generate the driving rhythms of old time and other musical styles. Vermont Violins, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 503-808-0362.
Beautiful Birds: Games, activities and observation help avian enthusiasts learn about native flyers. Ages 3 and up. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 10-11 a.m. $5 donation to the Audubon; preregister. Info, 658-2433.
Bird monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk. All ages welcome. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.
submit your october events for print by september 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
Lab coat investigation: Topics including using microscopes, extracting DNA and modeling glaciers are explored in these activities for ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
milk to cheese magic: See September 6. my sky: See September 6.
‘Possum’s Harvest moon’: See September 9. summer Naturalist Program: Hands-on exploration of the natural world — from bugs to trees — piques the curiosity of kids ages 3-12. Mill Trail Property, Stowe, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 793-6101.
Time Travels Through Nature: A Guided Walk: See September 6.
Unschooling Book Event: How do small, mindful decisions about day-to-day life lead to greater awareness of the world? Cabot author Ben Hewitt discusses his newest book, Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting with the Natural World. (See “Back to School — Or Not,” p. 22). Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.
Theater
saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. 333 Stage Performing Arts Studio, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 or pay what you can. Info, 863-6607.
14 SUNDAY
Baby & maternity
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.
Education
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Fairs & Festivals
small Farms Food Fest: Local eats, tractor hayrides, rope making, circus arts, apple printing and more fill this farmer-appreciation festival. Shelburne Orchards, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5; free for folks under 6.5 or over 65; nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food shelf. Info, 985-2753.
Food
south Burlington Farmers market: See September 7.
stowe Farmers market: See September 7.
Winooski Farmers market: See September 7.
Health & Fitness
cabot Rides the Ridges: Families enjoy a 10K bike tour of one of the most beautiful ridges in Cabot, while more experienced riders navigate 30-100K courses. A feast of local foods follows. Cabot School, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-25; $40 per family. Info, 563-3338.
14 sUNdAY, p.42
BiLLiNGs FARm & mUsEUm
Info, 457-2355
Annual Quilt Exhibition: Windsor County quilters display their masterful textiles at an eye-catching exhibition. Quilting activities and demonstrations appeal to all ages and skill levels. Through September 21.
coRN mAzEs
A corn maze Adventure, Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y.: Weekends through October 19. Open Columbus Day. Info, 518-585-2821. fortticonderoga.org
The Great Vermont corn maze, danville: Through October 17. Info, 7481399. vermontcornmaze.com
Hathaway Farm corn maze, Rutland: Through October 26. Info, 775-2624. hathawayfarm.com
sam mazza’s Farm market, colchester: Through October 31. Info, 655-3440. sammazzafarms.com
EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm & sciENcE cENTER
Info, 864-1848
'coffee: The World in Your cup': Visitors to this traveling exhibit learn how coffee — one of the world's most widely traded commodities — affects cultures, economies and environments around the world. The beverage's origins, methods of production and producers are also explored. September 13 through January 4.
moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE
Info, 649-2200
'A T. Rex Named sue': A cast skeleton of the largest, most complete and best-preserved T. rex ever found is the centerpiece of this visiting exhibit, which also includes interactive mechanical models, activities and videos. Through September 7.
sHELBURNE FARms
Info, 985-8686
Farmyard storywalk: Eager readers follow the pages of the children's book The Day the Goose Got Loose along a farm trail, watching the plot unfold with every step. Through October 19.
WoNdERFEET Kids' mUsEUm
Info, 282-2678
Wonderfeet Kids' museum: This children's museum features interactive exhibits that allow kids to explore, role play and create. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
14 sUNdAY (Continued)
Essex sunday open Gym: See September 7.
mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
Night sky: See September 2.
Parachutes: Curious kids make their own chutes to test air resistance. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
15 MONDAY
Baby & maternity
montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 8.
Games
Lego club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8. Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Library & Books
Essex drop-in story Time: See September 8.
music
music for Preschoolers: See September 4, 11 a.m.
Nature & science
Books & Beyond: science for Preschoolers: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:1511 & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
16 TUESDAY
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2.
A Good day’s Fishing: Aspiring anglers discover what fish like to eat and practice casting for trout. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free with $10.50-13.50 admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
Food
old North End Farmers market: See September 2.
catamount Trail Running series: See September 2.
Essex open Gym: See September 2.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8. Yoga with danielle: See September 2.
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See September 2.
music
children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 2.
Nature & science
children’s orchard Program: Apple-loving kids and their grown-up companions spend a morning touring the picturesque grounds, picking fruit and eating cider doughnuts. Call Nick or Tina to arrange a visiting time. Shelburne Orchards, $5. Info, 985-2753.
Night sky: See September 2.
17 WEDNESDAY
Baby & maternity
montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 3.
Food
Kids in the Kitchen: Bacon, Egg and cheese sandwiches: Local ingredients combine for a breakfast favorite made to order. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per parent-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.
Woodstock market on the Green: See September 3.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon.
Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Action origami: A kid-adult teaching team makes paper folding fun, demonstrating how to make magic cubes and chompers — paper teeth that really move. Ages 8 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
creative Writing club: See September 3.
Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
See Dr. First videos
“First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
marshfield Family-Themed movies: A wholesome flick entertains viewers of all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
moving & Grooving With christine: See September 10.
Preschool music With derek: See September 3. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See September 3.
Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 3.
18 THURSDAY
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m. montpelier La Leche League: Breastfeeding moms make new friends as they discuss the joys and challenges of nursing. Snacks provided. Lending library available. Babies and toddlers welcome. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 9:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-1254.
Food
milton Farmers market: See September 4.
18 THuRsdAY, p.44
BANKING FOR YOUNG ADULTS.
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Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Young Athletes special olympics Program: Developmentally appropriate play activities foster physical, cognitive and social development in kids with disabilities and their peers. Ages 2-7. Limited to 20 children. Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 861-0280.
Lego Thursdays: See September 4.
music for Preschoolers: See September 4. music With mr. chris: See September 4. spanish musical Kids: See September 4.
children’s orchard Program: See September 16.
Farmyard storytime: See September 4. spider safari: Get your spinnerets ready! Preschoolers explore the fields and forests in search of arachnids, then practice weaving webs and catching insects. Ages 3-5. Meet at the sugarhouse parking area. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.
19 FRIDAY
Eat by Northeast: The Skinny Pancake and Higher Ground present this three-day celebration of Vermont food, with kid-friendly programming including cooking classes and two performances by renowned children’s musician Dan Zanes at noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Preregister for some events at eatxne.com. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free admission; donations benefit local food nonprofits. Info, 652-0777.
ArtsRiot Truck stop Burlington: See September 12.
Richmond Farmers market: See September 5.
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Burlington Fall Book sale: Literature lovers peruse thousands of secondhand titles for children and adults. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free to browse. Info, 865-7216.
Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 5.
music With derek: See September 5. music With Robert: See September 5. Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: A concerto by Ditterdorf, Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite and the world premiere of “Before the Snow,” composed by Burlington native Beth Wiemann, come together for an autumnal concert. Ages 10 and up. Dibden Center for the Arts, Johnson State College, 7:30 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
saturday Kids drop-in class: See September 13. Traditional craft saturdays: See September 6.
Touch a Truck: Beep, beep! Kids climb aboard awesome autos and speak to their drivers. All ages. Bombardier Park, Milton, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 893-4922.
A Good day’s Fishing: See September 16. indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Eat by Northeast: See September 19, 10 a.m. shelburne Farms Harvest Festival: Families embrace the autumn traditions of Vermont’s farms and forests with music, hayrides, demonstrations, fresh food, antique farm machines, roving livestock and a hay-bale maze. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-10; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.
Burlington Farmers market: See September 6. capital city Farmers market: See September 6. Pittsford Farmers market: See September 6. shelburne Farmers market: See September 6.
EvoKids saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, song and dance. Ages 3-9. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.
Parents Night out: The magical World of Harry Potter: Adults looking for some alone time drop off their young yogis for an evening at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ages 4-11. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $15 for siblings; preregister. Info, 864-9643.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, 9 & 10:10 a.m.
Burlington Fall Book sale: See September 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Highgate Fall story Time Fun: Kids ages 2-8 enjoy books, songs, puppets and crafts with Jane Napier. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 868-3970.
Therapy dogs of Vermont: See September 6, 10:30 a.m.
Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, Vergennes Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
milk to cheese magic: See September 6. my sky: See September 6.
skulls: Neophyte naturalists explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
summer Naturalist Program: See September 13.
Theater
saturday drama club: See September 13.
21 SUNDAY
Baby & maternity
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.
community
open streets BTV: People of all ages bike, stroll, roll, dance and skate along car-free streets in the Old North End, amid activities and food geared toward families. (See spotlight on page 29.) Burlington’s Old North End, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 861-2700.
Education
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Fairs & Festivals
Eat by Northeast: See September 19, 10 a.m.-noon.
Food south Burlington Farmers market: See September 7.
stowe Farmers market: See September 7. Winooski Farmers market: See September 7.
Health & Fitness
Essex sunday open Gym: See September 7. shelburne Farms Fun Run: Racers hoof it along half-, one- and 1.5-mile courses. Ages 4-12. Registration at 12:30 p.m. Race starts at 1 p.m. Shelburne Farms. $3-10; preregistration encouraged. Info, 863-8412
Burlington Fall Book sale: See September 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. millenial Writers on stage: The Young Writers Project hosts a presentation of the remarkable poetry and prose of the next generation of Vermont poets and storytellers, as part of the Burlington Book Festival. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
music
Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, Haskell Free Library and Opera House, Derby Line, 4 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
Night sky: See September 2. Rocks & Volcanoes: Fledgling geologists learn about lava-spewing mountains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
sundays for Fledglings: See September 7.
Turtle discovery: Young explorers get up close and personal with shelled reptiles, feeding them and learning about their habitat. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 8.
A slice of King street: A neighborhood pizza party is accompanied by cold drinks and hot tunes to celebrate and publicize the children and family programs at King Street Center. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m, $5; King Street kids and tutors eat free; purchase tickets in advance. Info, 862-6736.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8. Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Essex drop-in story Time: See September 8.
Ludlow Pajama story Time: Youngsters put on their jammies, grab their teddy bears and head to the library for an evening of books, milk and cookies. All ages. Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow, 6-6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 228-3517.
Williston Pajama story Time: Kids jam out in their jammies to tales, crafts and bedtime snacks. Favorite stuffed animals are welcome to attend, too. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
music
music for Preschoolers: See September 4, 11 a.m.
23 TUESDAY
Baby & maternity
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2. community
Pride center Family Program: See September 9.
Food old North End Farmers market: See September 2.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Yoga with danielle: See September 2.
Library & Books
dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Tara Sullivan’s Golden Boy is at the heart of a spirited conversation. Snack provided. Grades 4-8. Milton Public Library, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.
Fairfax Preschool Story Time: See September 2.
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See September 2.
Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 2.
Children’s Orchard Program: See September 16.
ECHO Story Explorers: Fall is Here!: Science enthusiasts celebrate the changing season through movement and play. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $10.50-13.50; free for children under 2. Info, 877-324-6386.
Night Sky: See September 2.
24 WEDNESDAY
Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 3.
Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling. Discussion topics include nighttime feeding, weaning and setting limits. Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
Food
Woodstock Market on the Green: See September 3.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See September 2. Shelburne Open Gym: See September 8, noon.
MONDAY
Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.
Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.
Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, Sep. 8, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621.
St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.
Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.
Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, ongoing, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.
TUESDAY
Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.
Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.
Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.
Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.
Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Hinesburg Toddler Story Time:
Williston Open Gym: See September 8.
Creative Writing Club: See September 3.
Preschool Music With Derek: See September 3.
Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See September 3.
Searsburg Wind Facility Tours: Members of the public get a closer look at an operating wind power site. Ages 6 and up. Searsburg Wind Power Facility, Free; call to schedule a tour. Info, 244-7522.
Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 3.
Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details.
Carpenter-Carse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.
South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.
Williston Fall Story Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.
WEDNESDAY
Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday. Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141.
Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.
Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.
Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.
South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.
South Burlington Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.
Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.
Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.
THURSDAY
Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, first Thursday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Northfield Children's Story Time: See Monday.
Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.
Shelburne Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.
St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.
Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211.
Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.
Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.
FRIDAY
Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.
Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.
Essex Junction Story Time: Brownell Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.
Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
Fletcher Story Time: Fletcher Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 228-8921.
Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.
Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.
Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.
Milton Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.
South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.
South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.
25 THURSDAY
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Food
Kids in the Kitchen: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: A perennial kid’s favorite gets a nutritious boost when steamed and mashed veggies are cooked into the sauce. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per parent-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.
Milton Farmers Market: See September 4. Stone Soup with Virginia Holiman: Children and senior citizens work together to make a potage with fresh veggies. Franklin Carriage House & Franklin Homestead, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.
25 THURSDAY, P.48
St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291. Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.
Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, Sep. 12, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
SATURDAY
Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114.
Burlington Story Time at Phoenix Books: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350. Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.
South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday.
St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday. First Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Swanton Story Hour: See Wednesday. 10:30 a.m.
Winooski Saturday Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.
SUNDAY
Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.
JOIN THE Y AND ENJOY:
• Full use of two sites
• Indoor & outdoor pools
• Family gym and family swim times
• Member rates on swim lessons, fitness programs & birthday parties
• Free access to Ys across the country
• Member childcare available
Mention KidsVT and we will waive the join fee during the month of September! gbymca.org 862-YMCA k4t-GBYMCA0914.indd
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Young Athletes special olympics Program: See September 18.
Library & Books
Lego Thursdays: See September 4.
music
music for Preschoolers: See September 4. spanish musical Kids: See September 4. Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: Festive international music from Russia, England, France, the Ukraine and Brazil rings through the theater in this presentation emceed by Vermont commentator Bill Mares. Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, 7:30 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
Nature & science
children’s orchard Program: See September 16.
Farmyard storytime: See September 4.
26 FRIDAY
Food
ArtsRiot Truck stop Burlington: See September 12.
Richmond Farmers market: See September 5.
Health & Fitness
Essex open Gym: See September 2. Family Yoga: Flexible families bring calm to their minds while learning new poses, breathing techniques and games. Barlow Street Community Center, St. Albans, 6-6:45 p.m. $5 per child; free for adults; preregister. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.
shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.
— Tom Wilson, actor/writer/comedianTimberlane Dental Group was founded in 1973 to provide comprehensive dental care extending throughout a patient’s life—from the first infant oral exam through adulthood. Today, 40-plus years later, we’re as happy as ever to be caring for Vermonters.
Tiny Tumblers Kids Night out: Parents enjoy an evening out while active kids balance, tumble and hang out. Ages 6-12 at 6:30 p.m. Ages 13 and up at 8:30 p.m. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 6:30-8:30 & 8:30-10 p.m. $15 per child. Info, 652-2454.
Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 5.
music With derek: See September 5. Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, Bellows Falls Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design or build something cool. September’s theme is taking toys apart. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.
saturday Kids drop-in class: See September 13.
Traditional craft saturdays: See September 6.
Welcome Baby celebration: Book donations, giveaways and refreshments honor Milton’s newest — and smallest — residents. For ages 1 and under with their families. Milton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6. museum day Live!: Nineteen historic sites and museums across the state open their doors to the public free of charge during this national event sponsored by Smithsonian magazine. Visit smithsonian.com/museumdaylive to search for participating locations. (See spotlight on page 38.) Various locations statewide, Free. Info, museumday@si.edu.
Bristol Harvest Festival: Family fun commences with bandstand music, kids activities, a tug-of-war and a pie-eating contest. All ages. Bristol Town Green, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 453-5885.
Burke Fall Foliage Festival: Families fall in love with autumn during daylong festivities including a parade, a rubber duck race, bounce houses, face painting, wagon rides, a farm animal petting zoo and a live raptor show. All ages. (See spotlight on page 36.) Village Green, East Burke, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 626-4124.
Forest Festival Weekend: Held in conjunction with the Vermont Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival, this event features kid-friendly hikes, ranger activities and a make-your-ownwalking-stick craft. Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3368.
Heritage Harvest & Horse Festival: Equestrian demos, sack races, wagon rides and a visit to the corn maze make for autumn fun. Fort Ticonderoga, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-17.50 general admission; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.
Burlington Farmers market: See September 6. capital city Farmers market: See September 6. chocolate-Bar making: See September 13. Pittsford Farmers market: See September 6. shelburne Farmers market: See September 6.
EvoKids saturday Yoga: See September 20. shelburne open Gym: See September 8. 9 & 10:10 a.m.
spanish musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños. Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
VsA Vermont’s drum making Workshop: Budding musicians learn some basic percussion techniques and create an instrument to take home in anticipation of the BOOM VT Drum Festival in October. Workshop for preschoolers and their parents from 1-2 p.m., followed by workshop for grades K-12 children
“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.”
from 2-3 p.m. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, 7:30 p.m. $627. Info, 864-5741.
Archaeology day: How did local people live in the past? This question is explored through tool-making demos, lectures and a hands-on archaeological dig during a daylong celebration of humans. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
Behind-the-scenes Tour: See September 11, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Bird-monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9:45 a.m. Donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.
Birds and the Future of the Forest: A one-hour hike led by a biologist and a forester teaches participants how we can protect and enhance the woods for our feathered friends. All ages. Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3068.
EcHo story Explorers: Fall is Here!: See September 23.
Garland making: Kids with a flair for the decorative gather fallen leaves and sew them together with needle and thread to make cascades of color. Ages 7 and up. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. Free with $3.507 museum admission; donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in: Oversize gourds battle it out for the heavyweight title. Onlookers enjoy hayrides, apple-cider doughnuts and the corn maze. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-3440.
milk to cheese magic: See September 6. my sky: See September 6.
orienteering: The farm’s fields and woods provide grounds for training in map-andcompass navigation. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Beginners’ clinic,
9-10 a.m.; orienteering courses, 10 a.m.-noon. Shelburne Farms, 9 a.m.-noon. $10-12 per adult-child pair; $5-6 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.
summer Naturalist Program: See September 13.
Theater
‘Les Poules à colin’: Five young artists from Québec perform original and folktrad tunes inspired by music passed down from their families. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-25; $96 for family 4-pack. Info, 760-4634.
saturday drama club: See September 13.
28 SUNDAY
Arts & crafts
‘The Nutcracker’ Auditions: Young Vermont dancers try out for roles in Albany Berkshire Ballet’s magical holiday production. Ages 4-18. Call for audition times. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $15 audition fee. Info, 253-5151.
Baby & maternity
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2, 10:05-11:30 a.m.
Education
indigenous Peoples movie: See September 6.
Fairs & Festivals
19th-century Apple & Harvest Festival: Visitors churn ice cream, press cider, sample heirloom apples, play old-fashioned games and hike the Lookout Trail at this state historic site. All ages. (See spotlight on page 34.) Justin Morrill Homestead, Strafford Village, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5-10 includes lunch. Info, 765-4288.
cider House Run & Pie Fest: Apple lovers take strides through the orchard, heading straight for a homemade-pie competition. Shelburne Orchards, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $8-25 includes pickyour-own-apples bag; preregister to run. Info, 316-7142.
Forest Festival Weekend: See September 27, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Food
south Burlington Farmers market: See September 7.
stowe Farmers market: See September 7.
Winooski Farmers market: See September 7.
Essex sunday open Gym: See September 7.
music
Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, BFA Performing Arts Center, St. Albans, 3 p.m. $627. Info, 864-5741.
creeping colors: See September 6. Night sky: See September 2. sound science: See September 6.
montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 8.
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8. Williston open Gym: See September 8.
Essex drop-in story Time: See September 8. intergenerational dessert Book discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session, complete with something sweet. This month’s discussion centers around Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones. Grades 6 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
music for Preschoolers: See September 4, 11 a.m.
Vermont symphony orchestra made in Vermont music Festival: See September 19, Castleton State College, 7 p.m. $6-27. Info, 864-5741.
Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 2.
chocolate-Bar making: See September 13. old North End Farmers market: See September 2.
Essex open Gym: See September 2. shelburne open Gym: See September 8, noon & 2 p.m.
Williston open Gym: See September 8. Yoga with danielle: See September 2.
Fairfax Preschool story Time: See September 2.
Fairfax Reads ‘Wonder’: Literature buffs of all ages who’ve enjoyed the Vermont Reads selection gather for cookies, cupcakes and discussion. All ages. Foothills Bakery, Fairfax, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See September 2. Read to a dog: Pet-loving kiddos share books with registered therapy pooches. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.
Young Readers Book discussion: Literary types in grades 4-8 discuss Wonder by R.J. Palacio, the 2014 Vermont Reads selection . Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 2.
children’s orchard Program: See September 16.
EcHo story Explorers: ‘The Very Quiet cricket’: Junior scientists observe real live chirpers and learn their secrets. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 2. Info, 877-324-6386.
Night sky: See September 2. K
See page 52 for details.
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids
KAT lives in Essex and turns 6 on September 10. She loves to dress up in pink, frilly dresses, then go outside and dig up all the worms she can find. Kat wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 kids.
Riddle Search — THE U.S.A.
Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: Where can you find tiny drinks in the United States?
CAPITALS
CAVES
DESERTS
DUNES
EVERGLADES HILLS
BY HELENA HOVANECHENRY lives in Underhill and turns 2 on September 24. His favorite things are singing Beatles songs, playing with cars and throwing rocks in the river.
To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club.
Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.
Riddle Answer:
ISABELLA lives in Charlotte and turns 11 on September 8. She loves to ski, read and dance.
KATHRYN lives in South Burlington and turns 6 on September 8. Her favorite place is Greece. She loves gymnastics, swimming, playing with her friends and doing arts and crafts.
The Wood-LeWis famiLy of BurLingTon is best known for its front porch — parents Michael and Valerie founded Front Porch Forum, an online communitybuilding service, from their 100-year-old home in Burlington’s Five Sisters Neighborhood.
Parents: valerie and michael wood-lewis
But when it comes to homeschooling their kids, an alcove off of the kitchen is what Valerie, calls “home base.” The Wood-Lewises consider themselves “eclectic homeschoolers,” says Valerie, meaning there’s no typical school day. In addition to working on projects at home, the three youngest kids spend time exploring the outdoors through the Burlington nonprofit Crow’s Path and New Village Farm in Shelburne. They make
Kids: ben, 14, maddie, 11, henry, 10, and isaac, 8
art at the Davis Studio, and learn about robotics and cooking in enrichment classes with other homeschooled kids. Computers and an iPad are important for the oldest boy, Ben, who has cerebral palsy and attends public school in Burlington. But there’s no TV in the Wood-Lewis home. Books abound, though. A homeschooler library card allows the family to take out an enormous number of volumes at one time — 40 for mom, 20 for each child — so there’s often close to 100 library books lying around the house. The kids, says Valerie, love to “curl up in a chair with a book and a guinea pig.” K
• the alcove space has a built-in, wraparound desk for academic work and hands-on projects such as microscopic investigations and taking apart toys.
• A world map is taped to the wall, and the kids use a whiteboard and small buckets of writing and drawing supplies to record ideas.
• A closet and wooden bookshelf are filled with books and curriculum materials, some of which are left over from Valerie’s days as a classroom teacher at Edmunds Middle School in burlington. Each child has a planner, in which Valerie writes a to-do list each day.
Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. Winning artists can pick up their framed work to display at home any time in October. Send Kids VT your work of art by September 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the October issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.
Harriet Bishop was born in Panton, Vt. on January 1, 1818. The youngest of her family’s three girls, she attended school in Vergennes where teachers noticed her adventurous spirit.
She went on to study education in New York under Catherine Beecher, an educator who promoted the development of schools on the United States’ western frontier, and the sister of novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe.
In 1847, Bishop heard that the Minnesota Territory sought a teacher for a new school in St. Paul - someone who would teach children of all races, without prejudice.
Bishop did not know where Minnesota was. Her friends urged her not to move to such a wild place. But she couldn’t stop thinking of the children without a school, so she said goodbye to her family in Vermont and became Minnesota’s first public school teacher.
Her first schoolhouse, a former blacksmith shop, was made of mud and logs. The bookstoreclosest was 300 miles away, so Bishop had to bring her own books.
Bishop never had children of her own, but her legacy lives on: Harriet Island in St. Paul is named after her, as is the Harriet Bishop Elementary School, in Rochester, Minn.
I have known Minnesota from its infancy and have loved it as a parent does a child.
When she arrived, her students couldn’t read or write, nor could many of their parents. She taught spelling, math and history, but also manners and nutrition. She lived with a local family and made about $100 a year.
WheneVer i geT a phone call from one of my children’s teachers in the middle of the school day, I can’t help but think, Something must be wrong.
Usually, something is. I got just such a call last December.
My son, Graham, was at Crow’s Path Field School, his outdoor education program. Crow’s Path invites kids 6 to 14 to spend one day each week on the Rock Point property in Burlington. There they learn wilderness skills such as animal tracking, identifying wild edibles and making fires. On Fridays, instead of sitting in his second-grade classroom, then-7-yearold Graham got to wander 100 acres of woods and beaches with an instructor and a crew of kids from the Burlington area. I envied him every time I dropped him off.
Or almost every time. It was below freezing on that Friday morning in December. I was grateful for the heat in my car when I said good-bye to Graham and drove off to my office.
Just before lunchtime, my cellphone rang. It was Teage O’Connor, the Crow’s Path director. It was unusual for him to call in the middle of the day when he was typically out in the woods with the kids.
He sounded cheerful when he said hello, which initially eased my mind. Then he told me that Graham had fallen through some ice.
“Was he out on the lake?” I asked, terrified.
No, he told me. Graham had been walking on a shallow stream in the woods and misjudged the thickness of the ice. He got soaked up to his waist.
“He’s fine,” O’Connor assured me. “He’s warming up in front of a roaring fire, wrapped in a bearskin. But could you bring him some dry pants and socks?”
Half an hour later, I was down at Rock Point with a bag of clothes. One of the female instructors emerged from the woods, rosy-cheeked, looking like a woodland sprite. She took the clothes, thanked me and disappeared back into the trees.
I was tickled by the image of Graham wrapped in a bearskin, but for a brief instant before I drove away, I wondered, Is this safe?
It wasn’t the first time I had asked myself that question.
My partner, Ann-Elise, and I believe in experiential education. Growing up, I climbed every tree and hit every trail I could; Ann-Elise lived out of a bus in the Sonoran Desert one semester in college. We love our kids’ public school, but we also want them to spend time learning outdoors.
By ca T hy re smer
We heard about Crow’s Path from another Winooski parent and enthusiastically signed Graham up. But I was nervous about it, and that surprised me.
In advance of the first day, we received a list of field-school supplies. It included a hunting knife. We didn’t have one, so we decided to buy one from Crow’s Path. But the ones they had for sale were bigger — much bigger — than I’d imagined.
I bought one anyway. O’Connor hung onto it and assured us that Graham would only use it while supervised, after he learned knife safety.
A week later, Graham started coming home with wooden weapons. “Check out this blow gun we made from Japanese knotweed,” he crowed when I picked him up. That was followed by a dagger, a spear, a sword and a shield.
One of the instructors made our normally shy son some armor from pieces of bark. They posted a photo of him wearing it on the school blog. He was beaming.
In February, a big snowstorm closed JFK Elementary, but Field School was defiantly in session. When I dropped Graham off, he hopped out of the car and started throwing snow with the rest of the kids. Would he be OK out there in the cold all day? I wondered.
He was fine.
At the parent-student potluck at the end of the school year, an instructor named Mo explained that on that February snow day, students had initially gone searching for ways to create and learn about avalanches. Instead, they’d ended up making a huge pile of snow and the kids and two instructors had taken turns jumping into it from a ledge above. It had been a little scary, he said, but also exhilarating.
That’s what Crow’s Path does, Mo told us: It makes it safe for kids to leap off the ledge.
Graham was with Mo’s group, but he didn’t jump. “I thought I would help make the pile instead,” he said. Still, he told us he had a great time.
Maybe he’ll take the plunge this year. At Graham’s request, we signed him up for Crow’s Path again. He’s become more outgoing and confident since last fall. He even spent the night by himself in his own tent during the overnight Crow’s Path campout at the end of the semester.
And I’m now more comfortable with his wilderness skills. Over the summer, he carved lots of marshmallow-roasting sticks for our fire pit. In fact, he’s gotten so good with the knife that a few weeks ago we bought him a hatchet. K
Graham had fallen through some ice.
At field school, fire and knives are part of the curriculum
