Kids VT - February 2011 - Education

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FEBRUARY 2011

Get out!

Explore winter activities in our calendar

What Can

iLearn?

The dos and don’ts of letting kids go mobile

inside:

CAMP GUIDE

THE EDUCATION ISSUE Vol.18 No.1

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Find Family-Sized Fun & Value this Winter at Bolton Valley What makes buildings stand up? What makes them come C

down? Explore the inner life of buildings of all kinds from houses to domes to skycrapers. Turn the crank a few times

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to Raise the Roof yourself!

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It’s all about buildings, right now, at ECHO!

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Convenient Big Mountain Skiing and Riding for You, Loads of Fun for the Littlest Members of Your Family

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Ask us about our expansion plans!

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J. Allen Feeley, DDS • Fadi Kanan, DDS Nathan Makay, DDS • Anthony Castellano, DDS

kidsvt.com

With an annual snowfall of over 300” and a convenient access road only 10 minutes from I-89, now’s the time to visit Vermont’s favorite family mountain. 3 interconnected peaks, 71 trails, 3 terrain parks, 100km of Nordic and snowshoe trails, & lessons for both children and adults, mean something for everyone in your family. When the legs can take no more, head to our Sports Center with its heated pool and Indoor Amusement Center for video games, bounce houses, and other family-friendly fun.

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February 2011

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OPENINGS AVAILABLE VO l.18 NO.1

February 2011 KANGAROO CORNER CHILDCARE

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From the Kids VT Staff...........................................5 birthday Club ................................................................39 Kids VT Scrapbook .....................................................42 use your Words: essay ..........................................43

IlluSTraTION: MO OH

eaT. learN. Play The Kids beat ..................................................................6 ask Dr. First: Screen Time ...................................8 Fit Families: Mount Philo/Hopscotch .......9 The Kids Menu Home Cookin’: Pulled Chicken...............10 Out to eat: Mimmo’s Pizzeria ................11 Go ask Dad: ready for Star Wars? ..............12 The art of...Traditional Paper Folding .......13

CaMP GuIDe

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THe eDuCaTION ISSue

What can iLearn?

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The dos and don’ts of letting kids go mobile Teens Tapping Tablets Mobile Computing Dos and Don’ts education apps We like

22

Penny Wise

CaleNDar

www.Sprucewoodfarm.com

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802-316-3873 or 802-598-1112 193 Poor Farm Road • Colchester, VT 05446

The ABCs of saving for higher education a Savings Timeline Projected Tuition Costs The 411 on the 529

Daily listings ..................................................................29 Ongoing Playgroups .................................................30 Ongoing exhibits .......................................................33 Ongoing Story Times...............................................34

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ON THe Web Multimedia producer eva Sollberger takes you sliding in Milton in her weekly web video series “Stuck in Vermont.” The downhill action is totally tubular at Sharp Park, where kids and adults slide down Cobble Hill’s steep slope. Watch “Stuck in Vermont” on kidsvt.com.

HaNDS-ON Crafting with Kids .......................................................37 The Party Planner: birthday Swaps ...........38 Puzzle Page ......................................................................40 Coloring Contest .........................................................41

Vermont’s Oldest & Most Experienced Childcare Placement Agency

sTAFF & coNTRiBUToRs

• •

editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Publications of america. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

Copy editors/Godparents Pamela Polston Paula Routly Proofreader Kate o’Neill Production Manager Krystal Woodward Designers Brooke Bousquet celia Hazard Rev. diane sullivan Multimedia Producer Eva sollberger Deputy Web editor Tyler machado Office Manager cheryl Brownell contributing Writers: Nancy Stearns bercaw, Kristina Creighton, erik esckilsen, Megan James, amy lilly, Ken Picard, Katrina roberts, Sarah Tuff Photographers: andy Duback, Matthew Thorsen illustrators: Mo Oh, andy Singer soRTiNG moRE THAN LAUNdRY.

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© 2011 Da Capo Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved.

ext. 77 ext. 74 ext. 71 ext. 73 ext. 72 ext. 76

Kids VT

Published 12x per year.

Circulation 25,000 at 800+ locations throughout Northern and Central Vermont.

colby@kidsvt.com cathy@kidsvt.com don@kidsvt.com kate@kidsvt.com kristi@kidsvt.com judy@kidsvt.com

February 2011

P.O. box 1184 burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com

colby Roberts cathy Resmer don Eggert Kate Laddison Kristi Batchelder Judy Beaulac

KidsVT.com

Publisher editor Creative Director associate editor account executive Marketing & events Director

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Kids VT

February 2011

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matthew thorsen

Like Our New Look?

Notice anything different about this month’s Kids VT? We hope you do. Just after they published the December/ January issue, Susan Holson and Kim Kropf sold Kids VT to the Burlington-based weekly newspaper Seven Days.

The new Kids VT team, pictured here, has spent the past two months reenvisioning “Vermont’s family resource” — with help from a lot of people who didn’t make it into this picture! We’ve been asking ourselves: What kind of information do Vermont families want and need? How do we package it to appeal to our families, friends and neighbors?

The result of our inquiries is in your hands.

This month’s Kids VT is substantially different from what came before.

For one thing, we’ve changed sizes. This new format is the same as Seven Days, which makes our production process more efficient and allows us to invest in creating local content.

And everything in this magazine is written by Vermont writers we know and trust. We asked them to craft stories about local people and places, and to reflect on their own experiences of raising families here.

We also redesigned the logo. The previous one showed a cartoon family consisting of a mom, a dad and a child. That image represents many Vermont families — but not all of them. There are families with one mom or one dad and blended families with stepparents and stepsiblings. Vermont has families led by grandparents or other caregivers, and families with two dads or two moms, like mine. We want Kids VT to speak to them all.

As different as our families may look, we have one thing in common — kids. We’re all doing our best to raise healthy, happy, well-rounded children. We’re all scrambling to make a decent dinner, or plan a memorable birthday party, or find fun ways to be active. We’re struggling with questions about our children’s future, from college-saving strategies to finding classes and camps that nurture their creativity.

We’re also trying to help kids navigate a rapidly changing world. As I was working on the cover story this month, I talked to a number of parents about the wisdom of letting their children use smartphones. All of them commented on how much technology has changed in our lifetimes. Over and over again, I heard them say, “It blows my mind.”

How do you cope with all that? We think Kids VT can help. We don’t have all the answers, but we hope that by asking questions and sparking conversation, we can engage Vermont parents in a dialogue that benefits us all.

So, please, read this issue and tell us what you think. Next month’s Kids VT will have a letters-to-the-editor section, and we hope to fill it with your rants, raves and suggestions for how we can improve. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at ideas@ kidsvt.com.

Or tell us in person. Stop by the 14th annual Kids VT Camp & School Fair on Saturday, February 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Burlington. We’ll all be there.

As different as our families may look, we have one thing in common — kids.

Seated: Kristi Batchelder; Joshua Batchelder, 4; Cathy Resmer; Ivy Resmer, 2.

Cathy Resmer, editor cathy@kidsvt.com

Kids VT

Not pictured: Graham Resmer, 5; Rose Roberts, 1 week!

February 2011

Standing (l. to r.): Holden Batchelder, 6; Kate Laddison; Oliver Laddison, 3; Lily Roberts, 6; Colby Roberts; Nola Roberts, 4.

Stay tuned for changes still to come on our website, kidsvt.com, where you can sign up for our e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

kidsvt.com

The Crew

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THE

BEAT

B Y C AT H Y R ES M ER A N D A MY LILLY

ATTRACTIONS

Building Excitement

(actual size)

FOOD

Burlington’s ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center recently announced plans to expand; construction on the new facilities, which will include a lakeside pavilion and new science labs, begins this spring. The news dovetails nicely with ECHO’s engaging new exhibit, “Raise the Roof,” on loan from the Science Museum of Minnesota, which focuses on building design and structural engineering. Visitors learn about timber framing, the anatomy of joints and how insulation works.

There’s a giant Lincoln Log building station, too. The centerpiece is a small domed structure — kids can stand inside and literally raise its roof by turning a hand crank. Even adults might want to give this one a whirl.

To coincide with the exhibit, the ECHO team also plans construction of a community igloo made of recycled plastic jugs. Bring one in to donate to the cause by February 19 and get $1 off the price of admission. There’s a limit of four per family per visit.

Looking for a creative, kid-sized dessert for a birthday party, holiday or special occasion? A new bakery in Essex has got you covered.

My Little Cupcake specializes in irresistibly decorated, itty-bitty cakes that appeal to all ages. Baker Michelle Trudell has been selling her mini-cupcakes for two years at farmers markets and local stores.

She and fellow baker Stephanie Lacayo teamed up to open My Little Cupcake in January, and business is booming. The women make 12 flavors daily, rotating among 60 different varieties. Never tried a salted-caramel cupcake? Now’s your chance. The Hot Chocolate (pictured), Lemon Squared and Swedish Fish flavors sound good, too. Too bad Maple Bacon is only available on Saturday.

My Little Cupcake, 4 Carmichael Street, suite 101, Essex. Call 872-7676 to find out which flavors are available or to place orders of two dozen or more.

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KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

“Raise the Roof” is at ECHO through May 1. For hours and admission information, call 864-1848 or visit echovermont.org.

Tiny Treats

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EAT. LEARN. PLAY. TV

BOOKS

Cool Kratts

History Lesson Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave is a lyrical poem honoring a literate slave born in 1801. But Burlington author Laban Carrick Hill’s beautiful book is not the sort you open and read cold to kindergarteners through fourth graders. A glowing review in the November New York Times Sunday Book Review suggests that the story is “a gentle way for adults to introduce slavery to young children.”

Endnotes indicate that Dave is known to history only because the South Carolinian etched at least eight signed, twoline poems into some of the estimated 40,000 clay-fired pots he created during his lifetime.

Little else is known about him, including why he was allowed to work as a pottery artist and how he escaped punishment for learning to read and write.

Hill’s and illustrator Bryan Collier’s approach to this difficult subject is to tell the story of the potter’s

craft: Dave shapes a jar in a series of collaged images that just won the 2011 Coretta Scott King Book Award for illustrators. Dave’s heartwarming 1857 poem ends the story. Sparely phrased and oddly punctuated — not unlike the poems of his nearcontemporary, Emily Dickinson — the couplet will inspire parsing by budding literary critics: “I wonder where is all my relation / friendship to all — and, every nation.”

Animal explorers Chris and Martin Kratt, cocreators of popular ’90s children’s programs “Kratts’ Creatures” and “Zoboomafoo,” return to the airwaves this month with “Wild Kratts,” a new series on PBS. Unlike the brothers’ earlier liveaction shows, “Wild Kratts” combines live footage with imaginative animated segments aimed at teaching 6- to 8-year-olds about animal biology and behavior. The cartoon Kratts wear “creature power suits” designed by their brainy pal Aviva, who helps them fly like geckos, impersonate crocodile eggs and dive deep enough to see a sperm whale fight a giant squid.

While you watch, remember that the New Jersey-born Kratts nurtured their fascination with all things wild on summer camping trips to Vermont.

In fact, their production company is based in Isle La Motte.

“Wild Kratts” premiered in January and starts its daily weekday run on February 1 at 4 p.m. on Vermont Public Television.

CONTEST

Lights, Camera, Action!

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Little, Brown. Unpaginated. $16.99.

No doubt kids get sick of adults telling them to turn off the TV and go outside. So, this winter, the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is asking young people to deliver that message to their peers … by making a video. In the first Fit & Healthy Winter Challenge Video Contest, the state’s volunteer fitness advocacy group is inviting videographers ages 17 and under to make 30- to 60-second videos promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles. The segments should show kids how to “Move More,” “Eat More Colors” (i.e., fruits and vegetables) or “Turn Off the Screen.”

Entries must be uploaded to YouTube by March 15 to be eligible for the contest. Prizes include sports gear, lift tickets and a new Flip video camera.

Visit vermontfitness.org for rules, uploading instructions and deadlines, or email videocontest@vermontfitness.org.

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FEBRUARY 2011

Ask about our monthly specials!

Check out our video at www.7dvt.com.

KIDSVT.COM

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Q AsK dR. FiRsT

How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Kids?

Video scReens ARe ubiquiTous in cHildRen’s liVes: at home, in the car, on the playground, in the classroom. Whether kids are watching TV, surfing the Internet or texting friends, all that screen time can really add up — to a less than healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, offers parents some simple advice: When it comes to screen time, less is more.

Kids VT: What kinds of problems do you see in kids regarding their computer, television and videogame use?

LEWIS FIRST: A number of studies show that too much of a good thing may not be good when it comes to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our children and teenagers.

We know that when kids exceed the amount of quality viewing time 50 Mansfield Avenue, recommended by the American Burlington (802) 658­3992 Academy of Pediatrics — no more * www.mcschool.org than two hours a day — it increases a child’s chances of being k16t-materchristi0211.indd 1 1/14/11 11:08 AMoverweight and obese.

KVT: How does it affect children’s social skills?

LF: When kids sit in front of a screen for prolonged amounts of time or play video games by themselves, their social interactions become limited. Their ability to develop peer relationships, to understand what it’s like to interface with others, becomes more difficult. For teenagers, they’re more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors because of what they’re constantly exposed to, whether it’s tobacco, alcohol, drugs or sexuality.

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Kids VT

February 2011

KidsVT.com

Got questions for Dr. First?

KVT: Are “exergames” any better?

LF: When you do these KVT: Why? Send them to games, your heart rate LF: For multiple reaideas@kidsvt.com. goes up and you burn sons. For one, they’re calories, but it’s the sedentary, sitting equivalent to a mild to moderate walk. down and not moving around. Two, they’re snacking — often on unhealthy It’s not as much as you’d get by playing the sport itself. foods. Three, they’re watching ads, oftentimes for products that are KVT: Are there upsides to unhealthy and encourage them to eat excergames? more.

LF: We do know that when used in moderation, they may help a child’s KVT: should children be a minimum sense of balance, agility and reaction age before they are exposed to view time. If a child feels uncomfortable screens? trying a sport for the first time, they LF: Yes. The American Academy of can explore what it’s like to hit or Pediatrics [says] that children under throw a ball virtually, in the confines the age of 2 really do not benefit from of their home. any exposure to screen time whatsoever. It’s recommended that you keep KVT: does the size of the screen the television and video screens off at matter? least until they’re into toddlerhood.

LF: No, because whether they’re looking at a two-inch or 20-inch screen, KVT: Are there psychological or the focal point is the same. There’s emotional effects? nothing about the screen size that LF: Too much screen time has been changes any of the risks physically, associated with increased depression mentally or emotionally. [and] anxiety, difficulty concentrating in school, and a decline in school performance. There’s no question that KVT: since electronic devices aren’t going away, what’s your advice? too much screen time makes it harder for children to pay attention and focus LF: We have to work with our children and teens. You can’t say, “No television in school.

or video games,” because kids will find a way to tunnel through at their friends’ houses, which gives you even less control over what they’re watching, doing or playing. The idea is not to say “no” but to set limits and controls on what kinds of things children or teens will watch and also give them choices.

KVT: How? LF: A great idea is to say to them that screen time is a privilege that’s earned. It’s not a right. So, at the start of a week, parents can look to see what kind of programming is coming up and offer their kids a list of options. Say, “You get two hours a day after homework and chores.”

If parents have the opportunity to record a program, they can play it back during their children’s designated screen time. Then, sit with your child and watch it together.

KVT: What else?

LF: Parents need to set rules on where the screen time occurs. No television or video games in the bedroom. None during homework and certainly none during meals, so there can be real conversation. It’s a great idea to have the computer or TV in a family room so, when it’s over, you turn it off so electronic background noise doesn’t become the norm.

KVT: What other resources do parents have?

LF: It’s important that parents pay attention to the ratings system and know that if they’re getting a video game for their child, it is not wrong to preview the game and know what it’s all about before handing it over to a child. There are Internet sites for families to review games, to understand what’s in the game and know whether there are language or violence issues. Rating systems allow parents to be more media savvy and help their kids get a better understanding of the world around them. Finally, parents should limit their own screen time and set a good example.

— Ken Picard

Q FIT FAMILIES

B y Kat e L addiso n

Wintertime Exercise Ideas

matthew thorsen

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Outdoors

Sliding on Mount Philo

Hopscotch

Kids VT

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“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

February 2011

Yes, hopscotch is an outdoor game, but you can easily bring it inside.

Doing something so unusual will appeal to your young child’s sense of mischief.

To get started, tape your “court” onto the floor. A typical hopscotch court has several numbered squares laid out in a line with a “home” square at the end. Some squares are “single,” and You Will Need: the hopper must hop on Tape, floorspace, one foot, while a “marker.” other squares are side by side, Ages: Can be adapted for any and the hopper lands with both age, but generally 2 1/2-year-olds feet. and older.

Painter’s tape works well for indoor courts, as it’s not especially sticky, but masking tape or other types will do, too. Older kids can help with the design.

Next, you’ll need something to use as a “marker” (throwing rocks in the house is not recommended). If you don’t have a beanbag handy, find a child’s sock and stuff it with filler (e.g., other socks).

Now you’re ready to play. In basic hopscotch, the player throws the marker into a square — without touching the boundaries — and hops through the court, skipping the square containing the marker.

Get to the end and you’ve won. It’s straightforward, but the beauty of hopscotch is that it’s endlessly adaptable, so get creative!

The basic court has about 10 or 12 numbered squares, but you could choose to have more or fewer as you see fit. The court could become a path through your house, a fun thing to do on the way to the potty or a part of the nightly bedtime routine.

For young children, try using colored paper in the squares and have them identify the color they hop onto.

For older kids, make a larger, more complicated court. Tricky squares could involve requiring a turn or hopping with eyes closed. For an extra challenge, try doing round-trips through the court, picking up the marker while balancing on one leg.

Parents can get involved, too — let your kids dictate the rules for the adults to make it more challenging.

kidsvt.com

It’s a challenge to be active in winter. Our natural inclination as warm-blooded mammals is to curl up on the couch with some cocoa and a movie. Until June, say.

But, if you can convince your couch to let you go, getting out will pay off in fitness spades. Everything is a challenge in the winter outdoors. Even a walk turns into a snow-trekking adventure.

If you’re looking for something more exciting, take your kids sledding, or, as we call it in Vermont, sliding.

This low-tech downhill activity requires very little equipment — just a backyard or neighborhood hill, some snow, and a sled.

Take it up a notch by heading to Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte. The park is closed in winter, but visitors can still walk, hike or snowshoe up the access road or the trails to the top of the 968-foot “mountain,” with its panoramic views of the Champlain Valley. Bring your sled and you’ll get a fantastically long ride down the road. Best of all, it’s free in winter; there’s no admission fee when the You will need: A sled, park is closed. preferably with a towMy husband, Kevin, and I recently rope. An inflatable sled drove to Mount Philo on a weekday will work on the bottom afternoon for a bit of high-speed racing pitches, but a boat-style with our 3-year-old son, Oliver. It was a hit sled is better for the from the exercise perspective and scored inclines. Bring a helmet Left to right: Kristin DeGraff, 11; Cheryl Brownell; high on the fun chart. Parents of young if you want to tackle Guinevere Brownell, 10 of Vergennes children may as well embrace the idea the steep stuff. And bother me that we didn’t reach the summit that they’ll be getting some exercise, too, wear warm clothing.

— I hadn’t set any particular expectations for during the sliding. Rather than dreading it, how the climb would go. Any activity with prepare for it and enjoy the fun.

Where to park: In a your kids is more about the journey than the My son is currently in one of those lot at the base of the hill. destination. barnacle-like clingy phases where he likes Bathrooms: They’re We slid downhill for about five solid to be carried. And, when he’s bundled closed in winter. minutes, with two short stops along the into a snowsuit — think Ralphie’s brother, Go before you go! flatter stretches. These stops gave us an Randy, in A Christmas Story — I can opportunity to clear the snow from Oliver’s hardly blame him. I can hardly carry him, Ages: All ages. face that had been thrown up by Kevin’s either. Enter the sled. We have one with frantic foot braking on the steepest stretch. a towrope, and we had to use it on the Consequently, Kevin suggests: Use your way up. Oliver did one of his trademark hands, not your feet, to brake. running dives onto it and we began our ascent, me feeling Partway down, Oliver decided he wanted to switch just a bit like a Sherpa. sleds (small wonder), and he and I raced Dad all the way I got some serious exercise by stepping into the sled to the foot of the hill, taking the inside of the last curve to string and positioning it just above my hips. That let me generally kick his butt. Mom is a superior sledder, as Dad walk, hands free, with a little extra resistance thrown in. has a bit of trouble controlling his slightly larger mass.

In this case, it was about a 35-pound resistance. Combine But, as Oliver pointed out, “everybody wins, Mommy.” that with a decently steep incline and I got a fantastic Sliding at Mount Philo is fun, and great exercise. A workout, far better and more fun than any treadmill. good mix of strength-training and cardiovascular activity We moved uphill for probably 30 minutes — the leads to a total-body workout — including a stretch of the walking sessions broken by stops for my son to hop vocal cords when you rocket down the steepest parts. out of the sled and jump into snowy ditches or climb You have to work pretty hard for that one trip down, snow-covered rocks. We made it to the intersection of but, to me, that’s the best way to slide. the Devil’s Chair Trail, not even close to the top. It didn’t

Indoors

THE he t t e e M

D I K NEW

✱ HOME COOKIN’

Pulled pork is a popular dish right now, but pulled chicken is much faster to make. I’ve made it for kids and for the residents of an elder home.

Everyone loves it! Get your kids to help shred the chicken — it will keep them occupied and use up some of their energy. Plus, they’re much more likely to eat what they help to make. Start by putting the chicken on to cook. While it simmers, make the slaw.

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APPLE-BROCCOLI SLAW

1/3 cup mayonnaise (no fat or lowfat is fine) 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds 1 firm apple, pared (do not peel) 1 12-ounce bag fresh shredded broccoli and carrot mix

1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a good shake to combine.

2. Chop the apple fine and toss in a large bowl with the shredded broccoli and carrot. Pour the dressing over the apple and vegetables, toss, cover and chill while the rest of the meal is cooking.

PULLED CHICKEN ON ROLLS

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BY KRISTIN A CRE IG HTON

Pulled Chicken on Rolls With Apple-Broccoli Slaw

!! k c o l b on the

Britax, Chicco, Phil & Teds, Melissa & Doug

MENU

1/25/11 12:12 PM

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs Chicken broth or water Ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, or to taste 4 sandwich rolls

0:50 Both of these recipes can be multiplied for just about any amount.

You can buy skin-on thighs with the bones, and skin before cooking.

You can cook the chicken the night before, but reheat it before shredding.

Save the cooking liquid — strain it and put it in the fridge to flavor rice for another meal.

1. Remove the visible fat from the chicken thighs. Place in a shallow saucepan, in a single layer, and just cover with the liquid. Sprinkle some ground pepper over the whole pan, as much as you like. If you are using water, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the cooking liquid.

2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 35 minutes.

3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to cool for a few minutes. If you are making it for the next night’s dinner, you could refrigerate it now.

4. When slightly cooled, take two forks and start mauling the chicken into shreds. Don’t leave any large pieces. (If you let it cool a little longer, you and the kids can do this with your hands, after a thorough washing.)

5. Mix the chicken with as much or little barbecue sauce as you like, and divide between four rolls.

Kristina Creighton is a former restaurant owner and the author of Kristina’s Kitchen Cookbook and The Practical Palate Cookbook. She lives in Granville, Vt.

eaT. LearN. PLay.

FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES

FOR KIDS!

Jake Charron, 7 of St. Albans

Q oUT To EAT by KaT e L addiso N

CLASSES!

Mimmo’s Pizzeria

Apple Mania!

Tuesday, 2/8 3:30-4:30 Hands-on -- $20

22 s. Main st., st. albans, 524-2244

While we waited for a table, we watched the pizza makers throwing dough.

Love to play with food?

Learn to make yummy applesauce, juice & baked apples! *Pre-registration is required.

Great Granola Bars!

Wednesday, 2/23 3:30-4:30 Hands-on -- $20

MaTThew ThorseN

FAmily-FriEndly AmEniTiEs: Kids’ menu, early opening and off hours, high chairs and booster seats, quick and flexible waitstaff, waiting area with games, activities at the table (pizza dough to play with!). oddly, the men’s room has a changing table, but the women’s room does not.

Learn to make delicious granola bars, & enjoy yummy yogurt & granola parfaits while the bars cook!

*Pre-registration is required.

FUN FACT! Did you know??

There are more than 7500 different types of apples?!

oUr bill For ThrEE: $35 + tip.

Out to Eat is a monthly familyfriendly restaurant review.

Where should we eat next?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

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Kids VT

SOUTH BURLINGTON

February 2011

11

As we left, we found ourselves at the pizza station again, and one of the workers handed us a small ball of dough.

You would have thought we’d been handed the keys to the city. Oliver was in awe. He played with the dough in the car and then at home for about half an hour.

He didn’t want to leave the restaurant, and he didn’t want to stop “making pizza” and go to bed. Thanks a lot, Mimmo’s. Seriously, thanks a lot.

KidsVT.com

oUr rEcEnT rEsTAUrAnT AdVEnTUrE began with my family violating one of the cardinal rules of dining out with young children — avoid the dinner rush. Instead, we picked a busy St. Albans restaurant (Mimmo’s Pizzeria) on their busiest night (Friday) at their busiest time (6 p.m.).

And, we happened to pick a night when a youth hockey tournament was in town, making the place a madhouse.

Oops.

Of course, in a madhouse, no one notices your small child struggling to contain himself. My husband, Kevin, and I don’t eat out often because our 3-year-old, Oliver, is what you’d call “active.” Getting him to sit still is a challenge akin to containing a thermonuclear reaction. Sitting still in a restaurant … well, we just don’t try very often.

But our experience at Mimmo’s was terrific. We got started on the right foot when we called to check the wait time and they suggested we order in advance so that, even if the table wait was long, the food wait wouldn’t be. Great idea! I highly recommend trying this approach. You’ll need to be familiar with the menu — or find it online in advance — and it takes some of the spontaneity out of ordering, but I didn’t mind the trade-off.

When we arrived, the place was packed and the line stretched from the counter to the door, but we were seated within 10 minutes.

While we waited for a table, we watched the pizza makers throwing dough. Mimmo’s has a counter with stools overlooking the prep area. There’s also a small, comfortable padded bench in front of the window that looks out on the street. Plus, there’s a basket of toys, puzzles and games to keep kids occupied.

But it was the pizza that fascinated Oliver. Kevin must have gotten up six times before, during and after our meal to take him up front to watch the pizza dudes trying to keep up with the rush.

When our garlic-knots appetizer arrived, we sat down and pulled out the small toys that we always bring when we dine out. Normally, Mimmo’s provides diners with coloring supplies as well as a small ball of pizza dough to play with, but we missed out on the dough because we called ahead to order. Bummer.

Our food arrived in good time — a pasta dish for me with fresh vegetables in a white wine and garlic sauce, and a pepperoni pizza for Kevin and Oliver. Oliver ate a whole slice of pizza — quite an accomplishment for him. Kevin and I both enjoyed our meals, and we got attentive service despite the crowd. We asked for the check early, and I was able to take it to the register to pay, which eliminated further wait time.

K4v-Healthyliving0211.indd 1

1/25/11 1:38 PM

Christ the King School

3 years old to 8th Grade 136 Locust Street Burlington, VT 862-6696 www.cksvt.org glatcheran@cksvt.org facebook.com/cksvt Twitter: cksvt

We are proud of our Faith Filled Environment & Academic Excellence Art Music PE French Technology Licensed After-School Program Athletic & Enrichment

Opportunities

12

Kids VT

February 2011

KidsVT.com

9

Q go asK dad

Q:

How do you know if your kid is ready to watch Star Wars?

Kyle dodson

Jon Pizzagalli

Joe manley

I think our three boys first watched Star Wars when the oldest was 8 and the youngest was 5, and in the end I was pretty comfortable with that.

The approach I’ve taken with regard to allowing my sons to watch movies with increasingly “mature” content has been mostly intuitive and ad hoc.

One thing that has been most helpful is the fact that we’re a lowvisual-media family in general. For most of our boys’ lives we’ve had one 19-inch, cathode-ray-tube TV with no cable. My wife and I rarely watch TV. The boys have no video games.

As a result of this, they love movies and will watch just about anything!

Once they moved out of the stage where Shrek was exciting, I tried to give them edgier fare by resorting to documentaries. We saw [Man on Wire], about Philippe [Petit] the tightrope walker, who walked between the [World Trade Center] twin towers. It had one scene with a naked groupie, but I’m OK with that. We saw The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, and we saw The Cove, about the dolphin slaughter in Japan. My boys are big readers, so we always try to combine the movies with reading materials that give a deeper and broader analysis of the issues addressed.

Eventually our boys became interested in action movies and began to have access to more intense films — such as the Indiana Jones movies and the Star Wars series — at their friends’ and cousins’ houses.

Basically, the boys seemed to be at a place where their imaginations could handle the intensity of the action/violence, and the fantasy aspect made me feel like it didn’t pollute their minds with senseless, cold-blooded killings.

I’m always amazed at how people of recent generations seem to feel compelled to have their kids’ childhoods mirror their own.

I adore the Star Wars series as much as the next thirtysomething (OK, 40-year-old), but I don’t need my kids to know who Han Solo is.

They deserve to discover their own version of Han Solo, not Dad’s.

We have two boys, just about 8 and 6. It’s definitely different with the second one. I feel like we were very cautious with Jake, and tried to determine what movies were “age appropriate.”

Joey, on the other hand, wants to be just like “big” brother. I think we’re still cautious with Jake, but if Jake is ready, Joey is also ready, even though he’s two years younger.

Now, what is age appropriate, and, specifically, when did we feel Star Wars was age appropriate?

When choosing films, we try to stay away from violence, specifically graphic violence. Most cartoons have some sort of violence, but it’s typically not graphic.

There is also the distinction between stories that are based in fantasy compared to a “real world” setting. Obviously Star Wars has violence — quite a bit, considering there is usually a war going on — but it’s based in a fantasy world, and I believe my kids understand the difference.

I feel comfortable enough that my kids will choose not to watch something if they’re not ready for it.

We still haven’t watched all of the Harry Potter series yet.

So, when did we decide that our kids were ready to watch Star Wars? We didn’t. They watched it at someone else’s house first and told us how much they liked it.

Kids: Isaac, 11; Manny, 10; Julius, 8

Kids: Vittoria, 5½; Renzo, 3½; Carlo, 1½

I was 6 when I saw Star Wars in the theater.

Jon Pizzagalli That said, if my kids were to watch Star Wars, my 5 1/2-year-old daughter would wilt before Leia’s ship was boarded in the opening sequence: “Too scary.” My 3 1/2-year-old boy might last a few minutes longer, but I’m not ready for him to act out everything that happens in that movie yet, or bombard me with questions about blasters, etc. He understands that Dad “guns” animals when I go hunting, but we also talk about that when we’re eating what Dad has “gunned.”

I was 6 when I saw Star Wars in the theater, and I remember on the way home asking whether there was really a war going on in space. I had no idea what I had just seen.

So, to answer the question, I think that there’s a pretty high level of maturity that should be demonstrated by a child before being exposed to Jedis and stormtroopers. The classic “right vs. wrong” storyline is pretty heavy stuff when portrayed through armed conflict.

And don’t forget: No one tells the Empire’s side of the story — they’re just the bad guys.

Kids: Jake, 7½ ; Joey, 5½

— INTERVIEWS compIlEd by ERIk ESckIlSEN “Go Ask Dad” is a monthly feature in which we ask fathers to answer a question.

Got a question, or a pop you’d like to hear from? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

eaT. LearN. PLay. Q THE ART oF…

We carry a complete range of

Traditional Paper Folding

ORIGAMI PAPERS & PATTERNS for all levels.

JAcob ZimET HAs bEEn Folding pApER for seven

years. That may not seem like a long time, but it’s more than half his life. At age 12, the Randolph origamist has participated in worldwide conventions and taught the craft all over his hometown and beyond. At the end of this month, he’ll lead a workshop at Studio Place Arts in Barre.

Jacob comes from a family of paper-folding fanatics; his dad, Matt Zimet, got Jacob and all three of his siblings hooked on origami. They started by following diagrams in origami books, which show where and how to fold to create simple structures.

Once familiar with the technique, the kids began diagramming their own objects.

“It’s planar geometry,” Eva Zimet, Jacob’s mom, confides. “They don’t even know they’re doing math.”

Educational uses aside, origami is a fun distraction for kids of all ages. Kids VT spoke to Jacob about his illustrious origami career.

Kids VT: What do you like about origami?

JACOB ZIMET: I like to use my hands. Folding it is fun. I can do pop-up books, too.

KVT: is there a special type of paper or tools you work with?

JZ: Yeah. [It’s called origami paper]. It tends to hold a crease better than regular paper, and it’s thinner, slightly, so you can fold it and it doesn’t bulge. It sometimes helps to have a bone folder, too, because you can make very sharp creases, and you can poke with it. But other than that, you just need your hands and the paper.

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Right hand: “Man on a Park Bench” (designer: Michael Assis). Left hand: “Chess Board“ (designer: John Montroll). Both folded by Jacob Zimet.

every year and origamists come to them. They’re all mathematicians, too. We went last year [to an origami convention] in New York City. It was really cool. I was really impressed with the models that the origamists made.

KVT: What was the coolest thing you saw there?

JZ: There was a soccer field, with a goal, a soccer ball and a goalie trying to catch the ball. It was all out of one piece of paper.

KVT: Whoa. did you make anything that complicated?

JZ: I made a guy sitting on a bench, reading a book. The piece of paper always starts out pretty big and it always shrinks a lot. That one started at 15 inches and went down to five inches.

KVT: When did you start teaching?

JZ: I’ve been helping with workshops for about four years. There are these conventions all over the place

KVT: do you have a favorite thing you like to fold?

JZ: I really like a devil. It has horns and wings and it’s pretty cool.

Say you saw it in

13

The Art of... spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

1/18/11 10:43 AM

Kids VT

— MegAn JAMes

1

February 2011

k8v-Isabean0211.indd KVT: i heard you folded paper with some visiting Japanese artists at studio place Arts last fall and they were impressed with your skills. [spA’s executive director sue Higby says they “kept referring to him with great reverence as ‘the professor.’”]

JZ: Yeah … that was kind of flattering.

KidsVT.com

KVT: What kinds of things did you fold at first?

JZ: I made the traditional models: a crane, a fish. Some of the folds can be hard. If you have an eight-sided thing, you have to poke it with a bone folder.

learn the art of origami at “peace cranes & polyhedra: Traditional paper Folding,” taught by Jacob Zimet at studio place Arts in barre. February 26 & march 5, 1-4 p.m. $5 material fee for one class, $8 for both. space is limited; call in advance to reserve a spot. info, 479-7069. studioplacearts.com/classes.html.

1/24/11 4:18 PM

What Can

iLearn?

The dos and don’ts of letting kids go mobile

Kids VT

14

illustration: mo oh

February 2011

kidsvt.com

By Cathy Resmer

THE EDUCATION ISSUE BOOKS ARE A BIG PART of Meredith Farkas’ life. The 34-year-old librarian is the head of instructional initiatives at Norwich University, and she’s an adjunct faculty member at San José State University’s School of Library and Information Science. The Barre resident is also an author and a frequent presenter at library conferences around the world.

Not surprisingly, her 20-month-old son, Reed, loves books, too. But lately he’s been picking up vocabulary words from an unexpected source: his iPhone.

When Farkas and her husband, who owns a small software company, recently upgraded their iPhones, they decided to let their son use an old one.

“It’s nice to have sort of an expendable one that just has kids-type apps,” Farkas says, seeming a little embarrassed — iPhones aren’t cheap, after all. A new one costs upwards of $400. And that’s just for the phone; there’s a monthly charge for its use, too.

Reed uses apps to learn vocabulary words, and Farkas is convinced the interactive tool is helping him. “He’s obsessed with the word ‘X-ray’ right now,” she says, citing its use in his favorite flash-card app. He plays shape games, too. “He didn’t know what a diamond was before,” she explains, and now he’s like, ‘Diamond!’”

Farkas is not alone in letting her son play with a smartphone — a cellphone that connects to the Internet and runs applications. Sales of iPhones and Androids, and web-enabled mobile devices such as the iPad and iPod touch,

have skyrocketed in recent years. As parents get their hands on these new toys, they’re often passing them along to their kids to try.

Sarah Hanson, a 24-year-old office manager in South Royalton, lets her 2-year-old son play with her iPhone, too. “The kids want to play with the phones,” she says. “They see you on the phone, they see you playing with the smartphone, and they want to play.”

The amazing thing is that they can play — these touch-screen devices are ridiculously easy to use. Parents who let their toddlers tinker with an iPhone inevitably boast about how quickly their children figured out how to make it work.

Of course, because smartphones are so new, no one’s really sure how smart it is to give them to kids. In this month’s “Ask Dr.

Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, told the New York Times that technology is “rewiring our brains.”

But, as parents become reliant on these devices, it’s hard to argue against teaching kids how to use them responsibly, especially given the increasing importance of technology in our lives.

“I want my child to be technologically literate,” Farkas explains. “I want to expose him to the world around him.”

Warren Buckleitner, educator and editor of Children’s Technology Review, takes it a step further. A December article in the Detroit Free Press recorded his response to a parent of a 6-year-old, who asked if the child should get an iPad. “Think of devices like the iPad, and its little brother, the new, camera-

These devices are at the center of a modern child’s play.

They capture and manage information.

WARREN BUCKLEITNER, EDITOR, CHILDREN’S TECHNOLOGY REVIEW First” (page 8), for example, pediatrician Lewis First explains that the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks kids under 2 should never use them. Older kids should have no more than two hours of screen time a day — including TV and computer use, he suggests.

Increasingly, scientists are warning that overexposure to digital devices can lead to all sorts of unhealthy consequences, including decreased attention span, lack of focus and antisocial behavior. In June, brain scientist

equipped iPod touch, as the bicycle of the digital age,” said Buckleitner. “These devices are at the center of a modern child’s play. They capture and manage information.”

How do you responsibly introduce mobile computing devices to young kids? And what can kids do with them?

Below are some common-sense suggestions, followed by a list of tried and tested educational apps (page 17) that Vermont parents, kids and Kids VT staffers recommend.

Some Franklin County students use iPads in class.

Read about it on p. 17.

MOBILE COMPUTING DOS AND DON’TS it’s appropriate for your child.

Then sit down and play, to see how they’re using it.

DO organize your kids’ apps on one page, so they can see them at a glance.

It’ll make Peekaboo Barn and My Underwear easier for them to find.

DON’T give your 5-year-old your iTunes password.

If your kids want an app, they need to ask first.

DO use your smartphone to make nursing easier — for yourself. The iPhone, says Farkas, is “fabulous for breast feeding. That’s when I found it really useful.”

Way easier than reading a book or surfing on a laptop.

DON’T use it as a substitute for reading actual books to your kids. Bunker and Farkas both have Dr. Seuss books on their family iPads, but neither of them raves about the interactive e-book apps. “He’s much more impatient with it than he is with reading the actual book,” says Bunker of her youngest son.

“In some ways, it’s a little bit of a distraction.” Farkas agrees: “I would probably want to give up technology if he weren’t excited by books.”

KIDS VT

DO set limits. Even iPhone enthusiasts say that moderation is key. Carey Bunker, a Brandon mom of three boys, 9, 6 and 2 1/2, says she lets her youngest son play with a flashcard app when the family goes out to a restaurant to keep him from getting

too fidgety. But, she adds, “You don’t want to use it too much. You don’t want to rely on it.” If you’re at home, try setting a timer for five to 10 minutes. When time’s up, time’s up. And make your kids earn the privilege of using these toys. If they don’t behave, they don’t get to play.

FEBRUARY 2011

DO put your iPhone on “airplane” mode before you hand it over. That will keep your child from sending and receiving information on the phone. Unfortunately, it will also keep you from receiving calls and text messages — a

small price to pay to keep your son or daughter from mistakenly dialing your friends or emailing your boss.

KIDSVT.COM

DO check out apps before you let kids play with them.

There are more than 300,000 options in Apple’s App Store, tens of thousands of which are in the “education” category.

You could spend hours wading through them on your own.

Better yet, ask your family and friends. Put a request on Facebook. Pick from the App Store’s “Most Popular” lists or find independent recommendations online.

Coolmompicks.com is a great resource, as is the Children’s Technology Review. Once you’ve downloaded the app, try it out first, to make sure

15

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Kids VT

February 2011

kidsvt.com

meeT cAmp & School STAFF • ASK queSTionS • inFo: KidSVT.com

Make a Day of It! check out the activities at the burlington Winter Festival

on the church St. marketplace and the Waterfront: burlingtonwinterfestival.wordpress.com 1t-kvtfair11.indd 1

1/18/11 1:43 PM

THE EDUCATION ISSUE BIBI Mukherjee

TeensTapping Tablets Most primary, middle and secondary schools haven’t rushed to embrace mobile computing technology. Some ban iPads or require students to turn off smartphones during the day, either because the devices are a distraction or because students are using them inappropriately. Cyberbullying and sexting have emerged as serious concerns for parents and educators in Vermont and around the country.

But students are finding ways to use these tools productively. In fact, at two schools in Franklin County, they’re required to: Seventh and eighth graders in Bakersfield and sixth, seventh and eighth graders in Berkshire got their own iPads this year.

Robert Gervais, Technology coordinator for Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union, says the schools had wanted to purchase MacBooks for the students, but the laptops were too expensive. The iPad, introduced last April, was cheaper — roughly $500, compared to more than double that for a laptop. The schools bought 90

iPads using a combination of local, state and federal funds, including federal stimulus grants.

Five months into the experiment, Gervais says he is pleased with the results. He calls the iPad “a phenomenal piece of hardware” and raves about the flexibility of the available apps. “Whether it was science or math or social studies,” he says, “it’s a cliché, but really, there is an app for that, for just about anything.”

A former middle-school science teacher, Gervais particularly favors an astronomy app and the Seismometer (see sidebar below).

He adds that, so far, the tablet computers have actually improved behavior in the classroom, because the kids know that if they misbehave, they’ll lose their iPad privileges. Students have to earn the right to bring the devices home. The schools also keep the iPads linked to a central iTunes account, so students can’t download unapproved apps.

On the positive side, students now have access to information that allows them to research topics instantly.

Basundhara Mukherjee

That connectivity is what appeals to Basundhara Mukherjee, a 14-year-old freshman at South Burlington High School. Basundhara is an überconnected kid. Her dad works for a software company, and her mom, Bibi, organized a web marketing summit in Burlington last fall.

Basundhara has an iPod touch and an iPad. “I take my iPad almost everywhere,” she says. “I have it with me almost all the time when I’m reading something.” Basundhara uses the iPad as a dictionary to look up a word in English, or in French, which she’s studying. “I don’t think I’ve ever used an actual dictionary at home,” she confesses.

Education Apps We Like

Apple allows anyone to make applications that run on its devices. Creative programmers have come up with an astounding array of options, many of which combine text, sound and video. Here are a few that we like, and that Vermont parents and kids have recommended to us.

And remember — these should enhance, not replace, your child’s real-world education.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox Cost: 99¢ Ages: Aimed at children 2-5, rated 4+ Devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

Cost: $1.99 Ages: Aimed at children 7 and up, rated 9+ for cartoon, fantasy violence Devices: iPhone, iPad

If you like this, try: PopMath Basic Math

Cost: $3.99 Ages: Aimed at kids old enough to read and be curious about astronomy, rated 4+ Devices: iPhone, iPad

Cost: $4.99 Ages: Teens preparing for the SAT, rated 4+ Devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

SAT prep is almost Can’t find Orion? fun with this app Download this from the Princeton elegant app, point Review. Four your iPhone or games test your iPad at the sky, and knowledge of synonyms, see the names and silhouettes antonyms, connotations and of the stars and constellations definitions of 250 words. Which visible from is the best synonym your location. for “levity” — altitude, The App Store rating Point at the boldness or mirth? system has four ground, and Quick, you have 10 age-based ratings: you’ll see seconds to decide! what’s visible Don’t know? Shake 4+ : No objectionable in the opposite your phone in material. hemisphere. frustration to pass The app even and move on. SBHS 9+ : Some cartoon has a red-light freshman Basundhara violence or more mode so it Mukherjee says this won’t interfere app is “very simple to suggestive, horrorwith your use, straightforward themed content. starwatching. and helpful.”

12+ : Cartoon violence If you like this, If you like this, try: + some bad language try: NASA Wolfram Algebra + simulated gambling.

App HD, Course Assistant, Seismometer Wolfram Calculus 17+ : Adults only.

Course Assistant

17

If you like this, try: Toddler Flashcards, Elmo’s Monster Maker

Getting kids to like math doesn’t have to be a battle, at least not between you and your child.

In this app, players impersonate “Math Ninja” Haruku. The game instructs players to “use a combination of action, strategy, and quick wit to defend your treehouse against a hungry tomato and his robotic army!”

The catch: Players have to solve a few addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problems first.

SAT Vocab Challenge Vol. 1

Kids VT

This “Sesame Street” app combines oldschool TV footage with 21st-century touch-screen technology. The Count invites kids to pick a number from one to nine. Each corresponds with a retro “Sesame Street” clip. The app stops the footage mid-sequence and asks kids to touch the objects and count along with the Count. “It’s awesome,” says librarian Meredith Farkas. “It’s the best app. I just discovered it, and my son has been obsessed with it ever since.”

GoSkyWatch Planetarium

February 2011

If you like this, try: Peekaboo Barn, My Underwear

Math Ninja

Cost: $2.99 Ages: Aimed at children 2-5, rated 4+ Devices: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

— CATHY RESMER

kidsvt.com

Preschoolers help an animated monkey pack his lunch by playing six mini-games that rotate upon completion.

Kids practice counting, matching, recognizing letters and colors, spotting the difference and putting together a fourpiece jigsaw puzzle. Also, they practice putting fruit in their lunches! This is my 2 1/2-yearold daughter’s favorite app.

Count TV

She also uses it to keep up with the news — via apps from the New York Times and CNN — and to prepare for the SAT (see sidebar below).

Yes, already. She has a real computer, but she also uses her iPad’s Microsoft OneNote Mobile app. “It’s like a condensed version of Microsoft Office on the iPad,” she explains. “It’s good for having it with you while you’re traveling. I like to write a lot.”

Basundhara says the devices “make it easier” for her, but she also sees how she’s come to depend on them to find answers. “I feel like that could almost be a bad thing,” she concedes.

But being comfortable in the digital realm also gives her an advantage, Basundhara points out. Her teachers, she says, are “enthusiastic” about these devices. From where she’s sitting, it looks as if they’re going to become more integral to education, not less. In the future, she says, “I feel like it’s going to revolve around this stuff.”

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IN THE CLASSROOM EVERYDAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN

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“Honoring the Spirit of Each Child in a Values Based Educational Community” PO Box 339 · Shelburne, VT 05482 · 802-985-2153 · · www.heartworksvt.com · k4t-heartworks-Ed0211.indd 1

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NEFCU makes it easy to save, whether it’s for a home, a car, an education – or just a rainy day.

Don’t wait until tomorrow, start saving today!

Stop in at any branch or call (802) 879-8790.

Set up Automatic Savings and you can transfer funds automatically into one or more savings accounts that you can name yourself!

February 2011

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You pick the name, and then a Member Service Representative will be happy to assist you.

See nefcu.com for details.

Kids VT

We’re your financial advocate.™

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THE EDUCATION ISSUE

Penny Wise

BY SARAH TUFF

The ABCs of saving for higher education

thoughts on paying for private school or college typically fall into one of four categories:

IT’S THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. No, not that plastic pachyderm you’ve been tripping over all week as you shuttle kids to preschool, play dates and soccer practice. We’re talking about the figurative elephant that so many parents, even supposedly frugal Vermonters, avoid discussing: saving for their children’s college education.

Maybe private school, too.

You’re forgiven. It’s an overwhelming topic, one that can sink the savviest savers among us. “The number of different approaches and attitudes toward saving for education is staggering,” admits Rebecca Walsh, a wealth manager at Pathway Financial Advisors in Burlington.

Walsh is well schooled on the subject; her husband, Patrick Walsh, is an assistant professor of economics specializing in the economics of education at St. Michael’s College, and they’re raising two young children.

Here, she and other Vermont financial experts share their two cents on how Green Mountain moms and dads can find the green to send their kids to school.

• Students should foot the entire bill themselves.

• Students should focus on education, and therefore parents should pay for it.

• Students and parents should share education costs (not necessarily equally).

• Students and parents should depend on financial aid.

It’s a good idea to figure out where you are on this spectrum, and discuss it with your children.

And it might be smart to ask them to pitch in. “There are good reasons to have children ‘buy in’ and have some skin in the game,” says Pat Sokolowski of Burlington’s Sokolowski Investment Advisors. Talking about money matters with kids can help them take more responsibility for creating a sound financial future.

“Summer jobs, work-study programs and student loans are often excellent ways to have the child participate financially,” she says.

But don’t wait for your kids to be old enough to understand the importance of having a job; the sooner you can begin planning, the better.

Who should pick up the check?

Ah, the $64,000 question. (An expression, to be sure, but also a good ballpark figure of what a year of private education might cost soon; see “Sticker Shock” sidebar, page 21.)

The answer depends on a number of factors, including your upbringing, financial beliefs, realistic resources and familial relationships.

As Walsh explains, parents’

should we put away for college?’” she says, “parents should ask, ‘What do we need to do to get our financial house in order?” That includes • making a spending plan; • building a safety account with three to six months of necessary expenses; • paying down consumer debt (not necessarily mortgages or student loans if the interest rates are good); • adequately insuring your house, your health, and your income (disability and life insurance can help protect your income); and • investing for retirement.

Laying the foundation

Getting started doesn’t necessarily mean coming up with a magic number to save, suggests Walsh. “Rather than sitting down and saying, ‘How much

a child exiting diapers Tip Have or entering kindergarten

soon? Instead of rejoicing in the new cash flow, pay into college savings what you had been paying for Pampers or for childcare.

The last point might seem less important than the others — after all, retirement comes after your kids go to college, right? But experts point out that robbing your retirement account to pay for education is foolish, as your kids have more ways to find funds for school than you do for sailing off into the sunset.

PENNY WISE, P. 17 »

6

NEWBORN

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL Parents should have a set goal of what they can reasonably expect to pay for college.

18

HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE

Families should decide exactly how much of the financial burden of college should go to parents and how much should go to the child. Investments should be low risk during this period.

19

Continue to save, and speak openly about finances with your children.

Instead of saying, “We can’t afford” a toy or a meal out, explain, “We choose to save our money for other things.”

15

KIDS VT

Set up a regular savings plan, even if it’s only $1 per week. With many years until college, riskier investments are OK at this point.

12

FEBRUARY 2011

0

KIDSVT.COM

A $avings Timeline

Montshire Museum of Science

NEW ENGLAND KURN HATTIN HOMES Situated on 280 acres, New England Kurn Hattin Homes is a charitable, year-round residential school with more than 100 years of service to at risk boys and girls, in grades 1-8, from families affected by tragedy and social or economic hardship.

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Explore the science of sound!

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Kids VT

February 2011

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Penny Wise

continued from p. 19

The nitty-gritty

Once you’ve decided to start saving (um, now), there are two basic decisions: how much, and how. How much depends on how old your children are.

Parents of a newborn could put away just $100 per month and see $48,000 at the end of 18 years, assuming they get an 8 percent average return.

As for how to save, one of the most popular options lately is a 529 plan, named for Section 529 of the national tax code and operated by states and educational institutions. “These plans offer a great vehicle for most parents, since the investments grow taxfree and withdrawals are not taxed as long as they are used for qualified educational expenses,” says Sokolowski.

There are two basic types of 529s: prepaid tuition and college savings plans. The first allows you to lock in tuition prices at eligible schools.

They’re often guaranteed by the state and have residency requirements.

College savings plans have fewer restrictions but aren’t backed by the state, so your investment could lose value. See the sidebar below for a more detailed comparson.

Walsh reports that Vermonters have access to 77 different types of 529 plans, and the best ones aren’t necessarily found in state. “Parents who primarily want a wide, low-cost investment selection are probably best served by 529s outside of Vermont,” she says. “Parents who are more concerned about fees and could really benefit from the tax deduction may want to choose the Vermont 529.”

If your child is planning to apply for financial aid and has other relatives contributing to a 529 account, you should not elect to be the custodian of the account, advises Walsh. “This

strategy could improve the chances of a child receiving financial aid,” she says, “because 529 accounts controlled by someone other than the parent or child are not considered an asset available for education funding.”

But keep in mind that, while it’s perfectly legal to appoint someone else as custodian of a 529, it may not always be the wisest choice, especially if Grandma has a thing for Vegas. “Someone could walk off with the money,” admits Walsh, adding that there’s a 10 percent penalty for withdrawing funds for noneducation purposes — which may not be enough of a deterrent for sticky fingers.

Roth IRAs, named for their creator, Sen. William Roth of Delaware, are also a good choice for both college and retirement. Parents should aim to contribute their maximum each year. “Savings put into a Roth come out without penalty if used to pay for qualified higher-education expenses,” says Walsh, who adds that taxable savings and investment accounts are the next logical steps, after Roths and 529 plans, for college and private school.

Aid and a-betting

Wait a second — what about that “no saving” school of thought? Could having money socked away work against you when you apply for financial aid?

The short answer is no.

“Financial aid is meant for those people who legitimately need help with the costs of higher education,” says Sokolowski. “There are many elements of a family’s financial situation that are reviewed when applying for financial aid, and the savings set aside for college is just one of them.”

The 411 on the 529

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Rice Memorial High School

$7935

$15,870

Burke Mountain Academy*

$40,900

$81,800

The Putney School

$44,000

$88,000

Johnson State College**

$8,232

$16,464

St. Michael’s College

$43,530

$87,060

University of Vermont†

$26,274

$52,548

Middlebury College††

$52,120

$104,240

Bennington College

$52,900

$105,800

*

VERMONT COLLEGES

boarding in-state, not including room and board and other fees † in-state, average room and board and other fees †† comprehensive *

**

Instead of not saving, suggests Walsh, parents should find the best way to increase their family’s net worth in anticipation of college costs. “Parents should not start thinking about how best to qualify for financial aid until freshman year of high school.”

If you’re afraid of goofing up, meet with a financial planner, and keep in mind that you’re far better off tripping over the elephant now than not being able to budge it when your children are accepted to Harvard. “The biggest mistake we see is parents underestimating the cost of college and not

starting to save soon enough,” says Sokolowski. “Even small amounts, when set aside on a regular basis, can grow to a nice nest egg for college over the span of 18 years. We strongly recommend setting a concrete goal and planning.”

Sarah Tuff is the editor-in-chief of Ski Racing Magazine, and a frequent contributor to Seven Days. She and her husband live in Shelburne. They’re using 529 plans, a piggy bank and a sock drawer to save in hopes that one of their children might attend Tuff’s alma mater, Middlebury College.

THE EDUCATION ISSUE PTP: Most state plans require either owner or beneficiary of plan to be a state resident.

CSP: No residency requirement.

However, nonresidents may only be able to purchase some plans through financial advisers or brokers.

PTP: Many state plans are guaranteed or backed by the state.

CSP: No state guarantee. Most investment options are subject to market risk. Your investment may make no profit or even decline in value.

PTP: Most plans have age/grade limit for beneficiary.

CSP: No residency requirement.

However, nonresidents may only be able to purchase some plans through financial advisers or brokers.

PTP: Most plans have a limited enrollment period.

CSP: Enrollment open all year.

21

Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Smart Saving For College, Financial Insustry Regulatory Authority

Kids VT

PTP: Most plans have age/grade limit for beneficiary.

CSP: No age limits. Open to adults and children.

PTP: All plans cover tuition and mandatory fees only. Some plans allow you to purchase a room-and- board option or use excess tuition credits for other qualified expenses.

CSP: Covers all “qualified higher education expenses,” including tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and books and computers (if required).

Sample costs of a

2010 2020 Vermont education Current annual fee Projected annual fee

February 2011

Prepaid tuition plan: Locks in tuition prices at eligible public and private colleges and universities.

College savings plan: No lock on college costs.

If you haven’t checked the price of a degree in philosophy lately, it’s time to face reality — and then it’s time to face the reality down the road.

“Since 1958, tuition costs have been rising by between 6 and 9 percent per year,” says Sokolowski. “Using the average increase of 8 percent, current tuition costs will double every nine years.”

kidsvt.com

There are two basic types of 529 plan — prepaid tuition plans and college savings. Here are some of the differences:

Ready for some sticker shock?

CAMP GUIDE 2011

Ramping Up for Camp The Renaissance School Summer Enrichment Academy Kindergarten—Grade 8 Shelburne Farms & Shelburne Commons

THE SNOW IS STILL FALLING and the water’s still frozen, but now is the time to start thinking about signing up your kids for summer camp. They’ll be trading snowsuits for bathing suits before you know it.

Luckily, Vermonters have lots of options. Day, sleepaway, outdoors, indoors, arts focused, sports focused, academic enrichment, digital media, special needs — you’ll find information about these kinds of camps and more on the following pages and on our website, kidsvt.com.

Better yet, come to the annual Kids VT Camp & School Fair on Saturday, February 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Burlington. Representatives from more than 50 camps and schools will be on hand to provide information and answer questions from parents and potential students and campers. There’s no better way to get a sense of the camp or school experience, other than visiting the campus itself. Admission to the fair is free, and everyone who attends will be entered to win a Hammerhead sled and a season’s pass to Pico Mountain.

Need help picking the right camp? Wondering what’s so great about camp, anyway? Look for answers in next month’s Kids VT Camp Issue, coming to a newsstand near you on March 1.

A Camp for Boys 7-16 years old Family Camp in August

Summer Fun, Summer Adventure!

www.Nominingue.com

“Honoring the Spirit of Each Child in a Values Based Educational Community” PO Box 339 · Shelburne, VT 05482 · 802-985-2153 · · www.heartworksvt.com ·

1-866-910-1551

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KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

Heartworks Summer Preschool NAEYC Accredited Preschools Burlington, Shelburne, & Williston

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Summer Day Camp

FITNESS CAMP for overweight girls...

June 20–August 19, 2011 for children ages 5-9

Camp Kaizen

Year-round Preschool, Toddler & Infant Programs Nurturing children’s minds, bodies and spirits

a five week camp for girls ages 10-15 located in beautiful East Burke, Vermont!

June 26 - July 30

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At CAMP KAIZEN, campers will learn healthy life habits, eat great food, and have lots and lots of fun!

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got summer camps?

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Kids VT

camphochelaga@ywcavermont.org www.ywca.org/vermont/camp So. Hero, VT • 802-862-7520

February 2011

• Overnight and day camp for girls ages 6-17 on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain • Day Camp transportation now available

Archery g Swimmin Drama Nature Sailing fts Arts & Cra Kayaking Tennis

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DON’T MISS:

Camp & School Fair

CAMP GUIDE

Saturday, February 5 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Burlington Hilton

2011

Greater Burlington YMCA

ont Climbing Verm

CAMP ABNAKI

and A dv enture School

Boys Resident and Day Camps For Boys Ages 6-16 Located in North Hero, VT On Lake Champlain 1& 2 Week Sessions

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YOU ARE Rock climbing & at 4.5” wide x 5.25” high for the Vermont Kids 2010 Grow. other outdoor adventures CampAbnaki.org Camp Abnaki June 27-July 1 & July 11-July 15

Ages 9 -13 coeducational Contact us for details:

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Where your son belongs...

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The possibilities are endless for your child!

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KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

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Louise Limoge

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Camp Greylock School Age Summer Camps Adventure Camps Nature Camps

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Hip Hop, Broadway/Tap & African/Latin

6-11 years • June 20-24 12-18 years • June 27-July 1 M-F 9-2:30

Jazz dance for kids!

LEAP!

Onstage at Memorial Auditorium Burlington, VT Monday-Friday 9AM-2:30PM (802) 862-0966 amirault@burlingtontelecom.net

(Learn + Play) Summer Camps Creative fun for children ages 5-10!

FIND OUT M ORE : visit the Museum Web site or call 802-985-3346 x3395.

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Creative Camps for Ages 1-18 plus adult and teen classes summer 2011

Night Eagle

Wilderness Adventures A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains

802-652-4548 or visit www.flynncenter.org.

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Camps begin in June, July, & August!

(802) 773-7866

Kids VT

Call

February 2011

Call for a full brochure:

kidsvt.com

tipi living ▲ nature crafts ▲ canoeing ▲ backpacking ▲ wilderness skills ▲ tracking atlatls ▲ ’hawk throwing swimming ▲ archery ▲ hiking ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and much more! ▲

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You’re You’regonna gonna

SENTINEL FARMS

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Week Long Summer Camps for ages 6 - 17

Arts, Agriculture & EQUINE Camp

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over this Swimming Swimming Dancing camp!

Dancing Watersports Watersports

2011

Swimming GYMNASTICS! Dancing 1 to 8 week sessions Watersports 1 to 8 week sessions Counselor/Camper ratio of 1:5

© Photo: Janice A. Bauch

GYMNASTICS!

Using classical horsemanship & traditional Vermont skills to connect our youth to a community of active social stewards.

GYMNASTICS!

Counselor/Camper ratio of 1:5 Located on beautiful Lake Champlain in Vermont Located on beautiful Lake1 to Champlain in Vermont 8 week sessions Counselor/Camper ratio of 1:5 Located on beautiful Lake Champlain in Vermont

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Classical Horsemanship Arts • Journaling • Sports Organic Gardening • Animal Husbandry Youth & Adult Riding Lessons All in a working farmyard!

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NORTHERN LIGHTS ROCK & ICE

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2011 Rock N’ Ropes Adventure Day Camps Make your reservation today! Call 802.316.3300 Zip Lines

H Rock Climbing Culinary Classes H Swimming H Map, Compass & GPS training

Special sessions on: •Animal Adventures•Careers with Critters •Cats and Dogs • Wags & Tails •Scales and Feathers

Campers will experience our state-of-the-art Challenge Courses and Climbing facilities while enhancing communication skills, building trust and creating lasting memories!

Ages 9-12 • Register Today!

Spring Sessions: Summer Sessions:

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14 Freeman Woods Road, Essex, Vermont 05452

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FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

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April 18 - 22 - Full day July 11-15 | July 18-22 | July 25-29 August 1-5 | August 8-12

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Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy presents an immersive No English Spoken Here® approach to language learning. Middle and high school students leap ahead in ability and confidence in four weeks as they live and learn Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Spanish.

Visit mmla.middlebury.edu or call 802.443.2900 to learn more.

1/24/11 10:16 AM

Locations for 2011: June 26 - July 23

• Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT • Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI • Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA • Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC • Lewis University, Romeoville, IL • Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH • Pomona College, Claremont, CA • University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Camp Sangamon and Camp Betsey Cox Pittsford, Vermont

Shelburne Art Center Summer Camp 2011

• Recreational Gymnastics • Competitive Boys and Girls Team Gymnastics • Open gyms (M, W, Th, F & S) • Birthday Parties and Kids Night Outs • Special Needs Classes • Home School Gymnastics

June 27-August 5 • 9 am-4 pm Half-day options available for ages 5-7

Ages 5-7: Integrative & Participatory Arts

Crown Champions!

We Special Needs Movement Class Home School Groups

Ages 8-11: Beginning Clay & Explorative Painting Digital Photography & Photoshop Clay & Craft Creatures!

Paint, Process, Paint

ALSO the Balancing Act Preschool Coming Soon Summer Camp Info!

Ages 11-13: Clay on the Wheel & Wooden School Experimental Painting & Collage Metal Arts & Marbling Sculpture & Mosaics

ADDED CLASSES: Friday Open Gym

16 Tigan St • Winooski 655-3300 www.regalgym.com

Gymnastics is the Basis for ALL Sports!

Brother-Sister Camps in a rustic setting.

Our all-elective program encourages independence, self-confidence and decision making. Cabin life promotes community and team work.

90 campers, ages 9-15, 45 staff.

2, 3, 5 and 8 week sessions Riding-Woodshop-Farm-Garden-Pottery-Archery-Trips-Weaving-ArtRocketry-Tennis-Swimming-Canoeing/Kayaking-Team Sports-SailiingLow Ropes-Mountain Biking-Rock Climbing-Drama-Outdoor Skills

More information & registration at shelburneartcenter.org or call 802.985.3648

Camp Sangamon tel: (888) 345-9193 email: sangamonvt@aol.com www.campsangamon.com

Contact us!

Camp Betsey Cox tel: (866) 213-4717 email: info@campbetseycox.com www.campbetseycox.com

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For Green Mountain Gymnastics summer Camps!

Williston • Georgia

February Break Camp Feb. 21 - 25, 2011

Looking to perform?

Summer Camps and class schedule available Soon

802-652-2454

Kids VT

Green Mountain Gymnastics

to register or for questions call 878-4213 or Visit us online at...

(just off Boyer Circle)

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27

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240 Pioneer Drive, Williston

February 2011

Summer Camps & Classes • Tumbling Classes Mom, Pop & Tot Classes • Recreational Gymnastics Friday Night Kids Night Out • Tiny Tumblers Open Gyms And More!

kidsvt.com

Still Accepting Registration for many Dance Classes.

Catamount Camps for Kids

Like us on Facebook.

Since 1994

Mountain Biking Little Bellas Mountain Biking Cross-Country Running Ecology Conservation

CAMP GUIDE

(We like you, too!)

» facebook.com/kidsvt

2011

catamount outdoor family center Williston VT 802.879.6001 www.catamountoutdoor.com

@

2011 Summer Camps

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1/24/11 9:59 AM

Helen Day Art Center June 27-August 12

Vermont’s only certified

Irish Dance School!

All Ages…All Levels Beginners Welcome!

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Parent THE Open House BELLWETHER Feb 17, 6 pm

SCHOOL

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FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

Preschool Kindergarten Elementary After School Summer Camps

Did you enjoy watching Riverdance?

Why not learn some of the steps!

1/28/11 10:46 AM

This Summer Make Family Memories that Last a Lifetime

School Tours 9:30 am on Tuesdays & Thursdays - rsvp

Imagine, Create & Learn www.helenday.com 802-253-8358 education@helenday.com

Summer!

See our website for new offerings in 2011

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adventure day camp Camp Dates: June 20 - August 5

Williston (802) 863-4839 BellwetherSchool.org

Honoring Student Voice, Nurturing Engaged Citizens

www.ohanacamp.org 802 333 3460

Age Groups: Rangers: 5-6 Trailblazers: 7-8 Vikings: 9-11

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1/7/11 11:11 AM

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register for a week session or the entire summer!

Field Trips Include: Echo Lake Aquarium Oakledge Park Shelburne Farms Ben & Jerry’s Factory Carnival Day

Online Registration begins January 31st

www.uvm.edu/recreation 8h-UVMadventure0211.indd 1

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ADVENTURE DAY CAMP University of Vermont

Providing holistic education since 1995 1186 S. Brownell Rd.

Classes offered in Burlington and Middlebury Beth Anne McFadden T.C.R.G. (802) 999-5041 www.mcfaddenirishdance.com

5 School Street Stowe, Vermont

Come see us at the Kids VT Camp & School Fair - Feb 5

Call now for a spot in our Summer program!

1/24/11 11:58 AM

Daily Activities: swimming sports & games arts & crafts water games and more!

For more info contact Larry Mellinger 802.656.7703 / larry.mellinger@uvm.edu 1/14/11 11:46 AM

Kids VT calendar sponsored by:

FEBRUARY

CALENDAR CALENDAR

Submit your March events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

CALENDAR SPOTLIGHTS AND LISTINGS WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY KATE LADDISON

Skating Party

Public Ice Skating

Your favorite hiking and biking trails might be impassible in winter, but now is the best time to travel the longest ice-skating trail in the U.S., located at Lake Morey in Fairlee. February 11 through 13, the four-mile course is the setting for SKATE VERMONT, a weekend-long celebration hosted by the Lake Morey Resort. Activities include sledding, sleigh rides, a speed-skating marathon and a torchlight skating parade. Several local restaurants will participate in the second annual Taste of the Lake culinary tour on Saturday, February 12. Bundle up and sample dishes as you skate around the lake.

Burlington: Public skating on the Olympic rink at Leddy Park Arena. Tuesday-Friday, 8:3011:15 a.m. Times and dates subject to change, especially during school vacations. $4 adults, $3 students. Skate rentals $3. Info, 862-8869.

Milton: Open skating at the Ice Barn. Monday Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 5-7 p.m. $6. Skate rentals $2. Info, 893-4237.

St. Albans: Open skating for all ages at the Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center. Sundays through March 6, 12:15-1:45 p.m. $5 adults, $3 children under 18 or adults 55 and over. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

South Burlington: February 1-19: TuesdayFriday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. February 20-March 31: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. No public skating February 21 and 28. $4 adults, $3 students, $1 ages 5 years and under/ seniors. Skate rentals $3. Info, 658-5577.

SKATE VERMONT: Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13, Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee. Taste of the Lake tickets must be purchased in advance. $10/person, under 5 free. Other events free. Schedule and info, 800-423-1211.

1 TUESDAY

Library & Books

Library & Books

Arts

Tuesday Open Computer Time: Hang out, play, browse the web. Settlers of Catan also available.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 865-7216.

High School Book Group: Join other high schoolers to discuss plays, graphic novels, novels and short stories. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Middle School Book Group: Middle schoolers muse on the merits of good books. Manga, graphic novels, short stories and more. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Craftacular Tuesdays: Creative kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Info, 863-3403.

Itty Bitty Drop-In Art: Emerging artists explore with myriad materials. Play with salt dough, make a tempura painting or create a collage. Studio V, Vergennes, 9-10 a.m. Ages 2-5, preregister, $5 first child with an adult, $2 each additional child. Info, 349-2214.

2 WEDNESDAY

Community

Breast-Feeding Basics: Learn how to get started and how to know when it’s going well, and when to seek help. Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Preregister. $20.

Info, 847-1245.

Pollywog Preschool Drop-In: Budding artists explore in a creative and social multimedia environment. Work with homemade playdough, paint, yarn, ribbon, paper and more. Parents must accompany children. All materials provided. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 parent/child pair, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Community Kids Night Out: Great time for kids, and a night off for parents. Games, movies, snack, lots of running around. Supervised by recreation department staff. St. Albans City Hall Gymnasium, 6:30-9 p.m.

Ages 5-14. Preregister. $8 residents, $10 nonresidents. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Mom’s Matinees Movies just for parents with infants. No pressure to be quiet; baby-friendly volumes and dimmed lights. Palace 9 Cinemas,

Prenatal Yoga: Supports women in all stages of pregnancy. No experience necessary. Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga, Burlington, 5:45-7:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Library & Books Homeschoolers Book Group: Monthly discussion group for homeschooled children. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Openings in 11 and up group. Preregister. Free. Info, 524-1507.

PJ Story Time: Come in pajamas to listen to a story and make a craft before bedtime. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Birth to age 6. Free. Info, fairfaxsx6@hotmail.com.

Red Clover Book Group: Children discuss their favorite Red Clover books. K-4th-grade readers focus on one book and enjoy a related project or activity. Students vote for their favorites on March 31 to send in to the statewide tally.

Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 1:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 626-5475.

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Education

Arts

Postnatal Yoga: Relaxation techniques and breathwork are used to support women through the emotional challenges of motherhood. Appropriate for women with babies six weeks to crawling. Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga, Burlington, 10:25-11:40 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

KIDS VT

Cookie Decorating: Youth serve up freshly baked sugar cookies with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Panadero Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 863-8278.

3 THURSDAY

Health & Fitness

FEBRUARY 2011

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: Young artists express themselves through art projects for early learners and draw, work with clay, create collages, paint murals and more. Parents must accompany children. All materials provided.

BCA Clay Studio, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 parent/child pair, $3 additional sibling, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Science and Stories: Shadows: Join ECHO staff to explore groundhog-related questions and have fun with shadows. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m.

Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

South Burlington, doors open at 10 a.m. $7; ages 2 and under free. Info, 660-9300.

KIDSVT.COM

Music Together: Help your child bounce, sing, dance, jump, drum, tap, click, wiggle and gallop his or her way to the development of pitch, rhythm and musical awareness. Hoehl Studio Lab, Flynn Center, Burlington, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Ages birth-5. $120/12 weeks plus $38 materials fee. Info, 652-4548.

Preschool Discovery Program: Three- to 5-year-olds distinguish fact from folklore in a Groundhog Day celebration. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5. Info, 229-6206.

Waterbury: Public Skating at the Ice Center.

Monday-Friday, 10:15-11:45 p.m. Sunday, 2:153:45 p.m. Adult skate rentals $5; 12 and under $3. Info, 244-4040.

3 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Thursday Open Computer Time: Hang out, play, browse the web. Settlers of Catan will also be available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Writing Group: Join other students in writing and workshopping your poetry. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grades 7-12.

Free. Info, 865-7216.

4 FRIDAY

Arts Comics Club: Doodlers, writers and readers alike have fun with the funnies. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

Family Clay Drop-In: Make a little clay! Learn wheel and hand-building techniques while hanging out with the family. Staff will give demos. BCA Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages infant and up. $6 participant, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Friday Night Teen Clay Drop-In: Teens don old clothes and get creative. Staff demonstrates hand-building of projects; wheels are available to make cups, mugs, bowls and more. BCA Clay Studio, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 13-18. $6 participant, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

Fairs & Festivals Colchester Winter Carnival: Play your way through indoor and outdoor activities all weekend, including a talent show, an ’80s-themed costume contest, sleigh rides, face painting, dunk tank and concessions. Colchester High School, kicks off with dinner at 5:30 p.m. All ages. $4 admission bracelet before noon; $5 thereafter. Info, 264-5640.

Getting the Blues The multimedia phenomenon BLUE MAN GROUP has come to Vermont — in the form of a traveling exhibit at the Montshire Museum. “Blue Man Group — Making Waves” opened the last week in January and continues at the Norwich museum through May 8. It explores the intersection of sound and science, and features “found object” instruments similar to those used in Blue Man Group stage shows, including tube phones, a “slideu-lum,” a sand drum and PVC pipes. Kids learn how sound is created while building their own instruments and “seeing” the music they make on the spot. And, no, they don’t have to paint themselves blue to participate.

‘BLUE MAN GROUP — MAKING WAVES’: Through Sunday, May 8, Montshire Museum, Norwich. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $12 adults, $10 children 2-17, free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Health & Fitness

5 SATURDAY

Friday Night Kids Club: Enjoy an evening out while your kids climb the walls and play on the ropes course with staff. Petra Cliffs Climbing Center, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. Preregister. $25 with all equipment included. Info, 657-3872.

Arts

Nature & Science Science and Stories: Shadows: See February 1.

Ongoing Playgroups MONDAYS

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FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

Burlington Early Months Playgroup: A mother-infant group for moms and their first babies during the first few months after birth. Baby massage, lullabies and sharing of calming techniques and more. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 860-4420.

Cambridge Playgroup: Kids get to play while parents meet others and learn about community resources.

Cambridge Elementary School, 9:3010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-513.

Colchester Twins Playgroup: For twins ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m., first and third Mondays.

Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 878-1018.

Jericho Playgroup: Join us for crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others.

Jericho Community Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 899-2228.

Morrisville Playgroup: Kids get to play while parents meet others and learn about community resources.

Morrisville Elementary School.

9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Richmond Pajama Time: Stories with Douglas while decked out in your bedtime best. Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Ages 2-6. Free.

Info, 434-3036.

St. Albans MOPS: Crafts and group play for kids while moms enjoy a speaker. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, 8:45-11 a.m., first and third Fridays. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 524-7047.

South Burlington Playgroup: Time for free play, songs, stories and a snack. Leo O’Brien Civic Center, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Follows school calendar. Info, 660-8833.

Williston Gym Time Playgroup: Young bundles of energy play in an environment encouraging both fine and gross motor skills. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 8:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Center, 10-11:30 a.m. All ages. $12 first child, $10 additional sibling. Info, 985-3648.

An Evening of Celtic Music and Dance: Traditional music of Scotland and Ireland on harp, bagpipes and drum. Good Shepherd Church, Jericho, 7 p.m. $10, $8 students 13-18, free for children under 12. Info, 878-3840.

Saturday Drama Club: Come put on a show in three hours. Very Merry Theater, 333, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 6-12. $15 or whatever you can afford. Info, 863-6607, info@ verymerrytheatre.org.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Art: Drop in any week and create a themed art project. Shelburne Art

Ages 1-6. Limited to Williston/St. George families, capped at 50. Info, 862-5954.

Winooski Fathers and Children Together: Evening fun and dinner for dads and kids up to first grade. Winooski Community Center, 5-7:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 860-4420.

Winooski Wellness Playgroup: Playtime focusing on healthy eating and active play. Sponsored by Building Bright Futures. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free.

Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAYS Alburgh Playgroup: Children and caregivers enjoy lively music and movement. Alburgh Elementary School, 12:15-1 p.m, every other Tuesday. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Burlington Fathers and Children Together: Evening fun for dads and kids up to first grade. St. Joseph’s School, VNA Family Room, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Family Play: Big Room: Activities for parents and children ages birth-5. Work on your GED or

Community PHAT Day at Smuggs: Learn to Protect Your Head at All Times (PHAT) with information about helmet safety on the slopes. Smugglers’ Notch base lodge, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 644-8851.

Fairs & Festivals Burlington Winter Festival: Snow-carving competition and ice walk; family activity expo; Vermont Special Olympics Penguin Plunge.

Burlington Waterfront, Hilton Hotel, ECHO

high school diploma or take ESL classes or parenting workshops. Baby Room: Learn about child development, baby signs and baby massage.

Both sessions run simultaneously.

VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Music With Robert: The host of a weekly folk- and worldmusic show on VPR explores tunes with music lovers of all ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Charlotte Gym for Tots: Open gym with tumbling mats, rider toys, hula hoops, cones and balls of all sizes. No food or black-soled shoes. Charlotte Central School, Multipurpose Room gym, 11:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m., February 8 and 15. Ages birth-6 with adult. Free.

Info, 764-5820.

Essex Summit Street Playgroup: Stories, songs and simple crafts. Preschool room, Summit Street School, Essex. 9-11 a.m. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Preregister. Free. Info, 316-4775.

Fletcher Playgroup: Kids come to play and interact. Games, toys, arts and crafts, snacks, and resources.

Elementary School Gym, Fletcher,

9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-9368 or 782-3370.

Hardwick Playgroup: Children get out and play while community parents meet each other. Village Center Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Johnson Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers. Socialize while learning about development expectations. Local specialist in child health available. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 10-11:30 a.m., fourth Tuesdays. Free. Info, 888-3470.

St. Albans Playgroup: Children and their caregivers socialize. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.

South Hero Playgroup: Free play, crafting and snacks entertain children and grown-up companions.

South Hero Congregational Church, 10-11 a.m. Info, 527-5426.

Swanton Playgroup: Ages birth-6 welcome for age-appropriate crafts, play and snacks. Babcock School, Swanton, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 868-7087.

CALENDAR Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Info, 864-0123.

Colchester Winter Carnival: See February 4, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Great Ice in Grand Isle: Enjoy the ice during this winter event that spans two weekends in February. Cold-weather fun includes skating, ice bike races, an ice golf tournament and a kids ice fishing tournament. City Bay, North Hero, (across from Hero’s Welcome General Store).

All ages. Free. Info on ice conditions, 372-4161, or localmotion.org for listing of events for both weekends.

Indoor Winter Craft Fair: Small sampling of the region’s artisans and more than 35 local crafters. University Mall, South Burlington, Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Ages 14-18. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

6 SUNDAY

Arts Sunday Afternoon Music Series: Enjoy a variety of music each month in a concert setting.

Reading Room, Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 2-3:45 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Fairs & Festivals Colchester Winter Carnival: See February 4, 10:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m.

Great Ice in Grand Isle: See February 5.

Indoor Winter Craft Fair: See February 5, noon-6 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Kids VT Camp & School Fair: Vermont’s family newspaper hosts its 14th annual fair. Gather information and meet with representatives of schools, summer programs and camps. Hilton Hotel, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All ages. Free.

Info, 985-5482.

Lollipop Ski Race: Young skiers don racing bibs for a fun zip down the Mighty Mite hill.

Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, 1 p.m. Free with purchase of a $14 youth lift ticket.

Health & Fitness

Prenatal Yoga: See February 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Beginner Ballet for Special Needs Students: Ballet class with Sidra Hoffman. Jazzercise Studio, Waterbury, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children ages 4-7 who can function well in group setting.

Preregister, but drop-ins may be accepted. Donations. Info, 244-8600.

Library & Books Read to a Dog: Kids share stories with an adorable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10-11 a.m.

Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Williston Gym Time Playgroup: See Tuesdays; no meeting on February 22.

WEDNESDAYS Bolton Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, 8:15-10:15 a.m.

Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, boltonplaygroup@gmavt.net.

Essex Summit Street Playgroup: See Tuesdays.

Arts Music Together: See February 1.

Community Teen Advisory Board: High schoolers help decide what goes into the Young Adult Collection and plan teen activities. Could count toward community service. Fletcher Free

Milton Baby Playgroup: New moms, dads and babies gather to socialize, drink coffee and watch the little ones play. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Ages birth-12 months. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Creative Tuesdays: See February 1.

Itty Bitty Drop-In Art: See February 1.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

Library & Books Tuesday Open Computer Time: See February 1.

Arts Moving & Grooving With Christine: Move to the rhythms of rock and roll and world-beat music. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. For ages 2-5 years, but all are welcome. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Music Together: See February 1.

Community Cookie Decorating: See February 2.

8:45-10:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Free. Info, playgrouprichmond@ yahoo.com.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays .

Westford Playgroup: Stories, songs and play. Westford Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Free. Info, 238-5127.

Williston Gym Time Playgroup: See Mondays.

THURSDAYS Alburgh Family Center Playgroup: An opportunity to play and chat. Alburgh Family Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows the Grand Isle Supervisory Union school calendar. Free. Info, 796-3013.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesdays.

Essex Playgroup: Free play, stories and circle time. Maple Street Parks & Recreation, Essex, 9-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Huntington Playgroup: Playtime, crafts, stories, songs, local

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information and connecting with others. Brewster-Pierce Memorial School, Huntington, 2:45-4:45 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 434-3269.

Morrisville Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers.

Socialize while learning about development expectations. Local specialist in child health available.

Congregational Church, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

St. Albans MOPS: Crafts and group play for kids while moms enjoy a speaker. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m., first and third Thursdays. Ages birth-6. Free.

Info, 524-7047.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.

Winooski Playgroup: Stories, songs and playtime. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Free. Info, 655-1422.

cochran’s ski area RICHMOND, VT

NOW WITH TOP TO BOTTOM SNOWMAKING Family Season’s Pass Only $440/Family

Opening Mid December!

Adult Day Pass only $20 Children only $14 434-2479

www.cochranskiarea.org MORE PLAYGROUPS, P. 32

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Richmond Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Richmond Free Library,

Craftacular Tuesdays: See February 1.

KIDS VT

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Connect with other parents and babies. Essex Junction Teen Center, Municipal Building, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Ages birth-1. Free. Info, 846-7621.

7 MONDAY

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Evening fun includes dinner for dads and kids up to first grade.

Preschool, Hinesburg, 5-7:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 860-4420.

Arts

FEBRUARY 2011

Enosburg Playgroup: Come enjoy circle time, free play and a craft.

American Legion, Enosburg, 9-11 a.m. Please bring a snack for your child. Free. Info, 933-6435.

Read to a Dog: See February 5, 1-2 p.m.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Toy-filled environment for tots including craft table, circle time and snack.

Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with adult. Free. Info, Brandy, 482-6401.

8 TUESDAY

9 WEDNESDAY

Library & Books

Fairfax Global Village: Parents and children explore the language of different cultures. Free play, games, stories and conversation.

BFA Fairfax Health Room, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Families with children birth-6. Free.

Info, 527-1941.

Itty Bitty Public Skating: Intro to skating for young children and their caregivers. Instructor on the ice offers support and lead games and activities. Younger siblings may be pulled in plastic sled or parked in a stroller. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. $8 family, $70 10-visit card. Skate rentals $1 per pair. Info, 862-8869.

KIDSVT.COM

Colchester Playgroup: Free play and socialization for kids and caregivers. Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 879-0900.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Health & Fitness

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9 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)

(We like you, too!)

Library & Books

Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

High School Book Group: See February 2.

Library & Books

Middle School Book Group: See February 2.

Nature & Science

» facebook.com/kidsvt

Science and Stories: Owls: Learn all about the little hooters, pick apart an owl pellet make an owl creation. Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

Lego Club: Kids have creative building time with other kids. Legos provided. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Red Clover Book Group: See February 3.

Thursday Open Computer Time: See February 3.

Writing Group: See February 3.

10 THURSDAY

11 FRIDAY

Arts

Arts

Pollywog Preschool Drop-In: See February 3.

Community

Comics Club: See February 4.

Family Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Father-Daughter Gala: An evening of elegance for dads and their daughters. Attendees are treated to refreshments, music and dancing.

Uncles, dads, granddads and friends can serve as escorts. Chow! Bella, St. Albans, 6-8:30 p.m. $45 pair, $15 additional child. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Mom’s Matinees See February 3.

Education Empower Your Teen to Build Healthy Relationships: Tony Moulton of the Women’s Rape Crisis Center in Burlington talks with parents about the best ways to discuss healthy relationship building with their teens. New Life Christian Fellowship, Milton, 6-7 p.m. Info, miltonyouth.org.

Friday Night Teen Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

Fairs & Festivals Great Ice in Grand Isle: See February 5.

Milton Winter Festival: Community members participate in a weekend full of sleigh rides, a party in the park, a bonfire and fireworks. Bombardier Park, Milton, 6:30-8 p.m. All ages. Info, 893-4922.

Skate Vermont: See spotlight on p. 29.

St. Albans Winter Carnival: See spotlight on p. 34.

Health & Fitness Friday Night Kids Club: See February 4.

Health & Fitness Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 7.

Nature & Science

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3.

Science and Stories: Owls: See February 9.

Ongoing Playgroups CONTINUED FROM P. 31

FRIDAYS Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers and Toddlers: Learn about development stages, share with other parents, play, move and have fun. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 999-5100.

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FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesdays.

Essex Town Hall Playgroup: Community playgroup and circulating toy library. Essex Town Hall, 9-11:30 a.m.

Schedule varies, call to confirm. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.

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Fairfax Community Playgroup: Children enjoy free play, a craft, circle time and a provided snack. BFA Fairfax Health Room, 9-10:30 a.m.

Follows school calendar.

Families with children birth6. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Fairfield Playgroup: Playgroup for children and their caregivers. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-6.

Free. Info, 827-3945.

Georgia Playgroup: Playing and socializing with kids and their caregivers. Georgia Youth Center, 9:30-11 a.m., second and fourth Thursdays. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Allow little ones to expend some of their abundant energy. Lots of toys and space to run in the gym. Play mat for babies. Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 527-5426.

Shelburne Playgroup: Bring a toy to share and a snack for your child. No beef, tree nuts or peanuts. Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne. 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Ages birth-5 with caregiver.

Free. Info, 985-2382.

St. Albans MOPS: See Thursdays, 8:45-11 a.m., first and third Fridays.

Stowe Hometown Playgroup: Children have fun while parents meet caregivers and learn about family resources. Stowe Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Swanton Community Playgroup: Ages birth-6 welcome for age appropriate crafts, free play, stories and snacks. Holy Trinity Church, Swanton, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 868-7087.

Underhill Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories and songs, as well as connections with other area families and caregivers. Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 899-4415.

CALENDAR 12 SATURDAY

13 SUNDAY

Arts

Fairs & Festivals

Create Valentine Cards: Crafty kids create heartfelt cards. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Great Ice in Grand Isle: See February 5.

Saturday Drama Club: See February 5.

Skate Vermont: See spotlight on p. 29.

Milton Winter Festival: See February 11, 12:302:30 p.m.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Art: See February 5.

Wise Guys You’ve gotta love an animal that hunts down pesky mice, shrews and voles and enjoys the night life. Meet some of these feathery friends at the OWL PROWL at Shelburne Farms. Presented in partnership with Outreach for Earth Stewardship, the Owl Prowl will teach participants ages 10 and up how to hoot like an owl, and then give them an up-close-andpersonal meeting with an OFES “ambassador” bird. The first part of the program takes place outside, so be sure to dress for the weather.

OWL PROWL: Saturday, February 19, Shelburne Farms, 7-9 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Preregister. Members: $10 parent and child, $5 each additional child.

Nonmembers: $12/6. Info, 985-8686.

Williston Gym Time Playgroup: See Tuesdays; no meeting on February 25.

Wolcott Playgroup: Young kids get to play out some of their energy in a constructive environment. Depot Center Preschool, Wolcott, 9-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Info, 888-1771.

SATURDAYS

Fairs & Festivals

Nature & Science

Milton Winter Festival: See February 11. Community breakfast, 9-11 a.m.

Skate Vermont: See spotlight on p. 29.

St. Albans Winter Carnival: See spotlight on p. 34.

Health & Fitness

Read to a Dog: See February 5.

Morrisville Baby Chat: See Thursdays, Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m., second Saturdays.

North Hero Tumble Time: Children and adult caregivers enjoy stations and free play around the gym with a snack provided. North Hero Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m., every other Saturday. Free.

Info, 527-5426.

Williston Gym Time Playgroup: See Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m., February 12 and 26 only.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 6, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Wonderful Local References

Postnatal Yoga: See February 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Library & Books Read to a Dog: See February 5, 1-2 p.m.

k16t-matha0111.indd 1

Critter Craft Day: Snuggle up by the woodstove and create crafts inspired by nature. Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. Ages 3 and up with adult companion. Members: $12 adult/child pair, $4 each additional child. Nonmembers: $14 adult/ child pair, $5 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

1/13/11 2:04 PM

St. Francis Xavier School Quality Catholic education since 1862

14 MONDAY

Serving Pre-K through 8th grade

Arts

For more information, please contact us at:

Music Together: See February 1.

St. Francis Xavier School

5 St. Peter Street Winooski, Vermont 05404 (802) 655-2600 www.edline.net/pages/sfxwinooski

Community Teen Advisory Board: See February 7.

Beginner Ballet for Special Needs Students: See February 5.

Library & Books

802.453.4920 mchaplinsweetp@gmavt.net

Health & Fitness

HAPPY GREEN BABIES!

k16t-st.francisxavier0211.indd 1

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 7.

14 MONDAY, P. 34

Ongoing Exhibits An Indoor Walk Through Time: Escape Vermont’s cold outdoor weather with an indoor tour of Vermont history at this multimedia exhibit spanning the years since 1600. Walk through time and experience an Abenaki wigwam, a re-creation of the Catamount Tavern where Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys gathered, a railroad station, and a WWII living room. Permanent exhibit at the Vermont Historical Museum in Montpelier. Info, 479-8510.

1/7/11 10:55 AM

We have a wonderful selection of ecofriendly baby and children’s items. You’ll feel good surrounding your little ones with natural, organic and chemical free goodies... And that makes everyone happy!

• Clothing • Cribs • Bedding • Mattresses • Shoes • Bath Products • Nursery Decor • Baby Carriers • Baby Hammock

Blue Man Group — Making Waves: See spotlight on p. 31.

Raise the Roof (see image left): Explore the inner life of buildings — what holds them up and what it takes to bring them down. Handcrank the Dome Structure and see a building come together before your eyes. Through May 1 at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington. Info, 864-1848.

FEBRUARY 2011

Winter Weekends: Warm up your winter with a visit to the dairy farm, check out the animals, the farmhouse and other activities.

February 5-6 and 12-13, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day at the Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock.

67 Main St | Burlington, VT | 802.881.0633 Mon 12 - 6, Tue – Sat 10-6, Closed Sunday

www.thegreenlifevt.com

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33

Sleigh Ride Week (see image left): Farmhouse fun begins with snowy wagon rides, cookies and spiced cider.

Saturday, February 19–Sunday, February 27, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock. Info, 457-2355.

KIDS VT

Franklin Playgroup: Playgroup begins with a story followed by a snack and projects. Franklin Central School, 10-11 a.m., second Saturdays.

Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 285-6678.

Health & Fitness

Nanny Services

KIDSVT.COM

Fairfax Open Tot Gym & Parent/Infant Play: Free play activities include slides, jump ropes and rope swing. Infant area with books, toys and tunnel time. BFA-Fairfax Elementary School Gym, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Families with children ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Play Date: Farm & Food Fun: Kids explore theme-based activities in the education center at a leisurely pace with a staff member. Adult chaperones required. McClure Center for School Programs, Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Members: $3 child. Nonmembers: $5 child.

Info, 985-8686.

Great Ice in Grand Isle: See February 5.

Martha Thilbourg-Chaplin

St. Albans Winter Carnival: See spotlight on p. 34.

Community

F-f-frozen Chosen Regatta: Put on your thinking caps and build the wackiest self-propelled ice-racing machine you can think of. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Part of Great Ice in Grand Isle (see February 5). City Bay, North Hero, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Preregister. $20 entry fee. Info, localmotion.org.

Looking for weekend overnight care for your children?

1/26/11 12:52 PM

Duct Tape Downhill Test your Vermont ingenuity by building a sled out of nothing but cardboard and duct tape in the ST. ALBANS WINTER CARNIVAL Duct Tape Derby. Dig through your recycling bin, dress in your funniest costume and hope that the terrain at the Hard’Ack recreation area doesn’t eat your sled for lunch. The derby is just one of several creative and constructive contests that take place during St. Albans Winter Carnival weekend.

Attendees can also vie for top honors in a snowman-building event, try out the “Amazing Race,” or take part in snowboarding competitions, Nordic walking demos, a pond-hockey tournament, sleigh rides and fireworks.

ST. ALBANS WINTER CARNIVAL: Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13, Hard’ack, St. Albans. Some preregistration required.

Most events free. Full schedule and info, 524-1500, ext. 266, or stalbansrec.com. Entry fee for the Duct Tape Derby is $10 for St. Albans residents, $12 for nonresidents. Registration for the Duct Tape Derby begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 13; race time at 2:30 p.m.

14 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Nature & Science A Day at the Farm: Children help feed the Jersey herd and churn butter, bake cookies, sled with jack jumpers, and ride a sleigh around the fields. Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Ages 8-12. $30 memebers, $35 nonmembers. Info, 457-2355.

15 TUESDAY

Arts Craftacular Tuesdays: See February 1.

Creative Tuesdays: See February 1.

Itty Bitty Drop-In Art: See February 1.

Music Together: See February 1.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

Education

Library & Books

Nature & Science

Breast-Feeding Families’ Group: Get breastfeeding support from other parents and certified lactation consultants. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parentsto-be, new parents, experienced parents and children welcome. Free. Info, 888-3470 or 888-4651.

High School Book Group: See February 2.

Science and Stories: Snowflakes: Explore the unique properties of snowflakes and create your own one-of-a-kind snowflake art. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 877-324-6386.

16 WEDNESDAY

Community Cookie Decorating: See February 2.

Moving & Grooving With Christine: See February 9.

Ongoing Story Times MONDAYS

34

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

Waterbury Toddlers-n-Twos: Active stories designed for ages 18-36 months and caregivers. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

TUESDAYS Barre Childrens Story Hour: Tots tune in for audible prose. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-5. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Barre Kids Story Hour: Literature hounds show up for tall tales. East Barre Branch Library, Barre, kids under 3 meet at 10 a.m., ages 3-5 meet at 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

East Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Kids get silly with stories and songs. Sara Partridge Library, East Middlebury, 10:30-11 a.m. Follows

school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 388-7588.

Essex Junction Toddler Story Time: Simple stories, songs and finger plays.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 18-36 months with an adult. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Junction Tuesday Preschool Story Time: Little ones ages 3-5 enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and fun activities. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Preregister.

Follows school calendar. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Children hear stories, sing songs, and create a craft or do an experiment.

Fairfax Community Library, 9:3010:30 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Ages birth-6 with caregiver. Info, fairfaxsx6@hotmail.com

Healthy Sense Development in the Young Child: Focus on the four (inner) senses and the importance of their development in the young child. Intended for parents, caregivers, educators, farmers and anyone concerned with providing will-based opportunities through practical work, agriculture and nature. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 7 p.m.

Free. Info, 456-7400.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Hour: Drop by for stories, songs and games.

Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Free.

Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Songs, stories and finger plays.

Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg, 9 a.m. first and third Tuesdays. Ages birth-3. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Lyndonville Baby/Toddler Story Time: Connect with library friends and enjoy stories, songs, storyboards and finger plays. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10 a.m.

Ages birth-3 and caregivers. Info, 626-5475.

Montpelier Story Time: Books, singing, crafts and fun. Kellogg Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Preschool ages. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Richmond Story Time: Story time at the Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 2-6. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Middle School Book Group: See February 2.

Nature & Science Winter Warmth on the Farm: Children visit the livestock barns, bake cookies in the woodstove, dip candles, listen to fireside stories and enjoy sleigh rides. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ages 6-8. Program members: $20; nonmembers: $25. Info, 457-2355.

WEDNESDAYS Essex Junction Wednesday Preschool Story Time: Tots enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and fun activities. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Ages 3-5. Follows the school calendar.

Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: Listen to stories, sing songs, shake out your sillies and make a craft. Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar.

Ages birth to preschool. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Lyndonville Preschool Story Hour, Winter Session: Listen to stories, learn about the letter of the day and focus on one of six early literacy skills. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10:30 a.m. Geared toward ages 3-5 and their families.

Free. Info, 626-5475.

Middlebury Stories With Shoopie and Lily: Read to a Therapy Dog. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4-5 p.m. Free. Preregister. Info, 388-4097.

Middlebury Toddler Story Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes and crafts.

Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 1-3. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesdays.

South Burlington Story Time: Staff read newly released board books and old favorites. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10 a.m. Ages 1-3. Free.

Info, 864-8001.

Swanton Story Hour: Come listen to stories, sing songs and do an easy craft. Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. All ages welcome. Free. Info, 868-7656.

CALENDAR

guitar lessons with

17 THURSDAY

Friday Night Family Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Arts Pollywog Preschool Drop-In: See February 3.

Community Education Motivational Interviewing: Tools for Difficult Conversations: Denise Jolicour reviews the principles of motivational interviewing as applied to everyday communication with parents and guardians of young children. NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Childcare available. Preregister. Info, 393-6564.

Winter Parent Open House: Caregivers check out the school’s individualized instruction, teaching team and child-centered curriculum.

Bellwether School, Williston, 6 p.m. Preregister.

Free. Info, 802-863-4839.

Health & Fitness Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 7.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3.

Who’s Hooting: See February 16.

Winter Warmth on the Farm: See February 16.

Library & Books Red Clover Book Group: See February 3.

18 FRIDAY

Arts

Resident guitar teacher at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michaels College, also teaches at Middlebury College. Ages 6-adult.

Learn the music!

Library & Books Nature & Science Owl Prowl: See spotlight p. 32.

www.dayvehuckett.net dayvehuckett@hotmail.com 802-233-6618

20 SUNDAY

Friday Night Kids Club: See February 4.

Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Nature & Science

Health & Fitness

Science and Stories: Snowflakes: See February 15.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

DHuckett DecJan11.indd 1

12/13/10 5:40 PM

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Library & Books

19 SATURDAY

Arts

Read to a Dog: See February 5, 1-2 p.m.

Saturday Drama Club: See February 5.

21 MONDAY

Daily Design Challenge: View the “Raise the Roof” exhibit, then use your engineering and architectural skills to try and become the engineer of the day. Build the tallest tower, construct containers to cushion eggs and make bridges out of drinking straws. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

Sleigh Ride Week: Enjoy sleigh rides, sledding with jack jumpers, and tours of the dairy farm and farmhouse. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $12 adult, $11 ages 62 and over, $6 ages 5-15, $3 ages 3-4, free for ages 2 and under. Info, 457-2355.

Comics Club: See February 4

Arts Cabin Fever Arts and Craft Creatures Attack: Cure cabin fever with art projects and outdoor play in the village studios and courtyard. Campers explore a daily theme and put on a final exhibition. Shelburne Art Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ages 8-13. Preregister. $55 day, $275 full week.

Info, 802-985-3648.

Children’s Craft Programs: Youngsters get friendly with art supplies. Call for product details. Ages 3-12. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550, ext. 308.

Music Together: See February 1.

Community Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: This five21 MONDAY, P. 36 day camp teaches animated youths the basics

and a craft. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Follows school calendar. Ages 3 and up. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: The musician and storyteller brings stories, songs and rhymes to the Pierson Library, Shelburne, 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesdays.

Moretown Story Time: Stories,

Burlington Story Time for Kids: Weekly time to listen to old and new favorites. Borders Books & Music, Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages.

Free. Info, 865-2711.

Colchester Saturday Stories: Children of all ages enjoy picture books. Burnham Library, Colchester, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

South Burlington Saturday Story Time: Staff read newly released books that will resonate with kids up to grade 2. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Free.

Info, 864-8001.

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1/27/11 11:33 AM

35

Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes

Lincoln Children’s Story Time: Songs, crafts and other activities for children. Lincoln Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 453-2665.

SATURDAYS

1

KIDS VT

Fairfax PJ Story Time: Little kids rock nightgowns and flannels as special guests read from books.

Fairfax Community Library, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

FRIDAYS

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: A time for stories, puppets and fun songs. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6. Free. Info, 244-7036. k8v-PreventChildAbuse0211.indd

FEBRUARY 2011

Barre Kids Story Hour: Snacks and activities follow an hour of tales. LACE, Barre, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 476-4276.

Vergennes Story Time: Themed stories with American Sign Language and an activity. Bixby Library, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m.

Preschool age. Free. Info, 877-2211.

songs, crafts and creative fun.

Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3-5. Preregister.

Free. Info, 223-2415.

KIDSVT.COM

THURSDAYS

Waterbury Baby Lap Time: Story time for babies birth-18 months with songs, simple rhymes and stories.

Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m.

Free. Info, 244-7036.

musician, teacher, dad

Beginner Ballet for Special Needs Students: See February 5.

Community

Health & Fitness

Community

Nature & Science

Health & Fitness

Read to a Dog: See February 5.

Motivated Learning Through an Artistic Education: A short introduction to the visual arts and crafts in the Waldorf curriculum is followed by hands-on experience of form drawing. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Art: See February 5.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

Writing Group: See February 3.

Teen Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Education

Mom’s Matinees See February 3.

Thursday Open Computer Time: See February 3.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

dayve huckett

21 monday (Continued)

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: This fiveday camp teaches animated youths the basics of animation for video including flipbook, sand, clay and cutout. Milton Elementary School, 5th/6th-grade cafeteria, 9 a.m.-noon. $50, $45 2010 Lake Champlain Access Television summer campers. Info, 893-4922.

Red Clover Book Group: See February 3.

calendar

Thursday Open Computer Time: See February 3.

Writing Group: See February 3.

Nature & Science Winter Vacation Day Camp: See February 22.

Teen Advisory Board: See February 7.

25 Friday

22 Tuesday

Arts

Arts

Cabin Fever Arts and Craft Creatures Attack: See February 21

Cabin Fever Arts and Craft Creatures Attack: See February 21

Family Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Creative Tuesdays: See February 1.

Friday Night Teen Clay Drop-In: See February 4.

Itty Bitty Drop-In Art: See February 1.

Music Together: See February 1.

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

Community Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: See February 21.

Library & Books Animal Mask Making: For animal week at the library, make a large animal headpiece. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Legos: Create a masterpiece for display at the library. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles: Challenge yourself with jigsaw puzzles. Youth Area, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington. All ages welcome. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

Tuesday Open Computer Time: See February 1.

Nature & Science Winter Vacation Day Camp: Build forts and fires, create winter crafts, and tap, gather and boil sap. Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Preregister. $50 per day or $135 for all three days. Info, 434-3068.

23 Wednesday

Arts

Kids VT

February 2011

kidsvt.com

Cabin Fever Arts and Craft Creatures Attack: See February 21

36

Comics Club: See February 4.

Craftacular Tuesdays: See February 1.

School Vacation Kids Class: Bring kids in to make a hemp bracelet using a simple flat stitch.

Bead Crazy, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Ages 9 and up.

Preregister. $15 child, includes materials and a snack. Info, 288-9666.

Community Cookie Decorating: See February 2.

Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: See February 21.

Moving & Grooving With Christine: See February 9.

Education School Vacation Fun — Made in Vermont 1870-1910: Granite, marble, butter and lumber — compare different Vermont products and their impact on the farms and towns of

Big Bang

Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See February 1.

If you don’t want your kids to explode things at home, send them to ... the library? This month, kids ages 4 through 8 will explore the wonders of scientific explosions with “Blow Things Up With Will,” a special program at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. “Will” is Will Sedlack, an AmeriCorps State member who’s been helping out at the FFL and is eager to help library-goers build volcanoes. “He’s a young, adventurous kid at heart,” offers youth services librarian Rebecca Goldberg. She says Sedlack has free rein to work with kids on quicksand, invisible ink and other fun stuff, “as long as it’s not too terribly messy.” Better to mess up the library than your kitchen, right?

Blow Things Up With Will: Thursday, February 24, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Ages 4-8. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Community Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: See February 21.

Health & Fitness Friday Night Kids Club: See February 4.

Library & Books Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles: See February 22.

Teen Movie Night: Drinks and popcorn accompany a screening of Salt, featuring Angelina Jolie. Lincoln Library, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

26 Saturday

Arts Saturday Drama Club: See February 5.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Art: See February 5.

Community Vermont. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Preregister. $5 student, $3 museum members, three or more children per family pay member rate. Info, 828-2180.

Fundamentals of Animation Camp: See February 21.

Library & Books

School Vacation Fun — New England’s Playground 1910-1930: Visit the museum’s tourist cabin and find out why tourists came to play in Vermont’s lakes and mountains. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. Ages 6-12.

Preregister. $5 student, $3 museum members, three or more children per family pay member rate. Info, 828-2180.

Crazy Pet Day: Author Deborah Straw tells how to take good care of pets, covering all facets of an animal’s life. A few live pets will be on hand to check out. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m.

Free. Info, 524-1507.

High School Book Group: See February 2.

Middle School Book Group: See February 2.

Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles: See February 22.

Nature & Science

Mom’s Matinees See February 3.

Education

Health & Fitness Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 7.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3.

Winter Vacation Day Camp: See February 22.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 3.

24 Thursday

Library & Books

Arts

Blow Things Up With Will: See spotlight this page.

Cabin Fever Arts and Craft Creatures Attack: See February 21.

Pollywog Preschool Drop-In: See February 3.

Community Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Lego Club Competition: The twice-monthly club gets spiced up with a competition. Create an animal and leave it on display until the next day for voting. Winner gets a Lego Ferocious Creatures set. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m.

Free. Info, 524-1507.

Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles: See February 22.

Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Library & Books Read to a Dog: See February 5.

27 Sunday

Health & Fitness Prenatal Yoga: See February 3, 10:05-11:30 a.m.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Library & Books Read to a Dog: See February 5, 1-2 p.m.

28 Monday

Arts Music Together: See February 1.

Community Daily Design Challenge: See February 19.

Teen Advisory Board: See February 7.

Health & Fitness Itty Bitty Public Skating: See February 7.

HANDS-ON

Q CRAFTING WITH KIDS

Matchbox Valentines 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 until you’ve covered everyone on your list.

37

Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

2.

Empty the matches out of all the matchboxes.

• Small matchboxes; a pack of You don’t need them.

10 is $1.59 at Price Chopper Measure a matchbox and figure out how much fabric • Fabric; we used remnants you’ll need to cover one. Our matchboxes were 2 • Tacky glue inches by roughly 1 3/8. We cut our fabric into pieces • Scissors that were 2 inches by 4 1/4 inches.

• Ruler Spread out your fabric and cut the pieces you need.

• Paper or card stock Cut as many hearts from the paper as there are people • Extra-fine marker on your list. The hearts should be small enough to fit • Candies or stickers on top of the matchbox so that the fabric still shows small enough to fit in beneath. the matchboxes Write the names of your Valentines on the hearts.

Place a matchbox facedown in the center of the fabric piece. Fold the sides of the fabric up and over and secure with a thin line of tacky glue.

Turn the matchbox over in your hand. Put a dab of glue on the top of the matchbox and place one of your hearts on the glue.

Squeeze the matchbox lightly between your fingers until the heart and the seam on the bottom have set.

When the glue is dry, slide the matchbox open and fill it with candy or stickers of your choice.

Kids VT

Share your fun craft ideas with us!

1.

materials

February 2011

— CATHY RESMER

instructions

kidsvt.com

Tired of handing out the same old storebought Valentine’s Day cards? My partner, Ann-Elise, found this creative Valentine’s Day project on a craft blog a couple years ago.

These matchbox Valentines are unique and easy to make. I gave one to everyone in my office that year, and some people still display them on their desks. They’re also inexpensive.

We’re making 40 of them this year, and we spent less than $12 on supplies. The portion size is perfect for kids, too.

HANDS-ON

✱ THE PARTY PLANNER

Do your kids have the write stuff?

Encourage them to enter the 2011 PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. This annual competition, sponsored by Vermont Public Television, invites children in grades K-3 to create original stories and illustrations.

A panel of local judges and experts will select 12 winners, three from each grade. VPT will announce the winners in late April, and will feature videos of students reading their stories on-air and online, at vpt.org and kidsvt.com. Contest participants will receive a certificate of achievement, as well as the opportunity to read their story aloud at “Storytime” celebrations held at locations throughout the state.

TO ENTER: visit vpt.org/writers or call 1-800-639-3351

for contest rules and an entry form. The deadline for entries is Friday, April 8.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: • Ben & Jerry’s • Everybody Wins! Vermont • The Flying Pig Bookstore • Kids VT • Stern Center for Language and Learning • Vermont Department of Libraries • Vermont Humanities Council

38

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

SUPPORTED IN PART BY GRANTS FROM: Comcast and the Employee Community Action Council of the Employees of General Dynamics

This month on kidsvt.com, see the videos from last year’s third-grade winners: Winner: “The Adventures of Bob and Fred, a.k.a. Sherlock Holmes & Watson” by Nora Sylvester Honorable mentions: “The Turtle That Wanted Wings” by Elias Davis “Animal Seasons” by Emma Neudecker

The Birthday Swap If the thought of another toy in your home makes you cringe, try the swap for your child’s next birthday party.

The birthday swap downplays gift giving while focusing on the celebration — and the favors are included.

HOW IT WORKS: All guests, including the parent-host, bring a gift, wrapped but unmarked. When it’s time to open presents, all the kids take one from the collection. You can elect to have the birthday child go first and have selections opened right there at the party, or have guests take them to go — whichever you prefer. Bonus: The latter eliminates the present-unwrapping chaos that ensues when everyone wants to “help.”

WHAT TO SWAP: It’s best to plan a theme for the swap, and to set a price limit. Here are a few suggestions for themes and gifts in the $10-andunder range.

FOR TODDLERS: A book swap is a great idea. Ask guests to bring a favorite age-appropriate title. Suggestion: Look for your favorites in paperback.

FOR 4-7-YEAR-OLDS: Consider a game or puzzle swap with the same structure. Suggestion: UNO is a winner. For girls, a princess wand/crown swap can add a special touch to a costume party. I have three girls, but I hear that, for boys, Bakugans and Tech Deck mini-skateboards are all the rage.

FOR PRETEENS & TEENS: A DVD swap can be very cool, and older releases are easy to find and affordable.

— KATRINA ROBERTS

Got an idea for the Party Planner?

Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

welcome to the Kids VT family

Rose Elizabeth Roberts 1/17/11 • 4:46PM • 7lb. 4oz.

Congratulations Katrina, Colby, lily & nola!

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Birthday club

Congratulations to these February Birthday Club Winners:

$5 OFF

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ANY $25 ORDER

• SO. BuRliNgtON 864-9817 •FAMilY FuN cENtER 860-4386 • MiltON 893-6111

shannon lives in Sheldon and turns 10 on February 28. Shannon loves music, spelling, reading and writing.

• MAllEttS BAY 862-7900 • WAtERBuRY 244-5650 • RichMOND 434-4002

Please present coupon when ordering.

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• SO. BuRliNgtON 864-9817 •FAMilY FuN cENtER 860-4386 • MiltON 893-6111

• MAllEttS BAY 862-7900 • WAtERBuRY 244-5650 • RichMOND 434-4002

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iN FREE tOKENS for Zachary’s Family fun center with purchase of large pizza, cheesy breadsticks, & pitcher of soda

February 2011

$5

KidsVT.com

ZACHARY’S FAMILY

FUN CENTER

Valid at Zachary’s South burlington location only.

Please present coupon when ordering.

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Kids VT

Just give us your email, your children’s names and birthdates and they’re automatically enrolled in our Kids VT birthday Club.

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Alex lives in Fairfield and turns 9 on February 12.

His favorite subjects are history and science.

Lyndsey lives in Milton and turns 5 on February 8.

She starts school in the fall and she already loves to learn how to spell new words.

To enter your kids, sign up for the Free e-newsletter at kidsvt.com, where you can get more great information for Vermont families.

12:12 PM

860-4-FUN (860-4386)

Joshua and Zachary live in Colchester and turn 5 on February 17. Joshua loves to take things apart and work with his hands. Zachary loves to read and is currently working on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Join the club!

1/5/11

• FREE indoor ball crawl and tots’ play area • Games for all... win prizes!

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Sponsored by Zachary’s Family Fun Center in South burlington every month, four birthday kids win prizes and their picture in Kids VT to make their birthdays extra special!

1

39

HANDS-ON

BY JAN BUCKNER WALKER

answers p. 42

PUZZLE PAGE

Kids Across/Parents Down

– that scrambled word game! ®

By MIKE ARGIRION and JEFF KNUREK

OBJ GLUN LODL UBEC

NEW BIBLE Jumble Books Go To: http://www.tyndale.com/jumble/

The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.

Enjoy fun time with mom, dad or your favorite grown-up.

The across clues are for kids and the down clues are for adults.

A Fishy Situation

©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

You are now ready to solve today’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles. You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.

Print answer here:

TO

“

”

LUNG DOLL CUBE Jumbles: JOB Answer: When rabbits find flowers, they —

BY HELENA HOVANEC GO TO “BED”

Puzzles4Kids

40

Kids VT

February 2011

kidsvt.com

Riddle Search — Post Office Search 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. Read from left to right, top to bottom to answer this riddle: How can you send a turkey through the post office?

address bill carrier delivery envelope letter mailbox

meter route scale sender stamp stationery zip code

Riddle Answer: _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ .

Kids Across 1. What a fish makes when it jumps in a lake 6. Popular ‘fast food’ treat in England: fish and ____ 7. Good sports: Florida’s Marlins and San Jose’s Sharks, for example 9. Green slime in your aquarium 11. Fish, unlike humans and other mammals, are ____-blooded 12. Catfish have sleek ____, with no scales 14. The bony body part a fish uses to steer, stop and keep its balance 15. The river where an Egyptian might go fishing 16. What the dealer gives each player in the game Go Fish 18. Though most fish lay eggs, these aquarium pets have their babies through live birth 21. Small lakes 23. What fish do in a school 24. Streams where minnows and tadpoles often live

Parents Down 2. Water sign: In astrology, it’s a pair of fish 3. What fish release to make bubbles on a lake’s surface 4. Lend your voice to a round of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” 5. Freshwater fish species (or bird’s foothold on a tree) 6. Oysters’ cousins (or slang for dollars) 8. Sea-savvy author of “Moby Dick” 10. Medieval Norsemen who threw lavish feasts after fishing and hunting 13. What some bass wear every day 16. Despite their name, Swedish fish are not fish, but chewy ____ 17. Nemo’s relationship to Marlin in a popular Pixar pic 19. Huck Finn’s fishing rod 20. The Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” got millions hooked on watching crab fisherman on the high ____ 22. Man-made barrier to a salmon’s upstream dreams

© 2011 Jan Buckner Walker. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

kidsvt.com

Send us your work of art by February 15 and you could win a $25 cash prize!

February 2011

Be sure to include your name, age (12 and younger), address, phone number, email and a title for this drawing.

Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 6 and younger, (2) ages 7-12, and (3) ages 12 and younger (who received help).

The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the March issue of Kids VT.

Kids VT

Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a color copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

41

Coloring Contest!

Does Your Child Have Asthma?

KIDS VT

SCRAPBOOK

We would like to talk to you.

Timber Lane Allergy & Asthma Research, LLC, is looking for children ages 5 to 11 with asthma to participate in a clinical research study.

Compensation is provided for time and travel.

All study-related procedures are provided at no cost.

“Sophia loves playing in the snow and going sledding with her mom and dad!”

Please contact Kendra today for more information: (802) 865-6100 Or email us at foy@tlaaa.com. k4t-timberlaneallergy0211.indd 1

— Sophia, 2, submitted

by Mary Jane Oszurek, St. Albans 1/12/11 1:11 PM

“Happy Birthday!”

— Macy, 4, submitted by Cathy Aikman, Richmond

ORTHODONTICS

42

KIDS VT

FEBRUARY 2011

KIDSVT.COM

DRS. PETERSON, RYAN & EATON

Feeling the winter blues?

How about brightening your world with a brand new smile?

Got cute, candid photos of your children that you’d like to share?

Email them to cathy@kidsvt.com and we’ll consider them for publication.

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS (SEE P. 40)

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Braces for Children and Adults Burlington Williston St. Albans 862-6721 878-5323 527-7100 www.champlainortho.net

JUMBLES JOB, LUNG, DOLL, CUBE RIDDLE ANSWER: When rabbits find flowers, they — GO TO “BED”

RIDDLE ANSWER: By bird class mail.

use your words

The Valid Ide t Detect r What do tests really measure?

By n an c y sT e ar n s Be r c aw

February 2011

kidsvt.com

Kids VT

43

Nancy Stearns Bercaw is a journalist who has written for newspapers from the Korea Herald to the New York Times and is a frequent contributor to Seven Days. She is writing two memoirs: Swimming With the Dead and Brain in a Jar. “Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood.

All-new website coming soon!

KidsVT.com

“I’ve never seen that before,” she said, with hardly a my son daVid’s mind is liKe a wild pony. I don’t trace of enthusiasm. want to see it tamed by regulated thought, which probI sighed, knowing there’s no mechanism by which ably means I’m in for a fight with everyone who tries to to score this kind of thought. It’s not his teacher’s fault. train him.

She’s a perfectly lovely person who works very hard I recently attended my first parent-teacher conferindeed. And my son is certainly far from perfect. David ence at David’s school. Sitting on two tiny chairs with has a tantrum if you try to get him to wear anything our knees hitting the table, his first-grade teacher but sweatpants, and he has trouble with the concept of showed me how David compares to the “standards.” cause and effect. Whenever he misbehaves, he insists He is equal or above on most things, but he fell short that it’s an accident — even if he’s poked in one area: assessing the number of dots another kid in the eye. Yet he’ll cry for on a flash card.

In all fairness, hours in genuine remorse.

My mind went numb. In all fairness, I left his school feeling trapped. Yes, I’m not even sure what his teacher was I’m not even David needs to function in a spotty world, really saying. I slipped into a Never Land but how can I protect his mind from meof “below average” and “standards” and sure what his diocrity? When we’re at home, he invents “dots.” Is she speaking English? I wonteacher was things all day long. We don’t tell him what dered. Do I? to play with or when. He builds with Legos She suggested that David might not really saying. a lot — for 12 hours straight on Christmas have experience in this area because he I slipped into a Day. He also writes books — mingling was in Singapore last year. The rest of the class mastered the skill in kindergarten.

Never Land of onions, math and swords — and illustrates them. He never, ever says that he’s Huh? “below average” bored. It’s like he’s dreaming all the time.

I guess David was too busy learning dots that don’t exist.

Mandarin and studying architecture and “standards” Connecting In David’s latest book, “Facts About and measuring in the metric system and Aliens and Things,” he outlines a secret building his own abacus. Unfortunately, and “dots.” alien code. There’s your standard “G.G.S.,” the skill of dot identification was not on which is green goo string. And there’s your the curriculum in a place where the eduaverage “P.T.E.,” which stands for p tooo ex, something cation system attracts the brightest kids from Taipei to the aliens say sometimes. The last page of the book Tasmania. reads, “Aliens have connections to earth benders,” and Ever since he could say one, two and three, David the back flap mysteriously credits “Rapid Studios.” He has had a knack for numbers. On car rides, he demands does seem to use dots well at the end of each abbreviathat we quiz him. He can multiply 45 × 2 and subtract 45 tion and sentence. from 102. He also likes to divide up his genetic composiBut on page 3, you’ll find the real treasure, the rare tion to describe his own self. His most recent equation and remarkable “V.I.D.,” also known as the valid ideot is 1/4 fruit bat, 1/4 Asian, 1/4 Jewish and 1/4 vegetarian. detector, the description of which uses double-dotted I don’t tell him that it doesn’t work that way because colons. Illuminated as follows: maybe, one day, it will.

Length: Small But suddenly I’m being told that he’s performing Texture: Meteil below the standard on some sort of dot assessment, or Like a meteil detector whatever it’s called. This ability sure will come in handy I asked David, who was busy with another creation, when the United States is bankrupt from war and China when the aliens might find such a tool useful. cashes in the treasury bonds we sold them. And David, “Mom, you’re distracting me.” whose mind might have been on the front lines of prob“A few more questions, David, and then you can go lem solving, won’t be able to play with numbers in his back to work.” head anymore because it will be filled with standard“OK.” ized information.

“Can an alien take a valid ideot detector to school?”

David’s teacher, perhaps sensing my discomfort, did I decided not to correct his spelling of the word “idiot.” point out something special about his thinking skills at “No way.” the very end of our half-hour discussion. She had given “Why?” the kids an assignment to separate a handful of shapes “Because it would shock everyone.” into two categories. David put all the shapes that look Call me an ideot, but I detect a good idea here. Maybe the same right side up and upside down in one column it’s time for a jolt. and the rest in another.

Ready, set, gRow!

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