Interactive Learning

"Girls From the Hill" perform at the Kids Holiday Shop!

2011-12-06T13:19:00.026-05:00

The Museum was full of smiling youngsters during this year's Kid's Holiday Shop and Cookie Decorating this past weekend. Kid's got escorted by volunteers into the "kids only" holiday shop to purchase items for their family and friends. Outside the museum kids got to decorate their own gingerbread cookies to take home or eat sight on seen.

During the Kid's Holiday Shop the Museum featured the spectacular a cappella from Stonehill College, Girls from the Hill, featuring Museum intern Chelsea Santos. They performed on Sunday, December 4th at 1 & 2pm. This all female group has performed in numerous locations including, high schools, nursing homes, Christmas lightings, and Quincy Market in Boston. They perfomed classic Christmas favorites at the Museum including I'll be home for Christmas, Carol of the Bells, and Have yourself a merry little Christmas. The performance was a big hit among the audience.

The Members of the Girls from the Hill are: Melissa Brown, Holly Cardoza, Faith Castiglione, Elise Chappelle, Bethany Conway, Kamisha Ferreira, Meghan Harley, Ali Janavaris, Kathleen Jastrzebski, Bridget Kelly, and Kristina Mamoinis.

All proceeds over the weekend helped fund admission for needy and underserved kids.

For additonal information about the Children's Museum in Easton check out our website at http://www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Kids launch elves with an air powered E-3000 cannon!

2011-11-29T12:09:00.023-05:00

It was certainly an elfin' good time launching elf's with the Museum's all powered E-3000 cannon on Tuesday, November 22nd. Not only did Museum visitor's enjoy this exciting activity, but so did the staff!

Visitor's were creating their own personal elf craft made out of pipe insulation. After they're creation was complete they took it over to the air powered E-3000 elf cannon created by using PVC pipes and a bicycle pump. The kid's mission was to try and hit the designated target by supplying enough pressure to the cannon. By using this machine kids got to experience the power of air pressure, and determine how much pressure to use in order to send your elf flying. BLAST OFF!! The cannon featured either a single launcher for solo flights and a dual launcher so kids (and staff) can race their elf's to see who can hit the target first. LET THE RACE BEGIN! Meanwhile upstairs representatives from Disney were at the Museum handing out activity books for the upcoming Disney Pixar film, "Arthur Christmas."

How would you like to do this at home? Visit the NASA website to find out how you can create your own High-Powered Paper Rocket Launcher. You can even play the electronic game by visiting the Arthur Christmas website.

Follow the Museum on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.

Best Gas Mileage in Town........for a Bus!

2011-11-08T12:27:00.011-05:00

Does your school age child whine that she doesn't want to take the bus to school while your preschooler begs to go on the bus? Here's a bus that everyone can ride. The best part is it gets excellent gas mileage and burns some energy too.

Start with a regular cardboard box. We used the size that paper comes in. Cut off the flaps, if any, and cut a 12" X 16" rectangle in the bottom of the box, which will become the top of the bus. If, desired, paint the box yellow and let it dry overnight.

Develop cutting skills and shape awareness by having your child cut basic shapes using shiny paper for rectangular windows, black construction paper for round wheels, and red construction paper circles for lights. Point out these details the next time you see a real bus to connect the project to life experience. Smiley face or character stickers can be stuck on the windows to make it look like your bus is full of passengers.

Your child can decorate a paper plate for the steering wheel while you use a utility knife to cut two 1" slits in the top of the cardboard (see picture) and fold that piece upward. Now use a brass paper fastener to attach the steering wheel.

As your child runs around he can hold the bus up himself, or you can make suspender straps to hold it up with string, yarn, or a belt. Just punch holes and run the string through like the one in the picture. It helps to cross the straps in the back like overalls.

Now have some fun with your bus: play Red Light Green Light, draw some sidewalk chalk roads and have someone be a police officer directing traffic, or even try what my daughter did---put on roller skates so the bus can go really fast! Try to encourage creativity. One friend rode the bus down our slide, pretending to be driving over really big hills. My other daughter started a tour bus company, offering in the family tour of our backyard. You could even set up an obstacle course or a bus driver training course.

Before you know it the real school bus will be back with big brother, sister, or friend, who will want to make a bus of his or her own.

Kids have a Spooktacular time at the Halloween Romp

2011-10-25T13:25:00.013-04:00

It was proven last Saturday, October 22 that this years Halloween Romp at the Children's Museum in Easton was a frightfully good time. Children of all ages came to find a variety of decorations, games, and crafts of a array of Halloween fun.

As children arrived they were greeted by Sully and an agent from the CDA from Disney Pixar's, Monster's Inc. Sully and the CDA agent entertained the children with hilarious dancing and moves before the Halloween fun began. Outside there were numerous activities and games like melting a creepy, scary witch, invent a creepy potion concoction, and create Halloween art with sidewalk chalk. Children also caught a glimpse of where the trick-or-treating will occur later during the event.

Inside the museum the kids found numerous features, crafts, and games including a "fire-breathing dragon" craft, make your own spider hat, alien bowling, various ring toss games, and creepy creatures from Marla Isaac's of the New England Reptile and Raptor exhibit. There was also a candy corn guessing game throughout the museum, where children guessed how many where in the jar for a chance to win it all.

The last part was the popular Halloween favorite: Trick or treating. Children were led by group leaders into the "wild place" and collected treats and viewed scary features and items among ten different areas. Among these areas included a herbology area, a dragons lair, a witches station, a creepy library, a space exhibition, a two-level priate station, an area for princess' and fairies, a mad scientists labortory, and the eerie graveyard.

All in all this year's Halloween Romp was quite a success. Be sure to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and new LinkedIn pages.

Golfing FORE education!

2011-10-11T13:13:00.064-04:00

It was a beautiful 80 degree day on Monday, October 10th, as numerous families and supporters came with bright, cheerful faces playing golf in this year's Play Fore Kids! Golf Tournament. Set at the beautiful Easton Country Club this years tournament did not disappoint.

The golf tournament featured numerous activities and contests for all ages. Participants enjoyed 9-holes of golf on Easton Country Club's beautiful courses, delicious pulled-pork sandwiches from Chilli Head Barbecue on the go, a hold-in-one contest at the 16th hole for a chance to win a trip to Disney for a family of four. The tournament reception dinner was followed by magnificent fireworks to end the night. Thanks to Evolution Sports Performance, Rockland Trust, Dr. Mark Halvorsen, DMD, PC Orthodontics, and our other generous sponsors for making this event a huge success.

Check out the photos of the event and follow our golf tournament page on facebook!

All Proceeds benefited the Museum's outreach and service to needy and underserved families in the Metro South Area.

MA Local Cultural Councils Support Science for Kids

2011-09-29T16:06:00.020-04:00

Students from Easton, Sharon, Stoughton and Taunton were able to enjoy the Children's Museum in Easton's exciting and informative science programs during the last school year thanks to funding from their towns local cultural councils.

The “Science Road Show” program at the Museum is a hands-on activity geared for students K through 3. This fun and energetic program features a fresh, new approach in teaching kids the skills of predicting, estimating, observing, and analyzing. The Museum teaches kids that science is all around them.

Over 500 students from Our Lady of Lourdes in Taunton, South School, Hansen School, West Elementary School in Stoughton, Cottage Street School in Sharon, and Moreau Hall in Easton, took part in activities showcasing various principles of science. During this fun and enjoyable program, students learned about forces and energy, fossils and bones, the strength of paper, health and nutrition, the power of water, engineering and technology, and more.

“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to visit so many new schools”, says Jane Rotondi, Outreach Manager. “We were so well received by both the teachers and the children. They loved the hands on programs we brought them!”

This program was supported in part by a grant from the Easton, Sharon, Stoughton and Taunton Cultural Councils, local agencies, which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Close-to-the-Heart Playing Cards

2011-09-16T15:02:00.008-04:00

“Opa is the old maid!” one of the kids calls as we play with our favorite set of playing cards. The idea for this homemade set of cards with a personal family touch came from an article I had seen in a magazine when my middle child was one year old. The magazine suggested using double prints of family photos to play a memory game which would help your young child remember their long distance relatives and friends. We improvised with the idea, and eight years later the entire family is still having fun playing with our homemade cards.

I began making the cards by taking a photo of each our family members and friends at a holiday celebration. After getting double prints of the roll of film (this was back before we had a digital camera) I cut the photos to a more manageable 2”X 3” size, put scrapbook paper backing on the pictures and laminated them. Over the years we have used our photo cards not only to play Memory, but also to sort people by family and to play Go Fish and Old Maid. Somewhere along the line we lost one of the Opa cards, so when we play Old Maid, Opa is the old maid, which always brings great laughs! We have had to add cards for a new sibling and cousin, which was like a rite of passage for them to be added to the family card game. Now that the kids are all older we love looking at how cute they all were when they were younger. And if some day one of the grandparents should pass away, he or she will still be there playing cards with us.

Learn Duct Tape Crafts with Jake!

2011-09-16T14:04:00.009-04:00

Jake Lane is twelve years old and in the sixth grade. Jake has an amazing talent that can be seen at the Children’s Museum in Easton. This tremendous talent gives him the artistic ability to make objects and different art work with duct tape. How did he get inspired to pursue this kind of art? Jake says that when he was in Boy Scout camp all of the other boys were using duct tape and he thought it looked really cool and lots of fun. He then decided to go on you tube and find videos on duct tape and the different colors you can use.

Jake spent his first summer with the museum's CIT (Counselor in Training) program. This program is designed to educate children into becoming future camp counselors. Jake is the son of Donna and James Lane. Donna is a very much respected former museum board of director. Even though Donna has left this position, her family is very active with the museum. Their other son James is also a CIT. Jake works very well at the museum says staff members. This talented young man has decorated stairs, stools, and bins. He has also created wallets, whips, money clips, business card holders, lanyards, bracelets, check book holders, flip flops, neck ties, phone holders and flowers all out of duct tape! How to make a duct tape wallet

Dog Days of Summer Part 3: How to Choose the Right Dog for You

2011-08-09T10:04:00.016-04:00

Not only are dogs pets for people, they are also seen as best friends. If ever deciding whether a dog is the right choice in pet for you, ask yourself...do I really want a dog? Do I have time to care for a dog? Can I afford a dog? If the answer is yes to all of these questions then the next step would be to decide what breed of dog is best for you.

If you have not yet determined which breed you like then attending a dog show is an excellent place to start. Thumbing through books at you local library and browsing the Internet are also great resources. Once you know what breed you like, then you need to find the right breeder or go to a dog shelter.

An experienced, responsible breeder is the best source for a healthy puppy. They pick the perfect parents to highlight all the good attributes in a dog and to minimize faults. Getting a dog from a breeder also means that you will be able to meet its parents and get an idea of what the dog will look like when its older. Breeders have extensive knowledge of the dog and the breed. They will always be willing to help deal with any problems or questions that may arise when owning your new dog.

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. They are without a doubt cute and snuggly but they need care, attention and love for years to come. http://petfinder.com/ is a great website displaying dogs that can be adopted at shelters near you who need a loving family. The Brockton Blue Dog Animal Shelter is located in Brockton, Ma. You can visit their website or stop by their tent they will have set up at our Dog Days of Summer drop-in this Thursday. http://www.akc.org/ offers a lot of information about breeders and all breeds of dogs. If you are interested in seeing a dog, go to http://www.infodog.com/ for a show near you.

Dog Days of Summer Part 2: My Visit to a Dog Show

2011-08-02T09:37:00.015-04:00

In early July, the Hockamock Kennel Club, Inc. ( a member of the American Kennel Club) held a dog show at the Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds in Wrentham, MA, where over 600 dogs competed. In preparation for our Dog Days of Summer drop-in, I decided to take a trip there to experience a dog show for myself. There were many trailers and cars set up along the grassy field where dog owners prepped their pooch for show time. As I walked towards the gigantic tent and fenced in areas where the dogs would be shown, I was greeted by a woman named Wendy. Wendy, is the Show Chairman and has over 40 years familiarity with dog shows.

Wendy gave me a tour around the fairgrounds, explaining all the ins and outs of the operation of a dog show. I saw so many different types of dogs. They all ranged in height and weight. Some had long hair while others had short hair. Most of the breeds I recognized but for some I needed to refer to my dog show guide to figure out which breed they were.

While there, I was fortunate to have met some very interesting folks. First, there was Mila. She is formerly from the Czech Republic but now lives in Plainville. Mila was showing her Rhodesian ridgeback, Lexi and brough along her two young boys to enjoy the show. Then I talked with Katie; a 14-year-old girl who has been showing dogs for 5 years. Katie was showing her Cardigan Welsh Corgi that day. Lastly, I spoke to Susan who has been showing dogs for 15 years and was attending the show with her Havanese, Renny.

The AKC website (http://www.akc.org/) offers a lot of information about breeders, all breeds of dogs as well as dog show registration. If you are interested in seeing a dog show, visit http://www.infodog.com/ for a show near you. Next...how to choose the best dog for you!

Dog Days of Summer Part 1: All About a Dog Show

2011-07-26T10:27:00.012-04:00

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was created over a hundred years ago in 1884. The goal of the AKC is to encourage the showing, breeding and study of purebred dogs. With nearly 610 member clubs and more than 21,000 events that they support each year, the AKC is easily the largest non-profit purebred dog registry in the nation.

Dog shows are only one of numerous AKC dog events where AKC-registered dogs compete. Showing dogs is a sport that combines the excitement of competition with the delight of viewing diverse dog breeds. The size of the dog event (agility and obedience), vary from relatively small local specialty shows to large all-breed shows with over 3,000 dogs participating.

There are three types of dog shows: all-breed shows, specialty shows and group shows. Only the specific breeds are shown in specialty shows whereas 160 breeds of dogs compete in the all-breed shows. All-breed shows are the type of show usually shown on television. There are seven groups of dog breeds:

Herding- Collies and German Shepherds
Non-Sporting- Dalmatians and Poodles
Sporting- Retrievers and Spaniels
Working- Boxers and St. Bernards
Hound- Bassets and Greyhounds
Terrier- Cairn Terriers and Scottish Terriers
Toy- Pugs and Pomeranians

Each dog is shown ("handled") by its owner or a hired professional to be presented to a judge. The AKC also offers junior showmanship which allows dog owners aged 9-18 to handle their dogs and compete with others their own age. The judge goes by a standard for each breed. A standard is a set of guidelines covering a dog's personality, structure and movement. The judge is looking for the dog that is closest to the breed standard.

Most dogs are competing for points. 5 points is the maximum number of points a dog can receive in one show. It takes 15 points awarded by at least three different judges for a dog to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record". The Best of breed is the dog that is judged as best in it's breed category and matches the standard almost perfectly.

At the end of the show only one dog will be named Best in Show. There are 11 different colored ribbons a judge can give to each dog that receives an award. The color of the ribbon shows the type of award won. For example, first place receives a blue ribbon, second place a red and third place a yellow.
Dog shows are a great family activity during the summer. When the weather is nice, they are a great outdoor event and are appropriate for all ages. Look for my next blog where I talk about a dog show I visited and all the interesting people I met there! Visit http://www.akc.org/ for more information about dog shows.

Hide Your Vegetables!

2011-07-21T14:48:00.010-04:00

Making a healthy family meal that makes everyone happy can sometimes be a struggle. Especially when the veggies are met with “Eww gross I’m not eating that!” Usually, if it’s green it isn’t touched (or at least not willing). According to CNN kids are not getting enough fruit and vegetables in their diets. Only 22% of kids ages 2 to 5 meet the government recommendations for veggie consumption. And it gets worse as they get older. Only 16% of kids 6 to 11 and 11% of kids and teens 12 to 18 are eating enough vegetables according to the USDA’s MyPlate.

As part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative we here at the Children’s Museum are dedicated to helping kids and their families make healthy choices so that they can live healthy, happy lives. Here are a few ways that can help get your child to eat their vegetables (and enjoy it!).

One sneaky way to get more veggies into your child’s diet: hide it. Jessica Seinfeld (yes, Jerry’s wife) shares how she got her kids to eat their vegetables by hiding veggies in their favorite foods in her cookbook Deceptively Delicious. The idea came to her one night when in a desperate attempt to get her three children to eat something healthy she mixed pureed butternut squash into their mac and cheese and no one noticed the difference. Now she has a whole book of recipes (including brownies made with carrots and spinach!) that she says her family loves. While it may seem like deceiving your child isn’t the way to go that’s not the purpose of these tricky treats. The real purpose is to get them to at least try those “icky” foods and see that they aren’t so bad. Healthy foods should always be promoted to children.

Another idea might be to rename the foods your kids won’t try. Dinosaur trees seem to taste better than broccoli. Kathy Evans, Easton mother of 11 year old twins, could tell you all about the power of names. Her girls, who refuse to eat salad, love the lettuce roll ups she makes consisting of tomatoes, cheese, black beans and grated carrots after one day declaring that what Kathy called burritos were in fact “fairy sandwiches.” Her nephew enjoys sliced red peppers or as he likes to call them “dragon tongues.” Cute names make meal time more fun and the food more appealing.

Kids love to play with their food but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Another suggestion Kathy had was to make a game out of eating vegetables. She gets her girls to eat different colored peppers by challenging them to figure out which color pepper they are eating with a blindfold on. In the article “The Ecology of Pizza” author and mother Sandra Steingraber suggests that hungry children are called to the table while their dinner is still cooling with steamed broccoli and chunks of sweet potatoes waiting on the table. Pretend that the family is “red eyed locusts in search of green trees to eat.” After the broccoli is eaten let the children know that orange foods can make help you see further. As they eat the sweet potatoes and test their eyesight, serve dinner. Let the kids know that eating their veggies doesn’t have to be a chore.

Here are a few more tricks to get the green on your child’s plate:

No Thank You Bite – Everything on their plate has to be tried before they can say they don’t like it. Getting kids familiar with foods can help them to develop a taste for them later.

Cook Together – Let them help out while you make dinner. If they had a hand in making something they’ll probably be proud to eat it.

Grow a Garden – Grow your own vegetables in a backyard garden and let your child help out. Just like when cooking with your child: if they feel like it’s theirs and they helped they’ll be more likely to eat it.

Veggie Night – Have a veggie night and make a variety of different vegetables so they can still make choices but there is no competition with other types foods.

Easy Options – Make up single serving bags of fruit and veggies and put them in places that are easy for your child to access. It’s the same thinking that’s behind single serving chip bags or snack packs. If it’s quick and easy it’s more likely to be grabbed out of the fridge.

Fun Gadgets – Use different kitchen gadgets like the blender or food processor to make something fun to eat like a fruit smoothie.

What are you doing to make sure that your children get those important fruits and vegetables in their diet? Let us know!

Where Do the Children Play?

2011-06-01T13:01:00.007-04:00

When you were a child how did you spend your free time? Did you spend the day with the neighborhood kids running back and forth through each other’s yards? Did you play “hide and seek” or “kick the can” or did you make up your own games? Maybe you collected bugs or rocks. Nowadays, kids have very different lives.

Today, the average child spends twelve hours less per week engaged in unstructured play compared to twenty years ago. Television, video games, and the fear of “stranger danger” are just a few factors that are depriving children of the broad range of benefits that can only be gained by free play.

We are addressing this issue by offering to parents, teachers, and community leaders a free screening and discussion of the PBS documentary, “Where Do the Children Play?” Last week we brought this program to the Raynham and Mansfield Public Libraries. Paula Peterson, the executive director of the Children’s Museum in Easton, introduced the film. After the film, she led a discussion that featured a panel of children’s specialists including Dr. Greg Nelson from Bridgewater State University and Judy Ellis of Raynham’s The Learning Loft.

We talked about how children who engage in unstructured and creative activities develop stronger problem solving and social skills. Children who spend time in nature have better attention spans, exercise more, and acquire the skills that lead to greater academic success. Judy Ellis commented, “The information is so applicable to our community not to mention valuable.”

We will continue to offer this free program to interested communities with the hopes of inspiring people to recognize the importance of play.

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

2011-05-26T15:29:00.021-04:00

The Mad Hatter held his Unbirthday Tea Party Thursday in celebration of the museum’s 20th birthday and everyone was in attendance! Including Alice, The Queen of Heart, Twiddle De and Twiddle Dum and a lot of rabbits! Party goers were treated to unbirthday cupcakes and goodie bag made up by the Mad Hatter himself on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
The Hair Cuttery located in North Easton in the Roche Brother’s plaza came by to celebrate and get guests into true Mad Hatter fashion as they colored hair red, blue, pink and green with temporary spray. Face painting was the next stop for those getting into the mad spirit at the Mad Hatter’s Make Down. The guests were looking great! But to complete the look one more thing had to be added at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: A hat! Guests could make their very own in whatever color they chose to wear around the party.

Once everyone was looking their maddest the games began! The Queen of Hearts brought along her favorite game, croquet, to play with some lucky guests. Miss Candy brought something of her own as well: Rabbits! A small petting area was set up for Miss Candy and any guest who wanted a closer look at her furry friends.

Everyone got a little mad and the Mad Hatter couldn’t have been happier!

Children's Museum hosts Charity Guild Families

2011-05-09T15:41:00.018-04:00

This year we have been proud to team up with the Charity Guild of Brockton, to provide local underprivileged children and their families FREE transportation, admission and educational programs at The Children's Museum in Easton.

Patrons of The Charity Guild (over 160 of them) enjoyed 5 FREE Visits to the Museum as well as a Family Fun Night! The program featured a mix of free play and organized age-appropriate activities for the children. The children experienced hands on learning in the Museum’s three floors of interactive exhibits, and workshops.

“The program was not solely focused on feeding the children, but rather feeding their souls,” said Lynne Stent, Office-Manager at The Charity Guild. Children of all ages were invited, and the program provided free bus transportation along with snacks, and a family-style dinner. The program was funded by a generous grant from the Clipper Ship Foundation.

This collaboration is one of numerous community outreach programs provided by the Children’s Museum every year. The Museum offers engaging, interactive learning opportunities to all children throughout southeastern Massachusetts, and is especially dedicated to providing for those who are less fortunate. The Museum provides free memberships, admission passes, event tickets and discounts available to over 40 shelters, agencies, and charitable organizations.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the children, who may not have had the possibility, to utilize the Museum’s resources,” said Nancy Gustafson, Chairperson at The Charity Guild. This Mothers day was a special program, the children made plants to take home to their mothers as hand made gifts!

“The energy level ramped up to an excited positive high within the first two minutes of the group's arrival to the Museum. They were zooming from exhibit to exhibit, before settling down and involving themselves in play and discovery,” observed Jane Rotondi, Education Outreach Coordinator at The Children’s Museum in Easton.

Exploring Art with Children - Artistic Stages

2011-05-06T16:38:00.012-04:00

What to expect at each developmental stage

Always keep in mind

Be flexible.
Children have their own ideas about how materials can be used. Sit back and let their creativity lead them (and maybe you) in new directions!

Variety is good.
Introduce new materials to children, but do it a little at a time. It is very easy to overwhelm a young child with too many options. Give them enough time to master materials before bringing out something new.

Encourage individuality.
Supporting creativity will help children gain self-confidence with problem-solving. Art is the only area where there is no right or wrong, but many viable solutions.

1. exploration
Very young children are fascinated with the concept of making marks, when little hands holding a brush or marker hit the paper and leave a stroke. This process is a discovery in hand-eye coordination.

At this stage, children enjoy:
• mixing all the colors together
• covering the entire paper with paint
• using both hands to paint
• wearing through the paper
• playing/eating/feeling the paint

They are learning:
• coordination and fine motor skills
• how to create marks
• differences in art mediums

Encourage their exploration by:
• giving them plenty of discovery time
• talking about the scribbles they make, the colors they use, the feel of the paint

2. experimentation
During this stage of development, children attempt to draw pictures of actual things. Although not well formed on paper necessarily, these images are real in their eyes.

At this stage, children enjoy:
• working quickly to create a picture
• cutting paper
• naming and renaming the same pictures
• utilizing new coordination skills
• vocabulary words like mark, line, dot
• better use of paper space
• making glue puddles
They are learning:
• new coordination skills
• vocabulary words like mark, line, dot
• how to use paper space

Encourage their exploration by:
• allowing them time to experiment with different mediums
• letting them learn to figure out an
obstacle instead of being told how and what to do
• introducing new tools, textures,
materials
• asking about the art process, not about the final result

3. expressionism
Children begin interpreting events as unfolding stories. Images play a major role in interpreting what a child deems is important– small images or ones with missing parts– are seen as less significant.

At this stage, children enjoy:
• telling stories about what their artwork represents
• knowing exactly the materials they want to use
• using inaccurate colors and sizes
• drawing strange, imaginary creations

They are learning:
• art does not have to reflect reality; they have the power to make it as they iiisee it
• how to make their own decisions
• the limitless possibilities of their imagination

Encourage their exploration by:
• suggesting themes if they are stuck for a starting point
• supporting their individual work styles

Chinchillas and Bunnies and Frogs, Oh My!

2011-04-22T11:08:00.036-04:00

The Children's Museum was thrilled to welcome Matt of Animal World Experience on Thursday. After several weeks of voting for our favorite animals, the votes were counted and Matt brought in the winners!

Including:
Rudy - A Chinchilla whose breed has become endangered because they have the softest fur in the world and have unfortunately been used for fur coats. This lucky chinchilla spends her days in a safe home, enjoying raisins.

Kiwi - An Australian White's Tree Frog whose slimy skin makes him hard to hang on to. He's a great jumper and climber and was happy to take a rest on the heads of a few volunteers at the Museum!

Peanut - A Guinea Pig who was dropped off at a pet store when her owner couldn't care for her anymore. Luckily she was taken in by Matt and his wife Melissa where she is a "chatterbox," squeaking and squealing her days away.

Scooter - An Alligator Snapping Turtle who took a bite out of some celery in front of his audience and cut just like a knife! Don't be fooled by his 2" long body at birth because Scooter may one day grow to weigh over 300 lbs!

Oreo - A Bunny that was found on a campground in Connecticut. She was not supposed to be let loose in the wild, so Matt spent 8 hours trying to coax her to come out from under a deck. He was successful and now Oreo spends her days munching on apples and helping Matt teach kids about responsible pet ownership.

Angel - Oreo's sister who is known as the "Queen of the House." She is a quirky little bunny who is litter box trained just like a cat.

Hulk - An Emperor Scorpion who is the 2nd largest kind of Scorpion in the world. When Matt shined a special flashlight on her she turned green! Hulk was cool to look at, but not to touch. From her sharp claws to her venomous tail, she's not as nice to pet as a Bunny!

Matt taught the children that welcoming a new pet into your home makes it a part of your family. It's important to never set your pet free in the wild if you can't care for it anymore. There are plenty of options for a shelter to keep them happy and healthy!

"We hope that through our animal presentations people will develop respect and awareness for animals of all kinds." - Matt and Melissa

Click here to learn more at Matt and Melissa's Website or Facebook Page!

-Kerri, PR Intern

Happy Birthday to...US!

2011-04-15T15:41:00.006-04:00

We invite you to celebrate the 20th birthday of The Children's Museum. Your participation and continous support in helping children and families become lifelong learners deserves applause..and cake!

The Children's Museum in Easton was founded in 1986 by four Easton residents, all mother of young children in search of hands-on educational experiences with their kids close to home. With overwhelming commitment and support, broad volunteer assistance, and donations from area residents and businesses, the Museum opened in 1991. Since then, the Museum has renovated the basement, better known as the FETCH!(tm) Lab, creating three floors of fun. About four years ago the Wild Place was added, giving children the option to explore outdoor learning opportunities. Today, over 50,000 people visit the Museum annually, including over 100 school groups.

Saturday, April 16 - Saturday, April 23 the Museum is excited to welcome two separate acts of magic and mystery, hosted by Awesome Robb of Awesome Robb's Adventures and Random Effects Entertainment's Matthew Graham. Not only may we have the chance to see a rabbit come out of a hat, we will be introduced to a variety of fun animals when we are joined by Matt and Melissa Gabriel of Animal World Experience. You've voted for your favorites, now see which animals made the cut!

What would a birthday party be without a cake, or five? Our bakery friends from Andrews Bakery, Big Y, Montillio's, and White's Bakery are baking us a cake day to make each celebration unique. We will be hosting an honorary cake cutter each day who has supported the Museum's mission for the past 20 years.

Create your own cupcakes, get some silly facepaint, or decorate your very own party hat. Whether you stop by to meet Ruff Ruffman and Smokey Bear, or just to take home your very own balloon animal, this is one party you won't want to miss!

(For a full list of April Vacation events, visit our website.)

- Kerri Welsh, PR Intern

Exploring Music

2011-04-13T14:42:00.019-04:00

Wednesdays are all about Exploring Music at the Children's Museum! Kerry Campbell teaches a fun, interactive class to toddlers and preschoolers centered around singing, playing, and learning. Today the children clapped sticks along to, "Little Red Caboose," recited a rainy day poem, shook egg shakers to the beat, sang a song with a silly crocodile guest, and danced underneath a big, bright parachute!

Kerry's background may be in early childhood eduction, but when budget cuts in her local school district took music, art, and gym away from students, including her son's 1st grade class, she took action. Kerry began teaching free music classes once a month for K-1st graders and as her popularity grew, so did her class schedule!

Kerry has been teaching at the Children's Museum for over a year now. She also holds classes at Julie's Dance Studio of East Bridgewater and Joyful Learning of East Bridgewater. Visit our website to plan a visit to explore music with us!

- Kerri, PR Intern

Privyet Drugu!

2011-04-11T12:07:00.018-04:00

On Friday, April 8, our Around the World passports brought us to Russia, the largest country in the world. Russia occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth and spans 11 time zones across two continents (Europe and Asia). It comes as no surprise that Russia holds 9^th place for most populated country with 141,927,297 people! With so much land, it’s no wonder why Russia his home to a large number of ecosystems and species. Its forests, steppes, and tundras provide habitat for many rare animals, including Asiatic black bears, snow leopards, polar bears, and small, rabbit-like mammals called pikas.

This exciting country comes with a lot of culture. Luckily we had Kathleen from the Russian American Cultural Center in Boston to share fun facts and yummy foods.

Kathleen shared a wide spread of traditional Russian treats, that she enjoyed during her five year residency in Russia.

Samovar – Used to provide boiling water for a variety of domestic purposes including making tea.

Prianiki – A Russian favorite, ginger bread made of flour, honey, and sometimes egg.

Blini – Similar to a thin pancake but usually served with sour cream, jam, honey, or caviar. Can also be served as a crepe with fillings such as cheese, chicken, or fruit!

Russian Chocolates – One of the best-known chocolates since there is an entire chocolate tradition!

Pelmeni – Dumplings filled with a meat or fruit, wrapped in a thin dough.

Have you ever seen a matryoshka doll? They are a set of Russian nesting dolls made out of wood. Each wooden doll separates, top and bottom, to reveal a smaller doll inside. There are typically at least five dolls in a set but there can be many more. Typical matryoshka are painted to resemble peaseant girls but animals and Russian leaders are also popular. The word matryoshka means “little matron.” The kids were able to make their own matryoshka dolls out of paper cups, as well as find the fifteen dolls hiding around the museum. They also designed and decorated their own tops for spinning!

Did you know that Jean Baptiste Lande was one of the first instructors of ballet and brought his students to Russia to perform for the Empress Anna? The students put on such a spectacle for the Empress that she decided to start a ballet school in Russia in 1738. This school was known as the Imperial Ballet School, and later became known as the Vagonova Academy under the direction of Agrippina Vaganova. Catherine the Great also started a ballet school at an orphanage in Moscow in the late 1700s. In honor of Russia's dancing routes, our intern Jennifer Moson, taught future ballerinas basic ballet positions.

Learn to speak Russian:

Yes- da

No - net

Please - pozhaluysta

Thank You - spasibo

Hello - privyet

Goodbye - do svidaniya

Goodnight - spokoynoy nochi

Until next trip, do svidaniya!

-Kerri, PR Intern

The Luck of the Irish

2011-03-21T09:26:00.016-04:00

Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on the 17^th of March. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The day is traditionally characterized by the attendance of church services, wearing green attire (especially shamrocks), and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on food and drink consumption.

We decided to celebrate this festive holiday by inviting some traditional Irish Step Dancers to perform for us! The Children’s Museum welcomed dancers from The Haley School of Irish Dance. The girls were lead by teacher, Erin Blake Connolly who began taken lessons at age four with Maureen Haley, and quickly became an accomplished dancer. In her competitive career, she attained six New England regional titles and many more national and international rankings. In 2002, she won 4th in the North American Irish Dance Championships, being the highest ranked American dancer in her division. With Maureen's help, Erin passed her TCRG exam in 2005, and opened the Canton branch of the Haley School. The promising young dancers in Erin’s class include: Brenna, age 7 Haley, age 9 Maeve, age 7 Sophie, age 11 Marissa, age 12

The girls had the whole audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands to traditional Irish songs while they put on a beautiful show. To learn more about The Haley School of Irish Dance check out their website!

-Kerri, PR Intern

Hallo Freunde!

2011-03-14T14:12:00.011-04:00

The Children’s Museum was stamping passports on Friday as families entered our German exhibit where they explored the enticing sights, sounds, and tastes of this beautiful European country. Our travel guide, Kati Matz, may have been in the United States for the past three years, but Trier (Germany’s oldest city) is the place she actually calls home.

Lucky for us, Kati was willing to teach us everything about her native land, starting with sweets! She says that the candies in the United States taste much different than what she’s used to. Germany is home to many famous candy companies such as:
Haribo – Gummie Bears
August Storck – Reisen & Werthers
Ritter Sport and Milka – Chocolates

When asking for candy, always remember to be polite!
Please – “Bitte” (bit-tuh)
Thank You – “Danke” (dahn-kuh)

Did you know that there’s no AM and PM in Germany? The German’s use what we call “military time,” which may very likely be displayed on their ever-so-popular Cuckoo Clock. The Black Forest Region of Germany is famous for making this type of clock. The children had a chance to make their own Cuckoo Clock with forest motifs such as branches, leaves, and forest animals.

Let’s count to 12 in German!
1 – eins
2 – zwei
3 – drei
4 – vier
5 – fünf
6 – sechs
7 – sieben
8 – acht
9 – neun
10 – zehn
11 – elf
12 - zwölf

Did you know that Germany is famous for its many castles spread throughout the country? The kids were challenged to build their very own castle, using paper cups. We also challenged them to build a tower to resemble Fernsehturm, the television tower in Berlin that is the second tallest structure in Europe. It has two elevators a viewing platform and a café. You can spot it by its giant television antenna, which helps it stand at 1,197 ft. tall!

Did you know that Albert Einstein is a native of Germany? He was born in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany, on March 14, 1879. This famous scientist enjoyed building structures and towers using blocks and playing cards, just like we did! He once constructed a 14-story tower of cards! It’s no wonder he was known for being patient and taking his time.

Remember to bring your special passport on our next adventure at the Children's Museum. We'll be exploring a new country every month and we want YOU to be a part of it! Visit our website for more information on traveling Around the World.

-Kerri, PR Intern

February Vacation Wrap Up

2011-03-02T09:25:00.018-05:00

With February vacation week coming to at end, Ruff Ruffman wanted to thank all of his Junior Detectives for working so hard to solve the Case of the Roaming Gnome. By analyzing handwriting, comparing evidence, unscrambling numbers, winding through mazes, and using careful identification skills, the children caught the culprit and Ruff was able to safely return his gnome back to his garden!

On behalf of Ruff and the entire Children’s Museum, special thanks go out to Steve Bennett of the State Police, Officer Tara Kennedy and her dog, Apache of the Beagle Brigade,the FBI, and New York Life, who provided free child ID kits for over 250 children! Together, these very important organizations gave us lessons on how to solve clues like a real professional.

The Children’s Museum was hopping on Sunday! We welcomed a special furry guest who took pictures with the children, while introducing her new movie, “Hop!”

“Blending state of the art animation with live action, Hop is a comedy about E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. On the eve of taking over the family business, E.B. leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. He encounters Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals, who accidentally hits E.B. with his car. Feigning injury, E.B. manipulates Fred into providing him shelter, and Fred finds himself with the world’s worst houseguest."

The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin and the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me).”

Watch the trailer and play games here!

-Kerri, PR Intern

A letter from the Museum Director

2011-02-28T12:08:00.004-05:00

The Museum has exciting news to share with you. This year, the Museum will be celebrating our 20th birthday. Soon we will announce our birthday party plans-so please keep a lookout!

Since opening in 1991, it has been our vision to offer children and families affordable, hands-on learning activities to enhance early learning as well as support family bonding through meaningful parent and child programs. Please accept our warmest and most heartfelt thank you for your help in making this vision a reality.

During the past 20 years, over 600,000 pairs of hands and feet have played at the Museum. Though our exhibits and building are well-loved, it is time for revitalization and renewal. The constant stress of nature and age, and the exuberant play of children have led to wear and tear on our beloved firehouse building and its exhibits.

The Museum is seeking funding to renovate and refurbish this heavily utilized cultural gem to enhance the public's enjoyment and use of the Museum for years to come. We need help from donors, volunteers, and partners to achieve this goal and live up to the promise to serve the learning needs of children and families. If you would like to join this effort, please contact me at (508) 230-3789. We could really use your help.

Again, thank you for your support.

I look forward to hearing from you!

- Paula Peterson, Executive Director

The Museum Serves Special Needs Students

2011-02-25T15:53:00.010-05:00

You may not know . . . Since 2005, students from The Education Cooperative (TEC) in Dedham have worked as Museum volunteers. These students, with moderate to intensive disabilities, partner with Museum staff to teach arts and crafts, assist with science programs and offer special activities to Museum visitors.

TEC works in partnership with school districts to provide support and access to an array of services designed to address the needs of students with disabilities aged 3-22. TEC staff members are thrilled to partner with the Children’s Museum as well.

The Children's Museum is committed to making hands-on learning experiences possible for all children, regardless of their ability, economic status, cultural heritage, 0r family structure.

According to Thomas Bruffee, TEC transition teacher. . . “perhaps the greatest benefit our students receive is that it builds self-confidence and improves their self-esteem. All of our student volunteers have been made to feel welcome at the Museum and have been given a great deal of positive reinforcement.”

“They take their responsibility very seriously” says Steven Hill, the Museum’s Program and Volunteer Manager “and they love working with kids. In return, we hope to show them what a work environment requires of them. It’s been a win-win situation.”

Serving children of all abilities is a core component of the Museum’s mission. Over the last twenty years, the Museum has also partnered with the Bi-County Collaborative in Franklin, and individual school districts throughout the area.

Hannaford Helps the Museum

2011-02-25T15:44:00.005-05:00

February has been full of fantastic family-friendly programming, made possible thanks to Hannaford Supermarkets - this post is to show our gratitude!

With winter outside and kids out of school, parents and caregivers are seeking fun, affordable activities for their kids. The Children’s Museum is a favorite choice for families from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets, Valentine Sweets Week and February’s School Vacation Week provides kids and families with a variety of fun-filled and educational activities, games, and arts and crafts.

Since 2005, Hannaford Supermarkets has been a friend and partner of the Museum, providing gifts totaling more than $10,200 in grants and sponsorships. In addition to its sponsorships, the Hannaford Foundation provided a generous $5,000 grant in 2007 in support of the Museum’s Outdoor Learning Center, The Wild Place.

“Hannaford’s consistent charitable support demonstrates the priority they place on being a good corporate citizen,” said The Children’s Museum’s Executive Director Paula Peterson. “By supporting causes where they have stores, Hannaford significantly contributes to the quality of life in our community.”

This year, Hannaford’s Nutrition Coordinator Michelle Mix worked with Museum Program Manager, Steven Hill, to come up with creative “good-for-your-heart” snacks and treats for families to enjoy at the Museum. They also created healthy and fun family-friendly meal recipes for caregivers and children to make together at home.

“Hannaford is proud to once again partner with The Children’s Museum in Easton to make possible these two family-oriented events that are designed to encourage kids to enjoy learning, eat healthy and stay active,” said Mix. “Family bonding happens naturally when preparing healthy meals together. This is a wonderful example of businesses and nonprofits working together to support our shared goals of promoting healthy living among children and families.”

Hannaford Supermarket’s commitment to the Museum and to children and families in our community is greatly appreciated.

Ahoy Mateys!

2011-02-19T11:29:00.013-05:00

On Thursday, February 17th, the Children’s Museum hosted Awesome Robb’s very first Pirate Adventure! Robb took his young mateys on a journey from here to England, Hungary, and China. Some enthusiastic young pirates volunteered to help Robb overcome obstacles along the way, like finding his pirate flag and searching for treasure!

Here, special helper Rafaila helps Robb by naming some colors….

The children were even lucky enough to meet a special guest - a bunny named “Walk the Plank.”

Awesome Robb has been performing at the Children’s Museum for over five years, introducing new lessons and exciting magic to children of all ages.

“The Museum is one of my favorite places to perform. I always feel like I’m walking into a big room full of old friends. There are always great crowds and a festive atmosphere. It’s like a funhouse for kids!” – Robb

In case you missed Robb’s last performance, you can catch Awesome Robb's next Adventure on March 17^th as he hosts his “Go Green” show. He will use magic, puppetry, and storytelling to teach kids how to reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep our environment clean.

To book a show with Awesome Robb:

Call: 617.818.7484

Visit: http://www.awesomerobb.com/

-Kerri, PR Intern

Early American Espionage

2011-02-17T15:04:00.017-05:00

Ruff Ruffman's not the only one who can teach us how to solve a mystery...our first president can, too! George Washington's days as a spy date all the way back to the 1700's, when he was a dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America. It was his savvy spying abilities that led the United States to victory in the Revolutionary War.

Tricks of the Trade:

One trick to sending a message during the war was to write a letter. I know what you're thinking - what if someone stole the letter and revealed the secrets inside? British General, Sir Henry Clinton knew that this was a possibility as well, so he created something called a mask letter. He would write a letter that seemed unimportant to readers unless you cover it with a mask to reveal the true message.

To view more spy letters from the Revolutionary War Visit:

http://www2.si.umich.edu/spies/index-gallery.html

Men weren't the only ones acting as spies during the war. Women would send messages using their clothing lines that would go completely undetected. Anna Smith Strong was one of the brave souls who sent messages to the Culper Ring (Washington's spies). If she hung a black petticoat on her clothing line it meant that another member of the ring, blacksmith and boatman Caleb Brewster, had arrived on his boat. The number of white handkerchiefs on the line indicated which of six coves Brewster and his boat were hiding in.

Codes were an extremely important means of communication during the Revolutionary War. Major Tallmadge invented a secret writing system that substituted digits for words.

Codes: "Long Island" - 728

"Arms" - 7

"January" 341

Words without codes were each given a cipher, which means each letter in a message was replaced by another letter or number.

Another tricky way to send a message was by using invisible ink. The spies would write their messages between the lines of a normal letter so that no one, except for those who knew to look for it, could see the writing. Often times the spies would place the letter in a bottle and leave it in a hole (known as a timed dead drop), for someone else to pick it up and read the secret message.

As you can see, George Washington and the men and women of the Revolutionary War thought hard to create ways to out-spy the British. In the end, their efforts were a great success.

If you're in learning some spy techniques of your own check out some of our upcoming events!

-Kerri, PR Intern

Valentine Sweets

2011-02-13T15:55:00.016-05:00

The Children’s Museum kicked off the weekend with all kinds of Valentine’s Day activities. Art Exploration (held most Fridays from 10-10:45am) kept kids busy creating all kinds of Valentine’s Day art at several stations.

Kids learned how to beautifully blend colors to paint their paper hearts and created their own 3D collage, made entirely out of red objects. There were also stations set up for making Valentine’s Day bookmarks and fingerprinted cards.

Two floors down from Art Exploration, Hannaford’s was sponsoring a Valentine’s Day event of their own. The children learned how deliciously fun healthy eating can be by crafting their own chocolate bark treat. Toppings included heart healthy treats such as Kashi Heart Healthy Cereal, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and Cheerios.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, each child was able to make two chocolate bark treats, one to enjoy and one to share!

~ Kerri, PR Intern

Dino-mite Dinosaurs

2011-02-11T10:17:00.012-05:00

Museum Educator Michelle came by to teach a creative Dino-mite Dinosaurs arts and crafts class on Wednesday February 9! There were four tables of activities for children to have fun at and learn about dinosaurs.

During one of the activities the children used brushes, scraping tools, and their hands to maneuver through molds to find what was inside. Inside each of the molds was a little plastic dinosaur which represented something that an archaeologist would find while digging!

There was a play-doh station where the children could create their own dinosaurs. There were different play-doh molds in the shapes of dinosaurs for the children to make while learning the different names of each one.

Children also got to create dinosaur skeletons made from q-tips, glue, and black paper, based on the examples of skeletons on the table. Some children made their own design, while others used the examples to re-create their favorite dinosaur's skeleton.
At the last table was a dinosaur footprint search. The children got to dust off the fossils one by one to see what type of footprint was left behind. After dusting off the footprints they were able to use the plastic dinosaur toys on the table to see what dinosaur left which print!

The children had a lot of fun with each of these activities because they were able to search, scrape, and set-up skeletons to learn about their favorite dinosaurs.

If the footprint search is something that you and your child think would be fun, make sure to come visit us during February Vacation week (February 19-27) and use footprint investigation to find the culprit of FETCH!'s(TM) Case of the Roaming Gnome!

Laundry Basket Bonanza!

2011-02-07T11:47:00.008-05:00

The snow was great for the first few storms. My kids were playing outside almost all day. In fact, they played outside so much that their ski pants and gloves are wearing out. Unfortunately the stores are no longer stocking winter items...but I guess that's a good thing...it's a sure sign that spring is on the way. I am really counting on that groundhog's forecast this year. In the meantime, amidst all this ice, it's time to get creative.
How do I get creative when it seems all I do is laundry? Let the laundry baskets inspire you and your child!

- Create a pirate ship or sailboat: Tape a wrapping paper tube to the side of a laundry basket. Tape a paper triangle to the top of the wrapping paper tube. Ahoy Mates! Ready to set sail! Use another wrapping paper tube for an oar and bring along your favorite stuffed animal. Is that rug a deserted island in the distance? Make paper towel tube binoculars to investigate.

-Run her own zoo, pet store or animal shelter: Flip some laundry baskets over to become instant cages for stuffed animals. Your child can care for the animals, feed them, take them out for exercise, and can tell you about each animal when you come visit the zoo. Be sure to ask lots of questions. She may need to rearrange a few cages if the dogs are too close to the cats!

Creative play stimulates your child's imagination, helping to develop the ability to adapt, solve problems, and discover his world. During play your child can practice risk-taking, trial and error, and social and language skills, all in the safe environment of your home, which helps him prepare for future learning.

Need something more physical (and want to sneak in some math)? Try shooting baskets: Place several laundry baskets in a line and label each with a point value. Make a starting line a few feet before the first basket. Toss beanbags, balls, balled-up socks, or butterflies (made by sticking a square scrap of colored tissue paper into a clothespin) into the baskets, keeping track of your points. Depending on his age, your child can learn to recognize numbers, write the numbers, or compare who got more or less points. Older kids can practice their math facts: throw 3 butterflies and add up your points, keep playing until you get to 50 points, or start at 50 and subtract your score until you get to 0. If your child needs a challenge, have a designated number to try to reach exactly by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing your points on each turn until you reach the designated number.

Now who said laundry isn't fun?

Michelle Van Vorhis,

Museum Educator

Family Arts Day

2011-02-06T19:30:00.019-05:00

On Sunday, February 6^th, The Children’s Museum welcomed families to admire the masterpieces of promising young artists, ranging from age 5 to age 18. Family Arts Day proved to be a huge success, from beautiful paintings & drawings, to hands-on winter arts and crafts activities.

Judith Murray Smith is the art teacher who makes visions come to life. She vividly recalls the start of her teaching career twenty-five years ago. “I had an old attic over the garage. I would teach up to 5 students at once, while the babysitter was downstairs with my own kids. From there it just took off!” After bouncing around from venue to venue, Mrs. Smith has found a wonderful studio in The Children’s Museum for the past decade.

(Photo: Mrs. Smith with students, Ashlee Griffith age 5 and Julie Do age 10)

“I started taking lessons because I love art!” Exclaimed 12-year-old Marissa, who has been taking lessons with Mrs. Smith for the past two years. She participates in the Talented Teens program, while her 7-year-old brother takes lessons with Kreative Kids.

Sammy Blindt is one of Mrs. Smith’s senior students, is a Boston Globe Scholarship winner. She has been awarded two gold keys, two silver keys, and an honorable mention. Her accomplishments in art have earned her an acceptance letter from Leslie University to study art therapy, proving to the young art students that, given the passion, your hobby can very well become your career.
“I always tell my students that I give them pearls of wisdom. Don’t drop the pearls!” - Mrs. Smith.

For information about art lessons:
Call: @ 508.941.2369
Email: Judithsmith@yahoo.com

~Kerri, PR Intern

Celebrate the Arts this Sunday at Family Arts Day!

2011-02-04T15:43:00.011-05:00

In anticipation of Family Arts Day, taking place this Sunday from 1:00-3:00pm, we thought we would give you a preview of some of the magnificent artwork you can see. The exhibit features work from artists of varying ages and showcases their talents in an array of mediums with a variety of subjects.

Don't forget also that the students of the Talented Teens Art Class, and their instructor, Judith Murray Smith, will be on hand to help us celebrate the arts.

Additionally, refreshments will be provided, and as this is a family event, all ages are welcome. Come immerse yourself in a world of art, make some new friends, and celebrate with the Children's Museum!

Enjoy the preview, and see you on Sunday!

~Liz, PR Intern

Snow Clay - A Fun, Warm Alternative to Real Snow!

2011-01-28T11:46:00.003-05:00

With all the snow we’ve been getting, it helps to have some fun indoor activities on hand that incorporate creativity and fun. The following is an excellent project to inspire kids to imagine and innovate, while also keeping them warm and busy. Easy to make and long-lasting, this snow clay is the perfect alternative to the abundant real stuff outside!

SNOW CLAY

You’ll need:
• 1 cup flour
• 1cup water
• ½ cup salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons white tempera paint
• 1 tablespoon white glitter

To make a batch, combine all the ingredients in a medium-size pan and cook over medium heat, constantly stirring. The mixture will begin to come together after about 5 minutes, and then you can remove the pan from the heat.

Place the dough onto a sheet of wax paper and let cool, about 15 minutes.

The mixture can be stored in an air-tight container or baggie in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Younger children will have fun rolling the dough and shaping it with their hands. Try using cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

Enjoy!

~Liz, PR intern

I Spy Shadow Boxes

2010-12-06T13:51:00.007-05:00

Just had to share this fun, environmentally friendly craft for all ages that my children have been continually making and playing with for months now. Using odds and ends from around the house or from your recycling bin, create a collage in a shoebox. Then use the collage to play "I Spy", an all-ages game that most children never get tired of. Close the sheoebox lid and take it with you for an entertaining game while you wait at a restaurant, doctor's office, or in the car.

Like in the national bestseller I Spy books by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo , kids can choose a theme to create their collage around, or go completely random. Some ideas for materials include pictures cut from magazines, material scraps, shells, small toys left over from birthday party goodie bags or Happy Meals, stickers, foam letters or shapes, puzzle pieces, or anything you can think of.

I Spy clues can vary based on age, such as 'I see something red', 'something that begins with b', 'something that rhymes with wish', or 'something you find at the beach'. The game can also be played in a 20 Questions format as well, where the guesser is only allowed to ask yes or no questions about the mystery object. Games such as these build thinking skills, and are more engaging to children when their own works of art are involved.

My kids made their first I Spy Shadow Boxes at the Raynham Public Library's summer art workshop led by Lee Gullens, local artist and children's book illustrator. If your children are interested in art classes, the museum offers Art Exploration, a drop-in for preschoolers on Friday mornings, and Judy's Art Studio, art classes for children ages 5-18 held at the museum after school and in the evening. A local business recommended by Mrs. Gullens is Turtle Feet in Easton www.turtlefeetonline.com, newly owned by Kevin Hebb, which offers "art classes with an academic twist" for ages 3-12.

One final I spy idea: Another mom once told me when your kids do something that makes you want to pull your hair out, don't scream... take a picture. Someday you'll look back and laugh. So one day when my kids' room was extremely messy, I went around taking pictures. We now use those pictures for playing I Spy on long car trips. And yes, it brings us lots of laughs.

Sharing is Caring Festival

2010-11-09T10:22:00.010-05:00

During December and January, the Children’s Museum in Easton will celebrate the holiday season and the importance of providing good help to those in need. The Museum’s Sharing is Caring Festival is a series of holiday-themed events that help those in need and raise awareness for how children and families can give back to the community.

This month is our 20th Anniversary Campaign for Kids. It is important that we continue to provide a fantastic learning environment for kids in our area. When you give to our annual fund, you support quality educational experiences for all children in our community. For the Museum to be affordable to you, we need charitable support. We appreciate your consideration and help. Even if you can’t make a cash donation, there are more ways of donating during this holiday season. Here are just a few:

Come to our Cards for Kids events all month long, where kids will make cards in our art studio that will be distributed to organizations who serve those confined indoors by illness or disability. A special card from a child can lift a spirit and make a smile.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, Museum visitors can donate to the Warm Hearts Drive and drop off new hats, mittens, and socks to help keep needy children’s heads, hands, feet and hearts warm during the winter.

For our popular Kids’ Holiday Shop, parents can donate new or gently used items for the kids to buy and wrap. Volunteers are on hand to help children select and wrap a perfect gift for mom, dad, friends and family. By donating, you will give kids the opportunity to buy, wrap, and give gifts to their loves ones.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is a symbol of strengthening communities, empowering individuals, and bridging barriers. On January 17th, we commemorate his legacy by celebrating The Martin Luther King Day of Service. It is never too young to learn the value of helping others. On the 17th the Museum offers a variety of arts and crafts projects inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. You can find more ways to give back to your community here.

We hope that these events offered by the Museum provides you and your family with a charitable Holiday Season. As you can see, there’s a lot of ways to give back to the community, and we hope you’ll take advantage of these opportunities or seek out your own! And even when the holidays end, remember there is always someone in need.

-Josh Nyer
Public Relations Intern

Halloween Romp proves to be a frightfully good time

2010-10-21T16:45:00.013-04:00

Halloween came early this year for everyone who participated in the Children’s Museum annual Halloween Romp at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall in Easton. Children were rushed in by Mrs. Weasley,who guided them up the stairs or towards the fortune teller if they wished to have their fortune’s revealed to them. The mighty centaur guarded the door as Tinkerbell greeted everyone with a smile.

As children walked up the stairs, they were introduced to Marla Isaac’s Reptile and Raptors exhibit. Marla brought with her two owls, snakes, Madagascar cockroaches, and even a baby alligator. The mad scientists even let some lucky guests pet the alligator.

Before entering the hall, Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood held a candy corn guessing contest, where children guesstimated how many candy corns were in the witch’s jar. At the evening event, Tristan the Avenger made the educated assumption that the jar contained 334 pieces. Fortunately, he was the closest and took home the jar all for himself. The jar of candy corn was one of many prizes given away throughout the evening. Hilliard’s House of Candy was generous enough to donate a basket of Halloween goodies, while Lowe’s, Get Personal, Soups on Center, and others all donated great gifts for the kids and their families.

There were many crafts and games that kept the princesses and costume crusaders busy. Kids participated in the “make your own golden snitch” craft, where children replicated the golden snitch from the Harry Potter movies. There was also a “knock down Hedwig game,” “mummy wrap,” and dancing as well as many other fun-filled activities.

To wrap up the evening, kids and their families were led down to the elaborately decorated “trick or treat” portion of the hall. Families made their way through the dim lit corridors and were treated with not only sweets, but a toothbrush and toothpaste donated by Children's Dental Health Center to promote healthy living. Children also saw a dragon tamer, Rapunzel, a Hogwarts teacher, and a colorful Herbology Room that was wonderfully decorated. Families left with smiles on their faces and seemed as if they thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the Children’s Museum. We would also like to thank Oakes Ames Memorial Hall for letting us use their for the event. The Children's Museum hopes you had a spooktacular time.

Annual Children's Museum "Golf Fore! Kids" Tournament is a hole in one

2010-10-14T15:32:00.018-04:00

It was another successful year at The Children’s Museum “Play Fore Kids Golf Tournament,” where families gathered at the Easton Country Club on Columbus Day. Over 100 participants were in attendance, including: moms and dads with their kids, grandparents, cousins, close family friends, and even some new ones that were met along the green.

The cool, crisp breeze mixed with the bright sun allowed for a pristine autumn golfing experience. Players competed against some exciting challenges such as: closest to the pin challenge, Longest Drive, Hole in One, Straightest Drive, 50/50, and more. Winners were not the only ones who walked away with prizes due to the numerous raffles donated by local families and businesses that were won by other ones. These raffle prizes covered a cornucopia of items ranging from a “Mom’s Dream Day Basket,” to a “Bruin’s Gold” packaged that contained an autographed photo and puck from Tuukka Rask.

The raffles and delicious catered dinner was followed by one of the most electric fireworks display in the area. Families and friends gathered outside to watch an over 15 min display that captivated the audience and put the finishing touch on a fun and eventful day. Before everyone began to depart, The Children’s Museum had the privilege of talking to some stand out players who participated at the tournament.

Jim Shapiro, annual player of the golf tournament, said: “the gold tournament is a great chance for all generations of family to spend time and play together.” Jim has been a sponsor of “Play Fore Kid’s Golf Tournament” since the beginning. His family, who scored 1st place in the novice category, insisted that the win was “contributed by the entire family,” making the victory even more special. Jim’s company, Audio Visual Intelligence, was kind enough to sponsor this event.

Another victorious competitor was 11 year old Ryan McGarry. Ryan stunned players by hitting the ball on the green from 131 yards away. His $10 reward was the first of many throughout the evening. Ryan, who has been playing golf for over 4 years, said “Easton Country Club offers players a great challenge that helps improve their game.” This competitive quality definitely worked in the McGarry’s favor. Although Ryan is undoubtedly competitive, he said to us that playing with his family was the best part about the day.” Ryan’s father, Sean, went on to say: “The Children’s Museum in Easton does a great job of organizing these events by reaching out to the community and providing families with a place to go.” Sean, Ryan, and the rest of their family placed nobly in 3rd place in the competitive category.

Tom James and his step son Zach wowed players with a 2nd place finish in the competitive category. In their first time golfing together, Tom noted that “Easton Country Club allows players of all experience levels the ability to compete together.” He went on to say “the course is designed so anyone from novice level to expert can have a great time playing.” Tom, who is an employee at Easton Country Club, stated that “The Children’s Museum does fantastic charity work,” something he is also passionate about. Tom lastly stated that “Playing with my step son Zach was such a great experience.” On that note Tom took off with Zach to go catch the start of the fireworks celebration.

The fireworks were generously donated by Evolution Sports Performance, allowing families to truly cap off a great Columbus Day.

Scarecrow Stomp

2010-09-23T09:33:00.017-04:00

Summer is finally over, and this past weekend we celebrated the transition into Fall in a big way! On Sunday September 19th, we had a lot of Fall-themed activities and projects to kick off the season. The biggest attraction was the Scarecrow Stomp, where families brought in their old and used clothing and turned them into some very creative scarecrows! There was plenty of hay to use (which created a miniature playground for the kids), as well as other arts and crafts materials to bring the scarecrows to life. At the end of the day, there was a whole collection of artistic scarecrows, and every family got to bring theirs home.

Next to the scarecrows was an all-time Fall classic: apple cider. No, not the kind you get at the store… apple cider made from freshly squeezed apples! While some of our volunteers cut up a whole bunch of apples, kids got to put the sliced remains into an antique pressing machine, then watch as the apples were crushed into a pulp, and the juices flowed into a container below. It was a delightful insight into how apple cider was made in the old days, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it! Nothing better than a history lesson that you can drink afterwards!

The other food-related blast to the past was Johnny Cakes, a Colonial delicacy. These cakes were made from corn and corn meal (ground corn kernels.) The Native Americans taught the early settlers how to make these corn-bread pancakes. These were very easy to make (because corn was easy to grow and grind) and the pilgrims used them at almost every meal.
The recipe is also very easy. The ingredients are:
-1 cup cornmeal
-½ teaspoon salt
-1 cup boiling water
-½ cup milk.

Mix the cornmeal and salt. Add the boiling water, stirring until smooth. Add the milk. Stir well. Grease a heavy, 12-inch frying pan. Set over the medium-low heat. Drop teaspoons of the batter onto the pan. Cook until golden, about five minutes. Turn the cakes carefully with a metal spatula. Cook the other side five minutes. Serve the first cakes hot with butter and maple syrup.

The third history lesson came from the Wringer Washer, an antique device used to do the laundry. The kids couldn’t stop playing with the device as they rolled socks in the dirt and mud, washed them in the basin, scrubbed them against the washboard, rolled them through the squeezer, then hung them up to dry… only to repeat the process again and again!

The last history lesson came from Annawon Weedon, who brought his fascinating Native American arts and crafts projects and games. Among the arts and crafts projects were corn dolls, easy-to-make dolls made from strands of corn stalk. There was also an old Native American game, a game that originated the common phrase, “What’s all the hubbub?” This game consisted of a giant bowl with colored seashells in it, and the idea was to shake and slam it on the table, and you’d get points based on which sides of the shells are facing up or down. The most interesting part of the game is that you played with an opponent, whose job is to distract you by shouting while you’re slamming the bowl.

What’s more frustrating than eating a messy, powdery donut? How about eating a messy, powdery donut hanging on a string- without using your hands? Kids delighted in this appetizing challenge as they attempted to devour a donut, hands-free. It’s not as easy as it sounds! Needless to say, there was many a satisfied, yet powder-faced kid walking away from that activity!

Hay is fun. Not many kids see it on a day-to-day basis, but it’s fluffy and interesting and makes you want to jump into it. That’s exactly what some kids did, as in between activities they could make a mad dash, jump through a hula hoop, and make a crash landing on a safety pile made of hay. It was a great way for many of the kids to let out some of their pent up energy, and always amusing to see some kids make very elaborate dives in the air.

The last of the activities was an interesting arts and crafts project. In order to prepare for the season, kids got the chance to design and make their own leaf-hanging decorations. Clear fabric pieces in the shape and colors of leaves were stuck together, and they could be brought home and hung in windows and elsewhere in the house.

The Scarecrow Stomp is only the beginning of the Fall events. Keep coming in on the drop-in days to see Trucks on Tuesdays, Exploring Music and Simple Science, Animal Happenings on Thursdays, and Friday Frolics. Mark your calendars for the Halloween Romp on Saturday, October 16th. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance!

-Josh Nyer

Public Relations Intern

Music Making and Circus Acts!

2010-09-01T19:15:00.008-04:00

We had two show-stopping Drop-in Days at The Museum last week! On Thursday we made some awesome rhythms and beats with our special, musical guests. Friday was also another entertaining day because we had amazing circus performances by AWESOME ROBB and performers, Jeremy and Jenn! We learned all kinds of cool circus tricks that I have always wanted to know how to do.

We made some funky beats last Thursday at The Museum! This Music Making Drop-in Day gave us a chanceto make some noise and learn all about different musical instruments. Tony Fonseca from All Hands Drumming started things off by teaching us how to play the drums. He set up all different types of drums in The Wild Place for us to bang on. His helpful color-coding system on the drums along with his instructions made it easy to learn how to

play them correctly.

So Tony got the party started, but Jenn Bliss and Jason Berube kept it going strong with their exciting exploration of the wonderful world of music! First, they gave us a little background on what makes music. They told us the history of how it progressed, and how there are all different types of ways to makes music, such as with our voices and with instruments. Like Tony, they also showed us how to play a few instruments, like the guitar and the recorder. After they taught us some awesome musical skills, they let us showcase them in our very own concert! Our jam session down in The Wild Place was a lot of fun, and a great way to practice the new things that we had learned throughout the day.

After Jason and Jenn’s musical exploration was complete, Annawon Weedon taught us about his Native American culture and how music is apart of it. He showed us some cool artifacts, like a deer rattle! This musical instrument is made from a deer’s foot and his tribe uses it during their musical routines. Annawon also taught us The Alligator Dance, which they use to get rid of gators! How it works is two people dance together with their arms intertwined, and the dance will ward off these unwanted creatures. Overall, each presenter’s take on music taught

us something different, which made this Drop-in Day filled with great musical knowledge and skills!

While it is usually more like a zoo down in The Wild Place, last Friday it definitely was a circus! Awesome Robb started

the day off with his circus routine. He gave us a little history on clowns and how things have changed over time, one being their shoes! Robb’s first pair of clown shoes was very heavy leather. Shoe cobblers made the shoes so durable because most clowns wouldn’t have time to get their shoesrepaired if they broke on the road! Modern clown footwear and clothing are more lightweight, which is nice when performing on hot summer days like last week.

Robb went to The Ringling Brothers Clown College in 1983 where he learned what it takes to be a clown. His experienced clown teachers showed him how to put on his clown makeup, what his wardrobe should be like, and what tricks get the most laughs! One trick that he performed involved and underwear tree, which certainly got some big laughs with us!

In the afternoon, Jenn and Jeremy taught us juggling, plate spinning, and hula-hooping down in The Wild Place. They started the show with a little trick for us: it involved 5 members of our audience and a hula-hoop. Seems pretty harmless, right? Jenn held the hula hoop in the air as Jeremy jumped

through the hoop and over the 5 volunteers!Lucky for them, Jeremy successfully cleared their heads and made a smooth landing.

With one trick behind them, Jeremy and Jenn continued with the rest of the show. Jeremy is a professional juggler! He showed us that there are all different ways juggle and different objects to juggle with. Jeremy juggled with the classic pins, flower sticks, a Chinese yo-yo, and even with these balls that he usually sets on fire!

But Jeremy isn’t the only one with tricks up his sleeve! Jenn is great hula-hooper. She can hula all over her body, including her neck! She let us in on a little secret: the bigger the hoop, the easier it is to hula. You would think that it would be more difficult with a bigger hoop, but it’s not because it doesn’t take as much hulaing to keep it going!

We have certainly learned many new things at the Museum this summer. Whether we are watching an animal show, listening to the history of clowns, or singing pirate songs, we all could learn something that we didn’t know before we went to a Drop-in Day. And best of all, it’s actually fun. I mean, I think that it’s pretty cool to learn how to be a poop detective! These are just a few of the many awesome ideas that came through the Museum this summer. If you only got to go to a few Drop-ins this summer, then don’t fret because there will be more fun Drop-in Days in the fall!

-Ashley Balerna

Public Relations Intern

Building the Dinosaur Den - Week 1

2010-08-26T10:37:00.003-04:00

Day 1 - Finally the day is here! After many months of researching, planning, and sketching, we have begun the transformation of the Woodshop into a brand new exhibit space, The Prehistoric Pathway. What began last year as a small makeover of the upstairs hallway, has exploded into another whole room! The popularity of dinosaurs never wavers, and since we possessed another HUGE track that we wanted to display, this seemed like an obvious choice.

We have closed down the Woodshop before the Spruce-up to give us an extra week to get the new exhibit installed. The Museum will be closed Sunday, August 29 through Monday, September 13 for our annual event. We will open our doors Tuesday, September 14 all bright and shiny with many new changes for you to enjoy – most notably the prehistoric time travel that will occur on the top floor. It’ll be like you’ve blasted back in time, millions of years ago, to the age of these thunderous beasts, roaring and stomping through the lush landscape!

In the past few months you may have noticed the small steps that have already been taken to get The Prehistoric Pathway ready. A good friend of the Museum, carpenter Larry Mowatt, ripped down half the wall for an exploration alcove, and installed a glass panel in the door to give the room some much needed light. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling and upper walls invigorated us and got us envisioning the bright, new exhibit.

Mark, our Exhibits Fabricator, has spent most of the spring making mock-ups and templates for the pieces that will go in the room. Once we all agreed on the room layout, Mark had to quickly get to work. Off to the lumberyard he went and picked out the large boards that he will make into a play table, a research area, a bench and a few other things he has up his sleeve. Mark is like a kid himself, so there is a lot of humor and sense of discovery in his designs. More than any other area of the Museum, this room will reflect that mindset.

As Mark is busy in the garage sawing and sanding, I am working on other things behind the scenes – mostly at my house. Today my kitchen became my work area as I wallpapered a large mural to some boards. It will function as a backdrop in the room and make you feel as though you are walking with dinosaurs! In my dining room I have a couple of other projects going on that are in various stages of completion. Paint cans, brushes, X-acto knives, cutting mats and drop cloths are scattered about. We only have three weeks to get it all done, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Well, I am at least. Mark doesn’t seem worried at all…

Since we have been boning up (sorry, but I had to use it) on our dinosaur facts, here’s a question for all you dino junkies out there. There are lots of different kinds of dinosaurs in all shapes and sizes. However, every dinosaur had three things in common. What are they?
I’ll give the answer in the next posting. Stay tuned!

Posted by Pam Borbély
Graphic Designer / Artist

Dog Days II & BEE a POOP Detective!

2010-08-19T19:25:00.041-04:00

It was a zoo at The Museum last week! We had a lot of animal visitors come and teach us a little something about themselves. Of course their owners helped them with their presentations, and we had a great time learning about everything from dog training to poop! Don’t miss our last week of Drop-in Days next week as we wrap things up with Miss Candy’s Petting Zoo and our favorite pal Ruff from FETCH!

Thursday we had our second Dog Days of Summer Drop-in Day. This time around we featured dogs that could do awesome tricks. In the morning Dick Norton, a dog behavioral therapist and dog trainer from Bark Busters, and his dog Douglas taught us how to safely approach a dog. There are a few steps that you need to take if you want to pet a strange dog. First, you need to ask its owner if it’s okay to pet his dog. Second, you need to make your hand into a fist and then let the dog sniff it. Once the dog seems comfortable with you, you can pet the dog under its chin- NOT on top of his head.

After Dick & Douglas’ presentation, we had a spectacular dog show. Australian Shepherds, and a little dog named Spanky, performed all kinds of great tricks for us. Many of the dogs could weave through their owners legs, spin, dance, and bow. Tika, a 7 month old Australian Shepherd, showed us how she says her prayers each night with help from her trainer. Spanky and Wish did a great round of fly ball- check out their skills by watching our video on Facebook! Wish is also an amazing frisbee player and made some great snags! After their performances, they did meet and greets with all of our guests. It was nice to get up close and personal with the celebrities! At the end of the day, we even got to help them groom one of the dogs who needed a good brushing. We had some dog-gone fun with all of our furry guests, and we look forward to seeing them again next summer!

I’d never thought that I would say that, but I am now a poop detective. Crazy, right? Well if you came to the Museum last Friday, then you are now a poop detective too! Before we got the scoop on poop, Channel 7 meteorologist, Chris Lambert, taught us how he calculates the weather. He also answered some great questions from the audience, like “How do they come up with the names for hurricanes?” Answer: The name depends on the part of the world that the hurricane is occurring, but weather people have a list of names that they use over time.

After Chris’ presentation, you could have headed over to the Bristol County Beekeeper’s table to check out the bee hive they had set up. They also had some honey combs so you could see what the bees make. They even had the gear that they have to wear when tending to the bees for us to look at! It was great to have these beekeepers buzzzing around The Wild Place throughout the day!

Finally we were taught all about animal poop through a great presentation from Animal World Experience. There are all different types of poop- it depends on what type of animal it’s coming from. Poop comes in all shapes and sizes, and even how it comes out is different in some animals too! The weirdest way one animal poops was a scorpion! The poop comes out of its tail, and it likes to smear it all of the walls of its cage. GROSS! The best part was that we all got to get really close to the animals that we were learning about. We were big fans of these super poopers!

It was another fun filled week at The Museum! If you love animals, then don’t miss your last chance to see real, lives ones next Thursday during our Miss Candy’s Petting Zoo Drop-in Day!

-Ashley Balerna

Public Relations Intern

Week 5: Pulling Strings and Tie Dye Fun!

2010-08-12T11:14:00.007-04:00

We are halfway there, folks! With the first month of Drop-in Days behind us, it’s a sad reminder that summer is almost over. However, we still have some awesome Drop-in Days left to end the summer on a great note! Yesterday, we had a very exciting dog show, complete with fly ball racing and frisbee! Come over today and learn how to BEE a POOP Detective!

Last Thursday was an entertaining day at the Museum, thanks to our special guests! In the morning magician Shawn Mullins put on a great show filled with different types of tricks and surprises. Shawn is from Easton and he even interned for the Museum in the past. It was great to see him still contributing to the Museum’s events even after his time with us had ended. Shawn creatively incorporated interesting items into his tricks, including eggs and giant cards! He also made some awesome balloon animals. He even made a dog disappear...well he made the balloon dog disappear by popping it! But don't worry...he brought it back to life by making him again! Shawn was certainly a clever magician, and he definitely had us laughing!

Later in the day Charlotte from Rosalita’s Puppets performed an amazing puppet show for all of us. Her show, A Sea Story, was filled with pirates, mermaids, and other cool creatures of the deep! Between the tale and the interesting looking puppets, everyone’s attention was captured throughout the entire performance! She even gave us a chance to ask the puppets some questions! This marionette show is one of a kind. We always love when Charlotte performs for us, and we were glad that she was able to visit us again this summer!

Round two of tie-dying also took place last week. Some expert tie-dyers came out and made more colorful creations down in The Wild Place! Here, you had the freedom to choose their own colors and designs, and got some help and expertise from our talented tie-dying volunteers! After your cool new shirt was complete, you could have visited the Mix 104.1 Street Team Ice Cream Truck. From noon-2PM they handed out delicious ice cream to all of our awesome tie dyers! Tie dying is a great summer activity that everyone loves. Be sure to come back next summer for more tie-dye fun!

Although we only have less than a month left of summer, this doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop! Here at the Museum, we enjoy the summer all the way up until September, and we want you all to come on over and enjoy it with us! Be sure to check our Drop-in Day schedule to see what we have in store for the final days of summer!

-Ashley Balerna
Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

Summer Drop-In-Days Week 4 - A Pirate's Life for Me and Sports, Health & Fitness

2010-08-06T15:16:00.001-04:00

This past week we wrapped up our July Summer Drop-In-Days with an interesting mix. On Thursday, the week was off to a great start as we sail on the open seas with A Pirate’s Life for Me. On Friday we switched gears and put our game faces for Sports, Health & Fitness Day. Our week was filled with some great performances and appearances by some awesome guests. Although we hit a bit of rain in the beginning of our pirate adventure on Thursday that didn’t stop us from having a fun week here at the Museum.

On Thursday everyone came dressed in their pirate best and boy did they look great! All our young mateys here at the Museum sang and danced along as Cap’n Sully and First Mate Jenny McBoo shared their favorite tales from the briny deep. Of course everyone wanted to look more like Cap’n Sully and First Mate Jenny McBoo so all our little landlubbers were making eye patches and cool pirate flags so they could set sail on their own imaginary sea adventures at home too.

On Friday we switched gears and put on our game faces as we prepared for a day filled with Sports, Health & Fitness here at the Museum. There were tons of cool games and special guests for all kinds of sports! Our favorite mascot from The Brockton Rox, KO, started off the day with some warm ups. Not only is he the coolest mascot around, but his stretches and exercises really helped prepare us for a day filled with all kinds of sports activities and challenges. Thank KO, we couldn’t have done it with out you!

All day long kids participated in the Gentle Giant Staircase Challenge. I know what you’re thinking, it looks kind of scary but its actually not! Once you do it once you want to keep doing it over and over. You race to the top of the staircase and then slide down the giant slide, its so much fun and you might not realize it, but its great exercise too!

The Boston Blazers Lacrosse team had a booth set up all day long giving out all kinds of cool stuff. The best part was the real lacrosse goal they had set up to shoot on all day to win prizes. I definitely am going to check out some of their games once their season starts again and you should too, so visit their website to see when they start up again, maybe you can even catch a practice!

We ended the day of fitness fun with a member of The Boston Breakers women’s soccer team. She gave us lost of game-time tips and answered any questions we had for her. She showed us how awesome girls in sports can be. I would definitely check our some of their games, there are still a few more this summer right in Boston at Harvard Stadium so check out their website for a schedule!

If you missed out on our Summer Drop-In-Days for the Month of July don’t fret because they continue Thursdays and Fridays through August 27. We have some of your favorite days back for a second time and some new totally awesome new days you don't want to miss! Visit our website to learn more and see a full schedule of upcomming Summer Drop-In-Days.

-Alex Langway

Communications/PR Intern

New England Summer Fun - Part 2

2010-08-05T09:46:00.001-04:00

So it’s August now and since the weather has been so beautiful this summer I’m sure we have all had our fair share of beach days and playing by the pool. We figured you might be getting a little bored with that so we have researched and gathered up the best activities in Massachusetts to do with your family. We gave you some awesome things for July and we hope you had a chance to check some of them out, but now it’s August and there’s a whole new list of fun activities and events to do right in your home state. Also, don't forget to stop by for our August Summer Drop-In Days here at The Museum, for tie dying, music, circus fun and much more!

Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory (Monday- Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM)

Sure, the cape is known for its beaches but did you know they also have the best potato chips? Cape Cod Potato Chips are Kettle Cooked for that perfect crunch. They are made from all natural ingredients so not only do they taste great, but they are better for you. Also, They use all locally grown ingredients and you won’t find anything in them that you can’t pronounce. If you don’t believe me then you should definitely make a visit to the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory in Hyannis, MA. Here, you can take a tour and see from start to finish how they make their potato chips the old fashioned way. Don’t forget to grab your free sample on the way out so you can taste just how delicious these chips are!

Providence Story Time (Every Tuesday in August)

Enjoy story time outside in the gorgeous summer weather. Providence, RI is a small but beautiful city especially in the summertime. This event takes place near the fountain in Burnside Park near Kennedy Plaza in Providence from 10:00 AM-11:00AM. Each week will feature at least one book from a local Rhode Island author or illustrator. Don’t forget to bringa blanket to sit on. Maybe you even want to pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the park after story time is over. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while hearing some fun new stories. This event is great for all ages. For more information and a list of featured books, visit the website!

Rehoboth Agricultural Fair (August 5-8th)

Visit a true “County Fair” The Rehoboth County Fair has been around for 60 years and keeps the tradition alive. It takes place on the Pray Family farm in old fashioned tradition and features events that are fun for all ages like a tractor pull, tons of animal shows, pig racing, magic shows, live bands and so much more! There is a kiddie with small rides and amusements, lots of games and plenty of food. Check out the Schedule for special kiddie days and other fun events!

Marshfield Fair (August 20-29th)

If your not around for the Rehoboth Fair then you definitely want to check out the Marshfield Fair! It has the same kind of old-fashioned feel but on a larger scale. This Fair features a Midway with tons of games and rides that are perfect for kids. It also has really cool animal exhibits like dinosaurs and bees! It also has really cool art shows like glass blowing and pottery making. There are magic shows, music shows, you name it this fair has it! Also, check out the Special Events Calendar for a full schedule of events! For more information Check Out the Website.

So I know I said that all of these events could be done in a day but this last one is really special so you might want to book a room because this event takes place at night!

Illumination Night Martha’s Vineyard (August 18)

Many of you I’m sure have seen the advertisements for the First Annual Lantern Walk right here in Easton. Well in Martha’s Vineyard, Grand Illumination has been a tradition for years. Every year hundreds of lanterns are hung from the porches of the infamous gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs. The tradition includes a sing along and lighting the lanterns at dark. Its really something too see and its fun for the whole family. So make a day out of it. Take the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard and head to the beach, or walk around town then enjoy this unforgettable nighttime activity. Don’t forget to join in Easton’s own First Annual Lantern Walk on August 28th and come to The Museum to Make your Lantern!

-Alex Langway
Communications/PR Intern

Summer Road Trip!

2010-08-02T14:19:00.009-04:00

One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with the family is embarking on a summer road trip. Too often however we get caught up in packing for where we are going and forget to "pack" ideas for the time in the car, where a significant part of the family time will take place. Then there you are, trapped in a small space with the people you love the most, and before you know it everyone is whining, complaining, and annoying each other.

I have found that prevention is the key. Keeping your crew actively engaged will make the trip more pleasant for everyone, ensure quality time spent together, and can even help to reinforce what they have learned in school to prevent the "summer slide".

What I find most challenging is finding games that are age-appropriate for all 3 of my children, whose ages span a 6-year range. One game they can all enjoy is making up a group story. One person begins with a few sentences, and the next person continues the story and so on around the circle, until someone finally makes up an ending. The ideas they come up with usually provide us with a lot of laughs.

Here is another game they all can play: Each person chooses a color. Then as you drive along he/she counts how many cars (or you can use signs, etc.) that he/she sees of that color. It becomes quite a contest of whose color is the most popular.

Another multi-age game is making comparisons. Choose a nearby car on the highway. Each child takes turns comparing it to your car, such as the color of the car, number of people in the car, placement of stickers, the state it is from, etc. You will be surprised at the details they discover.

One player says a name, and the next player has to say a name that begins with the last letter of the name just said. How long can you keep it going?

Think of a number. As players guess, use "greater than" and "less than" until they guess the number.

Count by 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, or 10's, or any multiple, depending on your child's level. Try counting backwards by any of these as well. This will help with addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Play 20 Questions: Think of something and players guess 20 yes/no clues (Does live in the water? Does it have 4 legs?) until they know what it is.

Don't forget to bring along some books. You can take turns reading, have an older sibling read to a younger one, or add some drama by using extra expression or a silly voice. You'll have lots of time to discuss the stories you read. Make predictions, discuss the characters in the story, and share your reactions. Your local library probably has books for all ages on tape or cd. When finished listening, children can draw a picture to go along with the story or make up an alternate ending.

I also keep a box of activities "for car trips only" including a Magnadoodle for playing Hangman or Pictionary, Hidden Pictures from Highlights, and magnetic games. I have found some great resources made by Cranium (such as The Cranium Ultimate Book of Fantastic Fun and Games) and American Girl (The Family Quiz Book and other quiz books) as well as the old favorite, Madlibs. The Children's Museum gift shop usually has a nice variety of idea/activity books from Klutz and other authors, as well as portable crafts and small toys perfect for car entertainment.

Here are a few websites with additional game ideas, printable activity pages, and tips.

If you like these ideas, print them out and keep them in the glove box. Enjoy your trip, but especially enjoy your family.

Drop-in Days Week 3: FETCH! and Move It! AKA Ruff Ruffman and the Case of the Free Ice Cream!

2010-07-29T10:14:00.017-04:00

Week 3 of Summer Drop-in Days was filled with TV characters, animals, cake and ice cream, and cool dance moves. An interesting mix of entertainment, right? Well that's how we like our Drop-in Days- full of variety! This week is no different. Today pirates will be walking the plank, and tomorrow we will be taking the Gentle Giant Staircase Challenge! Come on over and experience it firsthand! If you couldn't make it to our Drop-in Days last week, then here is what you missed!

On Thursday our favorite furry pal, Ruff from FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, came to visit us! Throughout the day, Ruff bopped down in The Wild Place to take pictures and hand out awesome stickers, bookmarks, and tattoos! He loved meeting his biggest fans, like Hillary and Ashley Browne (left)- some of them even made him cool crafts at our Crazy Concoction Station (right), where we made some coffee ground fossils and puff paint creations!

After you finished up your crafts, you could've headed over to the gazebo for some tasty Ruff Ruffman cake. I have to admit that I had a big piece my self...it was delicious! And what goes better with cake than ice cream? The Mix 104.1 Street Team (below) was nice enough to help us out. They handed out delicious Turkey Hill ice cream to everyone. It was the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat! If you missed out on the ice cream, then you can come next Friday, August 6th for another scoop from Mix 104.1!

It was a great day at the Museum: our favorite PBS friend, Ruff Ruffman, came over, we got to make some kooky crafts, and we were able to satisfy our sweet tooth with cake and ice cream! What more can you ask for?! You are probably thinking "another awesome Drop-in Day like this one!" Well, we've got you covered. Don't miss Ruff on our last Drop-in Day of the summer. On August 27th he will be back to wrap up another great summer at the Museum!

So after indulging in (maybe a little too much!) cake and ice cream, we definitely needed to work it off at our next Drop-in Day! On Friday we busted some funky moves with Nicole, a dancer who trained at the Boston Ballet School! She showed us fun games that got all of our body parts to bend and move. She also taught us some awesome party dances, like the Macarena and the Funky Chicken. I will definitely be breaking those moves out at the next dance party that I go to!

If you braved the rain, then you got to see Matt from Animal World Experience (right) show us how animals move during Locomotion Commotion. He brought along a snake, possum, rabbit, and other wiggly creatures to teach us why these animals move the way they do. Matt's different spin on an animal show made it a huge hit with our visitors. If you love animals, then you are in luck! We still have a few more Drop-in Days in August that will be a hit for animal lovers. Make sure to check out Dog Days of Summer II and Miss Candy's Petting Zoo for more animal fun!

We had another exciting week at the Museum. One day we met our favorite TV character and the next we learned some new dance moves! There's always something fun happening at our Drop-in Days. Be sure to check out our August Drop-in Day schedule to see what we have planned for next month!

-Ashley Balerna

Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

Week 2: Go Wild! and Creature Feature Drop-In-Days

2010-07-22T13:12:00.024-04:00

This past week all kinds of creatures were creeping, crawling, and flying around at The Children's Museum in Easton. We had tons of visitors both imaginary and real that live in the wild. The week of animal fun began on Thursday with the Go Wild! Drop-in-Day. Kids participated in the Dino Dig, dissected owl pellets and enjoyed a super fun shows put on by Awesome Robb and Marla Isaac of the New England Reptile and Raptor Exhibits. Friday continued the week of animal adventures with the Creature Feature Drop-In- Day featuring a great hands on program put on by Dean from Curious Creatures and his exotic animal friends.

Awesome Robb's show was a combination of his Go Wild! puppet friends and some pretty cool magic tricks. Robb's lizard friend, all the way from Madagascar, kicked off the show by showing us how he changes colors with his moods, he sure can't hide his feelings, especially when Robb kept yelling BOO! and scaring him until he literally turned brown. He also brought a friend named Floyd. We were expecting a bald eagle as Robb promised but, instead we got a silly and sarcastic duck posing as Floyd who turned out to be very funny with his giant orange beak!

The other part of Awesome Robb's show taught us all about the environment and how we can do our part to help protect it. Robb even wowed us with some magical recycling tricks like using our own hands and crushing noises to turn a bunch of plastic bottles and containers into a little compacted sheet. He also showed us, using magic, how to literally turn yesterday's paper into today's! Robb showed us all the things we can recycle at home along with a really cool book by Sheri Amsel. This book The Everything Kids Environment Book had really cool facts like, it takes 1 million years for a glass bottle to decompose in a landfill, can you believe it? Well I'm not gonna give away all the cool things this book has to offer you'll have to check it out for yourself.

Later on, Marla Isaac put on a pretty cool show about birds of prey. She too brought some feathered friends with her; only her's weren't imaginary! She walked around the audience and got really close to us with some pretty big birds, it was awesome. Seeing the two owls was one of my favorite parts of the show. As we all know owls are nocturnal meaning that they sleep during the day, while all of us are awake, and they come out at night when we are all sleeping! Because of this backwards lifestyle most of us never get to see a real live owl! My favorite part of the show was the Turkey Vulture named Uncle Fester. He was so cool looking with his sleek black body and bright red face. I thought it was amazing when he spread his wings to fly, did you see that wingspan? It was huge! Marla brought along tons of other awesome birds too.

Friday, the fun continued here at the museum with some pretty wild creatures at the Creature Feature Drop-In-Day. Dean from Curious Creatures brought along some slimy, scaly, and even a few furry (and stinky) creatures for us to meet in his exotic animal show. We got to meet all kinds of wild animals that we’ve never seen before! We met an alligator, a lizard and the biggest turtle I have ever seen. Dean also brought a huge hairy spider that crawled all over him and a creepy crawly scorpion, yuck! The cool thing about this program is that we actually got the chance to interact with the animals! Not only did we get to see animals we had never seen (except maybe in a book or on TV), but we could actually get up close and touch them if we wanted. It was a little scary at first but it turned out to be totally awesome! The animals were all very calm and it felt really cool to touch a turtle and see what its shell really feels like. Kids even got the chance to hold a snake, although it took about 10 of them to hold him because his body was so big and heavy. My favorite animal was the alligator, when do you get the chance to see a real live alligator up close? Matt showed us all his big teeth, and held him like it was no big deal, wow he’s brave, the big guy really seemed to like him! Although the alligator looks rough and scaly, really when you touch it he feels smooth and actually kind of soft.

This week was a blast having all these awesome animals visit. But there’s more fun to come as the summer goes on so be sure not to miss out on any of the fun. Come by The Children’s Museum in Easton every Thursday and Friday through August 27th for Summer Drop-In-Days, you don’t want to miss what we have coming up next! For details and a full schedule Click Here!

-Alex Langway

Communications/PR Intern

Summer Drop-in Days- Week One!

2010-07-15T10:12:00.009-04:00

We had a great first week of Drop-in Days here at the Children's Museum in Easton. We tie-dyed and met some "top dogs!" Hopefully, you all were able to enjoy one or both of the Drop-in Days- if not, then head over to the Museum any Thursday or Friday for more Summer Drop-in fun!
This past Thursday we kicked things off with one of our favorite Drop-ins, TIE DYE! The Wild Place got a splash of color as people brought their t-shirts down for a makeover. Our volunteers got the process started by spinning and twisting the item up for dying into one of our three featured designs. Whether you picked stripes or the classic spiral, your shirt was sure to have a funky twist. After the shirt was all banded up, you could head over to one of the three dying stations. Here, you had the option of sticking with a few of the classic colors or mixing them together to create a psychedelic masterpiece! We saw some great tie-dying skills from our guests and volunteers, like from Kim and Nathan Levis from Bridgewater (left), and we hope that some more pros come out to Tie Dye II on August 6th!

Can a dog really play musical chairs? Yes they can! This past Friday we had some canine visitors show us what they do when they go to work. Dr. Louise Graham and her therapy dog class started the day off with a round of musical chairs (right). These dogs, along with a dog from Canines for Disabled Kids and Cokie from Therapy Dogs International, have the important job of assisting people who need additional help because they are injured, sick, disabled, etc. These reliable pups are truly a "man's best friend."

While some dogs can give us help when we need it, other times dogs are the ones in need. The Brockton Blue Dog Shelter came by to give us information on how we can help dogs without a home. They had a list of dogs up for adoption as well as ways to volunteer with the shelter or donate to its cause. Not all dogs have a loving owner, but there are ways to help!

Some other dogs that came by also had some different "career paths." Catie Copley and Jim Carey from the Fairmont Copley Plaza visited at noon to fill us in on what Catie has been up to lately. She recently got back from a little vacation, but she's back in Boston to serve the guests staying at the Plaza. Catie was all about the camera, as you can see from the photos here and on her Flickr page. She even shot a quick video for our Facebook page!

But Catie wasn't the only dog in the spotlight. Tara Kennedy and her dog Apache (right)came for a visit, as well. They work at Logan Airport as a part of the Beagle Brigade. Apache has an important responsibility- he sniffs out food products that shouldn't be in people's suitcases! He makes sure nothing comes out of the airport that shouldn't be. Tug and Louie from Shoo,Geese! Border Patrol also have a job that protects us. They patrol landscapes and scare off geese that like to poop all over the place! Their poop can destroy people's landscapes, so Tug and Louie take charge and control this pesky situation! See them in action on their website where they have a featured video of them on the prowl! If you missed this dog show or loved it so much you want to come back for more, then you are in luck. We will be hosting another Dog Days of Summer on August 12th, so make sure to stop by for more canine fun!

We had some dog-gone fun this week at the Museum! We hope that you will join us for some more summer fun this week and the weeks to follow. Tomorrow, make sure to crawl on over for our Creature Feature, as we get up close and personal with some creepy animal friends. Check out our Summer Drop-in Days webpage for more information about our Creature Feature and other Drop-in days to come!

-Ashley Balerna

Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

Summer Drop-In-Days

2010-07-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

Looking for something educational yet fun and totally awesome to do this summer? Drop in to the Children’s Museum in Easton for some summer fun every Thursday and Friday July 8- August 27! Each day features a different theme with a combination of special guest performances and hands-on, interactive activities. Some of our favorite themes you will see most often are animals, fitness, movement and music. That’s not to say there isn’t more, so you will have to come on down to check out all of our Summer Drop-In-Days throughout the summer.

If you like animals then you should check out one of our many animal themed days! You can see lots of awesome animal shows and even meet your favorite furry (or even slimey or scaly) friends! Whether you like farm animals or something a bit more exotic there is a day for just about any kind of animal. We start the summer off with a day for dog lovers with Dog Days of Summer I, on Friday July 8th with guest appearances by some of your favorite friends including Apache from the Beagle Brigade, Catie Copley of the Fairmont Copley Plaza and much, much more! Hmm…But, maybe you like something a little more exotic? Join us the following week for two days of wild animal fun! On Thursday, July 15th Go Wild! With Robb’s wild puppet friends and learn all about birds of prey from Marla Isaac of the New England Reptile and Raptor Exhibits. Or, come Friday, July 16th and get to pet a snake, a baby alligator and even more reptiles in our Creature Feature Program. If you were lucky enough to see him in here the spring at our Spring Fling, then come back for more of Matt from Animal World Experience as he shows us how to slither, crawl, hop swim, and climb like some of our favorite animals on Friday, July 23 as part of our Move it! Program. Matt will be joining us again on Friday, August 13 giving you the chance to BEE a POOP detective and meet some “super-poopers” for yourself. These are just a handful of the programs featuring animals so you better check out our schedule just to make sure your don’t miss your favorite animals and the chance to meet some of them right here at The Children’s Museum in Easton!

Not interested in meeting a real live animal? Well kids, we have your favorite Ruff Ruffman from the PBS show FETCH with Ruff Ruffman here not one, but two days this summer! Come on Thursday, July 22 for some crazy concoctions and eat as much cake and ice cream as you want! Or, come end your summer on Friday, August 27 with a special guest cast member from the show. If you love FETCH! and can’t get enough of him, we’d love to have you both days.

Not an animal lover at all? That’s ok we’ve got plenty of other fun activities you can enjoy. So maybe you like sports. Which is your favorite, soccer? Come meet a player from the Boston Breakers women’s soccer team during our Sports, Health & Fitness program on Friday, July 30th. If you like lacrosse, or maybe you’ve never even played, well this too is your day. The Boston Blazers will have a goal set up all day for you to shoot on and will also be giving away lots of free stuff. The Gentle Giant will be there all day too, so try your luck on the Staircase Challenge!

What kid hasn’t wanted to join the circus? There are clowns, acrobats, animals and lots of magic, everything you love! Well you don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to join this circus. Just come to The Museum on Friday, August 20 for Under the Big top and see Awesome Robb perform Magic and try your hand at juggling, hoola-hooping and more of your favorite circus tricks, who knows? You might find your future here.

After you come to our first Drop- In- Day on Thursday, July 8 (which happens to be tie-dye) we know you’ll never want to miss another! If one day of tie-dye isn’t enough, because we know how much everyone loves it, then come back on Friday, August 6 for more! This time Mix 104.1 will be there handing out ice cream! What more could you want on a hot summer day? For a complete schedule of the Summer Drop in Days check out our website, www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/summerdropindays.asp.

- Alex Langway
Communications/PR Intern

2010 FIFA World Cup Experience

2010-07-05T12:20:00.016-04:00

Do you have some little soccer fanatics that love playing and watching the game? Well they are not alone! Soccer is one of the most popular sports across the globe, as seen in this year’s World Cup in South Africa. Since 1930 international teams registered with FIFA get a chance to win the championship every four years. This month long competition not only features the skills of the world's best soccer players, but also the passion and enthusiasm from their fans. Watching the World Cup can be a chance for your kids to learn something new about other cultures and about the sport that millions of people love.

With the top four teams in the semi-finals, the 2010 World Cup will soon be coming to a close. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get in some fun, World Cup inspired activities before the tournament is over. If your family is planning to watch a semi-final game or the finals, then your kids are going to need a flag to wave when cheering for their favorite team. This is an easy craft to do that will get everyone excited about game! All you will need is some paper or poster board, markers, tape, and a “pole” to create your favorite country’s flag. To make the Dutch flag, evenly divide it into three sections; color the top section red, the middle white, and the bottom blue, and attach a pole. Whether you choose Germany, Spain, Uruguay, or the Netherlands, you and your kids can get in the spirit with this easy craft idea.

No sporting event is complete without something yummy to munch on while watching the game. Before the game starts have your kids help make some delicious German Frikadellen, or German meatballs. They will love rolling these little meatballs into a snack, which they can eat during the game. Other German food options include German chocolate or pretzels. Both would be big hits with your kids! You can also make a Uruguayan Chivito, which is the national food of Uruguay. This meat packed sandwich will leave your family full and satisfied.

Besides the flags and recipes, we have some other ideas that you can use to complete your game day atmosphere. Once a few goals are on the scoreboard, you can teach your kids how to count them in one of the languages spoken by the top four teams. Have them count in Spanish, Dutch, German, or all three! It’s a great opportunity for them to learn something new during such an exciting event. You could also play South African music or the FIFA theme song in the background to represent the culture of the tournament’s host country. Whether you incorporate all or one of these ideas into your FIFA World Cup experience, we hope that you and your kids enjoy watching and learning about soccer and the countries that love it. To continue with this cultural learning experience, you can always search online for ideas or visit your local library for books, music, or videos that will give you more activities to do with your kids.

The semi-finals start with the Uruguay vs. Netherlands match up on July 6th at 2:30pm followed by the Germany vs. Spain game on the 7th at 2:30pm. If you can’t watch the semi-finals, then tune into the finals on Sunday, July 11th at 2:30pm! Be sure to visit the 2010 FIFA World Cup site for more information about the teams and the tournament schedule.

-Ashley Balerna
Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

16th Annual Father's Day Road Race

2010-06-24T09:50:00.010-04:00

The 16th annual Father’s Day Road Race was another successful event for the Museum. The rain held off long enough for runners and walkers to sweat it out in the hot and humid weather. Over 480 runners and walkers completed the 5 mile run or the 2 mile walk. There were plenty of vendors on hand to provide us with music and samples for spectators to enjoy. Our 100 volunteers completed the behind-the-scenes work needed for the event to run smoothly. We would also like to thank Douglas A. King Builders and the rest of our sponsors for their generous donations. All proceeds benefit The Children Museum in Easton’s programs and exhibits. Without these groups’ support, the event would not be as successful as it was, so we would like to thank everyone for their contribution to this year’s road race!

At 9AM the race began and it took under a half hour for the top three runners to step across the finish line. Defending champion from North Easton, Jake Churchill (right), took first overall for the second year in a row. For the past four years Churchill has participated in the race for a number of reasons. His love for running and for supporting local events makes it an easy decision for him to keep competing each year. His family has always enjoyed coming to the Museum, so him and his wife, who is on the race committee, love to support this annual event.

Churchill is not the only runner to return year after year. Bruce Melendy of Easton has participated in 14 out of our 16 races. He comes back each year because he loves how organized the event is and also because of the support from the Museum’s staff and volunteers. We hope that his dedication to our event will catch on to some of our winners who won in the Novice and Junior Divisions. Many of our younger participants were from Easton and other local towns and we hope that they will continue to run each year!

The race did not only have local participants. Runners and walkers from near and far came out to support the event. The first place winners from both the Men and Women’s Open Division traveled from other states to participate in the race. However, Sara Lupica and Lisa Chazan both have local connections that encourage them to support the event. Lupica, who placed third in the Master’s Division, grew up in Easton and has a lot of fun running this road race. Chazan, who has participated for the past few years, enjoyed coming to the Museum with her children when they were younger. Father- daughter team, Kevin and Katelyn O’Sullivan (left) of Easton have participated in the walk for the past 3 years and have now made it a Father’s Day tradition. Whether they live around the corner or travel from New York, our runners love to support our annual Father’s Day Road Race.

-Ashley Balerna

Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

New England Summer Fun- Part 1

2010-06-17T13:23:00.013-04:00

Summer is one of the best seasons of the year, especially for kids. It means no school, swimming until their fingers turn pruney, and taking an ice cream break after a bike ride through the neighborhood. Sometimes they can even look forward to a nice vacation with the family. However, some summers it is hard to go on a vacation between camps, work schedules, and other expenses. If a vacation is not in your family's summer plans, then have a staycation! At the Museum your kids can enjoy the number of different themes that we will feature during July's Drop-in Days, including animals, pirates, and tie-dye! We aren't the only ones having cool events this summer. We have done the research for you and found some of the best events happening in New England this summer. This month we will be focusing on July excursions, but make sure to check back for August ideas, as well.

New England Wild West Fest (June 26th-27th)

Next weekend grab your boots and cowboy hat and ride on over to Marshfield, MA for the Wild West Fest! On June 26th at noon the gates will open for a BBQ contest, pony rides, hayrides, and other fun activities for kids. Throughout the day there will be other competitions and races, but at 5:00 PM the Professional Rodeo Performance will begin. Watch the cowboys ride their broncos and do some barrel racing. Once the rodeo is over, enjoy a performance from Sean Patrick McGraw before you mosey home. If you can't go on the 26th, then don't worry because the following day will have many of the same events, including the BBQ, competitions, the rodeo, and a musical performance. This weekend is sure to be a good time, so check out New En gland Wild West Fest for more information.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4th)

Start July off with a bang! Head to Boston this July 4th and join the largest 4th of July celebration in the nation! There are plenty of things to do with your family before the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Explore U.S. Navy ships, find Beacon Hill's Treasures, or grab some food at Faneuil Hall. But don't goof off for too long. Spots along the Charles River are taken quickly, so make sure you grab one before they're gone!

The Boston Pops Spectacular has a history of delivering a fireworks performance that attracts over 500,000 people. Sit by the Charles and listen to this year's main performer, Toby Keith, before the festivities begin. At 9:30 PM the main event will start with the playing of the 1812 overture followed by a collection of other patriotic songs. Kids will love being able to twirl their glow sticks in the air and sing Yankee Doodle with the rest of the crowd. Once the patriotic mood has been set, the fireworks will shoot off at 10:30 PM. This fireworks spectacular is one that every New Englander, young and old, should experience.

If you can't make it on July 4th, then checkout Children's Day on July 1st. This day is designed to get kids excited about the upcoming celebrations. At the Boston City Hall Plaza there will be music, juggling, dancing, balloon fun, and more! Besides the activities at the City Hall Plaza, your family can explore the Freedom Trail or hop on one of the Duck Tours. Visit Boston Harborfest for more ideas on this Boston excursion!

New England Sand Sculpting Invitational (July 9th- 11th)

A day at the beach is a typical weekend excursion for parents and their kids. When considering which beach to checkout this summer, you should think about taking a trip to Mashpee, MA, home of the second annual Mashpee Sand Sculpting Festival. From July 9th-11th, sculptors will be erecting sand structures that will blow you away. On Friday, twenty-five tons of the special sand used to create the sculptures will be prepared for carving. Saturday is when the sculpting begins! You and your kids will love watching the pros transform this sand into works of art. On Sunday the sculptures will be complete, and you and your family can enjoy walking the beach and taking photos with these incredible sand constructions. Best of all the entire festival is FREE! Not only will you get to experience this unusual beach architecture, but you can also enjoy the live entertainment that will be held each day of the festival. This event is extremely popular- thousands of people come out to enjoy the sculptures. If you don't feel like fighting the crowds, then don't worry because the structures usually stand for a few weeks. Take advantage of this new spin on a typical day at the beach. Your kids will love looking at these crazy sand designs! Visit Mashpee Commons Sand Sculpting Festival for more information or to look at photos from last year.

Barnstable County Fair (July 17th-24th)

The Barnstable County Fair will offer a variety of entertainment options for you and your family from July 17th-24th. If you have kids who love carnival rides, then there will be plenty for them to enjoy! But if you have kids who get queasy just looking at a swinging pirate ship, then there are other activities that will hold their interest, such as games, the Birds of Prey exhibit, monster trucks and a demolition derby! There will also be live entertainment from the Gin Blossoms, the Village People, and former American Idol contestant, Bucky Covington. Each day offers different featured events, so make sure to check out the schedule before making the trip.

These are just a few of the many events that are happening in New England this July. If you'd like more day excursion ideas, then these websites will tell you where all the best festivals, fairs, and shows are happening:

1. Fairs and Fun
2. Go New England
3. One Mom's Review

We hope you enjoy your staycation with your family and remember to check back for August staycation ideas!

-Ashley Balerna,

Public Relations Intern, The Children's Museum in Easton

Top Road Races in Massachuetts

2010-04-26T11:38:00.013-04:00

Top 5 Road Races in Massachusetts to support children

Looking for a fun way to spend some time with your family and friends while helping to support the local children? Look no further. Here you can find some of the top local road races in support of children and organizations to help children expand their imagination.

#1. Children’s Museum in Easton 16th Annual Father’s Day Road Race
This year marks the 16th annual Fathers Day Road Race at the Children’s Museum in Easton, MA. All the proceeds of the race benefit the Children’s Museum, to enhance exhibits and educational activity areas for local children and their families. This is a day full of exercise and good family fun bringing more than 1,500 people together to take part in this event.
Website: Father's Day Road Race Featuring Team Hoyt

#2. Holliston 5K Road Race to benefit Children's Hospital Boston
A scenic 5K road race followed by a 1M kids' race (10 and under only). T-shirts will be given to the first 200 entrants and there will also be post-race refreshments and awards to top finishers
Website: Children's Hospital - Holliston 5K

#3. Mansfield High School All Sports Boosters 5K
The Mansfield High School All-Sport Booster Club 5k raises money to support Mansfield athletics and provide scholarships for graduating seniors.
Website: Mansfield High School All Sports Boosters 5K

#4. “Brendan's Home Run” 5K Race & Walk
The Ninth Annual running of "Brendan's Home Run" 5K Race & Walk is scheduled for Father's Day 20 June 2010 at the Belmont High School track. This event continues to attract top local athletes. The course used for Brendan's Home Run is certified by the USA Track & Field Road Running Technical Council. This program is dedicated to enhance youth development.
Website: “Brendan's Home Run” 5K Race & Walk

#5. Race for Youth 5K
Racing to help out the Youth in Roxbury and Dorchester through the YMCA of Greater Boston. Join our first annual Run for Youth 5K. Starting at the Dorchester YMCA and ending at the Roxbury YMCA with a barbeque and give aways!
Website: Race for Youth 5K

Gardening for Beginners, By a Beginner - Part 3

2010-04-23T06:21:00.025-04:00

I hope you stopped by the Museum yesterday for the Spring Fling, and celebrated the opening of our outdoor learning center...The Wild Place! It was a beautiful day of nature and green fun!

So here it is, the final part of "Gardening for Beginners, By a Beginner." It has been four weeks and all of my plants have sprouted! I tried my luck with four different seeds: pea plants, basil, lime basil, and parsley. I think I might actually have a green thumb, and may have found a new hobby. Either way, I can't wait to make homemade hummus and try some new recipes with my homegrown herbs.

Now as the weather gets nicer, we can finally move our plants outdoors from their spot on the windowsill for some fresh air and sunlight. It is important to slowly get our plants used to a different climate by exposing them to small amounts at a time.

As with any other living thing, plants need room to grow, so the time has also come to transfer them to a bigger container. Same as before, you can buy and design your own pot or rinse and re-use to really get creative.

For a fun project to do with your little gardener, buy or use an old beach pail. Put rocks in the bottom for drainage again, add more soil, and then your plant sprouts. Beach pails or buckets with a handle are convenient and easy to transport for different sunlight exposure.

And since we live in New England, and there is still a chance of frost until about mid May, we won't be able to plant outside right away. But, that doesn't mean our plants can't soak up some sun during the day and go back to their home inside at night until it is warm enough. You may choose to plant them outside in a garden with your kids or try different seeds as it gets warmer.

Take the chance to admire and enjoy what you have created from just a little seedling, you've earned it!

-Jennifer Nash
Public Relations and Development Intern, Childrens Museum Easton

Blue is The New "Green"

2010-04-13T12:00:00.002-04:00

75% of our planet is made up of water, and we all need water to survive. During the Museum’s Spring Fling we will be talking about what we can do to at home to “Go Green in Your Backyard.” But did you know that conserving water is also a very important step in working towards a healthier environment for our animal friends and us?

I had the chance to see the trailer for the upcoming Disneynature film: OCEANS, opening in theaters on Earth Day (April 22), and it looks pretty incredible! Disneynature has teamed up with The Nature Conservancy as part of “See OCEANS, Save Oceans” and a portion of each ticket sold during the film’s opening week (April 22-28) will go towards new marine protected areas in the Bahamas!
Here’s the trailer and link to the movie website: http://disney.go.com/disneynature/oceans/?videos

I love the ocean, and this has inspired me to find ways that we all can help. And, April 11-17 is National Environmental Education Week, so it is the perfect time to start. To learn more check out http://www.eeweek.org/

It’s really pretty easy for anyone to make a few changes at home to help conserve water and energy. Here are a few to get you started:

• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. (This wastes about a gallon a minute!)
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when they are full.
• Turn the thermostat up two degrees and the summer and down two degrees in the winter.
• And most importantly: Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
The MarineBio Conservation Society lists these and many more in their 100 Ways to Make a Difference.

Another great website that I found is Kids for Saving Earth. It’s geared towards teaching children all aspects of conservation. Check out the “water” section to learn about marine creatures, and what you can do in your home to help.
http://kidsforsavingearth.org/index.html

For more activities and ideas for kids, visit the Museum’s Kids Page. Create your own recyclable flowers and learn about what you can do in your local community to conserve.

-Jennifer Nash
Public Relations and Development Intern, Children’s Museum in Easton

Gardening for Beginners, By a Beginner - Part 2

2010-04-08T09:41:00.025-04:00

It's been about 2 weeks since I planted my herbs and pea plants. If you look closely you can actually see some green! But in the meantime, I have found some simple yummy recipes to make with your homegrown herbs when they are ready. I planted basil (bottom right), parsley (no growth yet), and pea plants (top left). Herbs can be added to bring out flavor in pretty much any meal including: pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and soups. Yum!

It is a good idea to let your kids help out in the kitchen. Cooking with your kids is a way to spend time as you create a meal together. Plus, they will want to try whatever they make, so it's a great way to help them make healthier choices and eat more fresh food.

As a gluten free girl with a sensitivity to wheat, rye, and barley, hummus is one of my personal favorites. It is a delicious Mediterranean dip, that is easy to make and hard to resist! To stay gluten free, make sure you double check labels, and serve with your favorite fresh vegetables.

HOMEMADE HUMMUS

1 15 Oz. Can Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Tahini (can be found next to the peanut butter)
1 Garlic Clove
1 Tsp. Salt
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 tea spoon chopped fresh parsley (from your garden)
1 tea spoon chopped fresh basil (from your garden)

1. Place all ingredients, except olive oil and basil, into food processor and puree. Add olive oil and continue to puree until creamy.
2. Garnish with basil and serve.

But, if you really MUST have gluten, (I won't be offended) then here's an easy recipe for homemade pita chips. Just make sure if you're sharing with gluten free friends you have two separate bowls of hummus for veggies and chips :)

PITA CHIPS

3 lg. pita bread rounds
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1 tsp. fresh basil
2 green onions, chopped
3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Separate each piece of pita bread into 2 round single layers. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine butter, parsley, basil, and green onions. Mix well. Spread mixture evenly over the 6 rounds of bread. Sprinkle cheese over open pita rounds. Cut each into 6 wedges. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 12 minutes or until crisp. Serve warm.

Check out these websites for other recipe ideas to make with your kids:

http://allrecipes.com/

http://www.campbellskitchen.com/Home.aspx

http://www.childrensrecipes.com/

And, come back in two weeks for the third and final part of Gardening for Beginners...where we can try our luck at some outside gardening in the nice weather!

-Jennifer Nash
Public Relations and Development Intern, Children's Museum in Easton

Arful Endeavors

2010-03-31T11:36:00.012-04:00

Flutterbies-

You'll need:

an old magazine or calendar
pipe cleaners

1. You will need 2 squares, one 4" and one 5" for each butterfly you want to make.

2. Starting at one corner, accordion-fold the squares on the diagonal. Folds should be about 1/4" wide.

3. Then, pinch the center of each folded square to make it look like wings. Take a pipe cleaner and bend it in half to create a small loop.

4. Above the loop, stack the 2 wings in a butterfly shape. The larger set of wings should be on the top, the smaller set on the bottom. Twist above and below the wings to secure them in place.

5. Twirl the tips to make antennas. Tie a piece of yarn to the abdomen so they can hang.

This is a great way to introduce the idea of reusing materials. Encourage your child to make a colorful flock of flutterbies; tape them to a wall or suspend them from the ceiling with fishing line.

Music is everywhere

2010-03-30T12:01:00.010-04:00

At a recent class in a local elementary school, I taught the kids how to make music with household objects and one precious, wide-eyed little girl exclaimed, "Well then, music is really EVERYWHERE then, isn't it?"

I smiled as I thought of how her shifted perspective might bear fruit in the coming days. Maybe she'd make elbow macaroni maracas or a whole drum set out of her kitchen pots and pans. Maybe she'd hear music in the winter wind or in the sound of her own boots splashing in puddles of rain water. Either way, her response reflected my own philosophy: music is for exploring.

That's why every Exploring Music class contains five elements, varied activities meant to encourage a life-long love of music.

Singing - In each class, we do a good amount of singing because our voices are the only instruments we carry with us everywhere we go! We sing easy-to-learn tunes from around the world and songs meant to train and stretch little voices.

Rhythm Games-We use props such as rhythm sticks, scarves, (and even our hands and feet!) to find and keep the beat.

Learning- We expose children to music basics such as 'tempo' and 'pitch' in fun, engaging ways. Kids learn best when they're playing!

Pretending- We use music as a backdrop to many imaginary adventures. We'll take a boat ride or a walk through the forest.pretend to be flowers or trees, fish or horses..all while never leaving the room!
Movement- We'll dance, shake, gallop, and stomp our way through a variety of music including jazz, classical, and even opera! Music is meant to be enjoyed and movement is a big part of that enjoyment.

Gardening for Beginners By A Beginner Part 1 - Homegrown Herbs

2010-03-26T11:00:00.035-04:00

Are you sick of the snow and rain yet? Ready for some fun in the sun? I know I am! I am especially excited for the next few weeks leading up to our Spring Fling here at the Museum. For those of you who don't know, the Spring Fling is the annual opening celebration of our "Wild Place" outdoor learning center! We will be spending the whole day outside, learning how to create our own family gardens and the importance of community gardens.

That being said, I've started my own herb garden at home this week, and I thought you might want to do the same. For all you rookie gardeners like myself, herbs are a great way to start, and very KID FRIENDLY! Herbs can be grown indoors on a windowsill with plenty of sunlight, watered about once a week (be careful not to over-water), and be used for all of your cooking needs. All you need are: seeds, all-purpose compost, and a container. Be sure to put something in the bottom of the container to prevent root rot, I used rocks, but packaging peanuts work just as well.

Go "green" by washing and reusing

· old coffee tins

· peanut butter jars

· ice cream pints

· deli containers

· soda bottles (have your parents cut the top off)

OR buy your own pot and decorate it however you want. Paint it funky colors, use your favorite stickers, decoupage pictures or postcards from vacations...the possibilities are endless!

There are a whole lot of herbs that can be grown inside; basil, oregano, mint, parsley, and rosemary...just to name a few. Here's a great website I found with more tips on creating your own herb garden: allfreecrafts.com. You should start seeing some growth in a week or two, but you will have to wait 4-6 weeks to really use them...trust me, it will be worth the wait!

Good luck gardeners, and check back next week for part two of my gardening series for some yummy (healthy) recipes to make with your homegrown herbs!

-Jennifer Nash
Public Relations and Development Intern, Children's Museum in Easton.

Treasure Hunts for the Whole Family

2010-03-12T12:08:00.018-05:00

Does your child relish finding clues and hunting for treasure? In the fashion of his/her favorite character, Blue, Dora, or the contestants on Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman, adventure away from the TV and do some exploring of your own.

My family's most recent discovery is the world of Geocaching. In short, there are "treasures" hidden all around the world just waiting to be discovered, including surprisingly many in our local area. Containers, called geocaches, are hidden in a variety of places such as on hiking trails, at historical landmarks, and near waterways. Using the website www.geocaching.com, you choose where you would like to search and the difficulty level. Then use your GPS and hints from the website to locate the cache. Many caches contain a small trinket which you can keep and then leave a new one for the next person. Basic membership online is free. Kids have a lot of fun discovering nature, not to mention getting some exercise and learning about history and geography.

Letterboxing www.letterboxing.org is another family-friendly outdoor quest that involves rubber stamping. Lace up your hiking books, grab a home-made or store-bought rubber stamp and your log book, and hit the trail. Like Geocaching, you find trail directions and clues online. Once you locate the letterbox, make an imprint of the letterbox's stamp in your personal log book and leave an imprint of your personal stamp in the letterbox's logbook.

Adventure awaits with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation's similar Park Passport Program. From coastal beaches and the Boston Harbor Islands to scenic mountain tops and cultural and historic points of interest, the free passport guide book invites you to discover Massachusetts' over 450,000 acre state park system. After exploring a park, find the park stamp box, use a secret combination (from another spot in the park) to unlock the box, and stamp your passport. These inexpensive and close-to-home destinations provide quality family time, enjoyable exercise, and opportunities to learn about nature and history.

In between your outdoor adventures, keep your little treasure hunter on his toes this spring by coming in to the Children's Museum in Easton. Hunt for pots of gold on St. Patrick's Day (Mar. 17), search for hidden teddy bears on Teddy Bear Day (May 6), or come in any day during school vacation week (April 19-23) for a dinosaur investigation.

Easing your child's social anxiety ( or It’s Party Time!)

2010-02-19T15:53:00.013-05:00

Your kids may be happily anticipating the next party and you may be having second thoughts. Many parents fear that a party will cause their children to either become over-stimulated, irritable or simply out-of-sorts.

For children who are biologically predisposed to becoming anxious or over-stimulated, a party can indeed present issues. However, we can use special occasions, such as parties, to desensitize our children by preparing them in a manageable step-by-step process. Just as you would not expect your child to become an expert at playing soccer in one shot, many children are not equipped to handle special occasions immediately.

If you do have an anxious child, there are several things that can help before a party. Parents can teach their child calm breathing techniques. Have your child breathe in through her nose for 4 seconds and then out through her mouth for 4 seconds. Parents can even model the importance of doing relaxation exercises by setting a good example.

Relaxing imagery is another type of relaxation technique that has been proven to be effective. You can have your child imagine that they are on a beach or in another relaxing arena such as a forest or park. Walk them through the process by having them imagine that their body and mind are relaxing in the special place. Many books have been written that can assist parents in the visualization process. These types of exercises help children feel that they are in control of their anxiety.

Tool boxes are also great for coping. Tool boxes are special boxes that a child can make. These boxes hold special relaxation items such as koosh balls, silly putty, drawing utensils, calming music, gum or photos. When a child feels anxious, she knows that she can look into the box and find something soothing to play with. This gives a child a sense of control over her anxiety.

Parents should present anxiety as a separate entity. It does not have to follow your child everywhere. It does not represent your child. Your child can learn special skills that will help her battle the anxiety.

Once you have gotten through the initial relaxation exercises with your child, it is always helpful to role-play situations with children. Just as adults, children fear the unknown and the unexpected. Although you cannot predict all events, parents can predict certain things. For instance, parents can rehearse initial greetings with a child. Also, parents can role-play events such as where they can sit, what they can say, what to do if they need a break from the crowd. If this is a new setting and you have an opportunity to visit the place prior to the party, this may also help alleviate the child’s anxiety.

Once the party is over, make sure that you provide your child with plenty of positive reinforcement. Going to a party is not an easy task for an anxious child. Celebrate the small accomplishments that your child has made. It is better to have your child go to a party for a short time than to avoid the situation all together. The more a child avoids situations, the more anxiety they will develop in regard to the situation.

If your child continues to struggle with anxiety despite your every effort to prepare them for social situations, it may be beneficial to enroll them in a Social skills group. Perhaps, they may need some extra help from a professional in this arena.

Natasha Edelhaus is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (and museum educator) with a private practice in Stoughton, MA. She can be reached at (781) 864-0539.

Best of Winter 2010

2010-02-04T15:27:00.016-05:00

My name is Andrea Servidone, and I am a photographer who focuses on family and child portraiture as well as wedding photography.

I recently volunteered at the Children's Museum in Easton, where I had the extreme pleasure of photographing children and their families enjoying the many programs and exhibits the museum has to offer. Being a kid at heart myself, I had a blast covering events like Animal Happenings, Friday Frolics, the annual Kids' Holiday Shop, and a few others. It actually wasn't unusual for someone to come up to me and tell me that it appeared I was having as much fun as the kids; truth be told, I was. Most of these events and programs are held on a reoccurring basis, and if you haven't participated in any yet, I would highly encourage you to bring your kids and grand kids, as it truly is fun for the entire family.

As you've probably gathered, the Children's Museum in Easton completely charmed me, and the people that work and volunteer there are a big part of the reason why. I sincerely want to thank them for making my photographic experience at the Children's Museum a wonderful and memorable one.

Warmest regards,
Andrea Servidone
www.servidonestudios.com

New England Winter Road Trips

2010-01-25T11:17:00.007-05:00

Ready to get out of your yard? Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, maple sugaring, skating and winter walks are just more of the great family time activities to be done locally. Weston has a ski trail with rentals available at skiboston.com and Blue Hills in Milton offers night skiing at an affordable rate. Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations for local sledding sites – some golf courses are very open to winter sledding guests. There are many local sites to visit maple sugar houses – we love pure maple syrup and found the process really neat to see up close as we traipsed through the mud and snow and finally arrived at the sugar house.

There are area skating rinks both indoors and out and area ponds, lakes, reservoirs and cranberry bogs well sited for skating – call ahead if you need to rent skates to see if they are available. If you have favorite summer walks – try one in the winter. Borderland Park here in Easton has wonderful trails to meander through. DCR has a web site that lists many winter events. We have also enjoyed winter walks on our favorite beaches and ponds.

Whatever you choose – get out in the snow and have some fun! And as my daughter would say when I finally force her inside… “and now can we have some hot chocolate?”

Exploring Music Helps Kids Learn

2010-01-18T12:22:00.005-05:00

There is no greater joy for me as a music educator than to see one of my students really "click" with an activity. Whether it be singing, playing with rhythm sticks, "acting out" music, or any of our other creative musical games, what I see in the eyes of my students in those moments is hopefully the beginning of a lifelong love of music. And we know from studies and field research that the enjoyment of music is only the beginning of the benefits!

Children who are exposed early to music will gain in reasoning, math, and literacy. Through music from other cultures, they will gain more understanding of the world in which they live. They'll gain confidence and an ability to express themselves, in addition to learning to work within a group. Put simply, music opens doors and creates limitless opportunities.

Plus, it's fun and a great way to spend quality time with your kids. It's a privilege for me to participate in that process in the lives of young people, and an additional privilege for me to be a part of the great mission of the Children's Museum in Easton. "helping children
and families become lifelong learners". I hope to meet many of you in the weeks to come.

~Museum Educator, Kerry Campbell

Become a fan of Kerry's "Exploring Music" Facebook Fan Page.

Backyard Winter fun!

2010-01-08T11:57:00.018-05:00

“Did it snow?” The first words out of my daughter’s mouth in the morning when she’d heard there was a chance of snow the night before.

“When can I go play in the snow?” Ever hear those words at your house? There is so much fun to be had outside in the winter.

After you’ve built the snowmen, scourer the yard for natural add-ins – my kids raid the gardens and break off seed pods and stalks to make hair and faces for their snow friends. We have made snow forts, snow cars, snow chairs, snow dogs and one March we even made a four foot snow bunny! Start saving those plastic containers – they are great for scooping snow to make snow forts and chairs.

Snow painting is another easy, fun thing to do – save up squeeze-style bottles (like shampoo, ketchup or syrup) and fill them up with colored water (try food coloring or very watered down tempera paint) and let the kids paint away on the snow.

Find a place to sit and watch for birds – string cereal or popcorn and hang it in the yard – make observations daily until it is gone. We go for walks in our yard – tracking the animals who have been frolicking through…deer, dogs, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, birds and voles leave tracks in the yard. If you don’t have a bird book - check one out from the library to help you identify a few local birds you will see.

Don’t forget to have a snow shovel for each member of the family - kids often love helping out shoveling the driveway, walkways and decks and what neighbor wouldn’t love to have your family help out shoveling next storm or come home after a day’s work to find their driveway shoveled out.

The Waiting Game

2009-12-30T13:51:00.005-05:00

Wait, wait, wait. I guess there's a reason they call it a waiting room. It seems I've spent way too much time waiting in doctor's offices lately, and now that it's flu season, an increased amount of children will be going to the doctor's for an increased amount of waiting! But try to look at the bright side: here you have some uninterrupted quality time with your child.

Before your child ever has a chance to get sick, head over to the Children's Museum in Easton's doctor's office to have a trial run of a doctor appointment to ease any fears. Take turns being the doctor and patient, let your child use the stethoscopes, scales, and splints, and talk about what the doctor is checking for during each part of the appointment.

When the day comes that you find yourself in the real doctor's office, here are a few simple games to keep your child/children entertained and learning. Most activities involve no preparation, since, if you're like me, who has time to think about anything else when you've got a sick kid?

Nurses are famous for handing out stickers: Use them wisely before sticking them on! My preschooler loves to take turns hiding the stickers around the office and finding them. Just make sure all the stickers are hidden in visible spots so your child doesn't need to touch any of the medical equipment. You can also line up your stickers (or even use cards from your wallet if you haven't received any stickers yet) on the examining table and take turns hiding a penny under one sticker and guessing which sticker it is under. "You're getting warmer/colder" makes it more fun.

Been sitting too long? See how many times your child can hop on one foot or clap her hands. Try a game of Simon Says and take turns being Simon. Older kids enjoy taking a wadded up piece of paper or tissue and playing finger hockey down the length of the examining table. Make a big deal of setting up the boundaries and making the rules to help your child stay engaged.

Use your surroundings: See if you can find all the letters of the alphabet or of your child's name on the posters hanging in the office. Study a magazine picture, then look away and take turns quizzing each other on the details of the picture. Compare things: How are those two chairs different/the same? How is this computer like our one at home? Are you as tall as that poster?

You probably unknowingly carry around a whole slew of entertaining devices in your bag.

Use a pen as a microphone and begin telling a story. Pass the microphone around and each person can add a part.

Experiment to see how many things in your bag can roll. Make a ramp out of a book and have a contest to see which can roll the fastest/farthest/straightest.

Have your child close his eyes and place an object from your purse in his hands. Can he guess what it is?

Lay out many items from your purse. Have your child close her eyes while you remove one item. Can she guess what you removed?

Closely examine the details on coins. Kids will be amazed with what they will notice. Try to get the coins to spin or roll, or play heads or tails with them.

Use items from your purse as stencils to draw around. Then have your child try to match the items with the outlines she drew.

Place a coin or key under a sheet of paper and use a pen or pencil to rub over it and see the impression magically appear.

If you do like to plan ahead, visit the Children's Museum gift shop for a small, inexpensive toy or idea book to keep stashed in your bag. I personally keep a tiny wind up train in my bag that only comes out during periods of waiting (appointments, restaurants, etc.) and it provides great entertainment. Or feel free to print out this list and keep it in your bag for those unexpected periods of waiting.

Trim the Holidays, but not the Fun!

2009-12-22T12:08:00.009-05:00

Holidays are celebrations of beliefs often filled with traditions and time for good cheer. They bring lots of opportunity for happiness, yet may also bring cause for stress. Take time to plan some simple steps that may decrease the pressure and hopefully add to your holiday fun. Whatever your reasons for celebrating, remember them and look for the joy in each of the small, daily happenings.

When thinking of gifts, plan what you can afford to spend and stick to your budget. Impulse buying and over buying usually only add to the after holiday stress load – especially when the charge statements arrive. Consider focusing on memory makers – supplies for scrapbooks, family journals and gifts of time to assist others you care about.

If you do decide to buy a gift, think of something special. Spend time thinking of the recipient, where they are, what they enjoy, maybe what they truly need and try to match your gift to something that would be appreciated by them. Perhaps a coupon promising a weekly or monthly meal, shoveling or babysitting I.O.U’s can help you check off your “to do “list. Maybe making photo journals, personalized calendars which include a selection of cards ( birthday, get well, thank you and anniversary) or an embellished bulletin board or memory board embellished with stickers, paints and funky thumbtacks for the recipient will help you when deciding what gift to give.

Take time to consider your time. Can you give your time to someone who needs it? Do you need to say “yes” to every social event you are invited to? Plan time to be with those who you consider “family”, you can decide who you want to spend time with. Plan time to sit and relax with your family – reading stories, playing a game or taking in some sights of the season.

Bring the festive season into your house, but remember your budget when you decorate. Try your hand at making homemade decorations. Consider decorating an outgrown pair of ice skates or using a sled as backdrop to create a winter theme outside of your house. Save the kid’s artwork and showcase their work around your house to reflect the season. Create labeled storage boxes to store favorite, reusable decorations from year to year.

Plan meals and holiday foods ahead of time. Enlist help – ask your family to make specific dishes or which one they each want include to help you manage and breakdown the workload. Drink water throughout your day to keep you hydrated, healthy and to help curb opportunities to pick at holiday treats. There are lots of great web sites ( do we need to list any) that help you cut calories from traditional recipes. Keep cut fruits and vegetables on hand to munch on and serve them with every meal.

Plan time for yourself, including time to exercise or walk. Adding a few extra steps to your day and getting a good nights sleep will help you to feel recharged to enjoy whatever the day brings.

Warm wishes to you! Enjoy your holiday season and celebrations!

Have Your Own Winter Workshop!! Part III

2009-12-08T12:44:00.013-05:00

Don't Miss the first two in this series: Winter Workshop Part 1 and Part 2

For the final Winter Workshop blog we will focus on creating home-made gifts. Not only is it fun for everyone but it is also a great way to save some money, yet give great home-made gifts that friends and family will be sure to love!

An easy and fun (not to mention tasty!) present to give is a mason jar filled with the ingredients for making cookies! Chocolate chip is the most popular cookie, but pick your favorite cookie- sugar, oatmeal raisin, or even gingerbread!

1. By having the kids measure out the ingredients and layer them, it will help them to learn about measuring and counting.

2. Once the ingredients are layered and the top secured tie the recipe to the top with fun ribbons, maybe cut it in a fun design using crazy-cut scissors!

3. Some other fun touches include attaching a cookie cutter, or creating your own label on a large sticker! Have fun and personalize your gift!

Need help finding a recipe? Check out this site, its full of great recipes for many, many differnt kinds of cookies!

Do you have any old baby jars hanging around?

1. Have kids paint the inside any color they like, just have the layer of paint be thin enough that you will be able to see through.

2. When its dry put in tea-lights; the candles will light up the jar so it will look like stained glass.

These lights look great in bunches, maybe on a mantel or a couple on the dinner table.

The most fun of all though can be creating gifts that you can eat! The old saying "one for you, one for me" may come into play here, especially with so many delicious treats!

1. In a fondue style using melted chocolate, dip marshmallows in. (or anything you want like pretzels)

2. Then cover them with other goodies like jimmies or crushed up peppermint sticks is a great treat!

And you will probably not be able to resist stealing one or two, just to make sure it tastes just right!

We hope you have enjoyed these Winter Workshop blogs and that it has given you some great ideas for this t ime of year. Remember be creative and have fun with the kids in your life! Happy Holidays!

Curing the Holiday Gimmies

2009-11-30T12:48:00.009-05:00

With the holidays fast approaching and more and more on the " to- do " list, pausing and planning what you really want to happen may make a lot of sense.

Think about what is most important to you, time, memories or another new thing. Ask your children what they really want. Most toddlers are in the "me, here and right now", preschoolers and up, over time, can be taught the difference between "need" versus "want". Be forewarned, this will take time, but it can be mastered if you consistently talk to your child when the "I wants" are happening. Advertisers are paid to make us think we need what they are selling. Keep the remote handy - when commercials come on mute them, ask your child what they think the benefits or the negatives would be from owning the item. Ask them to tell you what they think it would cost, then try to share with them the actual cost.

When running your holiday errands, pre-plan your list and stick to it. Plan a time to shop and make sure that includes someone to watch your children for you. Tackling the "I needs" on future shopping trips may be easier on all of you than trying this during the holiday rush. When you are out shopping with the kids, acknowledge and restate their demand, empathize, then firmly redirect or distract your child's attention.

If you don't have family meetings, consider starting them, talk and share about what you enjoy, don't enjoy and try to include one favorite "to do" from each family member this holiday. A simple way to do this may be asking each family member what food item they want included in the meal. Continue to build your families traditions, which may mean changing some of your old ones. Instead of focusing on all the "I wants" on the lists, slow everything down and focus on a reasonable amount of requests. Be creative, there are usually ways to meet each of the requests if you take time to think it out - and that doesn't mean running to the store or computer to meet the demand.

Before bundling up the wee ones and dragging them on errands think about what you want your kids to remember after the holidays.

Have Your Own Winter Workshop! Part II

2009-11-24T13:04:00.012-05:00

With Thanksgiving this week the kids are sure to be home and looking for something to do. Try these great seasonal crafts; this week learn about creating your own easy to make reindeer ornaments!

1. Popsicle sticks are an absolute must in this craft, and you will need 3 to create one craft.

2. Take two sticks and create a basic "V" shape (glue the bottom of the "V")

3. Then take the third stick and place it at about a 1/3 of the way from the top of the "V" so it overhangs, almost like an upside-down "A". Simply use Elmer's glue wherever the sticks meet.

4. Once it is dried, use brown paint over the entire thing. (You could also do this to all the sticks individually before gluing, it is up to you!)

5. Take out the goggly eyes and place them a little under the overhanging stick.

6. Then take a pom-pom for the nose and voilia! You have a reindeer!

7. The final step is just to take a piece of ribbon/yarn/fishing line so that you can proudly hang your ornament; a good place to glue the ribbon is in the back, above where the overhang is.

Also don't forgot to have your child sign his or her name on the back in a Sharpie, along with the year so you will never forget making this fun keepsake! You can also be creative with this project, add glitter, bows, other paint colors, whatever you want- the most inportant thing is to have fun!

Another cool ornament is one you can make from used holiday cards! It is a great way to recycle last year's holiday cards, after all you want to save them but dont really know what to do with them. This way you not only recycle but you are creating a fantastic ornament made from cards from friends and family, making it all the more special and personalized.

1. First cut the fronts from the cards, the more varied the cards the better your ornament will be!

2. Once you have the fronts of all the cards you want to use you can then start cutting the fronts individually: you want to cut the card into 5 strips about 1/2-3/4 in wide. A way to get the kids involved is to have them use a ruler and mark where each card should be cut, a great and fun way to learn about counting!

3. After all the cards are cut out stack them into piles, then have the kids go through and mix the pieces up- you want a mismatch of pieces!

4. Then using a hole punch, punch holes in the both the top and bottom of all the card pieces.

5. Next using a brad, place and secure though all the card holes you have made.

6. Now fan out the card pieces, until it creates a sphere shape.

7. Lastly tie a string to the top brad and there you go!

You can now hang your sphere of holidays cards anywhere and it will look fantastic! Maybe in the window there the light can peek through!

We hope you enjoy trying out these crafts with your family, check back in two week for our last Winter Workshop blog!

Creative Ways to Give Back

2009-11-18T12:16:00.015-05:00

There is nothing more satisfying than donating your time to enrich the lives of others. Just ask local volunteer Bill McCarthy who has dressed up in costume and dazzled families at Museum events for years. Over the years Bill has donned too many costumes to recount them all. Each costume carefully planned out and accessorized perfectly to bring the character to life. Perhaps you remember Bill as Father Time, Ben Franklin, an English chimney sweep, or maybe Mr. McGregor from Peter Rabbit.

One of Bill's favorite costumes over the years was the English chimney sweep he portrayed one year for the New Year's Eve Gala. Bill was the most cheerful chimney sweep you had ever met as he stood on stage handing out gold coins to the kids, helping them ring in the New Year. It is easy to tell from the grin on his face that he is having just as much fun as the kids, simply by volunteering his time and giving back to his community.

When it comes to giving back there are many alternatives to writing a check. You can't put a price tag on donating your time and creativity to a good cause. You could be creative like Bill and volunteer to dress up and entertain children at a local event or hospital.

Or, maybe you would like to get the kids involved and volunteer as a family. There are many opportunities out there for families to teach their children the value of giving back to the community. How about helping out the local food pantry during these tough times. At your next birthday party ask everyone to bring a canned good item. Collect all the canned goods and drop them off at the food pantry. You could also host your own winter coat drive. Spread the word to family and friends that this year you will be collecting old coats to donate to a local homeless shelter. The coat drive is a win, win situation. Not only are you helping someone in need stay warm this winter, you are also helping family and friends clean out old coats that no longer fit and make room in their closet for new coats. If your family enjoys the outdoors try volunteering to clean up a local park or walk dogs at a local animal shelter. Perhaps you could host a bake sale, yard sale, or lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to a local charity.

By giving back to local causes not only are you helping those less fortunate you are also helping your own family as well. Giving to a local charity helps make our community a better place by providing goods and services to local people who may not otherwise have access to them. When we raise the standard of living for the least among us we raise our own standard of living in return.

Not only does volunteering give you a personal sense of accomplishment, it is also beneficial to your physical and emotional health. Studies show that people who volunteer live longer, are more mobile, have lower rates of depression and fewer cases of heart disease than people who do not volunteer. For more information click here. Helping others really does make people happier and healthier, it's good to be good! For more ideas on how to volunteer in your community visit the PBS website click here.

Have Your Own Winter Workshop! Part 1

2009-11-12T13:46:00.014-05:00

Halloween was only a few weeks ago, but it's already time to start thinking about holiday season! Before you know it you will be in a whirlwind of holiday parties, recitals, visiting and of course those dreaded trips to a crowded mall. So this year, while there is still a little time left before the craziness of the season starts, take a look at some fun ways you can spend time with your family and enjoy the holiday season! Have your own "Winter Workshop" at home! Put your favorite holiday CD, a festive sweater (and maybe a smock over that! and prepare for a day of family fun, which will be educational, low-cost and environmentally friendly!

First up- holiday cards! There are so many ways to make your own cards! Simply buy basic blank cards, in any color- you can find them at local stores like Target and A.C. Moore. One fun way is to use potato stamps! Easy to make but adults definitely do the cutting!

1. First cut a potato in half.
2. Next draw out a design in marker on the potato- such as stars, snowflakes etc,
3. Then using a knife carefully cut away the excess potato until you are only left with the shape you want.
4. Now let the kids dip the stamps into paint and let them design the plain cards however they like! By making the cards themselves it create a truly unique cards that friends and family would love to have!

Another, less messy, way of using plain cards is to use office supplies! Yes, office supplies! For instance creating a tree on the card front is both easy to make and made of things you can find around the house.

1. For the tree itself use round green color coding labels, easily found at Staples (and if you dont have green stickers you can spray paint it green or use another color, be creative!). You can also have a counting lesson here too, by starting the tree with one sticker, then the next row two, then three and so on.

2. Once the shape of the tree is done decorate it with reinforcements and smaller 1/4 in color coding circle sticker labels (both also found at Staples.).

3. And lastly top the tree off with a star sticker! Using office supplies as decorations may sound funny at first, but it very budget friendly and really lets you stretch your creativity!

A great card to make is the "Santa" card. Here you will want to buy red card stock, available at craft stores such as A.C. Moore. (it is too late this year but after Christmas/Valentine's Day sales are great times to buy this at a discounted price.)

1. What you want to do next is make a "belt." You will also need sticker paper (found at Staples) and a can of spray paint in both black and gold. Once you spray the paper let it dry.
2. Have the kids cut out a rectangle the width of the card, remove the backing and stick to the card at the middle.
3. Then on the gold paper have them cut out a square, but you may want to cut another, smaller square inside the bigger square for them; then remove the backing and stick over the block of black- thus creating a belt!
4. Using some of the white sticker paper you have not painted cut out a fun shape; three of the sides will be straight and line up with the bottom and width of the card. The last part however, make a fun wavy shape to create fur at the bottom of Santa's coat.
5. Lastly you want you can add three black round stickers as buttons! and there you have it, a simply card that looks awesome!

Another great way to use those potato print stamps is to create your own wrapping paper. Yes, it sounds like this could be hard, but really nothing could be easier, promise! Simply go to a craft store and buy a roll (or rolls if you like) of craft paper, 30 in x 15 feet is a good size.

1. At home lay out the craft paper on the table; now you can either leave it plain or paint it a background color is you prefer. If you paint it make sure to let the paint dry. Then the fun can start!
2. Bring out those potato stamps and let the kids loose! Have them stamp in whatever paint color they want, using whatever shape they want! There are no rules except to have fun and be creative. Once it is dry you will have a unique wrapping paper that you can truly say is one of a kind!

We hope you have fun doing some, or all!, of these crafts! Look for a new holiday blog in two weeks!

Budget Family Friendly Ideas for All Seasons!!

2009-11-10T11:42:00.008-05:00

The South Coast of Massachusetts offers two tucked-away gems of places that can provide hours of fun for kids of all ages.

The first is the Lloyd Center for the Environment, in Westport MA. Their nature center is on a beautiful stretch of Westport Beach and provides 5 miles of hiking trails and a broad range of animal exhibits, programs and seminars.

Not to be missed is their observation deck, which was named one of 15 "special places" in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. From there you can see Cuttyhunk and other of the Elizabeth Islands, ospreys and migrating birds in flight, harbor seals basking in the sun (during the winter) and much more.

A salt water touch tank lets the kids touch crabs, sea stars and other local sea creatures. A variety of aquariums provide appropriate coastal environments and information on local fish, shellfish and other invertebrates.

While the Lloyd Center’s primary focus is on students and teachers in grades K-8, younger children will also enjoy a visit there. Best of all, there is no charge to enjoy the center or the wooded trails, but a donation is always welcome!

According to their website, the Demarest Lloyd State Park “is one of the best kept secrets in the Massachusetts forest and park system”. I would heartily agree, since on a recent sunny Sunday when the line to Horseneck Beach stretched for miles, this pristine park with saltwater beach was just moderately busy, with lots of available parking and no lines of traffic to get in.

Perfect for families with young children, the surf is calm, the waters shallow and because of this the water temperatures are delightfully warm and agreeable. Plan to picnic in the shady groves, nicely equipped for you with tables and barbecues. You could spend the entire day here, and the kids will busy themselves exploring in the tidal pools, building sand castles. Bring a nature guide and see if you can spot egrets, herons, ospreys, terns and hawks overhead. The beach is a real winner!

Contact info:

The Lloyd Center for the Environment, Westport Ma

430 Potomska Rd
Dartmouth, MA 02748

508-990-0505

www.lloydcenter.org

Demarest Lloyd State Park,
Barney’s Joy Road, Dartmouth, MA
508-636-3298 (summer)

www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/deml.htm