Kids VT, December 2013-January2014
Q&A With Vermont’s New Ed Head; Singing Silly Songs — En Français; Skaters Ramp It Up at Talent
Spruce It Up
The Greeks and Romans were among the first to bring evergreen boughs inside during the winter months — evidence that humans have long appreciated the many benefits of cut conifers. Harvesting your own boughs, wreaths or trees is a great family activity, provided everyone dresses warmly. Advance research on varieties guides the selection process: Fraser,…
Going for the Goal
On a recent Sunday morning, our family of four gathered for a ritual that provides much-needed structure to our lives: the weekly house meeting. My partner, Ann-Elise, and I started having house meetings after moving in together 14 years ago. On Sunday nights, we’d sit down and talk about things like chores, schedules, finances and…
How do I get my toddler to do what I want?
Parents discover early on that the terrible twos start well before age 2 and don’t end when their child turns 3. But simply knowing that your toddler’s difficult behavior is a normal part of early development may make it easier to manage, especially if you can understand how a toddler thinks. This month, Dr. Lewis…
Boarding School
Until recently, my boys’ only experience with skateboarding was riding our old skateboard down the driveway. I haven’t been much help as a coach. My only advice? “Don’t fall; I don’t have time to go to the ER today.” So when my 12- and 9-year-old sons had the opportunity to attend a three-hour camp at…
Book Review: Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
Librarian: Joanne Pariseau, children’s librarian, Dailey Memorial Library, Derby Book: Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker Age range: 8-12 Pariseau’s summary: Summer of the Gypsy Moths is a Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award nominee for grades 5 and up. It tells the story of Stella and Angel, two 12-year-old girls living with…
The Because Project: Former Governor James Douglas
“I developed an interest in doing charity work because of the Boston Red Sox.”
How do you handle rules in two-household families?
David Gale, Richmond Job: Captain, Burlington Fire Department Sons: Andrew, 20, Kyle, 17 My boys’ mother and I are pretty much on the same page with rules and discipline. They were 11 and 8 when we separated, and we basically carried on with the rules we set up when we were together. Sometimes, if they…
The Art Of… French
Sporting a bright yellow Tour de France T-shirt and braided pigtails, French-language instructor Alysse Anton met her étudiantes in the gymnasium of Burlington’s C.P. Smith Elementary School with a cheery “Bonjour!” She handed name tags — which said, “Je m’appelle” instead of “My name is” — to five first-, second- and third-grade girls before leading…
Tree-House Bedroom
In 2010, Adam Hadlock built his girls a tree house for Christmas — in their shared bedroom at his home in Sharon. He sketched a design one day while at his job as a systems administrator and bought the materials on the way home from work. When the girls were visiting their mother for a…
Ice Sun Catchers
These sun catchers made from ice are a fun way to add bursts of color to the white wonderland in your backyard this winter. This simple craft project is easy enough for all ages, and the best part is that it won’t cost you a dime! Materials Plastic bowls or containers in any shape or…
Book-Review Winners
Congratulations to these enthusiastic young critics who shared their reading recommendations with us. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some of our favorite excerpts below. Elijah Duhamel, 5, St. Albans recommends The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien “I liked…
