Kids VT, February 2012
Vermont Families Go All Out for youth Hockey; A Family That Fights Together; In Good Hands? The Sitter Search; Camp-Ready or Not?; Say it With a Pop-Up Valentine;
The Art Of… Cello
Three would-be Yo-Yo Mas are seated in a semi-circle around their teacher, cellist Anne Brown. With their instruments perched between their knees, the students are warming up at their weekly group Suzuki lesson at the Schoolhouse in South Burlington. It’s an experience that’s part social, part technical and entirely musical. “Fluffy cats get dirty after…
What common myths about children’s health can parents safely ignore?
You cannot “catch a cold” from wet hair or by going outside without a coat on. You may shiver and feel uncomfortable, but you won’t catch a virus that way. Every parent receives unsolicited child-rearing advice from friends, family — even total strangers. Sometimes it’s helpful; other times, not so much. And in some instances,…
Pumped Up Kicks
When my family of five arrives at Yordan’s Black Belt Academy, the room is already teeming with people. Normally, if I saw a group of kids and adults punching and kicking each other, I’d call the cops. But this is a tae kwon do dojang, so it’s OK. Friends and parents kibitz and children zoom…
Book Review: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Librarian: Julie Pickett, children’s librarian and assistant library director, Stowe Free Library Book: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade, by Melissa Sweet Age range: 4 and up Pickett’s summary: During the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the skies of New York City fill with giant helium balloons. Have you…
Science-Savvy Celebrations
Nothing smartens up a birthday party like a little science-project action. In frozen February, beaker-free fun awaits in the warm interiors of two of Vermont’s coolest museums. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, echovermont.org Whether your partygoers want to explore the power of weather patterns, or learn about the aquatic creatures living in the Lake…
Love Can Be Corny
Valentine giving — and getting — is upon us. Will you say it with flowers, chocolates or a greeting card declaring love and affection? As with most things, homemade Valentines are better, and edible homemade Valentines are best. Tossed with pretzel bits and candy-coated chocolate pieces in red, pink and white, this caramel corn makes…
Bee Mine
Pop-up cards are fun, three-dimensional projects that use simple tools: paper, scissors and maybe a little glue and crayons. Here’s a design you can dress up for your special sweetie, or keep simple to produce dozens of classroom cards. As a craft-challenged parent, I planned out this project with just one pop-up element: a bee,…
How do you keep your kids busy — and your family sane — in the winter?
Andrew Bose, Williston, software developer and manager Children: sons Braven, 13, and Jacob, 5 I have two extremely active boys, so wintertime gets to be tough because the days are so short and you’re cooped up inside. If you live in Vermont, you kind of have to enjoy the outdoors, so we try to get…
Funny Bones
Is humor inherited? Along with other developmental achievements, my 4-year-old son is growing his funny bones, and it’s led to me back to the nurture versus nature debate. As he tests his punch lines, I’m developing a poker face for those times when his schtick isn’t appropriate. And I laugh like crazy when he comes…
The Because Project
The Because Project asks Vermonters to share their stories about people and experiences that have shaped their lives, especially during their formative years — stories that may inspire others to get involved. Because together, we can all make a difference. I decided to be a writer because of an English teacher I had in the…
