Category: Activities for Kids
Activities for children in Newton, Massachusetts.
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James Patterson Teaches Writing to Kids
MASTERCLASS PROVIDES ASPIRING WRITERS A ONCE-IN-A LIFETIME CHANCE TO CO-AUTHOR A BOOK WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JAMES PATTERSON
The world’s bestselling author, James Patterson, will pick a student from his online writing MasterClass to be his co-author
MasterClass (www.masterclass.com), the premiere online education platform offering classes taught by the world’s best, announced today a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to collaborate with acclaimed author James Patterson. Aspiring authors from around the country can compete for the chance to co-author a novel with the New York Times bestselling writer.
Students can visit https://www.masterclass.com/jp to signup and enroll in James Patterson’s writing class, where those who wish to enter the competition can submit an original book hook, story summary and a sample chapter. Each stage of the competition is designed to help writers learn how to craft and pitch their novel. Students submit their initial submission through MasterClass’ website. The initial submission period begins February 16, 2016 and ends Tuesday, March 22, 2016. The top 10 semi-finalists will be awarded $1,000 and, from there, 3 finalists will be awarded $2,500 and given the opportunity to write an outline for their idea. Patterson will select the winner by May 24, 2016 and offer to co-author a future book with them. See Official Rules for details. There is no additional fee after enrollment and submissions are limited to one per student.
About James Patterson’s writing class:
Class synopsis: James Patterson, the author of a record breaking 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers, teaches you everything he knows about writing a bestseller.Class Includes:
- 22 video lessons (3.5 hours)
- A workbook filled with writing exercises
- A complete outline of Patterson’s book Honeymoon
- Additional class materials like excerpts from Patterson’s first drafts.
- Collaborative learning: students can upload writing samples and receive feedback from other students (and sometimes even James himself!). When James gives feedback, he shares it with the whole class so everyone can learn from it.
- Class discussions via an online community forum
- Q&A: James answers select questions submitted by students the whole class can access.
About MasterClass:
San Francisco-based MasterClass was founded by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen on the idea that everyone should have access to genius. MasterClass makes it possible for anyone with an Internet connection to learn from the best through immersive online classes from the world’s most esteemed authors, actors, performers, athletes and more. Learn writing from James Patterson; acting fromDustin Hoffman or Kevin Spacey; tennis from Serena Williams; performance from Usher; or singing from Christina Aguilera. MasterClass pairs world-class instructors with Hollywood directors and Silicon Valley engineers to create a brand new type of learning experience. For more information, please visit www.masterclass.com.
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FREE Puppet Performances!
MassArt to host Bread & Puppet Residency
Free Performances Each Day February 17-21!

Bread & Puppet Circus, July 19, 2015. Photos ©Mark Dannenhauer. 2015. Public invited to participate and attend – FREE admission
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) will host Bread & Puppet Theater, featuring Founder and Artistic Director Peter Schumann, for an 11-day Artist-in-Residency February 11-21. MassArt students and community partners will collaborate with the troupe throughout the residency; the public is also invited to participate as volunteer puppeteers and attend the performances.

Bread & Puppet Circus, July 19, 2015. Photos ©Mark Dannenhauer. 2015. MassArt is located at 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 and is easily accessible on the Longwood stop on the “E” Green Line train. Free admission; to attend a performance as a spectator, please register at massart.edu/breadandpuppet; to volunteer as a performer with the troupe, email breadpuppetlinda@gmail.com.
Calendar of events:
The Seditious Conspiracy Theater Presents: A Monument to the Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera
Wednesday-Saturday, February 17-20, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 21, 3pm
Tower Auditorium
Recommended for ages 10 and up
Entry and Information:
Free admission to all events; MassArt is located at 621 Huntington Avenue. Boston, MA 02115 and is easily accessible on the Longwood stop on the “E” Green Line train. To attend a performance as a spectator, RSVP atmassart.edu/breadandpuppet. To volunteer as a performer with the troupe, email breadpuppetlinda@gmail.com. For more information about the Bread & Puppet Artist-in-Residency at MassArt please visit massart.edu/breadandpuppet.
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Youth Rowing Open House
Event: Youth Rowing Open House
Place: CRI (Harry Parker Boathouse)
Date: Monday, February 29th, 2016
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm (drop-in anytime)Event Outline (i.e. The low-down)It’s an event in which any/all young, growing, athletic boys & girls, and their families, can see rowing up close & test their fitness in our Erg Challenge! Your friends & their families can:- learn about rowing at CRI
- tour the Harry Parker Boathouse
- meet our extraordinary coaches
- meet other successful rowers
- and get a sense of CRI’s community
As many of you already know… CRI is a special place! And rowing may change the lives of those who join us on this fantastic journey!
What is our aim?
We seek to spread the word about CRI and to introduce our rowing community to the greater public. We intend to communicate that CRI is a place where young people have access to new and great experiences, great athletic development, grounded community, and honestly … many amazing things happen at CRI!Who should attend?
Any of your friends (especially those whom you think might make great rowers at CRI). We openly welcome all prospective rowers, and their families for an afternoon of ignition, discovery, challenge, and fun!How do you get your friends involved? What can you do now? How can folks register for this event?- For Athletes (yes, that’s YOU goofball):
Talk to your friends tomorrow at school! Spread the word on Facebook. Get psyched to get your friends on-board & tell them about this awesome opportunity! We can get faster and faster with great team members, and you can win lots of medals! 🙂 Then, sign-up your friends by using this sign-up link:https://docs.google.com/forms/
d/ 1gM3MFTQuGOPbFy5gQdISGKC0udYDZ Bi3ce6mqgjs3hc/viewform - For Parents (a simpler message):
If you have neighbors and friends in your circles who have 8th, 9th and 10th grade kids, and you imagine that they might enjoy being a part of our community at CRI, please invite them to join us for our inaugural Open House on Monday, Feb., 29th. -

Garden City Summer Soccer Camp 2016
Garden City Soccer Camp 2016:
- Youth soccer camp, now in its 17th year, to be held at the fields at Newton North High School
- Camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm during the weeks of July 11th – 15th and July 18th – 22nd
- Extended day option available
- Designed for boys and girls ages 7-14
- Opportunity to learn from some of the top coaches in the city
- Directed by Brian Rooney – former Girls’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Boys’ Varsity coach at Newton North and Newton South; Assisted by Roy Dow – Head Boys’ Varsity Coach at Newton North
- Counseling staff includes current and former players from Newton North and Newton South boys’ and girls’ soccer programs
- Daily technical training (dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving, heading, etc.)
- Daily tactical training (1v1 offense and defense, 2v1 offense and defense, etc.)
- Individual and group skills competitions each day
- Competitive scrimmages or tournaments each day
- Prizes and awards given away daily
- Swimming at the Newton North Pool offered daily
- Cost per week is $280
For more information, contact Brian Rooney at brian_rooney@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6350.
To register on-line, go to this website.
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Free Teen Yoga Classes at Artemis Yoga!
Yoga for Teens & Tweens/Early Teen – Free Preview Classes on Jan 22nd and 24th!
Yoga is a great way for youth to build strength of body and mind in a supportive, fun environment. Students in each of these classes will learn techniques to relax and calm the mind which helps to manage the daily pressures and challenges of busy lives. Come and treat yourself. No prior yoga experience is needed. Yoga is for everybody, no particular fitness level is necessary.
Click here to learn more or to register for Teen and Tween/Early Teen classes
Both classes will be held at the brand new Artemis Yoga located at 639 Mt. Auburn Street in East Watertown.
- Yoga for Teens (Grades 9-12) – Friday afternoons – 3:30 to 4:30pm
Jan 22nd to Mar 4th – Six Week Series
Free First Class Preview – Jan 22nd – Click here to Register
*No class Feb 19 – vacation week
This class led by instructor, Amy Hrobak, meets on Friday afternoons for six weeks. Ideally, you sign up for all six classes but there is an option to drop-in space permitting. The first class on Jan 22nd is being offered as a free preview class.
- Yoga for Tweens and Early Teen (Grades 5-8) – Sunday afternoons – 4:00 to 4:45pm
Jan 24th to Mar 6th – Six Week Series
Free First Class Preview – Jan 24th – Click here to Register
*no class Feb 14 – vacation week
This class led by instructor, JoAnne Kazis, meets on Sunday afternoons for six weeks. Ideally, you sign up for all six classes but there is an option to drop-in space permitting. The first class on Jan 24th is being offered as a free preview class.
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Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices
MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
and PARENTS/GUARDIANS INVITED
Save the date for a fun, free EXPO at Newton North High School!
Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Teens and adults are invited to the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo for participative, informative exhibits; live musical performances; free refreshments; and fun. Meet 30 community exhibitors who help teens navigate life’s pressures in order to stay safe and healthy. Get information about everything from social media use and pedestrian safety to healthy eating and positive body image to stress reduction and mental health support.
• Community resources for teens and families
• FREE and fun!
• Treat bags for the first 50 students who come with a parent/guardian
• Giveaways and refreshments
• Grand prize drawing: Beats headphones
• “American Ninja Warrior” live demo!








