Category: Activities for Kids

Activities for children in Newton, Massachusetts.

Ways to Help Kids Retain Knowledge Over the Summer

Math and Summer Learning for Kids

More than 100 years of research show that kids do more poorly on standardized tests given in the fall than on those same tests before summer vacation, and on average, kids lose two months of math skills over the summer. Prevent summer slide by doing some of these ideas both offline and online.

Are math workbooks your style? I have a list of best math workbooks for summer supplementation. Maybe math apps work better for your kids? Here are popular ones. More ideas to keep your kids learning this summer include …

Tech Tools

1.       KlabLab – On KlabLab’s website, kids can listen to songs and watch music videos that cover topics like cellular structure and the order of operations. This isn’t cheesy educational music—it’s stuff you would hear the radio. Kids also download free templates to create and upload their own educational songs.

2.       Starfall – Starfall takes a systematic phonics approach and uses games and interactive multimedia to teach kids to read.

3.       Ten Marks and IXL – From counting to algebra, IXL makes math practice fun with interactive games and practice questions.

4.       Scratch – Scratch is a programming language created by the MIT Media Lab that makes it easy for kids to create interactive stories, animations, games, music and art, and share Fun, educational animated videos on Brain Pop’s website take kids through subjects

Unplugged Learning

1.       Library summer reading programs – Stop by Newton Free Library to ask about summer reading programs, which reward kids for reading throughout the summer. Barnes & Noble and Half-Price Books also run summer reading programs.

2.       Free museum days – Museums across the country have days when kids and families can visit for free. You can find a list of free days in and around Boston here.

3.       Card or board games – Use a deck of cards to play “War” but with 2 cards instead of 1 that you add, subtract or multiply, learn Chess with an online tool like ChessKids Academy to stretch logic skills, or play Scrabble to practice spelling and vocabulary.

4.       Summer journal – Encourage kids to write throughout the summer by keeping a journal. Don’t forget to illustrate it with drawings and photos of fun summer activities.

June 28, 2012
Music with Philip: Free Concerts and Classes for Kids
When my kids were smaller, we used to drive to Brookline to take parent/child music classes with Philip who is like the Pied Piper. My kids adored his music classes and it was completely worth the drive! He also has some free events coming up on the North Shore. I know … very far away, but just check out the dates in case you are headed there for other reasons like the beach or to meet a friend.

Free Concert at Swampscott Library Tomorrow …
Concert by the Sea! This Tuesday!
FREE!Bring your family to sing and dance barefoot on the green! Weather permitting, the concert will be on the beautiful lawn outside the library and the Town Hall, just across from the end of King’s Beach.

I am very excited to perform with my family band! My wife Joanna and daughter Sophia will add their exquisite harmonies, backed up by the talented Michael McClung on bass and Whisky Wolinski on drums. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy. Treadwell’s Ice Cream will be selling sundaes as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Swampscott Public Library. Enjoy face painting and temporary tattoos for the kids.

Concert will be inside if weather gets yucky. Everybody yell: “NO RAIN!” Swampscott Public Library website

More Upcoming Shows
All kinds of fantastic events are happening in Marblehead for the Festival of the Arts weekend! Live music, arts, crafts, food and more. The Children’s Festival is Sunday from noon to 3pm is on the lawn of Abbot Hall, so head on over at 1pm for a family band concert sure to get you and your kids singing, dancing, laughing and grooving together!

www.marbleheadfestival.org/
Come to the beautiful Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, MA for a lively Sing-and-Dance-Along Show! We will explore the “Dream Big” theme with songs and stories both original and from around the world. I will be joined by the very talented Ranko Stevanovic on accordion. Weather permitting, the show will be outdoors.

His upcoming classes in Brookline:

Sing, Play, Grow with Philip Alexander

Weekly Parent/Child Music Classes

Mondays in Brookline

Summer Registration Now Open! Classes Start July 9th.

CLICK HERE for complete schedule and registration information, or to set up a free sample class.

You may also call (617) 818-0346 or email to songphil@gmail.com

“Philip is an excellent teacher and quite kind and enthusiastic. We love him!” – Beth K, Brookline

“Philip is very excited and enthusiastic! He makes it fun to come to class and easy to engage and be active.” – Kristen M, Brookline
June 25, 2012
Garden City Soccer Camp at NNHS Still Has Spots
Garden City Soccer Camp 2012:
- Youth soccer camp, now in its 13th year, to be held at the fields at Newton North High School
- Camp runs from 9 am to 4 pm during the week of July 2nd-6th (no camp on Wednesday, July 4th) and 9 am to 3 pm during the week of July 9th-13th
- 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
- 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 $275
For more information, contact Brian Rooney at brian_rooney@newton.k12.ma.us.

To register on-line, go to the Garden City Sports Camp website.

My daughter, PickyKidPix, did this camp last summer for the first time and loved it. The swimming was a nice break and she made some nice friends from her two weeks at camp. This year she asked to be signed up for every session. I also thought that the Newton High School soccer players did a nice job and were very engaged with the kids. And, of course, they are great role models! At $275, this soccer camp is also well priced!
June 23, 2012
Not Too Late to do These Sports Camps Next Week!

It’s not too late to sign up for these great sports camps starting next week!

Volleyball Camp at Newton North High School

At Newton North High School, next week (beginning June 25) is an excellent sports camp to learn and play volleyball. It is run by Jason Souza, the Asst./JV Volleyball coach at Newton North, also a successful Juniors volleyball coach with SMASH as well as at Newton North High School. (Note: SMASH teams won the New England Championships in 18+Unders, 16+Unders, and 14+Unders!)

This is for Boys and Girl athletes!

Some of you know all about the type of volleyball we train for at SMASH. We try to motivate you young athletes to see yourselves as just that: athletes. The activities of the camp instruct basic skills as done by the top players, we are serious about our competitions. So, attend with some friends, or by yourself (there will be lots and lots of other players, girls and boys) and have a great week to start your summer vacation!!!!

www.newtonsummerschool.com Is the link for signing up. Sign up online if possible, the online method includes a waiver. BUT you can always sign up on the first morning, arrive at 8:30 to do so. Arrive with a parent to sign forms, and to submit payment, and get other information.

Track and Field Camp at Newton North High School

ALSO at Newton North next week: Garden City Track and Field Camp, 9-3 —This is the 4^th year of this camp, it is run by Jessica Barton, a highly successful Newton North track and cross country athlete, now a professional triathlete. At Newton North the camp has access to the highest level of facilities, plus use of the pool. This is for boys and girls as young as 8 years up to 16. Note: Newton North is the Girls State Champion in Track, and the Boys team is the Division I champion.

Soccer Camp with Swimming in Weston Through Be Ahead of the Game

Soccer & Swim Camp
Session 1: June 25 – 28, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: August 13 – 16, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Signup here

Tennis Camp in Weston Through Be Ahead of the Game

Tennis Camp
Session 1: July 9 – 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 2: July 16 – 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 3: July 23-26, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 4: July 30 – August 2, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 5: August 6 – 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Signup here

Flag Football Camp in Weston Through Be Ahead of the Game

Flag Football & Swim Camp
July 30-Aug 2, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Signup here

June 21, 2012
Mother and Son Cooking Book Club: FREE Event at Wellesley Whole Foods

Here’s a fun idea for your son and perhaps another mother/son friend:

Mother and Son Cooking Book Club!

Where: Wellesley Whole Foods

When: Friday, June 22nd from 4-5:30 pm

What: A fun event combining cooking, food and science!

Who: You and your son, ages 5 through 10 ish

Cost: FREE!

June 20, 2012
The Boston Rock Gym Offers Summer Programs for Kids!

WHAT: Boston Rock Gym (BRG) located in Woburn, MA is offering summer programs led by expert climbers in small groups to ensure safety and instill a spirit of cooperation and teamwork amongst students.

From June 25^th to August 31^st, 2012, kids ages 10 and up will have an opportunity for an unforgettable week of all-day climbing adventures with the BRG’s Outdoor Climbing Camp, where they will travel to some of the most abundant climbing destinations in New England with the area’s most accomplished rock climbing professionals.

BRG also offers daily two-hour Kids Climb Classes where experienced instructors will belay children and encourage them to advance their skills.

Kids Climb Classes are offered Monday-Friday from June 25^th to August 31^st, 2012 with 3 sessions daily from 10:30AM-12:30PM, 1:00PM-3:00PM and 3:30PM-5:30PM with the option to sign up for more than one session per day.

For those wishing to have a more personal experience, Private Belays are available for only $20 per hour. This gives children the opportunity to learn in a more intimate setting and have more one-on-one support throughout the learning process.

Discounted prices for private belays are available for scouting groups, school groups and non-profits. Reservations for all Kids Climb Classes and Private Belays must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling The Boston Rock Gym at (781)935-7325.

WHERE:           Boston Rock Gym, 78G Olympia Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801

WHEN:             June 25^th – August 31^st,2012

COST:              Outdoor Climbing Camp: $450 per week per child or $400 for annual BRG members (extended day: $100 per week until 5:30PM); Kids Climb Classes: $25 per session; Private Belays: $20 per hour, 2 hour minimum with special discounted pricing for scouting groups, school groups and non-profits (discounted rate if signing up for multiple classes).

RSVP:             Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please call the Boston   Rock Gym directly at (781) 935-7325 to sign up.

About Boston Rock Gym:

The Boston Rock Gym is New England’s premier indoor rock gym, offering the best in climbing terrain and instruction at their state-of-the-art rock gym located just outside of Boston in Woburn, Massachusetts. The second oldest rock gym in the United States, Boston Rock Gym offers group and individual lessons, technique classes for beginner to advanced climbers, various levels of membership, climbing competitions, outdoor excursions, equipment demos, youth programs, team building, corporate and special events, birthday parties and gift certificates. An industry leader in certified instructors and outdoor educators, the Boston Rock Gym staff helped to pioneer the Rock Wall Instructor Certification Course with The Climbing Wall Association and The American Mountain Guide Association, and nearly all team members are certified Rock Wall Instructors. The Boston Rock Gym is located at 78 Olympia Avenue Woburn, MA 01801. Hours are Monday-Friday: 12PM to 10PM, Saturday: 10AM to 10PM and Sunday: 10AM to 6PM. For more information call (781) 935-7325 or visit www.bostonrockgym.com.

*Image Unlimited Communications is a public relations and marketing agency located in Boston and Philadelphia. For more information please visit www.imageunlimitedcommunications.com

June 19, 2012
Generation Tennis: New Tennis Clinics for Kids

Generation Tennis will be holding tennis clinics for kids (age 4 to 10) at The Newton Armory (across from Trader Joe’s) during the weeks of June 18 – 22 and June 25 – 29.

We received our first grant from the USTA last month, in support of our mission, which includes bringing kids into the game of tennis early, and fostering inter-generational family play in our own backyards/driveways and public parks — affordable exercise and fun!

The registration form is here.

June 18, 2012
Physics of Roller Coaster for Kids at 6 Flags

Dads Do Good is partnering with Six Flags New England to host “Physics Of Roller Coaster” on July 15th, 2012.

Aimed at kids Kindergarten through High School

Price ($39.99) includes session with Six Flags engineers, buffet lunch, parking and access to Six Flags New England theme park/water park

RSVP (purchase tickets) by 07/11. Details here.

This event is open to all!

Coaster Physics App for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. $.99. hat are the laws of Physics governing the motion of a roller coaster? How are speed and acceleration related? How does the g-force change at different points along the track? Click on image to view at iTunes.

June 13, 2012
Boston Cooking Class for Ages 6-9 with “Chopped” Champion!

Sift & Mix with Rebecca Newell of The Beehive

The Beehive Participates in Popular Celebrity Chef Kids Cooking Class at the Boston Center for Adult Education

WHAT:           On Monday, June 18th, 2012 from 3:30PM to 4:30PM, children will have the opportunity to tap into their creative side, working spoon to spoon with The Food Network’s “Chopped” Champion and celebrity chef Rebecca Newell of The Beehive in the Boston Center for Adult Education’s (BCAE) state-of-the-art-kitchen facilities. The BCAE’s Bean City Kids program is continuing the popular monthly series of interactive kids’ celebrity chef classes!

The interactive cooking classes are hands-on, allowing kids to explore a whole new world of food appreciation while learning the tricks of the trade. They will take part in the cooking process of ham & cheese as well as make your own French crêpesfrom start to finish, building confidence and pride in the dishes they’ve created. At the end of the session the group will sit down with Chef Newell and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Conveniently scheduled after school, the classes are perfect for children six to nine years of age! The themes & items prepared vary from month to month. All classes will involve two dishes that are both prepared by Chef Newell and students. All classes are nut-free. There MUST be a parent/caregiver present during class who is responsible for each child (no more than 3 kids per adult). Child’s registration fee covers caregiver.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to sift and mix with Chef Rebecca Newell

WHEN:         Monday, June 18^th, 2012; 3:30PM-4:30PM; 1 session

COST:          $45 Members/Non-Members, $15 Materials

WHERE:       Boston Center for Adult Education 122 Arlington Street Boston, MA 02116.

RSVP:          Registration is necessary. Please visit www.bcae.org or call the Boston Center for Adult Education at 617-267-4430to sign up. There must be a parent/ caregiver present during class time. No more than 3 students per adult.

ADDITIONAL:          Suitable for children 6-9 years of age. Completely nut-free. Children must be supervised by a parent or a caregiver.

June 10, 2012
Math Power! Summer Program at Green Planet Kids: Open House Tonight

What are your kids doing this summer?

Come learn about our Math Power! summer program.

OPEN HOUSE this Thursday, June 7th @ 7:00 pm

**** Please call us @ (617) 332-7841 to save a space for your family****

Come play games, solve puzzles, explore logic and HAVE FUN!

About Math Power!

This fun and engaging program is led by Christine Moynihan, Ph.D., former principal of the Williams School in Newton!

You don’t have to be good at math to enjoy this program. It’s all about having fun with numbers, learning to think creatively, and making connections in order to solve problems.

Math Power! will be offered at Green Planet Kids during the weeks of June 25th to 29th, and July 16th to 20th.

Math Power! is for students entering Grades 2 – 8. Morning session for Grades 2- 5, and Afternoon session for Grades 4-8.

If you can’t make it to the open house, but you are interested in the program, please call us for more information, or stop by to pick up a brochure.

Green Planet Kids is located at 22 Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands. You can reach us at (617) 332-7841.

June 7, 2012