Riverdale
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The Wisdom of Plato
Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” As Labor Day approaches, I am reminded of the fact that the “beginning of the work” (a.k.a. September) is fast upon us.
As teachers, we prepare incessantly and then wait expectantly for our new group of students- all of us aware of the importance of these first few weeks of school. Expectations will be set, routines will be taught, students (we hope) will be excited and inspired.
As parents, we too prepare incessantly, whether shopping for labels and smocks for pre-school, or backpacks, clothes, and the ever-expanding class supply list for elementary school. We begin the near-impossible logistical feat of creating schedules filled with gymnastics lessons, afterschool care, teacher conference days, doctors’ appointments and so on.
This week as you ready your little ones for “the beginning”, (or return to work and your own beginnings) I wish you a seamless transition from flip-flops to school shoes, from burgers to box lunches.
Please note that I will be taking a one week hiatus from Macaroni Kid so that I may focus on- yep- you guessed it “my beginning”.
Finally, this is a just a reminder to check out the forum section of the website if you are interested in programs for kids that will be beginning shortly.
Have a great two weeks!
-Donna
Mabel's Labels Review and GIVEAWAY!!
A few weeks ago, I was offered the chance to review Mabel's Labels Ultimate Back to School Combo (insert big “yay!” here). I had heard so much about these labels from other moms and needed labels for my daughter who would be starting preschool shortly. How much do I love them? Hmm..let me count the ways..
- They are adorable and colorful; Julia loves these “stickers”!
- The Skinny-Minis are perfect for labeling almost anything- including narrow school supplies such as pencils, scissors, cups and more.
- The Tag-mates don’t ...
Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6 - The Cat in the Hat @ the Bronx Zoo!
The zoo will be hosting the national premiere celebration of the new Dr. Seuss animated series, The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That!, airing daily on Thirteen/WNET.org in New York and on PBS stations around the country (8:30am on Channel 13 in Riverdale). The event includes an animal-inspired scavenger hunt, screenings of the series premiere, a "Tree of Knowledge" adorned with red-and-white-striped hats on historic Astor Court, a visit from the Cat himself, readings from The Cat in the Hat Learning Library series that Seuss developed for Random House, and more.
Join us to celebrate this fun premiere!
Join us to celebrate this fun premiere!
Where: Saturday and Sunday events take place at the Dancing Crane Pavilion; Monday events take place at the Schiff Family Great Hall.When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMWho: All ages!How: BuyCost: Free with admission to the zoo.For more info: www.bronxzoo.com
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September 3rd through September 7th
Friday, September 3 - Family Yoga
Jumping frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Learn and practice fun yoga poses to build strength, increase flexibility and relax the body and mind. Incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child can enjoy together. Bring along extended family members, close friends and caregivers too! Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.
Where: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence AvenueWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMWho: All ages and fitness levels.How: Registration opens at the Perkins Visitor Center at 9AM; on the grounds from 10–11AMCost: Session fee: $15 Member /$20 Non-member (one parent and one child)/$5 each additional child.For more info: www.wavehill.org
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - Stone Barns: Hands on the Farm: Egg Collecting
Pitch in with hands-on farm activities every Saturday and Sunday this spring, and see how farm life changes with the seasons! Learn about the life of a hen at Stone Barns, and join in to collect eggs.
Where: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NYWhen: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Sunday is soldout.)Who: Ages 2 to 14How: Advanced registration via phone (914-366-6200) is required.Cost: $7 per child. Adults may accompany children free of charge.For more info: http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - Kayaking on the Hudson
Join the Downtown Boathouse for 20-minute instructional paddles, and explore the Hudson River first hand. Please wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt, and know how to swim.
Where: 72nd Street & the Hudson RiverWhen: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) through October 10th)Who: All ages.How: Just show up.Cost: FREEFor more info: www.nyc.gov/parks
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - Family Art Project @ Wave Hill
Water Lily Wonders/Lirios maravillosos- Sketch and paint water lilies and other wonders of the Aquatic Garden at its peak. Hints provided by Claude Monet’s layers of luscious color.
Where: Ecology Building, Wave Hill, RiverdaleWhen: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PMWho: All ages.How: Just show up.Cost: Free, with admission to the grounds. (On Saturdays, admission to the grounds is free until noon).For more info: www.wavehill.org
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - Hands on the Farm: Gardening
Garden with your kids! Learn about what’s growing at Stone Barns and lend a hand in the Greenhouse or Vegetable Field. We may pull out a bed of greens and feed it to the pigs, plant seeds in the garden, or harvest fresh veggies from the fields.
Where: Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NYWhen: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMWho: Ages 2 -14How: Advanced registration via phone is required for all Stone Barns programs.Cost: 7 per child; free for accompanying adultsFor more info: E-mail info@stonebarnscenter.org or call 914-366-6200.
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - Arts and Crafts @ Hudson River Museum
Design the backdrop of a stylized image. See the exhibition Richard Deon: Paradox & Conformity then create a background for a variety of images of characters and objects.
Where: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NYWhen: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMWho: All ages.How: Just show up.Cost: Free with admission to the museum. (Adults- $5; Seniors and Children - $3)For more info: www.hrm.org
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Saturday, September 4 through Sunday, September 5 - The Frog Prince
Galli’s Frog Prince is an uplifting remake of the original Grimm story. The frog engages its audience in fun interaction until he finally changes into a prince to everyone’s delight. Galli’s Frog Prince gives some new perspectives on the classic tale and encourages children to stand up for themselves, overcome self-doubts, and be courageous.
At the end of each show the theater group invites kids to join the after-show workshop, where they are invited to act out their favorite fairy tale character and dress up in costumes.
Where: 38 West 38th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave), 3rd floorWhen: 3:00 PMWho: All ages.How: BUY TICKETS online or call 212-352-3101Cost: LABOR DAY WEEKEND SPECICAL: $5 off each ticket. Normal price $20 adults; $15 kids; After-show workshop an additional $15For more info: http://www.gallitheaterny.com/Kids_Theater.html
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Sunday, September 5 - GNC Highlights Tour
Take a guided tour of the gardens and grounds, and learn about the treasures on the Nature Center's 33 acres. Trail maps provided.
Where: 99 Dromore Rd, ScarsdaleWhen: 11:30 AMWho: All ages.How: Just show up.Cost: Free.For more info: greenburghnaturecenter.org
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Tuesday, September 7 - Stories in the Garden @ Wave Hill
Each week, a “mystery reader” from Wave Hill’s staff shares a story with budding young naturalists. Meet some of the talented people behind the scenes at Wave Hill and enjoy garden and nature stories in a shady nook of the garden. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
Where: Wave HillWhen: 11:00 AMWho: Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companions.How: Meet at the Perkins Visitor CenterCost: Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.For more info: www.wavehill.org
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Sunday, September 12 - 8th Annual West Side County Fair
Enjoy a little country right here in new York City and celebrate the change of seasons with carnival rides and games, music, square dancing, sideshow performers, a petting zoo, greenmarket and more! Visit the “Green Acre” environmental corner, with hands-on activities for kids about environmental awareness, green living, and the "Animal Area" where you can meet some new friends!
In addition to music, there will be fair Games (ring toss, bottle knock down, and more) with prizes, a mini Ferris Wheel, multiple tot bouncers and more!
In addition to music, there will be fair Games (ring toss, bottle knock down, and more) with prizes, a mini Ferris Wheel, multiple tot bouncers and more!
Where: Riverdside Park South- Hudson River between 59th to 72nd Streets (enter park at 72nd or 68th Street).When: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PMWho: All ages!How: Just show up.Cost: FreeFor more info: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/summer_on_the_hudson
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Geo-Caching
Geocaching is treasure hunting for GPS users. Okay, so treasure hunting might be a bit of an overstatement, since the treasures are trinkets left by like-minded adventurers rather than ancient Spanish coins, but the fun is in the journey, and isn't that a lesson worth learning?
So, if your kids balk at the thought of an afternoon hike, this is the perfect way to entice them. Go online to www.geocaching.comand enter your zip code. The site will list all the "caching" locations in your area. Take your ...
So, if your kids balk at the thought of an afternoon hike, this is the perfect way to entice them. Go online to www.geocaching.comand enter your zip code. The site will list all the "caching" locations in your area. Take your ...
Are Books Weighing Our Kids Down?
Go to any elementary or middle school and you are sure to see tons of kids weighed down by their backpacks.
Did you know the average school textbook weighs between 3 and 4 pounds?
Kids are carrying on the average of 8-12 pounds in books every school day! You may not have a say when if come to books having to come home for homework, but her are some way to minimize your child's back strain. Your kids may not have much of a choice when it comes to ...