Boston Parent November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

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Credit Card PERKS

Happy Thanksgiving In the spirit of gratitude, join in on a 5K Family Turkey Trot on Nov. 22!

Native American Exhibits to Explore Choosing the Right School, Tutor & Activities

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Contents

Holiday Performances Roundup

November 2018 Volume 34 • Number 3

14 What’s Inside 4 Family F.Y.I.

10 Bookshelf

12 Family Cents

Education and Enrichment Guide Win Dr. Seuss tickets Kitchen Safety

8 Culture

Native American Exhibits to Explore

Directories 17 17 28 29

School Open House Listings Schools and Preschools Classes and Enrichment Entertainment & Party Needs

The Nutcracker — Weston,The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College

19 Calendar of Events

Enchanting Fantasy Worlds Credit Card Perks

18 Education

School Choices

19 TM

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November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

3

✼ Family F.Y.I. Education and Enrichment Guide

National Indian Pudding Day

Our 2018-19 edition of Boston Parents’ Education and Enrichment Guide is the No. 1 resource for learning about how to choose a private school.

Available in print as well as online at BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on Education & Enrichment Guide in the “Magazines” tab.

I

t was in the seventeenth century that English colonists brought hasty pudding to North America and completely transformed it. Although it was initially made with wheat, they substituted cornmeal due to a shortage of the grain at the time.

The colonists had learned how to cultivate maize (corn) from the indigenous peoples. Indian pudding was derived from their name for cornmeal, Indian meal. Milk was substituted for water, and they added either molasses or maple syrup along with cinnamon, ground ginger, butter, eggs, raisins, and nuts. Indian pudding is then slowly baked for several hours, transforming its texture from the original porridge-like quality of hasty pudding to a much smoother texture which is more typical of custard.

National Indian Pudding Day is observed each year on November 13. This day honors a cold-weather classic, which is a traditional New England dessert, Indian pudding.

NATIONAL STEM / STEAM DAY

F

ull S.T.E.A.M. ahead! November 8 is a day meant to inspire kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Inspired by the Project Mc² brand, created by MGA Entertainment, the S.T.E.A.M.- based franchise features four super smart girls who are part of a super-secret spy organization called NOV8 (that’s “innovate”).

You can celebrate National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M Day by tuning into the Netflix original series Project Mc², or by visiting www.projectmc2.com where you can become an honorary member of NOV 8 and go on super-secret spy missions with the Project Mc² characters; McKeyla, Adrienne, Bryden and Camryn.

G

irls Still Getting the Bulk of Housework Chores According to a UNICEF report, girls spend 40 percent more time doing household chores than boys. The report finds that on a global scale, girls between the ages of 5 and 14 spend 160 million more hours cooking, cleaning and taking care of family members – a pretty staggering statistic.

Let’s do our part to make gender equality happen in the home – our girls deserve it.

Two Great Shows – Two Chances To Win

Promotional Ticket Date: Wednesday, November 28 at 7:00 pm Enter here, http://bostonparentspaper.com/ promotions.html 4

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

Promotional Ticket Date: TBA Enter here, http://bostonparentspaper.com/ promotions.html

Photos by Bonnie Baker Photography, Rachel Napier, Carol Boughrum

The Concord Museum is jam-packed with fun, family events!

23rd Annual Concord Museum

Morning with Santa

Family Trees

Saturday, December 8 Join us for a fun-filled holiday tradition at the Concord Museum.

Meet 2018 Honorary Chair

Melissa Sweet

A Celebration of Children’s Literature

and other award-winning authors and illustrators Sunday, December 9

By reservation.

31 fanciful trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites.

Free with Family Trees admission.

Get Crafty!

Thanksgiving Weekend November 23 & 24

November 21 ~ January 1

Meet Pete the Cat! Saturday, December 15 & Sunday, December 16

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✼ Family F.Y.I. Dzian Fine Art Gallery presents

Kitchen Safety

Limited Engagement November 9th through December 2nd 2018

Margaret McCabe, BA, CPST Injury Prevention Coordinator Boston Children’s Hospital

or over 60 years, Dr. Seuss’s illustrations have brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary worlds. His artistic talent went far beyond the printed page and yet, to this day, his Secret Art Collection is virtually unknown to the general public. Throughout his lifetime, Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) created paintings and sculpture which he secreted away at the Dr. Seuss Estate.

Visitors can explore and acquire works from Dr. Seuss’s best-known children’s books, as well as The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, a mind-expanding collection based on decades of artwork which Dr. Seuss created at night for his own personal pleasure. Perhaps the wackiest and most wonderful elements of the collection are Dr. Seuss’s three-dimensional “Unorthodox Taxidermy” sculptures with names like The Carbonic Walrus, The Two-Horned Drouberhannis, and the Goo-Goo-Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast, to name a few.

Amazingly, despite the unprecedented demand during his lifetime, no limited edition artworks were ever conceived, authorized, or created until this historic project began in 1997, six years after Geisel’s death. That year, this exclusive project put into motion a series of artworks and exhibitions which firmly established him as one of the most iconic artistic talents of the 20th century.

Each of these Estate-Authorized limited editions has been adapted and reproduced from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, or sculptures. Additionally, each work bears a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature, identifying the work as an authorized limited edition commissioned by the Dr. Seuss Estate.

In her preface to the popular coffee table book on this collection, The Cat Behind the Hat, Audrey Geisel (Ted Geisel’s widow) writes: “I’m gratified to carry out Ted’s wishes and have these works revealed to the world.” Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the unique artistic vision of Theodor Seuss Geisel!

Complimentary to the public - rsvp’s suggested, 508.655.6522 or info@dzian.net, Opening Friday, November 9th, 2018, 5-8pm

T

“The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection”

F

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

he kitchen can be one of the most joyful rooms in the home. It is the place for family dinners, birthday celebrations and after school snacks.

Unfortunately, the kitchen is also one of the most dangerous rooms of the home due to the occurrence of unintentional injuries. Burns from the stove, scalds, cuts from sharp knives and the accidental ingestion of cleaning supplies are all injuries to be aware of while in the kitchen. With the presence of kids in the home, it is important to be educated on kitchen safety. Thankfully, 90% of injuries can be prevented. Here are some ways to keep kids safe in the kitchen: SUPERVISION: The best way to prevent kids from being injured in the kitchen is to supervise them, or not let them into the kitchen at all. Make sure you set clear rules like, 1) Do not enter the kitchen without an adult, 2) No touching the stove or oven 3) No touching the knives and 4) Always wash your hands.

If your kids would like to help out in the kitchen, some safe tasks they can assist the cook with include: setting the table, rinsing produce, stirring ingredients and shucking corn.

BURN PREVENTION: When cooking, it’s important to use the burners towards the back of the stove first. Back burners are the safest because they are out of reach of young children. When using pots and pans, be sure to turn the handles inwards to make sure little ones cannot reach and pull the pots or pans off the stove and burn themselves. Never let you kids play with pots and pans for fun, because they may confuse them as toys when they’re hot on the stove. Stove top guards can be used to help prevent kids from touching hot objects.

POISON PREVENTION: Accidental ingestion is another cause for injury within the kitchen. Most families keep cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. Cleaning supplies, such as Tide Pods or Clorox, smell good and can come in attractive colors, appearing to be juice or candy that kids want to eat.

Be sure to use a child-resistant lock to prevent your child from accessing. If your child has ingested a potentially toxic chemical, always call your local Poison Control Center. MA Poison Prevention and Control Center can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your budding chef safe from injury.

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✼ Culture

Native American Exhibits to Explore

N

ovember is American Indian Heritage Month, and New England offers several wonderful Native American exhibits at museums and living history sites. Here are four to explore.

Teepees, Totem Poles, Tribal Music The Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology at Harvard University in Cambridge exudes a feeling of reverence. Perhaps it’s the tribal music playing softly in the background, or the filtered light. As you venture forth, there’s a sense that the past is a mystery to explore and respect.

Kids are attracted to the dioramas of long houses, round houses, pueblos, teepees and igloos. The Legacy of Penobscot Canoes: A View from the River, explores the importance of rivers and canoes in Penobscot tribal life and the relationships they had with non-Indians.

As you step deeper into one room, massive totem poles with carved wooden faces light up on automatic light sensors, representing stories or events from Native American culture.

Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (Harvard University), 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 617-496-1027; peabody.harvard.edu

Meeting a Native Following the trail at Plimoth Plantation, you can search for the Wampanoag Homesite. At a clearing, a cooking fire crackles near a traditional wetu (house). A man dressed in 17th-century deerskin clothing uses fire and tools to carve out the insides of a canoe. He invites us to look inside the wetu, to touch the woven bulrush mats and furs. Unlike the Plantation’s 1627 English Village, this man is not an actor re-enacting history. He’s a native Wampanoag

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

Mateo Romero, Cochiti pueblo Self-Portrait as a Pojoaque Buffalo Dancer, 1999 acrylic on canvas, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts

living nearby and working at Plimoth Plantation to share his culture.

Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth.

508-746-1622; plimoth.org

craft demonstrations and traditional performances.

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Kearsarge Mountain Road, Warner, N.H. 603-456-3244; indianmuseum.org

Connect the Circle

Past and Present

Well to the north is the unexpected treasure of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 20 minutes northwest of Concord, N.H. The museum is divided into galleries showcasing Native Americans of the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, the Plains and the Northwest Coast. Each highlights the diverse lifestyles of the tribes, from their shelters, tools and clothing to their craft s and ceremonial artifacts.

Take the Connect the Circle Tour and go on a guided walk of Medicine Woods Nature Trail, where you’ll learn about native plants that the Indians used for food, medicine and shelter. During the year, the museum offers special events and celebrations that include Native American

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is known for its maritime and East India trade collections. Since its founding in 1799, the museum has also amassed thousands of Native American artifacts, from headdresses, beaded moccasins, spear points and clay pipes to contemporary paintings, sculpture and crafts. After viewing the Native American Art gallery, the Contemporary Native American Art gallery allows you to see how today’s natives view the past, present and future through their artwork.

Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem.

978-745-9500; pem.org

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Santa, Santa and more Santa!

A magical weekend awaits you and your family as you fill your days with the festive fun of the holiday season. Breakfast with the elves, letters to Santa with special delivery, tickets for a full day at nearby Santa’s Village and delicious cookies and a bedtime story from Santa himself each night. And don’t forget your bonus gift — unlimited admission to Kahuna Laguna Water Park!

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✼ Bookshelf

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Enchanting Fantasy Worlds

D

uring this time of year, I always find myself drawn to fantasies with richly imagined worlds. Perhaps it’s the joy of the Nutcracker, and Clara’s magical journey to the Land of Sweets. Or perhaps it’s the dark cold nights, reading in bed with a flashlight. Enjoy these stories and their enchanting worlds.

“Aru Shah and the End of Time” (Pandava Quartet #1), by Roshani Chokshi (Rick Riordan Presents / Disney Hyperion; ages 9-14; $16.99; 368 pp.). When 7thgrader Aru Shah lights the cursed Lamp of Bharata in her mother’s museum, she is thrown into the world of Hindu gods and mythical characters. Aru discovers she has been born with the soul of a Pandava brother, and she must use her powers to defeat the Lord of Darkness. Chokshi draws readers into an immersive world intertwining Hindu folklore, feminist outlook and action-packed thrills.

“Chasma Knights,” by Boya Sun and Kate Reed Petty (First Second; ages 6-10; $17.99; 128 pp.). In this delightful graphic novel, Knights can “catalyze” with their toys, merging and mind-melding their powers.

Young readers will empathize with outcast Beryl, who yearns to catalyze with toys, and imagine ways their toys can come to life in this inventive story.

10

“Endling: The Last,” by Katherine Applegate (HarperCollins; ages 8-12; $17.99; 400 pp.). Perfect for fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series, Endling layers excitement, fantasy and probing questions about survival.

Byx, a young dairne (imagine a human/dog mix), must survive alone after her entire clan is murdered by the power-hungry humans. With the help of two new friends, she seeks answers and the mythic Dairneholm in this epic fantasy novel.

“Journey,” by Aaron Becker (Candlewick; ages 4-8; $15.99; 40 pp.). In this sweeping wordless picture book, a lonely girl escapes to a magical world with the help of a red crayon.

She travels through several worlds, friendly and hostile, discovering her inner strength as she escapes an army of warlords. Lush illustrations bring these imaginative worlds vividly to life.

“The Man in the Moon,”

by William Joyce (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster; ages 5-9; $17.99; 56 pp.). This gorgeous, imaginative picture book opens the series for the Guardians of Child-

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

hood, introducing readers to the fantastical legend of the Man in the Moon (MiM). When the wicked Pitch, the King of Nightmares, kills MiM’s parents in an epic battle, the baby MiM is whisked to safety by his guardian Nightlight.

As MiM grows up, he is determined to watch over the children of Earth, like Nightlight watched over him.

“Ocean Meets Sky,” by Terry Fan and Eric Fan (Simon & Schuster; ages 4-8; $17.99; 48 pp.). In honor of his grandfather who has passed away, young Finn builds a boat for the journey they always wanted to take. Finn then crawls inside to sleep and dreams of a massive golden fish who takes him on a journey, in search of the magical land of his grandfather’s stories.

Filled with an atmospheric blend of Asian imagery and dreamlike fantasy worlds, this beautiful, magical picture book immerses readers into a young boy’s search for healing.

“Princeless #1: Save Yourself,” by Jeremy Whitley, illustrated by

M. Goodwin (Action Lab; ages 9-12; $11.99; 128 pp.).

When Princess Adrienne’s parents lock her away in a castle guarded by a dragon to await rescue by a prince, she decides to take matters into her own hands. I love this feisty heroine–we have so few stories with characters of color, where race isn’t an issue. Readers are able to enjoy a classic fairy tale setting in this graphic novel, while turning so many stereotypes and tropes on their heads.

“Princess in Black,”

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Candlewick; $6.99; ages 4-8; 96 pp.).

Who says princesses can’t wear black and fight the bad guys?! This illustrated book for beginning readers is terrific fun, as Princess Marigold, prim and proper in her regular life, battles creatures big and small as soon as the monster alarm sounds.

Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http:// greatkidbooks.blogspot.com.

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✼ Family Cents

Keeping Your Kids Entertained with Credit Card Perks

By Aaron Crowe

A

s a frugal parent, I’m enough annual spending on the always looking for free card to pay for most of a family or cheap ways to keep vacation. my kid entertained. From My family earns a week or matinee prices at our local more in free hotel nights each movie theater to free admisyear by using one credit card, sion days at museums, there and discounted airfares with are plenty of activities to do another. that don’t cost much.

Credit cards also typically ofCredit cards can fill some of fer free lost luggage protection, that need, offering perks that car rental insurance, no foreign can be used by families that go transaction fee, airport lounge beyond the basic credit card access and upgrades. benefits of lost luggage protection, extended warranties and Free museum admission no foreign transaction fees.

With a Bank of America or First, know that “free” comes Merrill Lynch credit or debit A 50,000-point signup bonus can go a long way toward free flights or hotel stays, and you with a caveat — you may be paycard and a picture ID, you can get may have enough annual spending on the card ing these benefits in other ways: one free general admission ticket to pay for most of a family vacation.

An annual fee, late fee if you on the first full weekend of the don’t pay your credit card bill on month at museums around the time, interest charges on revolving credit, and possibly country through the “Museums on Us” program. Only the unnecessary spending so you can earn reward points. cardholder gets free admission.

That free admission to the museum with your credit card Super Bowl tickets may not be so free if it and other perks aren’t worth more Cards with annual fees usually have better rewards than than you’re spending on credit card fees. those without, though you have to weigh the fee against the While not all perks are from rewards points earned benefits. for using a credit card, it’s worth knowing that rewards With no annual fee, the NFL Extra Points credit card reexpire, redemption requirements change and some dates quires a lot of spending to collect the 175,000 points needed you want may be blacked out. to get two upper-level tickets to the Super Bowl. The 10,000 An annual fee will eat up some reward points. The bonus points after qualifying purchases is a low signup average rewards point is worth 1 cent. If your credit card bonus that won’t get you close to the free tickets. has an annual fee of $95, you’d need to spend $9,500 Free tickets to see your favorite team in a regular-season annually to get back that annual fee before the rewards game are easier to get, requiring just 25,000 points. If you are profitable for you. That equates to spending $791 per buy a lot of NFL tickets, this card may be worthwhile. month — just to cover the annual fee.

Concert tickets Here are some perks to keep a family entertained, Of the many unique experiences cardholders can get, constarting with probably the most obvious one. If you’re cert tickets seem to be the most common offered. Through unsure what perks your card offers, check online, call the Ticketmaster, American Express members can use rewards 800 number on the back of the card, or read the many points toward a portion or all of a ticket purchase to a conmailings you get from them. cert, with 750 concert dates to choose from.

A free vacation

This may be one of the main ways to use rewards points. A 50,000-point signup bonus can go a long way toward free flights or hotel stays, and you may have continued on page 20 >>>

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

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“…Mary was a bookworm. Sometimes when her siblings went out to play, she’d stay at home reading. Other times when she joined them, as often as not she’d eventually slip away to a secluded spot where they’d find her later, engrossed in a book.”

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PHOTO BY DAVID EDGECOMB

Holiday Performances Roundup A Charlie Brown Christmas- Boston Ballet’s The Live On Stage — Boston Nutcracker — Boston

The Nutcracker — Weston,The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College

This touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage by Charles M. Schulz features everyone’s favorite Peanuts gang – Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, and more, all led by the lovable Charlie Brown – as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. When Charlie Brown becomes discouraged by the materialism of the season, Lucy convinces him to direct the neighborhood Christmas play. In typical Charlie Brown fashion, things go awry when he selects a tiny fir tree for the production. It’s up to Linus to save the day and remind everyone of the real message of the holiday.

Tickets start at $38! November 29 - December 2. Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston, http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/ show-listing/a-charlie-brownchristmas

St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 1.5 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday Create an annual tradition with your family this holiday season at one of New musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any England’s favorite celebrations. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total dazzling snow scene – set to the iconic music of Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker is delight for both kids and adults.” a production beloved by audiences of all Tickets start at $25! November 28 ages that your family will never forget - December 9. Boch Center Wang $37-$250, November 29 - December Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston, http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/ 30, Boston Opera House, 539 show-listing/how-the-grinch-stoleWashington St, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 695-6955, http://bostonballet. christmas org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze — How The Grinch Stole Boston Christmas-The Musical — Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2018 season with the must-see Boston THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the

holiday show The New York Daily News proclaims a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load and so full of energy it could end

Please see www.bostonparentspaper.com for additional events Contact us to have your event listed.

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

our dependence on oil.” Created by Cirque Dreams Founder and Broadway Director Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a new cirque adventure, Broadway musical and family holiday spectacular wrapped in one! This incomparable phenomenon features over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrating the most wonderful time of the year from Thanksgiving to Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s.

Tickets start at $35! December 49. Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston, http://www. bochcenter.org/buy/show-listing/ cirque-dreams-holidaze

Dickens Festival Holiday Craft Fair—Braintree

November 17, 10 am – 3 pm. Free to attend. All Souls Church,196 Elm Street, Braintree, MA 02184, (781) 843-1388. http://www. allsoulsbraintreechurch.org/2018dickens-festival.html

Rockin’ Holiday Party & Show—Weymouth Performances by the Dance with Energy Companies. Open to all Ages, Music, Crafts, Dancing. An appearance

by Santa! Refreshments for sale. $5/ person. 2:00-3:30pm. Dance with Energy at Weymouth Club, 75 Finnell Dr., Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 682-5831. December 10. http://weymouthclub.com/dance

“A Nutcracker with real soul” — Boston Metro

“You really don’t get more “original” that Williams’ version of “The Nutcracker” that features people who reflect the increasingly diverse neighborhoods of Boston and, frankly, many other metro areas in the United States.” — The Boston Globe. $25-$85. December 20-30, John Hancock Hall, 284 Amory St # 5, Jamaica Plain, (888) 596-1027 http:// www.urbannutcracker.com

The Nutcracker — Weston Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream. Join the family party set before a magical tree and enjoy the laughter, magic, and wonder of this holiday classic accompanied by the beloved Tchaikovsky score. This fully staged production is sure to captivate and entertain all ages. It’s the perfect start to the holiday season!

PHOTO BY DAVID EDGECOMB

The Dickens Festival is a unique entertainment and shopping experience with something for the young and young-at-heart. Interact with costumed characters from A Christmas Carol.

Visit Father Christmas, gentle and non-commercial. Bring your camera.

Admission is free. There are many things for sale — handmade items, roast turkey sandwiches and homemade apple pie.

Winterlights at Naumkeag — North Andover

November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

15

led by the Nutcracker Prince and be amazed by the growing Christmas tree.

Glide through the Christmas tree forest complete with falling snow and arrive at the palace of sweets where Clara is entertained by a cast of characters and dazzled by the Grand Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The Christmas Story.....

Live on the Lawn – Natick, Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church

$30+. Saturday, December 1 , 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm, The Lynn Auditorium, 3 City Hall Sq., Lynn, MA, (781) 5997469. www.TheGSBC.com

$22-$44. November 23, 24, 25 and December 7, 8, 9. The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA (978) 263-6533. http:// commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker/

The Nutcracker — Boston & Dorchester

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre brings its original, enchanting production of The Nutcracker to the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston from November 30-December 9 and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester from December 14-23. Now in its 31st season, JMBT’s The Nutcracker whisks young and old alike to the Land of the Sweets where dreams come true and anything is possible. $25-$80., Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street, Boston & The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA, (617) 354-7467. http://www.ballettheatre.org/ nutcracker/

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker — Boston

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets

and nesting dolls, and gloriously handcrafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press raves “Knock Out!” – New York Times, “Christmas Cheer!”

– LA Times. $43+. Wednesday, December 19th, 7:00 PM. Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston, (800) 3201733, http://www.nutcracker.com/ your-city/get-tickets/boston

Nutcracker — Braintree

A wonderful holiday favorite for so many! Braintree Ballet is excited to bring some magic to your holiday season.

Come see Clara and her friends as they entertain you with bright colorful costumes, wonderful choreography, and all the rest that makes up a spectacular event! $25. Saturday December 8th, 2pm and 7pm and Sunday December 9th 2pm. East middle school auditorium, 305 River St, Braintree, (781) 380-8856, http://www. braintreeballetcompany.com

Greater Salem Ballet Company The Nutcracker — Lynn

Follow Clara on her magical journey.

Brave the battle of the mice and soldiers

Winterlights at Naumkeag — North Andover

Premiering this holiday season, the gardens at two of our most popular historic homes, Naumkeag in Stockbridge and The StevensCoolidge Place in North Andover will be illuminated with thousands of shimmering holiday lights and designed light installations. Each weekend features performances and activities for the whole family, from the young to the young at heart.

Free - $17. November 23-December 30, 5PM-8PM. Naumkeag 5 Prospect Hill Road, North Andover, naumkeag@thetrustees.org, (413) 298-3239, http://www.thetrustees. org/winterlights

The Gingerbread Man — Lincoln

Run, run as fast as you can! Design and decorate your own gingerbread man and hear about his exciting adventures escaping from the cow, pig, goat, and cat! Then pay a visit to his friends on the farm. Families with children ages 2-8.

Advance registration required. $14.50 members-$17.50 nonmembers. Weds 12/5 10-11:30 am, Friday 12/7 3:30-5 pm, Thursday 12/13 10-11:30 am, Friday 12/14 3:30-5:00 pm, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd, Lincoln, (781) 259-2200. https:// www.massaudubon.org/drumlinfarm

Please see www.bostonparentspaper.com for additional events Contact us to have your event listed 16

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

Paws for the Holidays Festival — Lincoln Run, run as fast as you can! Design and decorate your own gingerbread man and hear about his exciting adventures escaping from the cow, pig, goat, and cat! Then pay a visit to his friends on the farm. Families with children ages 2-8.

Advance registration required.

Free of charge. Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 4:30 p.m.

Pierce House Mansion, 17 Weston Rd, Lincoln, (617) 275-3544. http://www.phinneys.org

The Christmas Story.....Live on the Lawn — Natick

“Experience the true meaning of Christmas….Hear the story with narration and music with actors. Then, join us indoors!

Old-fashioned carol sing, Hot chocolate and cookies & “Fellowship time with family and friends Free. Saturday, December 15, 2018, Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick, (508) 653-1674. https://www.fiskumc.org

Holiday Open House - Colonial Arts and Crafts — Boston

Welcome Winter with performances by local glass harmonica artist Vera Meyer and musicians from the New England Conservatory, try using a quill pen, and more family fun. Visit website for schedule. This program is made possible with funding from the Lowell Institute.

Free and open to the public. Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Old South Meeting House 310 Washington Street, Boston, (617) 482-6439. https:// www.osmh.org/

Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

CAMBRIDGE (cont.)

NEWTON CENTER

International School of Boston All School Open House November 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am 45 Matignon Rd www.isbos.org

Newton Montessori School Explore NMS Info Session November 28, 2018 @ 8:30 am 80 Crescent Ave www.newtonmontessori.org/

CHESTNUT HILL

QUINCY

Brimmer and May Walk-In Wednesdays November 7, 14, 28 @ 8:15 am 69 Middlesex Rd www.brimmer.org

Adams Montessori School Open House November 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am 310 Adams St www.adamsmontessori.org/

The Chestnut Hill School Open House November 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm 428 Hammond St www.tchs.org/

WATERTOWN

DEDHAM

Riverbend School Admissions Open House November 3, 2018 @ 11:00 am 33 Eliot St www.riverbendschool.org

The Rashi School Admissions Information Session November 18, 2018 @ 10:00 am 8000 Great Meadow Rd www.rashi.org

FRAMINGHAM Summit Montessori School Open House November 14, 2018 @ 9:00 am 283 Pleasant St www.summitmontessori.org

LEXINGTON

Open House Events More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

ARLINGTON

BROOKLINE (cont.)

Lesley Ellis School All School Open House November 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm Middle School Open House November 14, 2018 @ 7:00 pm 34 Winter St www.lesleyellis.org

St. Mary of the Assumption School Open House November 14, 2018 @ 9:00 am 67 Harvard St www. stmarys-brookline.org

BROOKLINE Park School Open House November 3, 2018 @ 12:00 pm 171 Goddard Ave www.parkschool.org

CAMBRIDGE Cambridge-Ellis School Fall Open House November 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am 80 Trowbridge St www.cambridge-ellis.org

Tremont School Open House November 18, 2018 @ 1:00 pm 758 Marrett Rd www.tremontschool.org

MILTON Delphi Academy of Boston Open House December 1, 2018 @ 10:00 am 564 Blue Hill Avenue www.delphiboston.org/ Thacher Montessori Open House November 17, 2018 @ 10:30 am 1425 Blue Hill Avenue www.thacherschool.org/

Atrium School Open House November 30, 2018 @ 9:00 am 69 Grove St www.atrium.org

WELLESLEY Dana Hall School Athletics Open House November 13, 2018 @ 5:30 pm 45 Dana Rd www.danahall.org

WEST NEWTON The Fessenden School Pre-K Grade 9 Open House November 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm 250 Waltham St www.fessenden.org Learning Prep School Open House November 27, 2018 @ 10:00 am 1507 Washington St www.learningprep.org

WILMINGTON Abundant Life Christian School and Learning Center Middle School Open House November 6, 2018 @ 6:00 pm 173 Church St www.ablifeschool.com

November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

17

✼ Education

Extra Credit: Choosing the Right School, Tutor, and Afterschool Activities

By Malia Jacobson

A

generation ago, kids’ educational goals were simple: Stay out of trouble, get good grades and graduate. Most parents sent their kids off to the nearest classroom each morning with a wave and a smile. They weren’t worried about whether that school offered the optimal academic environment, an ideal student-teacher ratio, or a robust slate of extracurricular activities.

Today’s parents face a different path, one mired with a multitude of educational options intended to help kids succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

From picking the best school to settling on a tutor to which sports and clubs to throw into the mix, the array of available choices is as exciting as it is overwhelming.

Here’s how to sort out a few big ones: Picking a school, whittling down options for after-school enrichment, and determining if your child could benefit from an outside academic coach.

School Cool: Finding the best learning environment for your child Modern schooling can take place wherever families choose—which makes wading through available options increasingly time-consuming. For some, heading to school each morning might mean pulling up a chair at the kitchen table: A growing number of Washington youth (between 3 and 4 percent, per the National Center for Education Statistics) are schooled at home, many via accredited online schools like Columbia Virtual Academy, WA Virtual Academies (WAVA), or the Renton Schools H.O.M.E. program.

Families opting for public school outside the home used to be locked into their neighborhood school. No more: A number of public school districts offer school choice, which means that families are assigned to their neighborhood school but can request a transfer to any school within the district. Once parents determine that they want to go public, they can whittle down their list of options further by looking at factors like school size, paraeducator support, college prep guidance, and other metrics.

If public schools don’t seem like a fit, a growing list of local private schools might be worth a look. Private schools generally offer smaller class sizes and the option for religious instruction but are often less diverse than their public counterparts. And then there’s the

18

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

private school price tag, which runs $13 to $14K per year on average.

Whether parents choose public, private, or an online academy, here are some questions to ask a school leader: • What is your school’s ratio of teachers to students?

• How many paraeducators or other support professionals are employed here? Is one assigned to each classroom?

• What percentage of your students are students of color or minorities?

• What is your school’s approach to handing disruptive behavior from students?

• What safety measures are used to secure the school and grounds during the school day?

• For high schools, what types of college prep or scholarship help is available?

• What percentage of the school’s parents volunteer?

What types of parent volunteer opportunities are available?

• How much homework can students expect?

• How does the school communicate with parents?

• Does this school offer an anti-bullying curriculum?

How is bullying handled?

• What types of accommodations and support are available for students with disabilities, learning differences, extreme food sensitivities, or sensory processing disorders?

continued on page 28 >>>

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOO NEW ENGLAND

Calendar

Opening: ZooLights Friday, Nov. 23 5-9 pm, Stone Zoo 149 Pond St. Stoneham

Stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights, visit Santa and a reindeer. Through Dec. 31. $8 and up. 781-438-5100; stonezoo.org

All events are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend calling first to confirm and purchasing tickets in advance whenever possible.

November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

19

1 Thursday

of puppets. Then it’s on with the show!

Featuring over twenty beautifully hand-crafted Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for 6pm, Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The Ave., Providence, R.I. A nighttime display of puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns, many of them contort, transform, and fly through the air with professionally carved masterpieces. Through the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music Nov. 4. $12-15. 401-785-3510; rwpzoo.org of favorite composers! Adults, $13; youth, $10.

617-734-2501; coolidge.org

Super Science Investigators

10-11am, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Build your preschoolers’s brain with hands-on STEAM activities for preschooler’s, deepening their understanding and improving their retention as they learn by doing! Your child will question, predict and test their theories in this brain stretching science program that is fun and educational. Free with admission. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

The Great Pumpkin Chuck!

2 Friday

11am – 4pm, MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts

10–11am, Chestnut Hill Farm Southborough. We will be recruiting teams of Scouts, schools, and other engineer-minded folks from around the area to build their own “chuckers” (catapults, trebuchets, or other mechanical launchers. All simple-machines designs are welcome, no air pressure or explosives please!), $5 per pumpkin.

508.785.0339; ttor.org

Girls Day

Backyard Birds & Beyond

10am, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. Meet some backyard birds and learn about their favorite food! We’ll dance the Bird Bop, play Hide and Seed, and build feeders to take home. $13-$16. 781-2592200; massaudubon.org

Boston Christmas Festival

Varying times, Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. More than 300 craftsmen will display work alongside the annual Gingerbread House Competition. Through Nov. 4. Adults, $16; youth, FREE. 617-742-3973; bostonchristmasfestival.com

WILD TYPE: Dances About Who We Are 8pm, Boston Center for the Arts 539 Tremont Street, Boston. “WILD TYPE: Dances About Who We Are” is a thrilling and emotional modern dance performance. Discount tickets available!. $15 and up. 617-933-8600; www. bostonmovingarts.com

3 Saturday Tanglewood Marionettes presents The Fairy Circus 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Through humorous interplay, the audience will learn about various forms 20

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

<<< continued from page 12

Other unique events Another American Express credit card, the Starwood Preferred Guest card, or SPG, lets rewards points be redeemed for unique events such as the U.S. Open tennis tournament, a luxury suite at a Los Angeles Lakers game and NBA All-Star game tickets. Events can be purchased outright with a set amount of points, or you can bid on an event.

For 70,000 points, for example, you can buy two nights at a hotel in Dubai and take a masterclass and have lunch with Michelin Star chef Gary Rhodes. For 45,000 points you can either buy a luxury box at Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs play or walk the red carpet and get seats at the 2018 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. You may want to skip taking your kid to the after party for the music awards, however.

Cell phone protection If VIP access isn’t your thing, or isn’t suitable for your children, then maybe use a free perk such as $600 worth of cell phone damage protection from Chase and Wells Fargo credit cards. To get it, you must pay your cell phone bill with the card offering this service.

It’s sort of like having a free extended warranty, which could come in handy with a teen who drops things often.

It doesn’t cover lost phones.

Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who has worked at newspapers and now writes for online publications about personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @AaronCrowe or read about his family finances at his website, CashSmarter. com.

Ave., Cambridge. Visitors will spend the day programming, participating in robot challenges and hearing from scientists and engineers. Recommended for ages 10+ but all are welcome. Free with admission. 617-2535927; mitmuseum.mit.edu

Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims

5:30pm, Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. Discover the table manners and recipes of 1627 as you enjoy songs and dinner with Pilgrims. Nov. 3, 10, 17, 18, 21, 23, & 24.

Adults, $70; youth, $50, includes museum admission. 508-746-1622; plimoth.org

6 Tuesday • Election Day Trucks, Tractors and Tools

3:30-5pm, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. Search for essential farm equipment and learn the important jobs they do. We’ll meet our farmers and hayride drivers as we board the hay wagon and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of these mega machines! $17.50. 781-259-2200; massaudubon. org

Super Science Story Time

5-7pm, Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. Close out the season with the burning of a bonfire sculpture and roasting marshmallows. FREE. 978-456-3924; fruitlands. org

10-11am, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Super Science Story Time combines literacy with hands-on STEM activities for pre-schoolers. This approach deepens their understanding and improves their retention by encouraging them to learn by doing! Free with admission. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

4 Sunday

7 Wednesday

Karen K & the Jitterbugs: Annual Thanks and Giving Show

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Fruitlands Annual Bonfire

4pm, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington.

A musical adventure exploring themes of kindness, friendship and fun. Tickets sell out early. Bring a nonperishable food donation.

Adults, $10; youth, $8. 781-646-4849; regenttheatre.com

Science on Screen, Jr. presents: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Today’s genetic engineering techniques promise bigger results... and bring new worries. At this event, kids will learn about how the food they eat is engineered, and discuss whether the potential benefits of GMOs are worth the risks. Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; coolidge.org

Speech-Language

Hearing

5pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington

Associates of Greater Boston, PC

Speech-Language & Hearing • Hearing tests • Hearing aid services

Associates of Greater Boston, PC • Speech-Language Therapy for children 2018and adu 2017 • Occupational Therapy • Educational Therapy/ABA TM

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5 Monday MFA Playdates

10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Theme: Shaping the World. 617-267-9300; mfa.org November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Ave., Boston. Diwali at the MFA celebrates an ancient Festival of Lights observed around the world by many cultures and religions. 617-2679300; mfa.org

participatory show! 617-731-6400; www. puppetshowplace.org

8 Thursday

Fledgling Fridays

Super Science Investigators

10-11am, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Unleash your inner Einstein, put on your lab coat, and roll up your sleeves for some messy science fun! Free with admission. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

Cardboard Explosion!

Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station Street, Brookline. With help from the audience, puppeteer Brad Shur transforms simple cardboard shapes into elaborate puppet characters, then brings them to life right before your eyes. Get ready to outsmart dragons, choose-your-own superpower, and train adorable animal sidekicks in this fun, energetic,

9 Friday 4 pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. Create art, participate in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) activities, listen to stories, and explore the outdoors every Friday afternoon.

Interact with your children ages 3-5 in a handson-learning nature based program guided by a Teacher Naturalist. Adults, free; child, $5. 781784-5691; massaudubon.org

Dream Big

7pm, Mosesian Center for the Arts, MainStage Theater, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Junior Players will showcase their vocal, dance, and performance skills in a one-of-a-kind musical review about how kids can dream big and change the world! $10. 800-838-3006; watertownchildrenstheatre.org

SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS

Where Excellence is Joyful, and Every Child is Challenged and Known

• "Atrium in Action" Drop-in Tours (PreK-Grade8) Tuesday, Nov. 6, 9-10:30am • Admissions Open House & Family Day Sunday, Nov. 11, 1-3pm • PreK–Grade 8 Open House Friday, Nov. 16, 9-11am • PreK–Grade 8 Arts Open House Friday, Nov. 30, 9-11am Full Day PreK for children who turn 4 years old by Sept. 15

EXCELLENCE WITH JOY

PreK – Grade 8

69 Grove Street, Watertown 02472 Call 617.923.4156 x125 • atrium.org

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

7:30pm, Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham Street, West Newton. celebrate the Nordic nations and their Honorary Consuls in an evening of beautiful music and song along with fabulous auction items and delectable Scandinavian desserts. $50. 617-972-8300; revels.org

10 Saturday

BRIMM R

1880

Northern Lights: A Christmas Revels Preview Event

INSPIRED TO LEARN • ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE • EMPOWERED TO LEAD

Experience an innovative education integrating Humanities and STEAM through a global lens

Junior Artists

10:30am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Enjoy a weekly free drop-in creative morning for families with children ages 5 to 8. Look closely at art, make art, and have fun! Free with admission. 617267-9300; mfa.org

WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS - Nov 7, 14, 28, Dec 5

Independent | PK – 12 | Co-Ed | Chestnut Hill, MA | brimmer.org

Little People’s Playhouse

Astronomy Night

5-6:30pm, Powisset Farm Dover, MA. Join in for a local Astronomer for Powisset Farm’s quarterly star party! In the dark you will see and learn more about the stars, planets and moon. Pre-register online to secure your spot. Member: $5; Member Family: $15; Nonmember: $10; Nonmember Family: $25; 508.785.0339; ttor.org

Honor, Courage, Commitment: A Sailor’s Life & Legacy

9am – 6pm, USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown. Learn about the daily struggles on board “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812. Through Nov. 11. Admission to the Museum is FREE throughout the weekend for all military members and their family. 617-426-1812; ussconstitutionmuseum.org

Paws for the Holidays

11am-4pm, Pierce House 17 Weston Rd

Welcoming Future Leaders • Toddlers through Grade 5 • Outstanding academic achievements • Flexible Early Childhood schedules • Before school care available • After school enrichment • Summer and vacation programs

3 McGinnis Dr, Burlington www.mounthopeschool.org | 781-272-1014

Educating and caring for your child like their own!

15 mos. to 6 yrs. • Pre K • Kindergarten Before & After School Ages 6-12 • 7am - 6pm Part-time Preschool • 7am - 1pm ♦ Literacy based academic program focusing on the whole child ♦ Tutoring available ♦ Catered hot meals included

ONGOING ENROLLMENT

www.peopleplayhouse.net 32 South Fairview Street ♦ W. Roxbury/Roslindale Line ♦ 617-323-2566 4019 Washington Street ♦ Roslindale/Jamaica Plain ♦ 617-323-6144

Preschool - Grade 8

Fall Open Houses All School

Sunday, November 4 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Middle School

Wednesday, November 14 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

34 Winter St. | Arlington, MA 02476 | lesleyellis.org November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

23

Lincoln. Paws for the Holidays Festival is a family event that includes your children and your dogs.

Come take Santa Pictures with the whole family, enjoy live music, kids’ games, baked goods, and solve your Holiday shopping in our arts and crafts, silent auction and gift areas. Free. 617979-8705; phinneys.org

Magic by Bonaparté

10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Come… Join in the Magical Fun as Bonaparté — New England’s Hottest Magician — excites and delights children and families with his special brand of Magic! Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; coolidge.org

11 Sunday • Veterans Day Veteran’s Day Free Day for Active Duty Military and Veterans

Noon-4pm, The Old Manse, Concord. The Old Manse and The Trustees honor the service of both active duty military and veterans by inviting them and their families to enjoy the Old Manse for free tours Sunday November 11 and Monday November 12 FREE admission for veterans and active duty military and their families. 978-369-3909; ttor.org

Pumpkinpalooza

2-4pm, Powisset Farm Dover, MA. Join in to celebrate the great pumpkin with chef Didi Emmons! In this hands-on cooking class for children, the focus will be on yummy pumpkin desserts – pumpkin cookies, pumpkin whoopie pies – which you’ll be able to replicate at home. Tasting and recipes included. The class is geared toward children ages 7-10 or younger, if accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Member Child: $36; Nonmember Child: $45; 508.785.0339; ttor.org

Fee Free Day, National Parks, Forests and Wildlife Refuges nationwide

The National Park Service offers free admission today in honor of our veterans. FREE. nps.gov/ findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Veterans Day

Various times, Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge. Celebrate

the nation’s military history – see musket balls cast, drill with the Village militia and more. Free with admission; veterans free. 800-733-1830; osv.org

12 Monday Wonder of Learning: Community Materials Day - Indoor Forts

11am. Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street (Rte 27) Acton. help build an ever-changing, room-sized blanket fort. What can we do with clothespins, sheets, and cardboard boxes? Just about anything! Free with admission. 978-2644200; www.discoveryacton.org

MFA Playdates

10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Theme: Shaping the World. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

13 Tuesday Cooking Together

10–11:30am, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. Ready, set, cook!

We’ll harvest ripe vegetables from the garden, collect eggs from our chickens, and cook up tasty treats together. Learn basic kitchen skills, like chopping, mixing, and baking, and introduce lifelong healthy eating habits as we make and taste a new recipe each week. See website for details. 781-259-2200; massaudubon.org

Toddler Tuesdays

10am – 2pm, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville. A day for the little ones, featuring special activities and story time.. $16. 866-228-6439; legolanddiscoverycenter. com/boston

Peek a Blue Hike

11am, Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St., Milton. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills for their bi-weekly baby and toddler hiking series.

Snacks and drinks provided. FREE. 781-8281805; friendsofthebluehills.org/peekablue

14 Wednesday Tot Time at the Nature Playscape

24

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

10am, Gore Place 52 Gore Street Waltham.

Tot Time at the Grove at Gore Place is outdoor fun for kids 1.5-6 years in our Grove. Explore nature with rocks, sticks, water, and more.

Children age 3-6 years, with an adult. $10 per child. $5 for Family Level Members.

Reservations are required. Maximum 10 children. No older siblings please. 781-8942798; goreplace.org

to families with children aged 10 and under on the Autism Spectrum, and those with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). They and their families have a chance to explore the Museum’s hands-on exhibits in a less overwhelming atmosphere. The cost is $3 per person and you must register to attend. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

15 Thursday

America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration

Super Science Investigators

10-11am, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Unleash your inner Einstein, put on your lab coat, and roll up your sleeves for some messy science fun! Free with admission. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

16 Friday Boston International Kids Film Festival

Varying times, The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville. A film festival made for, about and by kids, with screenings, workshops and more. Through Nov. 18. Prices vary. 781662-1102; bikff.org

Family Autism Evening

4:30-6:30pm, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. The Museum will be offering a reduced admission SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS

Various times and locations, Plymouth. A weekend-long celebration of our nation’s SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS

DCD H

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DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY | BE INQUISITIVE Classroom Observations: November 14 and January 25 | 8:30 -10:30 a.m. (for parents only, please register on our website) Admissions Coffees: December 11 and January 10 (contact the Admissions office for details) COED • PRE-K TO GRADE 8 • WWW.DEDHAMCOUNTRYDAY.ORG

Our mission is to create an early childhood program that fulfills the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of what is known to be the most significant period of human development.

We go beyond—so they will.

Friends Childcare offers an exciting, creative curriculum, as well as fun and stimulating learning activities for all age groups. Tailor-made schedule 7AM-6PM, 5 days a week. Regular in-house enrichment programs such as nature exploration, music, gross motor program, and baby massage are included in the tuition.

• Infants

Here, Jr-K to 8 academics go beyond grade level, with advanced curricula and performancebased math and writing groups to take children as far as they can go. meadowbrook-ma.org 10 Farm Rd., Weston

(Birth to 15 Months)

• Toddlers

(15 Months to 33 Months)

• Preschool/ Pre-Kindergarten (33 Months to 5 Years)

Brookline • 617-731-1008 • 617-739-0854

Open House: Dec. 4, 9–10:30 A.M.

Call or email us to schedule a tour • friendschildcare.brookline@gmail.com www.friendschildcare.net November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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history with a Saturday parade, food festival, live music and more. Through Nov. 17. FREE. usathanksgiving.com

some on our trails. Registration is required. $5 and up. 508-223-3060; massaudubon.org

Opening: Christmas Festival of Lights

2 – 5pm, USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown. Listen, learn, and lift your voices! Participate in your Maritime Heritage by joining a rousing chorus of sea chanteys at the USS Constitution Museum. Free with admission. 617-426-1812; ussconstitutionmuseum.org

Edaville USA, 5 Pine St., Carver. Over 17 million lights illuminate the park. Ticket includes rides and Thomas Land. $35 and up. 508-866-8190; edaville.com

17 Saturday MFA Playdates

10:15am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Bring your toddler to enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by art making. Free with admission.

617-267-9300; mfa.org

Family Design Day

10:30am, BSA Space, 290 Congress St., Boston.

Explore Boston’s bridges in this hands on family workshop about architecture and design.

Registration recommended. $10. 617-391-4023; lbdma.org

Thanksgiving Treats & Tales

4pm, Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Adams Street, Milton. Gather around the campfire for treats and stories of Native American history.

Adults, $15; youth, $5. 617-542-7696; ttor.org

18 Sunday Boston Babies Clothing Swap (newborn - 3T)

Noon to 1:30pm. Showa Institute, 420 Pond St., Jamaica Plain. Donate or swap baby clothes, momma gear and toys. Extras donated to Cradles to Crayons. Donate clothes, gear, and toys. Take home same. Extras donated to Cradles to Crayons. 100+ families. $5-$20 per family, free with bag of 18 months - 3T clothing; www.babyclothingswaps.com

Talkin’ Turkeys

10:00-11:30am, Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park Street, Attleboro. Join us at Oak Knoll as we discuss an animal that is so quintessentially American it was almost made into the national bird. We will talk Turkey facts and turkey myths, and go on a hike to look for

Boston Area Chantey & Maritime Sing

Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys

10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Trien and The Monkeys return for their highly anticipated annual show! Adults, $13; youth, $10. 617-734-2501; coolidge.org

20 Tuesday Super Science Story Time

10-11am, The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., Easton. Super Science Story Time combines literacy with hands-on STEM activities for pre-schoolers. This approach deepens their understanding and improves their retention by encouraging them to learn by doing! Free with admission. 508-230-3789; childrensmuseumineaston.org

21 Wednesday Opening: Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature 9am – 5pm, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord. Admire holidays trees decorated with inspiration from children’s literature. Through Jan. 1. Adults, $15; youth, $6. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

22 Thursday • Thanksgiving “Sound of Music” Sing-A-Long Returns!

Thru 11/25, See website for show times. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Just sit back and watch the original 1965 movie in glorious Technicolor ™ with the lyrics for all the songs on the screen, so you won’t miss a chance to sing your hearts out. Adults, $15; youth, $2.

781-646-4849; regenttheatre.com

Family Gratitude 5K Turkey Trot 26

Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

8am, Endicott Estate, 656 East St., Dedham.

Proceeds from race benefit the Dedham Food Pantry and Ripples of Hope. Activities for all ages, including a half-mile kids run. Adults, $35; youth, free. active.com

Craft Fair

Turkey Trot 5K

27 Tuesday

9am, Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse, 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester. Work off those calories before dinner! Families welcome to walk, run or cheer. Prizes for best costume. Adults, $30 and up; youth, $10 and up. 617-442-4141; franklinparkcoalition.org

23 Friday Giving Thanks for Nature

10am – 1pm, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln. Spend your Black Friday away from the malls and outside in nature! Take a walk through the sanctuary as local artists give trailside performances, then contribute your own expressions of thanks with family-friendly crafts and activities. Free with admission. 781-259-2200; massaudubon.org

Fledgling Fridays

4 pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. Create art, participate in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) activities, listen to stories, and explore the outdoors every Friday afternoon.

Interact with your children ages 3-5 in a handson-learning nature based program guided by a Teacher Naturalist. Adults, free; child, $5. 781784-5691; massaudubon.org

Opening: ZooLights

5-9pm, Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

Stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights, visit Santa and a reindeer.

Through Dec. 31. $8 and up. 781-438-5100; stonezoo.org

24 Saturday Junior Artists

10:30am, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Enjoy a weekly free drop-in creative morning for families with children ages 5 to 8. Look closely at art, make art, and have fun! Free with admission. 617-267-9300; mfa.org

Amazing Things Holiday Market &

10:30am, Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. Holiday goods and crafts available. FREE. 508-405-2787; amazingthings. org

Opening: Blink! A Light and Sound Extravaganza

7:30-9:30pm, Faneuil Hall, Boston. Watch as more than 350,000 lights dance to the beat of music from the world famous Holiday Pops.

Through Jan. 1. FREE. bostonblinks.com

Toddler Tuesdays

10am – 2pm, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville. A day for the little ones, featuring special activities and story time. Theme: Thanksgiving. $16. 866-228-6439; legolanddiscoverycenter.com/boston

Peek a Blue Hike

11am, Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St., Milton. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills for their bi-weekly baby and toddler hiking series.

Snacks and drinks provided. FREE. 781-828-1805; friendsofthebluehills.org/peekablue

28 Wednesday Animals & Art: Watercolors

3:30-5pm, Habitat Education and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont. Using watercolors and watercolor pencils, we’ll explore the different shapes and colors of our local wildlife. There will be a collection of specimens including a live animal to choose from! Elissa will focus on basic techniques while encouraging fun and discovery. What will you create? $18. 617-489-5050; massaudubon.org

30 Friday Fledgling Fridays

4 pm, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon. Create art, participate in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) activities, listen to stories, and explore the outdoors every Friday afternoon.

Interact with your children ages 3-5 in a handson-learning nature based program guided by a Teacher Naturalist. Adults, free; child, $5. 781784-5691; massaudubon.org November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

27

<<< continued from page 18

Whether your child leans toward sport, music, art, or a STEM-related extracurricular pursuit, asking the right questions of leaders or coaches can help you prepare for a smoother, less stressful experience.

• Outside of tuition, what fees or costs can parents expect throughout the school year?

Making the Grade: What About Tutors?

Even if you’ve found a school where your child feels challenged and supported, you may need outside academic help for a particularly difficult subject or phase. Per

math tutor Schuyler Dunphy of Seattle Tutoring Services, signs that it’s time to call in a tutor include chronic challenges with teachers or schoolwork that parents haven’t been able to resolve, repeated clashes with a parent over schoolwork and struggles in an advanced subject that parents don’t feel qualified to address.

Ask a tutoring agency what types of references, background checks, or screening questions are used in their hiring process. “If you are hiring a tutor directly, ask questions related to their areas of specialty and how they would handle specific situations that could arise during tutoring sessions,” recommends Dunphy. It’s also vital that students buy in to the tutoring process, notes Dunphy, so be sure to ask kids what they’d like in a tutor and build those questions into your interview.

• Do you have training or credentials related to teaching children in my child’s grade?

• Do you specialize in helping students with ADHD or other learning differences?

• How would you handle working with a child who resists showing their work in math, or doesn’t want to ask questions in class?

• What strategies do you use to keep the subject interesting? How do you keep students focused?

• How would you handle a child who feels discouraged or defeated in a particular subject?

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

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Whether your child leans toward sport, music, art, or a STEM-related extracurricular pursuit, asking the right questions of leaders or coaches can help you prepare for a smoother, less stressful experience.

• What credentials or background do the coaches or leaders have?

• For sports, does the coach have training in concussion protocol?

• What weekly time commitment can we expect?

• Are there summer or off-season expectations for participants?

• Are there fees or costs for equipment, uniforms, or other items participants need?

• How do coaches or leaders communicate with parents?

• What’s the most common complaint from participants and their parents?

• How do you resolve conflicts between participants?

What are grounds for removal from the team or club?

• How can parents connect with parents of other participants for information about carpools or other general questions?

And remember that no academic choice is ever permanent. If a chosen school, tutor, or club isn’t a good fit, families can begin their search anew, armed with newfound knowledge about their students’ needs.

Join the Club: Balancing Extracurricular Pursuits To raise a kid who excels at school and beyond, think outside the classroom. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, extracurricular activities are linked to better grades and school attendance, and kids who participate are more likely to go to college than those who don’t.

WEST The time required for extracurricular activities can Valentine Card Making Party, 10am, The Eric Carle vary—anything an hour per week after-school Museum, 125 Westfrom Bay Road, Amherst.

Pop infor to an make club tovalentines 10 to 12 for hours week or more for a sport—but special yourper family, friends or classmates.

Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio. responsible the payoff can be an increasingly mature, 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org. child who learns to manage time wisely. Tamara Jones, parent of a middle-school student in Tacoma, says her daughter started taking more responsibility for her own The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner health, from sleep to nutrition, after participating in two Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Artbarn, a youth sports last year.

“We say a lot of growth in personal recommunity theater company, presents the tale of a sponsibility over that year,” Jones says.

“She realized she family vacation gone wrong.

Adults, $13; youth, $10. had to get to coolidge.org. bed at a certain time to have enough energy 617-734-2501; to do the things she wanted to do.”

29 Sunday

NORTH Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up with refreshments by the fire. $10 per car.

978-886-5297; ENTERTAINMENT ttor.org.

Parents

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Malia Jacobson is a family journalist.

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• How do you communicate with a child’s parents regarding progress and expectations?

• What are your fees? (Expect to pay $45 to $85 per hour and up, depending on your tutor’s qualifications, says Dunphy.)

• What is your policy regarding cancellations, rescheduling, or no-shows?

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November 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

29

✼ Raising Dad

Thankful for Daughters

By Tony Hicks

N

ovember is the time to be thankful (because of NFL football), which is also the time for those lucky enough to get devoted publication space to do their legally mandated due diligence and write about the things for which they’re thankful.

Got that?

Good. As a dad of anywhere from 2 to 4 daughters (depending on whom you ask), I have something for which I’m very grateful this year: the renewed energy behind the women’s movement. I don’t have sons. I don’t have brothers, or a husband (well, I don’t have a wife anymore, either, but that’s something we’re not talking about here). I have independent, occasionally wonderfully brash and outspoken daughters, three equally strong, kind-of-crazy sisters, and a tough mom to boot, as well as assorted aunts with whom no one generally wants to tangle.

The question of women’s place in the hierarchical order has never been a question in my life. They run the show – at the very least, as co-conspirators. That’s how I like it, and, for a million reasons, that’s how it should be. At the very least, there should be no question about their equality. It always amazes me there still is.

Fathers of daughters should be grateful it’s being talked about as much now as it ever has been. For as much stereotypical emphasis as has always been placed on a son going out, while carrying the family name, and establishing his lineage’s foothold on the world, the same should be said of daughters.

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Boston Parents Paper | November 2018

Or, even better, establish their own.

That’s what I love about this new push. Girls like mine see strong women in politics, media, the corporate world, sports … you name it, establish their own territory, without needing much help from a male-dominated hierarchy – often despite it.

I want my 10-year-old to know who Ruth Bader Ginsburg is – I’m thankful there is one. Politics aside, I want her to see women being elected in Congress. I want her to see democratically elected women calling men of power to the carpet.

I want her to see women succeeding in business. I want her to see women keeping pace with men in sports. I want her to see women around her – and there are – succeeding at life and showing as well or better than men.

It simply boils down to: Why not?

Why wouldn’t we want every man’s daughter to succeed?

Why wouldn’t we want those who take advantage of women held accountable? Why support people with patterns of antifemale behavior?

What are men afraid of?

I hope they’re afraid of my daughters. OK, maybe not afraid (then again …). But, as a father, I feel responsible for helping my daughters become worthy of getting the respect they deserve, not just as women, but as good people. I want them afforded every right and opportunity as the men next to them.

If the conversation is distasteful, ask yourself why before launching into it. If you think this movement doesn’t involve the same issues as those of race, religion and/or color, you’re probably not a woman. And if you’re the father of a woman, or a girl, you have no excuse.

I’m thankful it’s out there. And I’ll remain thankful until it’s no longer necessary.

Tony Hicks is a newswpaper columnist and the father of four daughters.

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