November events at lafayette Library, Lafayette, CA

Last night was the Pajarama Halloween Party at the Lafayette Library.  Children came in costume, heard a few stories, did crafts, played games, and ate popcorn and colored pictures.  It was a really fun night, and the Lafayette Library is gorgeous!  Afterwards, my son and I had dinner at The Great Wall Chinese Cuisine, my son loved it as he could color on the white paper tablecloth that covered all the tables.  The Vegetable Mu Shu was delicious and they were really family family friendly.  Below is a list of other activities coming up this November.

Resources:

November activities at the Lafayette Library-

Thursday, November 3rd- 3PM- Day of the Dead craft

Saturday, November 10th, at 1 PM outside, Drum with Drumm, a musical group

Tuesday, November 13th, at 6PM, Family Game Night

Lafayette Library and Learning Center
www.lafayettelib.org/
3491 Mount Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA  94549
(925) 385-2280

The Great Wall Chinese Cuisine
(across street from Lafayette Library)
3500 Golden Gate Way
Lafayette, CA  94549
www.greatwalllafayette.com
(925) 284-3500

A few Halloween Books for children!

Last night my son and I went to a Halloween party at the Lafayette Library in Lafayette, CA.  The librarian read two of her favorite Halloween books:

Inside A House That Is Haunted, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli


Big Pumpkin, by Erica Silverman

Drama, Outdoor Art, and Photography kids classes

My son has been taking drama classes with Tracy Randolph, and I think she is a natural teacher.  My son loves her and has learned so much about drama, art, other creative fun things!  I would highly recommend any of her kids classes!

Resources:

Tracy Randolph
Director
(925) 822-5435
http://tracyrandolph.blogspot.com
tracyrandolph@hotmail.com

Halloween festival- Sierra School, Sonora, 6PM-?

I'd love to take my son the Sierra Waldorf campus tomorrow night, on Halloween.  The whole campus will  be transformed into a magical evening full of fairy tales, mazes, and games.  Burritos will be available for purchase, as well as popcorn and warm drinks.  There will be two puppet shows and a bon fire at the end with music.  There is a suggested donation per family of $5.00.  The evening begins at 6PM.

Resources:

Sierra Waldorf
Sonora, CA
www.sierrawaldorf.com/parent-resources/

Walk Through the Grades-  Sign up to take a tour of the campus while school is in session on the following dates:  November 14th, December 12th, January 9th, Feb. 13th, March 13th, April 10th, and May 8th.  Call Bill Roberson, Enrollment Director to R.S.V.P (209) 984- 0454

Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm & Christmas Trees

October 2012

This year I've already visited 3 pumpkin patches.  The one in Clayton is one of my favorites since I've been bringing my son there since his  first harvest time!  This year he has been there several times already since there are so many things at this particular pumpkin patch for the preschool set.

Sharon, the owner, has been doing this pumpkin patch since the 1980's and when we went there yesterday she was walking around, smiling, and obviously enjoying the whole operation!

My son's favorite part of the place this year is the following two play areas:  Tunnel of straw & Little Carver's Barnyard Play Area.  For ten dollars my son could go back and forth between the areas, and this provides hours of fun!  I, as a mom and teacher, especially love the pools filled with lima beans since it is really good for children to have tactile experiences.

Dia de La Muerta celebration, Lafayette, CA 5 years+

Viva el Espanol in Lafayette is hosting a Dia de a Muerta fiesta on Nov. 2nd!


Resources:

Fiesta de Dia de los Muertos
A Vive el Espanol Day of the Dead Party
Friday, November 2nd, 6:30PM-8:30PM
(Join Viva el Espanol as they make and decorate colorful "calaveras," make "pan de muerto" and learn about the colorful tradition!) 

$20.00 per child ages 5+

website for finding a pumpkin patch in your area!

I discovered a website yesterday for finding a pumpkin patch in your area.  I thought this would be helpful for families.  It is called PumpkinPatchesandMore.org.  It has all kinds of pumpkin patches, including ones in more urban areas.

Resources:

PumpkinPatchesand More.org

G & M Farms Pumpkin Patch-my son's favorite!

Last week I took my son to G & M Farms Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, CA.  It is now his favorite pumpkin patch!  This pumpkin patch has corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, a straw bale maze, and a huge box filled with corn!  My son played in the corn for over an hour, and all the children around him were laughing and squealing like little piglets!  My son also liked the haunted wall display in the store, he just stared at it, looking at all the details inquisitively!

Resources:

G & M  Farms
487 East Airway
Livermore, CA
94551
925-447-FARM

Right-LIne Paper, pro-ed, use for learning needs

The Right-Paper has raised lines and is great for those having trouble staying in the lines of regular writing paper.  The lines are raised so you can actually feel them!

One of my students is using the paper during writing workshop time and it is really helping her.

This paper is for the following individuals:

1.  Those with learning disabilities.

2.  Those with orthopedic disabilities.

3.  Those with partial sight.

4.  Those in adult rehabiliation.

5.  I personally think this paper is also great for young children learning to write.  My son tried out the paper and I asked him if it was easier to write, he said, "I can feel the lines!"  His very  first word he learned to write was his name, and his second word was Boo, for Halloween!

Resources:

Narrow Rule
Right-line Paper
pro-ed
8700 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, Texas
78757-6897
(512) 451-3246

Buy back candy events in San Francisco Bay Area

We went to a couple events of events today where my son already got candy.  Last year we got lots of candy and I wanted to go to a buy-back event and give away the candy, but my son's father didn't want to give it away.  A month later, it was still sitting in the kitchen!

This year, the day after Halloween I'm going to take my son to a place where they buy back Halloween candy.  See resources below for a place to take your child to get money for their Halloween or send it to the troops!

Resources:

wwww.halloweencandybuyback.com  (Great resource in finding dentists, orthodontists, and other places that buy back candy.

or

Send candy to the following address, you will have to pay the postage.

Operation Gratitude/ CA Army National Guard
17330 Victory Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA  91406
Attn: Rich Hernandez
 Phone number:  262-674-7281

Jack o' lantern jamboree- today- Oakland, CA

The Jack O' Lantern Jamboree is today at Children's Fairyland in Oakland,CA!  Got to go!!!!

Resources:

Jack o' Lantern Jamboree
fairyland.org
parking is $5.00, bring cash
10am-5pm

Son loves this toy store: Cooleykatz inLivermore

This past week we were in Livermore and visited CooleyKatz toy store.  My son loves this place!  Pat and Nita Cooley are the owners of this store, and the day we visited Pat was behind the counter and really helpful!  This store is a true neighborhood toy store!

My son got batwings for a batboy costume he's creating -- a batman mask he got at a costume store in Concord (see upcoming blog), batwings, and all black clothes.  My son LOVES to dress up!

Resources:

Dreamy Dress Ups
Beautiful Hand-Made Fanciful Fabric Wings
New-Style Batwings
Ages 3 and up
Douglas Co., Inc. Keene,  NH  03431
Made in Indonesia, hand made
www.DouglasToys.com
50596 Bat Wings with glitter

Chabot Elementary- School Fall Carnival- Oct. 21

On October 21, during the day, I'll be taking my son to the Chabot Elementary school Fall Carnival.  I've never been before, but heard through the grapevine that it is a fun carnival!  The following are some of the offerings at the carnival:

-Jeremy the juggler performs at 11:30AM
-Halloween costume contest is at 1:00 PM
-face painting
-Dunk booth, featuring the principal of the school, Principal Mayer
-inflatable slide
-pumpkin patch
-craft fair
-games
-food trucks


Resources:

Chabot Elementary School Fall Carnival
October 21, 2012
11AM-3PM
6686 Chabot Road
Oakland, CA

Clayton Valley Pumpkin Patch- October 2012-Fun!

This year we have been to the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Patch, in Clayton, CA several times!  My son has been going there since his very first harvest time in 2008!

This year I can really see he is enjoying it more than ever because the patch has the following two areas he just loves, they are called Tunnel of Straw & Lima Bean Pots and Little Carver's Barnyard Play Area.  Both of these areas are so perfect for the preschool age child that I would love to recreate them in my yard (if my yard was actually big enough!)  For access to both areas it is $10.00, which seems high at first but only until this provides a ticket to hours of fun!  Parents, my advice is to bring a magazine to look at because this will not be a short visit!   Plus, as a teacher, I love the lima bean pots as they are really good for tactile and sensory integration which most children are not getting enough of in our high technology world!

[Picture from the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm website]

I bought a Cinderella pumpkin from here on our last visit, which is a heirloom variety the owner, Sharon, grows on property.  I cooked it up at home and made pumpkin pie and it took hours!  The Cinderella pumpkin is really sweet.    I enjoyed making pumpkin pie with my son using a real pumpkin we had got from a pumpkin patch!

The owner, Sharon, is always there when we visit, and she has done the pumpkin patch since the 1980's. It is now a tradition in our family!  I would highly recommend this place!

Monkey Bars Children's Store, Alameda, CA

My son and I visited Monkey Bars toy store in Alameda a few days ago.  I also had a chance to talk to the owner, Heather, who is amazingly friendly and helpful. This store has a really sweet small town feel, and I love the pajamas there.  I got my son two pairs of 4T pajamas, one even has footies.  That night he wanted to wear his new pajamas and he said they were, "so comfie!"  He also said he felt like a superhero in them.

I also saw an adorable book for new parents, called The New Parents' Fun Book - Laugh Yourself Silly Through Your Baby's First Year!  I would have loved that book when my son was first born, as looking back I now know the importance of laughter in keeping sane and happy that first year- and beyond!

Resources:
Monkey Bars
Heather, owner
1339 Park Street
Alameda, CA  94501
(510) 769-6905
info@hopmonkeybars.com
shopmonkeybars.com

New favorite pajamas:

Kicky pants pajamas
(95% Bamboo Viscose and 5% lycra- so soft!)
available in different colors, as well as with and without footies.

Book recommendation:

The New Parents' Fun Book- Laugh Yourself Silly Through Baby's First Year!
Kelly and David Sopp
ISBN:  978-0-7624-3231-8

Marvel Avengers Assemble- Too Violent for Kids!

The Cartoon, Avengers

This morning I accidentally turned on the Marvel Avengers Assemble.  My son has a cough and he wanted to rest and watch television so I was channel surfing on demand.  I sat with him and drank my coffee and watched this show with him.  I was actually surprised how violent it was for a cartoon. My son was mesmerized, though, so I couldn't fairly turn it off mid-show.   At my son's preschool the children are really into super heroes right now, which children have for several generations.  I don't have a problem with super heroes, what I have a problem is the violence.

Given that I've taught for years, I do believe that children get desensitized to violence.  It is everywhere these days, on television, in the movies, in computer games.  

The Movie, Avengers:

I think that popular big screen movies have an affect on what cartoons are popular.  The success of the Avengers movie this summer, has created a passion for everything superheroes and Avengers in the preschool set.  What I have a problem with the movie, Avengers, is that it is way to violent for a preschooler to process.  What was once the minimum standard for "R" rated violence, has now become the norm for PG-13 films, even by Disney.

Many people I know took their children to see the Avengers movie.  The movie was entertaining for adults and children, from what I've heard.  Plus, families see it as an activity to do together, even when children are different ages.  Yet, there are some parts of the movie that I can't agree are correct for children.  One example, is halfway through the Avengers movie, the villain, Loki, uses a very British slang word, "mewling quim" to describe the black widow.  This is equivalent to the "c-word" in the US. When looking in Wikipedia, it is listed as meaning, "vagina."  Plus, the version in Great Britain was actually changed because of their standards.

When an increase in bullying in school is gaining national attention, I believe we need to look in our homes to see what we are exposing our children to!   

Accomodations for elementary students-Part II

Sensory Processing/Attention-
*Weighted/ compression vest
*Lap buddy
*Hand or oral fidgets
*Time timer
*Minimize visual distractions (dividers)
*Movement breaks (messenger, toe touches, arm circles, etc.)
*Heavy work activities
*Make line leader or caboose
*Seat cushion
*Concise directions with visual cues
*DO NOT punish by removing recess!  Consider adding cleaning/heavy work duties instead.
*Allow students to wear gloves during art/ messy activities

Cutting-
*Adapted scissors
*Use thick paper
*Use other hand (helper hand) to manipulate paper
*Check for "thumbs up" position
*Check for good fit, thumb in smaller hole

Accomodations for elementary students- Part I

Accomodations for students- Part I

Posture-
 *Foot rest
*Wedge cushion
*Slant Board (or 3 inch binder)
*Alternative seating (arm rests, t-stool, bean bag, rocking chair, carpet square)

Handwriting-
                  Fine Motor
                   *Pencil grips
                   * Raised and/or 3 -line paper
                    *Hand strengthening activities
                    *Use shortened pencils or crayons
                  Visual Motor
                   *Highlight margins or lines
                   *Use 3 lined paper
                   *Use and index card or blank paper to keep their place when reading or writing
                   *Cut a window in a file holder so the student can only see what they are working on
                   *Use graph paper to align math problems
                   *Provide a letter or number strip
                   *Provide the student a model if they have trouble copying from the board
                   *Shorten assignments
                   *Preferential seating

Self Help:
  *Attach pulls to zippers
  *Toileting schedule
  *Visual cues or PECS (Picture Schedule) for dressing or other self care tasks
  *Velcro or elastic show laces
  *Adapted utensils

Can you learn a second language from T.V.?

Today my son has a cough.  We went to Disney on Ice last night and didn't get home until 10:00PM.  He  got up this grumpy, lethargic, and  with a cough and didn't want to go to school.  I wondered, would it be more educational for him to watch cartoons this morning for a few hours in Spanish than English?  I think so!  I have some work today that I need to get done, and I'm exhausted as well!

As a teacher I've seen many children learn English from watching English cartoons, why can't the reversal be true.  Of course, my son also is in a Spanish immersion preschool a few days a week and that is where I was going to take him today.  A mommy friend from the class is the one who recommended having my son watch V-me kids (channel 9 public broadcasting for children.)  So, today, for the first time ever, I looked online to find out what channel V-me is.  My son is currently watching Plaza Sesamo (Sesame Street.)  After watching the Plaza Sesamo for about 20 minutes he actually begged me to turn it off, he said it wasn't for children.  When I watched it with him for a few minutes, I did notice it seemed very different from the English Sesame Street and they were talking really fast in Spanish.  I'll try another show another day.

Resources:

V-me (pronounced veh-meh) is a network with programming that entertains and empowers latino families throughout the bay area.  This network started in October of 2007.  V-me is available throughout Northern California on KQED's  Comcast channels 191 and 621, and on digital channels over the air on KQED 9.4, KTEH 54.4 (San Jose) and KQET  25.4 Monterey.

To find the V-me kids shows, see schedule at www.kqed.org/tv/schedules/weekly/vme.jsp.

I noticed that Sesame Street (Plaza Sesamo) is  on each day at 9:30AM.

Disney on Ice- Recommended! See Oct.17-28

I took my little guy to see Disney on Ice tonight!  I was not sure if either of us would enjoy it, but was pleasantly surprised.  My son was totally engaged and watched carefully!  He told me later in the evening as he was tucked in bed that it was, "BETTER!" than Disneyland.  He now wants to go iceskating!  We met a friend with her 3 children at the show and she goes every year.  She said this was, "the best year yet, in all the 4 years I've gone!"

A few recommendations:

1)  Set firm rules about what you will and will not buy at the show.  My son knew I had NO cash so we didn't buy any toys, food, or the $15.00 lemonade in the fancy cup.

2)  Bring your own snacks.  My friend had a whole container of treats and drinks for her three children, which she shared with my son.  I was surprised they even let people bring in drinks and food, but they did!  The lemonade in a fancy cup was $15.00!  Since it is getting cooler, warm milk or hot chocolate in a thermos would be nice.   The food at the Oracle Arena was VERY expensive and did not look really yummy.

3)  Think about transportation choices.  We took a combination of bart and a cab.  Parking is $30.00.

4)  There is handicapped seating, so it would be fun to bring a grandparent or handicapped friend.  The seating is at the top in chairs so is great seating1

5)  Bring Banz earmuffs for babies if they are sensitive to sound.  Also, I brought earplugs for my son as these kind of shows are uncomfortably too loud for him.  I buy the Quiet Please comfort phone earplugs and they work.  I keep a big box handy as we use them for flying, concerts, etc.  He had some of the Baby Banz when he was younger.  See resources below to links for these protective devices for ears.

6)  Bring hand sanitizer as my son ended up having a cough the next day (I'm adding this piece on October 18th.)  Also, bring some extra layers as it is really chilly as you leave the Oracle Arena.

Resources:

Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic
October 17-21 Oracle Arena
October 24-28 HP Pavilion
disneyonice.com
Purchase through ticketmaster, arena box offices, or call 1-800-745-3000

NCLB signed in January 2012, has it worked?

The No Child Left Behind Act was signed in January 2012 by George Bush.  As a teacher, I remember when it was signed and how things began to change.  Most people thought change needed to happen, yet most people don't realize we have thrown away some honest and powerful curriculum because now teachers need to prepare for testing, that has become the number one priority in most public schools.  Ten years after NCLB was signed, I see that we are in worse shape then when we started out ten years ago.  Most teachers do not do science experiments anymore, they do not have time.  Music, art, science, etc. are not given enough time.  We need change!

See the movie, "RACE TO NOWHERE"

This week I'm hoping to see the movie, "Race To Nowhere."  It has been recommended to me by several educators I respect.  I will write a review in the next week or so.

I suspect the movie will address the question of whether the high stakes testing we are doing in schools is helping our children learn and thrive.  If not, then why are we doing it?

2012 EAST BAY MAKER FAIRE IS TODAY!!!!!!!!

Today is the East Bay Mini Maker Faire.  I've been told that it is an amazing event so I'm really excited to attend with my son!

Resources:

East Bay Mini Maker Faire
Sunday, October 14, 2012
10AM- 5PM
ebmakerfaire.wordpress.com
$15 child/student
$20 adults

Faire is located at Park Day School Campus, at 360 42nd Street, Oakland, CA  94609(main entrance corner of 42nd and Opal

Parking-  Parking is available at Emerson Elementary School @ Shafter and 45th, 2 blocks from Park Day School

Head Royce School, Oakland, CA , open house

We are visiting Head Royce School for their  elementary school open house today.  There is no RSVP necessary.  The event is from one to three pm.

Resources:
www.headroyce.org

Best Educational Supplies in the East Bay, CA

Tomorrow I'll go to the Lakeshore Learning Center in Walnut Creek to pick up some supplies for my class.  It is like a candy store for teachers if they actually have a school budget to use.  They have some great educational supplies!  This is a also a great place to send relatives and friends for presents for your child.  Plus, there are free crafts for children on Saturdays.  The last time I went there I got a small school year organizer that even has handy "to do" lists to help me prioritize my tasks.

Resources:

Lakeshore Learning Store
www.lakeshorelearning.com
1929 Mount Diablo Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA
Phone:  1-925-944-1495

Recommended calender:
Lakeshore School Year Organizer
August 2012 to August 2013
(helpful for teachers or mom's)

Preschool Science Class at Chabot on Tuesdays

I took my son to the Tyke Explorer class at Chabot Space and Science Center today.  The museum is actually closed to the general public  on Mondays and Tuesdays since it is fall, so finding parking is easy!  Today the theme was, "And Yummy Veggies In A Row." The students got a cute story, they samples different kind of veggies in the root, stem, leaf, and fruits category, and even put all the extras in a food processor for the children to sample the drink!  My son actually had thirds so I'm going to get one of those magical machines for myself!  I wonder if the magical instrument will help MY son drink more veggies?  I'll let you know in future posts!

[Picture from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2914335066_eb71b404c8_z.jpg and available at www.chabotspace.org/forms/photos.aspx]

I highly recommend these classes as each child is required to bring a parent/guardian so there is really some learning happening!  My son even came home with several projects he had done in class!

Resources:

Tyke Explorers Program
For children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA
Phone number:  510-336-7300

Future Dates and themes:

The Incredible Human Machine
Tuesdays, Oct. 16, October 23, November 6, November 13, and November 27th

Lights, magnets and Air, Oh My!
Tuesdays, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18

The cafe at the museum is closed on Tuesdays so I recommend the nearby Woodminster Cafe, which will be my next blog!  My son loved the hamburger!

Rockridge festival is today- very family friendly!

Rockridge is hosting the Out and About Festival today, Sunday, October 7th, 2012!  Rockridge is a really fun, family friendly neighborhood!

Resources

rockridgeoutabout.com

Chef's Stage- www.RockridgeMarketHall.com

Children's classes-Sienna Ranch, Lafayette

I was told about Sienna Ranch through a mom I met at a park.  The ranch has mommy and me preschool classes (3-4), junior classes (4-6), and even a piano class.  There are also ranch days for the whole family.  I signed my son and I up for one of the preschool (3-4) classes since I think I'll enjoy the class too!  Also, if I'm going to drive him all the way out there, I may as well participate!

Resources:

Sienna Ranch
Lafayette, CA
siennaranch.net

Sienna Ranch Upcoming 2012-2013 Family Days

Oct. 28
Nov. 25
Dec. 16
Jan. 27
Feb. 24
March 24
April 28
May 26
(Registration is limited to 35 families per day, register at siennaranch.net/Family_Days.html

Being a teacher is getting expensive!

Being a teacher is getting expensive!  Most people don't notice that teachers almost ALWAYS spend their own money on all the extras such as stickers, prizes, extra art supplies, extra science supplies, etc.  In some areas, like Chicago, they need to spend their own money just to teach basics.  It is really upsetting to me when some politicians criticize teachers when they never have even experienced the job or sent their own child to a public school.   When I calculated how much I already spent this year I was shocked and couldn't help but question my career choice.  How many doctors at Kaiser have to buy their own supplies, or ANY supplies?   Plus,  they make SIGNIFICANTLY more money than teachers do.  Right now is the hardest time to be a teacher, I think, in my lifetime.  I've taught for over ten years but until now I've never been worried about being verbally attacked when I say I'm a teacher.  Opinions of teachers are at an all time low and it is really sad.  Most teachers work extremely hard at the sacrifice of spending time and money on their own family.  It is a hard job to test standards that are not always in line with the resources provided.  We need to support and respect our teachers.  We need them to feel appreciated and respected, and have them do their best!

Recommended Optometry for children

Livermore Optometry
1800 4th Street
Livermore, CA  94550
(corner of 4th Street and N. Street)
www.livermoreoptometry.com/
(925) 447-3883

When should a child be potty trained?

When my son was 2 I was so worried about the topic of potty training.  I remember going to lunch with friends who have children of a similar age and getting really stressed!  I was at the bank yesterday and a teller was telling me about the struggle in getting her son potty trained.  What I wish I knew then, that I know now, is that all children develop at their own rate.  We can't compare them, as they are all different even though they are the same age.  All I know is that exactly when my son turned four the whole using the potty, not wearing the nighties, and asking to use the bathroom all made sense.  Before that he understand parts of the process, but I also spent way too much time worried about it!

So, relax and ENJOY the process and the time with your little one.  When children see their parents stressed, they become stressed.  I've learned through these four years with my son that they are looking toward us for guidance, but they have their own timetable.

Why is homeschooling becoming more popular?

I find it interesting why homeschooling is becoming more popular, especially at a time when both parents are many times working.  Since my son is four and I work part time, I spend time with him at parks and museums, and such.  There are more and more educated and enterprising parents taking their child's education into their own hands.  Some parents are frustrated about the high stakes testing, some parents are worried about the institutional nature of schools, some parents are angry that what used to be 1st grade is now K, and there are a host of other reasons.  I will be discussing the rise in homeschooling in future blogs.

Chabot Space-Family Slumber Party-Oct. 5, 2012

This Friday, October 5, 2012 there will be a "Slumber with the Stars" for children five and older and a family member.  RSVP at 510-336-7373.

Tyke Workshop-Chabot Space and Science

A few times a week the Chabot Space and Science center in Oakland, CA offers Tyke Explorers workshop, it is coming up again this Tuesday, October 9th at either 10AM or 2PM.

Resources:

Chabot Space and Science Center
Tyke Explorers Workshop
Tuesday, October 9th, 2012
10AM or 2PM
(for ages 2 and 1/2- 5 years)

"How Does Your Garden Grow?  It'll be an earthly experience with your tyke explorer as we dig up the secrets of the garden world."

Chabot Space Teacher Open House, 10-4-12

This coming Thursday, on October 4th, there will be a teacher open house at Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, CA.  It is for all k-12 teachers who teach science.  All teachers who want to attend need to RSVP.

Resources:

Open House at the Chabot Space and Science Center
www.chabotspace.org/calender.htm?date=10-4-2012&p=1834435

Delicious Birthday Cake and Cupcakes

I went to a BBQ at a friend in my neighborhood and had the most beautiful and delicious cupcakes!  She owns Sugar Mill Cake Company in Oakland, CA.  Next time my son has his birthday party I'm going to have her make his cupcakes.

Resources:

Sugar Mill Cake Company
Jessica Ahlstrand, owner
www.sugarmillcakes.com
1-510-610-8616

Agricultural Education for Educators/Parents

I found a link for Agricultural education for educators in Marin which has resources as well as field trip ideas.

Resources:

ucanr.edu/sites/Grown.in.Marin/Resources/Resources.for.educators/

Chileno Valley Organic Apple picking-Sept/Oct

I took my son with my neighbors to do a farm tour and organic apple picking at the Chileno Valley Ranch.  They had a tour of the chicken coop, pigs, and other parts of the farm, which was perfect for young children.

The organic apple orchard has varieties such as Orin, Pinova, Molly's Delicious, and Jonathan's Pride.

Chileno Valley Ranch is open for U-pick during the months of September and October, Sundays only, from 10AM to 4PM.

Be sure to bring insect repellent as there were tons of bees near the farm animals food buckets.  Also, bring sunscreen as it was extremely hot and sunny when we went there today, with very little shade.  I had my son wear a hat, which was useful.

Bring drinks and food as there is no food sold at the ranch at all.  The only food sold is frozen organic beef (I bought some and it stayed frozen for the hour ride home) as well as organic eggs, and of course apples.  My son was disappointed they did not have apple cider; when we go to Michigan we always go to the cider mill for fresh cider and doughnuts.

For the full cider mill experience, I'd recommend going to Apple Hill near Placerville.  See my earlier blog post about upcoming Apple Hill events.

Resources:

Chileno Valley Ranch
www.chilenobnb.com
5105 Chileno Valley Rd.
Petaluma, CA  94952
1-707-765-6664
1-877-280-6664