The Best Ways to Celebrate Spring in NYC

The Best Ways to Celebrate Spring in NYC

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The sun is crossing the celestial equator on Wednesday, ushering in the spring season with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The first day of spring has been celebrated by cultures for some 8,000 years. Your celebration doesn’t have to be filled with wine, like the tribute to Dionysus held in Ancient Greece, or be spent cleaning your family’s grave sites like on Shunbun no Hi in Japan. We’ve got plenty of fun ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox with your children this Wednesday.

Celebrate new life by getting outdoors.

The weather is forecast to reach 53, with some sun, so it’s not a bad day to enjoy a little fresh air. If you’re short on time, at least try to revel in the sunrise (7:00 am) or sunset (7:08 pm). Look for the signs of spring in NYC parks, including: the blooming of delicate, pink magnolia trees; the arrival of timberdoodles; the emergence of daffodils, snowdrops, Lenten roses, and crocus from the hardened earth; the budding of red maple trees; and the springtime playlist ringing out from Central Park Zoo’s Delacorte clock, which includes “Easter Parade” and “Younger Than Springtime.”

Special events taking place in Central Park include:

Start your seeds indoors.

The  last spring frost for the New York City zone is forecast for April 5th, so it’s still risky to plant anything outdoors. Yet, it’s the perfect time to start your seeds indoors. Sunflowers in a Styrofoam cup are a fun project for kids who’ll love to see how large their plants grow over the summer. Place the seeds an inch down in a Styrofoam cup filled with loose commercial potting compost. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Don’t over water, but see that the seedlings remain moist to the touch. Set the cup in a warm, ventilated place. You can place them near a window that receives a lot of sunlight, but a fluorescent light will work just as well. Hedge your bets by planting more than one cup, just in case. You can also take the kids to your local florist to hand-pick your favorite flowers for a fresh spring bouquet to brighten up your home while you wait.

Make a fingerprint tree.

Teach your child about the changing seasons, enjoy the “mess” of finger-paint, and create a great keepsake for the home or gift for loved ones with this craft project. Paint a mini canvas light green for spring with dots of light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green fingerprint leaves for the spring. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do the other seasons now as well. If your kids are as young as 2 or 3, it’s best to work on this project for no more than 20 minutes at a time, over a five-day period. 

Special Ways To Honor Your Littlest Valentines in NYC & The East End

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Valentine’s Day has different meanings to different people. While some couples relish this excuse to secure a babysitter and indulge in fine dining or other adult pursuits, others couldn’t imagine spending the day without their littlest loves. After all, what could be a better teaching experience? When we show our children love, we show them how to love others. There is no better gift than your time, so consider these unique ways for families to celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC and the East End.

Children’s Museum of the East End

When: Saturday, February 9th, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Ages: 4-9 for special programming; Babies to age 10 for museum

Beginning in January, Shine began hosting a monthly workshop at CMEE based on our summer camp in the Hamptons material. Our two-hour program features a theme that brings together art, culture, crafts, community, and fun. This month’s theme is the Lunar New Year. Special guests, local artists, and artisans drop for an unforgettable adventure. The cost is $75 per child, which includes all materials. Sibling discounts are available. To register, call 212-414-5427 or email info@shinenyc.net. (If you miss us this month, try our next Second Saturday workshop on March 9th!) Also happening at the museum this weekend is “Paint by Number,” where toddlers and youngsters are invited to paint a lobby window mural. As always, you can enjoy all the imaginative exhibits at CMEE, including seafaring ships, windmills, sand puppets, food trucks, mini golf, and a kid-sized Main Street.

PuppetWorks

When: Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th at 12:30 pm or 2:30 pm
Where: PuppetWorks, 338 Sixth Avenue  (at 4th Street) Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Ages: 3+

What better way to celebrate love and the idea of finding a perfect match than with “Cinderella,” a timeless story which dates back to 1697? Director Nicolas Coppola brings this classic fairy tale to life with wooden puppets, artistic painted scenery from 18th century France, and the music of Jules Massenet. Admission is $10 for children and $11 for adults. Advance reservations are recommended by calling 718-965-3391 or emailing puppetworks@twcmetrobiz.com.

NYC Candy Shops

Hershey’s Chocolate World – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 9:00 am – Midnight
Where: Times Square (701 Seventh Ave. on 47th St. NYC)

Hershey’s Chocolate World just tripled their footprint in NYC. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to check out their 7,800 square foot store in the heart of Times Square. Scrumptious s’mores are doled out from a vintage camper, which fits in line with their overall vibe: “Unwrap your adventure.” You can mix and match your favorite Hershey products with a floor-to-ceiling candy machine, sure to boggle the mind of children and adults alike. You can personalize a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar wrapper or Hershey Kiss message for your little love, order custom s’mores, or shop the Kitchens Bakery.

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm OR 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm for special event
Where: 1011 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Dylan’s Candy Bar is another iconic sweet spot in NYC. This shop is a must-stop for celebrity parents like Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Julianne Moore. Inspired by Willy Wonka, you’ll find the world’s largest selection of candy and candy-related gifts here. For a special treat, they’ll be hand-dipping chocolate treats like strawberries, Rice Krispy Treats, and pretzel rods before your eyes. You’re invited to dip and decorate your own take-home confections.

Max Brenner’s – Plan your own visit!

When: 9:00 am – 1:00 am
Where: Union Square, 841 Broadway (at 13th Street), New York, NY

You simply won’t find a better cocoa than Max Brenner’s “Hug in a Mug.” Your liquid heaven comes in an ergonomic mug that’s perfect for little hands. Their breakfast crepes and sugar waffles provide a warm-and-fuzzy way to start your day. Kids love the “chocolate syringe” that injects chocolatey goodness directly into their mouths. The restaurant can be very busy at times, so be sure to make advance reservations on Open Table or by calling 646-467-8803.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

When: 2/9 – 2/14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for regular museum hours, Various times for special programming
Where: The Tisch Building, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
Ages: 5+

Drop in and choose your fancy out of the Valentine’s Day craft workshops at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan – all included in the $14 admission fee:

  • 3D Valentine’s Day Cards (2/9 & 2/10, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm)
  • Stuffed Animal Repair Workshop (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 10:00 am – 4:45 pm)
  • Best Bud Love Bug Making (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 12:00 pm)

Tastebuds Kitchen

When: Sunday, February 10th, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Where: Chelsea, 109 West 27th Street, 10FL New York, NY 10001
Ages: 2-8 (with a caregiver)

We love our partnerships with Tastebuds Kitchen! Their cooking classes are the perfect way to get children interested in baking and the culinary arts. With this seasonal favorite, you’ll create your own “Love Shack” out of gingerbread with pink frosty roofs, heart-shaped window panes, and countless other accoutrements. Enjoy a mug of pink hot cocoa and the sounds of cheerful love songs. The cost is $75 per child, with one caregiver included.

Gurney’s Montauk Igloos

When: Fridays and Saturdays in February
Where: 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk NY

Gurney’s Montauk resorts has opened a new winter installation, perfect for the whole family! Even if you’re not staying the night, you can book time in their outdoor heated igloos made from PVC and twinkle lights. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of games and puzzles. “Order in” from the Gurney’s Little Bites menu of chicken tenders, hot dogs, and other kid favorites for $9. Book complimentary storytelling from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. When you’re done chilling, head outside and warm up around the toasty fire pit. Call 631-668-2345 to book.

Long Island Children’s Museum

When: Thursday, February 14th 2019, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 11 Davis Ave. Garden City, NY 11530
Ages: 3-5

Listen to a reading of Mark Sperring’s “The Shape of My Heart” and take home a book-inspired craft. Make a “Love Monster” puppet. Valentine’s Day crafts are included with $14 admission. Your kids will enjoy all the usual exhibits – song-making, giant bubbles, percussion instruments, climbing sculptures, a a toddler-sized town, tools, the animal diner, building blocks, and the Sandy Island beach station.

Whether it’s reading, crafting, baking, sweets, science, the arts, or roughing it in the great outdoors – open a window into your life, inviting your little love(s) to share your passions with you to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.

Ways To Keep The Kids From Going Stir-crazy Over Winter Break

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School entertains our children all fall long, keeping their minds and bodies active. Winter break can be a welcome respite from such a structured existence, but eventually our children start bouncing off the walls and driving us crazy. Here are 10 ways to make the holiday season a memorable and enjoyable time for the whole family.

Wrestle!

Rough-and-tumble play is valuable for young children, particularly little boys. Think of yourself as a coach in allowing your child to test strength and delight in the notion of being powerful, while modeling fairness, self-control, and empathy. Animal studies show roughhousing stimulates neuron growth in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, which aids in memory, language, learning, and logic. You can try a gentle “pillow fight” on a carpeted surface, allowing your child to lead the play session and “win.” You might pretend you’re dinosaurs, superheroes, or classic movie monsters for added fun.

Plan a Treasure Hunt.

Keep your child’s analytical problem-solving skills sharp by creating a simple Treasure Hunt. Place the first clue somewhere easy to find – like in a cereal bowl or on the bathroom sink. Each riddle should describe a place to check for the next clue. Instead of giving your child a prize at the end, you may consider leaving coins at each location for your child to put into a piggy bank at the end. Another option is to make a list of items for your child to find in the house.

Play with Stuffed Animals.

Every household with children ends up with dozens of stuffed animals. But what to do with them all? Winter break is the perfect chance to get these “friends” involved in the family’s affairs. Just 10-15 minutes a day of solo play with a stuffed animal boosts confidence in toddlers. Or you may want an excuse to join in the fun. Options include:

  • Set the timer and hide a group of stuffed animals for your kids to find.
  • Place the animals in “perilous” locations to have your child “rescue” them.
  • Get out play jewelry, doll clothes, and Halloween costumes for a pet fashion show.
  • Let your child put together a fancy tea party or a casual picnic.
  • Play “nurse,” while your child runs a pet hospital to cure the sick or injured.
  • Have your child take his or her plush camping – with tents, singalongs, and s’mores.
  • Get in the holiday spirit by “wrapping presents” for the stuffed animals.

Play Balloon Games.

You’ll be amazed at how long a game of “Don’t Let The Balloon Touch The Ground” can continue. You might want more than one balloon to challenge older kids. For two or more kids, you can set up a “net” with a string attached to two chairs for a game of Balloon Volleyball. The physical activity burns off excess energy, while improving arm strength and hand-eye coordination.

Make Cardboard Box Cars.

This time of year, there’s bound to be a few child-sized boxes around the house. In fact, a particularly large box can be more fun than what’s inside it! Parenting Magazine offers an easy tutorial on fashioning a box into a car. Give your child markers or paints for decorating to keep them busy a while. Later on, your kids can take their cars to “the drive-in” for a family holiday movie. (In a pinch, laundry basket cars will do!)

Check Your Local Library

Sometimes you’ve just got to get out of the house for a minute. The library is a classic place to find free entertainment. You can make a game of it for older children by asking them to find: a nonfiction book about winter holidays; a magazine of winter crafts; a book about a snowman; and a funny holiday book. Many libraries have puzzles and other quiet toys for kids to explore. Some host events. This month, the Hampton Library is hosting a number of free activities, including Minecraft building clubs, toddler story time, play-a-palooza, winter decoration making, and slime science experiments.

Give Them A Job To Do

We tend to think of kids and chores as mutually exclusive, but giving your children a meaningful way to participate means they are no longer competing for your attention. You know that madness that takes hold just before dinner? Have your kids help you cook and marvel at how you’ve avoided the chaos. It might take you twice as long to fold the laundry or sweep the floor, but you’re teaching a valuable skill and boosting their confidence. Research shows that young children who routinely do chores are more responsible, better able to deal with frustration, and delay gratification – all of which contribute to greater academic success.

Send Them Outside

Children are safe to play outside as long as the wind-chill is 32 degrees and above. In temperatures 13 to 31 degrees, indoor breaks should happen every 30 minutes. Once the kids are bundled, you can suggest one of the following activities to them:

  • Use Mr. Potato Head accessories to make your snowman.
  • Bring baking supplies and dishes outside for a “Snow Ice Cream Parlor” or kitchen.
  • Have a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
  • Build a snow fort or igloo.
  • Fill plastic spray bottles with cold water and food coloring for “snow painting.”
  • Use criss-cross sticks and pine cones to play Tic Tac Toe in the snow.
  • Make snow angels or bring your cookie cutters outside to make tiny snow prints.
  • Take a snowy hike to appreciate the beauty of winter, topped with hot cocoa.

Let Imaginations Run Wild With Clothespin Animal Crafts

You won’t need much artistic ability to create an adorable plaything. Have your child draw an animal, alien, dinosaur, or favorite TV/movie character on a piece of construction paper or card stock. Cut out the image. Cut off legs if they’re drawn in and replace with clothespin legs. You can also design a scene for the creatures to interact with using a large piece of cardboard. Paper bag puppets are always a big hit, too, if you’re short on clothespins.

Bake A New Holiday Tradition

Some kids look forward to making a gingerbread house each year. If you’re really ambitious you can do it from scratch using a dozen ingredients and icing, gumdrops, licorice, and peppermints for the decorating. You can also purchase pre-made gingerbread house kits if you’re just into the assembling and decorating part. If you want a more edible annual tradition, try Kris Kringle cut-outs. Add a couple drops of anise to the dough and the frosting for a hint of unique holiday flavor. Invite cousins or friends over for a frosting and sprinkle decorating party.

Still not satisfied? Get more winter break ideas here or stop by and see us at the Children’s Museum of the East End for winter camp activities geared toward ages 3-6.

The Benefits of Pretend Play & Holiday Gifts That Inspire

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“Play is the work of the child,” once said Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. If you’ve ever tried to pull a toddler away from a pile of toys, you know what serious business play truly is! Pretend play, in particular, is an integral part of childhood involved in the development of higher cognitive functions – creativity, empathy, abstraction.

The foundation for creative play begins to blossom around 18 months of age with objection substitution, such as pretending a banana is a telephone. The timespan between 3 and 5 is known as “the high season of imaginative play,” where children develop the capacity to interact with imaginary environments. They begin to understand the difference between dress-up and role-playing activities, and replica play using small-scale models. To some degree, pretending continues throughout childhood and even into adulthood – with great benefit.

This holiday season, consider gifts that promote learning through fantasy, role-playing, and pretending.

The Benefits of Pretend Play, According To Science

  • Animal studies have shown that play grows the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for sensory processing, language development, memory formation, and reasoning.
  • Animal studies have also indicated increases in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor during periods of play and exploration. BDNF is essential for the creation, survival, and maintenance of neurons. With high levels, it is easier for the brain to acquire and retain new knowledge, and feel happier.
  • Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp of Washington State University found that one-third of the 1,200 neocortical genes show significant changes in activity – effectively making rats in the experiment more “social” in nature — after 30 minutes of play.
  • A growing body of research shows play improves a child’s emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and use of language. Children who excel at pretending also display delayed gratification, reduced aggression, civility, and empathy.
  • Social scientists note a direct correlation between pretending and Theory of Mind development, which enables children to understand the variation of perspectives within themselves and the awareness that others may think differently.
  • When dramatic play was introduced to literacy training, children showed better language diversity, as well as increased interest in reading and writing.

 

Top Pretend Play Gifts

The possibilities are endless, but you can take inspiration from some of the top-selling pretend play gifts:

  • Occupational Costumes – Pretend play is about more than princesses and super heroes. Melissa and Doug offer a wide range of occupational outfits, from firefighters, police officers, and construction workers, to chefs, doctors, and airline pilots.
  • Science Sets – Doctor tools never seem to lose their appeal. For less than $20, your aspiring physician could have a blood pressure monitor, thermometers, stethoscope, otoscope, bandages, glasses, a shot, cell phone, and several other items. Outdoorsy types will love camping all winter long with this tree house tent, camping gear set, and picnic basket. Labcoats, scales, rulers, goggles, clipboards, tweezers, beakers, timers, and magnifying glasses are fun pretend play toys for little scientists.
  • Play Kitchens – Boys and girls alike can perfect their practical culinary skills in the comfort of their own pint-sized station by Step2. Most units come with a sink, stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and pantry, but some high-end models add in a supermarket, grilling station, pizza oven, and coffee maker. The kitchens typically come with an assortment of cheap plastic foods, but don’t expect much quality there. Melissa and Doug offer a great variety of themed food sets our kids love — like salad, sushi, pasta, pizza, and pancakes. Learning Resources sells worthwhile breakfast, lunch, and dinner themed baskets, too. Along the same line, you’ll find diner sets, food trucks, and farmer’s markets.
  • Playsets & Figurines – There are many ways to immerse your child into a miniaturized world filled with communication, problem-solving, and empathy. Playmobil is a tested, tried, and true brand for preschoolers, with sets ranging from zoos, pirates and castles, to farms, dinosaurs, and fairy forests. Their advent calendars are an ideal way to dive right in! Calico Critters is a whimsical brand of animals with their own homes, schools, supermarkets, restaurants, salons, playgrounds, and shops. For the littlest tikes, Fisher Price Little People sets come with bigger, non-choking-hazard pieces. Older kids can combine the love of creation with pretend play using LEGO sets.
  • Housekeeping – Is it ever too early to warm the kids up to the idea of doing a few chores around the house? Choose from themed sets for laundry, indoor scrubbing, vacuuming, or gardening. Baby dolls and accessories let children explore the idea of being mommies and daddies themselves one day to give back all they love they’ve received from you.
  • Vehicle Play – Children love movement, so vehicles are a natural draw. The youngest children will enjoy cruising around the house in a classic foot-to-floor Little Tikes Car, while toddlers will become enthralled by Tonka trucks and train tables, and older kids collect Hot Wheels or ride

 

How To Encourage Pretend Play

Some children are naturals, while others may need a little more coaching to spark the imagination. Reading is a helpful companion to play, as it gives children fantastical fodder to work with in their pretend realms. You might find it helpful to use stuffed animals, figurines, or puppets to explore real-world challenges you’re trying to assist your child with – be it sharing, dealing with transitions, or eating vegetables. Keep an eye on your child’s natural inclinations and foster whatever weird whims he or she may have – be it an obsession with astronauts or a love of lemonade stands. Be patient and kind to yourself: it may take you a while to get in touch with your inner child and remember how to genuinely enjoy playing.

Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Las Posadas, Shine wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season. If you’re looking to enrich your child’s life with meaningful experiences that combine education and fun in the New Year, we’d love to help. Contact us to learn more about our classes, workshops, City Adventures, and parties.

The Importance of Music in Early Childhood Development

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“The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation,” once said Ray L. Wilbur, the third president of Stanford University. As parents, we yearn to give our children the best foundation. We want them to be happy, talented, intelligent, and successful. Recent advances in neuroscience have allowed a window into the many ways music molds the developing brain, hard-wiring it for all these ambitions.

What Does Research Say About The Importance of Music in Early Childhood?

There is an exhaustive body of research selling music as a pathway to intelligence, ability, and overall happiness. In his 1983 theory of “multiple intelligences,” psychologist Howard Gardner posited that music intelligence is as important as logical and emotional intelligence based on the way that music strengthens the mind-body connection. For instance, children develop better motor skills when movement is combined with music. Neuroscientists have observed noticeable differences in the spatial awareness and language processing centers of the brain in young musicians.

Scientists have called music “a breakthrough” for children ages two to nine. After 15 months of weekly musical instruction, sound discrimination abilities, fine motor skills, and spatial intelligence improve. By age six, children taking music lessons score at least three IQ points higher than their peers. Elementary school children in the best music education programs score about 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math on standardized tests. The social advantages are not to be overlooked. Though it can be difficult to quantify, music will make your child more interesting and happier. As Dr. Eric Rasmussen of Johns Hopkins University explains: “It gives you a better understanding of yourself… how you think and express yourself are enhanced.”

When Should I Focus on Music Development for My Child?

Researchers describe the ages of 0-6 as the “music babble” stage, where children approach music in a way that is totally different from adults. During these formative years, children do not yet understand the tonalities, meters, and rhythms of music, but they are developing a foundation for music competence.

Children move through the following stages of music knowledge:

  • Acculturation (Birth to Ages 2-4): Unstructured music education provides children with exposure to different tones, keys, harmonies, and meters. Instrumental music works best for children to absorb the different sounds of their environment. Typically, by about 18 months, you will begin to notice the benefit of guided music acculturation over children who have not had the same exposure. Children begin to babble sounds and practice choreographed movements. By the end of this stage, they will echo the tonal and rhythmic patterns they hear, though their performances can still be somewhat hit-or-miss.
  • Imitation (Ages 2-4 to Ages 3-5): Children begin to transition to more purposeful musical action and learn how to teach music to themselves. Rather than directly imitating the adults they hear, children become aware of their own patterns. Eventually, incorrect imitations move toward greater accuracy.
  • Assimilation (Ages 3-5 to Ages 4-6): At this stage, youngsters become aware of musical syntax and comprehend musical phrases. They can perform patterns with precision and coordinate tonal patterns into singing.

During these formative years, the brain is extremely active and flexible in laying down the circuitry for lifelong musical reception and expression. Beyond these early years, you can expect to see impressive gains in your child’s musical aptitude and a mastery of the chosen instrument. Opportunities to travel, perform in large music halls, participate in summer festivals, and develop an identity tied to music aptitude now open up to your child.

What Kind of Music Exposure Does My Child Need?

Northwestern University researchers debunked the so-called “Mozart” myth, which theorized that children who simply listen to classical music develop superior intelligence. Rather, scientists discovered that it’s the act of generating and manipulating sound that rewires the brain for success.

“Making music matters,” they concluded, in the same way that playing sports impacts physical fitness (not watching sports). Parents play a critical role in facilitating a love of music and all the benefits that come along with it. To cultivate a lifelong love of music, parents should follow their intuition, find music their kids love, hire good teachers, and let their child discover an instrument they truly like. Much early childhood music inspires a love of music through the language children speak: play!

The effects can be astounding. Since 2008, 93 percent of low-income children in Los Angeles taking music instruction have gone on to college, despite a dropout rate above 50 percent in their neighborhoods.

How To Help Your Child Shine

Shine offers early music development classes based on the latest research, starting with babies who are less than a year old. Music Stars is our signature music class, incorporating song, storytelling, instruments, and upbeat movements for aspiring young musicians of all ages. Sing & Shine helps ages 0-2 with a themed exploration of instruments, game play, familiar songs, and rock n’ roll with the support of a caregiver. For ages 3-5 or 6-8, we offer Stage Lights, a creative performance class that incorporates puppetry and masks in with music and movement. At age 5, your child can begin more formal Group Music Theory or Private Piano and Guitar lessons. We’re offering cool new Bass and Percussion instruction for older kids now as well. Contact us to learn more.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

https://www.musictogether.com/about/research/research-based-program/importance-of-music-in-early-childhood

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/elaine-winter/2017/Why-Music-Matters-in-the-Early-Childhood-Classroom/

https://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/6-benefits-of-music-lessons/

https://www.foxnews.com/health/how-important-is-music-education-in-schools

A Few Fun Things To Do In NYC and The East End Before Summer Is Over

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“Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well,” once said Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. The thought of these warm, sunny afternoons coming to an end is enough to put a brief chill in your bones. Thankfully, New York City and Long Island’s East End offer a plethora of last-minute events, giving us that one last taste of summer. Here are a few activities we recommend…

Color Factory

The Color Factory pop-up exhibit started in San Francisco and makes its Soho debut on August 20th in a 20,000 square-foot commercial space located at 251 Spring Street near Avenue of the Americas. It’s hard to imagine what your Instagram might be missing, but how about wading in a bright yellow sea of 207,000 balls? Or perhaps you’d like a photo of your little ones on rainbow-colored stairs that seem to go on for miles? Kids and grownups alike will love grooving on the luminous dance floor, designing their own custom color ice cream scoop, walking along a giant infographic to reveal their “secret color,” and gazing upon floating balloons with wishes for the world written by students at 826NYC. The collection of 16 unique exhibits inspires wonder and fosters art appreciation. Before you leave, be sure to grab a “Local Color” neighborhood map that directs you to 20 unique color experiences hidden in downtown Manhattan to discover.

The Color Factory
251 Spring Street
Manhattan, NY 10013

Get your tickets here. (Kids 2 and under are free!)

Pier 2 Pop Up Pool

While McCarren Park’s new pool soaks up the spotlight, you and your family can slink off to Brooklyn Park’s coolest “hidden gem.” The Pop-Up Pool is a small, kid-friendly 3.5-foot-deep pool that allows just 60 people in at a time between 10 am and 5 pm. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to get free, “first come first served” wristbands for your 45-minute session. You’ll also find a nice sandy beach area with umbrellas, prime for relaxing; a concession stand serving burgers, dogs, and ice cream; plus you have all the beauty of Brooklyn Bridge Park at your disposal, with its playgrounds, picnic tables, rolling greens, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and public art displays. Try to go on a weekday when it’s less crowded if possible. Otherwise, keep the sprinkler park on Pier 6 or a stop at Ample Hills Creamery on Pier 5 in mind as your back-up option to avoid disappointment.

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2
150 Furman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Candytopia

The Candytopia interactive art installation is recommended for anyone who has ever dreamed of eating their way through the Candyland board game or taking a tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. You’ll be treated to candy portraits inspired by Andy Warhol, Van Gogh, and Leonardo daVinci. You’ll see flying unicorn pigs, a candied sphinx, and a pit of marshmallows. There’s no shortage of photo opps throughout the sugary spectacle. Gummy candies, chocolates, nostalgic favorites, and other sweets will be provided throughout your tour to satisfy your sweet tooth. This whimsical wonderland is only open August 15th through November 15th, so get in while you can!

Penn Plaza
145 W 32nd Street
New York, NY 10001

Get your tickets here! (Children 3 & under are free.)

2018 Riverhead Railroad Festival

Train-obsessed kids can get a close-up look at some of Long Island’s historic railcars August 25th-26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take the 10:15 AM Greenport Scoot to visit the Greenport Museum, with a ride back to Riverhead at 12:50 PM. Ride on a restored 1964-1965 LIRR World’s Fair park train. Visit a historic Lionel layout. Race miniature locomotives. Purchase your own train set. See G, O, HO, N and Z scale layouts. See historic blacksmithing demos. Enjoy refreshments and live music.

Railroad Museum of Long Island
416 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead
Fourth Street, Greenport

Get tickets at the box office for just $10. (5 and Under free!)

Harbes Family Farm Watermelon Festival

Calling all watermelon lovers August 25th-26th from 10 am to 7 pm! Harbes Family Farm welcomes you to a day full of contests from watermelon rolling to seed spitting. Kids will love the Barnyard Aventure – a singing hayride that tours the 100-acre farm, complete with pig racing and other friendly farm animals. Other highlights include: giant bouncing pillows; a goat bridge and mountain slide; a Sports Zone with baseball, football, and basketball toss games; and a hands-on preschooler playland. Adults will be treated to the relaxing sound of live rock, pop, and blues in the courtyard from 1-5 pm. Don’t forget to pick your own perfect watermelon and grab a bottle of their award-winning wine to take home.

Harbes Farm & Vineyard
715 Sound Avenue
Mattituck NY 11952

 

Contact Shine to find out many more ways to make the end of summer meaningful.

Benefits of Early Childhood Chess

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This year, the country of Armenia made chess compulsory in schools for all children over six years of age. American educators may not be as gung-ho about early childhood chess – but they should be. In an era where we’re all reasonably concerned about “screen time,” introducing chess to a young child is a gift beyond measure and a classic bonding activity to share with parents, siblings, and grandparents.

What Are The Benefits of Chess For Kids?

A growing body of research shows that learning chess:

  • Correlates with higher scores on mathematical and critical reasoning tests.
  • Improves reading test scores and proficiency among elementary school-aged children.
  • Increases brain activity in areas associated with calculation, concentration, and recognition.
  • Boosts IQ scores, overall intelligence, patience, perseverance, intuition, and creative thinking.
  • Teaches restraint, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and winning or losing graciously.

When To Start Chess For Kids

It’s understandable that any chess-loving parent would want to share their love of the game with a child as soon as possible, but push too hard too soon and you could spoil it. Surprisingly, educators say babies can begin learning the fundamentals of chess in diapers — as young as two – if taught the right way. Instruction should be fun and casual, with focus on identifying the different pieces and talking about how they move or capture. By age five, simply moving the pieces correctly would be a reasonable goal. By seven or eight, your child could be out-maneuvering you on the chess board!

Chess Sets For Beginners

While you can find Mario World and Star Wars themed chess sets, it’s best to start with a more basic looking set to teach the pieces and the moves without so much distraction. There are countless chess sets aimed at beginners, but we like this one from the MoMA. You may also choose a set like No Stress Chess, which includes activity cards to help young kids learn the game. The Chess Teacher is another large set that is easy for smaller hands to maneuver. For the next level, the Kids’ Book of Chess and Chess Set is geared toward ages 8 and up with colorful fantasy illustrations of beginning, middle, and end game offensive and defensive strategies.

Get Started: Chess Camps in NYC (Ages 3-12)

We’re pleased to announce Chess At 3 will be making regular appearances at Shine camps this summer. Their emphasis on teaching through storytelling helps kids win and lose graciously, and weaves history, math, and physical activity into every brain-building session. They’ve been equipping NYC kids as young as three with life skills and learning tools since 2006, so we’re excited to partner up with them to offer your child even more value. Contact us for details.

Why Tennis Lessons Are Great For Kids Under 10 — And How To Get Them Started

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Tennis is the perfect sport for young kids to learn. It’s safer than contact sports, and you can pick up all your supplies for under $10. You can play on a free public court, and you don’t need to assemble a team. Tennis is one of the few multigenerational sports that connects family members of all ages together. Youngsters begin with “Mommy and Me” classes, stay connected with parents through the teenage years, and play with their grandparents. That’s why tennis is “the sport for a lifetime.”

What Are The Benefits of Tennis For Kids?

Compared to other sports, tennis:

  • Improves grades, concentration, focus, independence, and ability to handle stress.
  • Boosts tactical thinking that generates nerve connections to promote lifelong brain development.
  • Develops hand-eye coordination, speed, balance, strength, fine motor control, and flexibility.
  • Burns more calories than aerobics, rollerblading, or cycling to foster healthy weight management.
  • Promotes “A” grades in school among 48% of players (compared to 25% of non-athletes.)
  • Provides a fun, social activity that people tend to stick with throughout the years.
  • Helps kids learn to win or lose gracefully, manage mistakes, develop perseverance, and recover from stress.
  • Yields higher scores in vigor, optimism, and self-esteem than other sports (according to SCSU research.)

Over the long-term, renowned epidemiologist Ralph Paffenbarger found that people who played singles tennis at moderate intensity for just two to three hours per week, cut the risk of death from any cause in half. Who wouldn’t want to give their children the gift of longevity if they could?

When To Start Tennis Lessons For Kids

Most experts agree that four is the earliest age you’d want to begin introducing tennis. The key to getting young kids interested in tennis is to keep it playful and fun, rather than competitive. Specialization can take as long as a decade to achieve, so there is much merit in getting kids onto the court with continuous movement and instruction to learn as they go through gameplay, rather than standing in line and doing drills. “You work on coordination games, movement games, and teaching them building blocks of playing the sport,” explains George Garland, director of Go! Tennis in Queens. For kids ages 4-7, 30 minutes of tennis instruction is plenty. Kids ages 8-12 may increase to 45 minutes.

Tennis Equipment For Beginners

The size tennis racquet you need depends upon the age of your child:

  • Ages 4-5: 21 inches
  • Ages 6-7: 23 inches
  • Ages 8-10: 25 inches

Look for red felt or foam balls, which weigh less and have a slower bounce than official regulation tennis balls. These balls may not last as long for the money, but they give children plenty of reaction time and are softer for safety sake.

Get Started: Arts & Tennis Afternoon Camp (Ages 4-12)

Join us at Hampton Racquet this summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from July 2nd – August 30th from 3:45 – 6 p.m. The brand-new “Creative Arts & Tennis Afternoon Camp” introduces children ages 4-12 to the love of learning tennis. We provide masterful instruction from John Graham, racquets, age-appropriate groups, healthy snacks, drinks, and art materials with guided instruction. Inspired by the East End, children are exposed to a variety of creative themes, from local flora and fauna, to architecture and history, explored through a variety of mediums. This unique opportunity engages children in sports, constructive arts, science, nature exploration, games, and books for $99/day, with discounts available for 10+ classes. For more information or to register, email rebecca@shinenyc.net.

Easy Spring Plants To Get Young Children Interested in Gardening

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A garden is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give your child. It’s a place of escape, where you can gaze upon the wonders of nature, and a method for demonstrating the positive benefits of hard work, patience, and tender loving care.

“Usually children spend more time in the garden than anybody else,” says Carol Williams in her book, Bringing a Garden to Life. “It is where they learn about the world, because they can be in it unsupervised, yet protected. Some gardeners will remember from their own earliest recollections that no one sees the garden as vividly, or cares about it as passionately, as the child who grows up in it.”

It’s never too early to expose your little ones to the joy of gardening, although there are certain obvious limitations. Prior to kindergarten, the wait can seem agonizing. The littlest ones are often appeased with rudimentary tools and the opportunity to get their hands dirty. Keep a watering, weeding, fertilizing, and projected growth date calendar for three and four-year-olds to maintain your child’s interest throughout the season.

Try the following plants to inspire your little “green thumb”:

Beans and Peas

Peas and beans sprout from seed within a week, making them the best beginner plants. Beans are so easy to grow, you can grab a few dried pinto, black, or kidney beans right from your cupboard, place them on a wet paper towel inside a plastic bag on a sunny windowsill, and watch them start to sprout before your very eyes. If you’d rather get your hands dirty outside, a bush bean variety like the “Purple Queen” is easy for kids to spot and pick. We also love this whimsical Bean and Morning Glory Teepee, which provides a fun outdoor playhouse for your child all summer long.

Plant: 1 inch deep, 3-4 inches apart

Sun: Full (about 8 hours/day)

Water: 1 inch per week

Herbs

Herbs like Mint or Basil are particularly hardy. They grow fast and furious in as little as four days, and can withstand a bit of stomping. Some toddlers will even pick and eat the fresh leaves. Chives and Cilantro take about 10 days to get going, but cilantro will require more careful care, as it has a tendency to bolt if it’s not cut back in time. Dill, Oregano, and Thyme can take two weeks to grow. Sage and Parsley are considerably slower with four weeks before germination. You can grow herbs in a pot, a windowsill box, or the ground.

Plant: Six to 10 inches down, 10-12 inches apart

Sun: Part Sun (about 4 hours/day)

Water: As needed – when soil feels dry to the touch

Sunflowers

Any kid who has ever read “Jack and the Beanstalk” will be astounded by a sunflower’s impressive growth. Dwarf varieties grow two or three feet tall, but Mammoth Russians, American Giants, and Giganteus sunflowers can reach 12 to 15 feet. The seeds begin to sprout in just seven to 10 days, with big bright flowers appearing in two months, and the first seeds developing three to four months later. To enjoy continuous blooms all the way until the first frost, sow a new row of seeds every two to three weeks.

Plant: Two feet down, two to three feet apart

Sun: Full (about 8 hours/day)

Water: Several gallons, once a week

Radishes

Radishes may not be your child’s favorite vegetable to eat, but they sure grow swiftly. The “Easter Egg” variety produces mature red, purple, and white vegetables in one month. The French enjoy radishes with butter and salt, the Koreans pickle them, Mexicans throw them into tacos, and the British put them on tea sandwiches. Here in America, we tend to chop them up into picnic salads with eggs and mayonnaise.

Plant: ½ inch deep, 12 inches apart

Sun: Full (at least 6 hours)

Water: 2-3 hours once the soil is dry four inches down

Cherry Tomatoes

Tiny tomatoes are the perfect fresh-off-the-vine food to snack on. Little hands can harvest ripened tomatoes planted from seedling in less than two months. Look for varieties like the Super Sweet 100, Sun Sugar, Black Cherry, and Husky Cherry Red for extra sweet flavor. If your child isn’t crazy about eating a raw tomato, you can turn them into tomato salsa, pasta sauce, soup, or bruschetta topping.

Plant: ¼ inch deep, 24 inches apart

Sun: Full (8 or more hours/day)

Water: 1.5 inches per week

Why Not Take A Class?

Shine’s “Garden Project” class, geared toward ages 3-5 or 5-7, is another ideal way to spark your child’s interest in gardening. Our projects combine art, science, and nature in highly engaging ways to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and Earth stewardship. Contact us for more details.

References:

http://www.gardendigest.com/family.htm

https://www.parenting.com/article/gardening-kids

https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/4056/

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tall-can-sunflower-grow-year-70410.html

https://www.almanac.com/plant/sunflowers

https://www.epicurious.com/archive/blogs/editor/2014/04/the-tk-best-ways-to-eat-radishes.html

https://www.sciencekiddo.com/bean-seed-in-a-bag/

https://bonnieplants.com/library/the-basics-of-tomato-flavor/

Ways to Have a Meaningful Mother’s Day at Home

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Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $23.1 Billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average person will be spending an average of $180 to lavish mom with attention with everything from flowers, jewelry, and brunch, to electronics, spa services, and day trips.

Yet, most moms admit what they really want on Mother’s Day are the simple things – a morning in bed, a cup of tea, family snuggles, a roast cooked for them, homemade cards, and a nature walk. Mothers of young children, in particular, long for a little peace and quiet – or just a calm day with no meltdowns.

NYC is a flurry of Mother’s Day events, but if the simple pleasures are more your speed, try one of these meaningful Mother’s Day activities at home.

Brunch outside

After a miserable April, forecasters are calling for temperatures up in the 70s. It may be cloudy and slightly damp from Saturday rain, but still a decent day for dining al fresco.

  • Outdoor brunch – Make fresh-squeezed juices, quiche, and fruit salad to enjoy lunch outside on the patio.
  • Picnic – It’s not too early for sandwiches, watermelons, chips, pasta salad, and lemonade in a wicker basket.
  • BBQ – Dads aren’t the only ones who like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, barbecue drumsticks, and corn on the cob.
  • Tea Party – Make the afternoon special with homemade scones, tea, a mini honey pot, and fancy finger food.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s always the classic option of breakfast in bed. Older kids may enjoy whipping up an omelet with dad, while younger ones are perfectly capable of stirring up waffles with a side of strawberries. Don’t forget the coffee in mom’s favorite mug!

Get crafty

Crafts are a calming way of spending quality time together, whether the kids are big or small. You don’t need to have any particular craft in mind. Freeform is sometimes the most fun way to go, with the right supplies on hand. Consider:

  • Rock salts, glue, and watercolor paints
  • Clay flower pots, craft paint, rubber stamps, rhinestones, and mini fairy or gnome figurines
  • Pom-poms, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glue, magnetic tape
  • Felt, buttons, scissors, glue, ribbon, glitter
  • Paint-by-Number kits
  • Perler Beads or Aquabeads kits

On a nice day, get outside with sidewalk chalk. Keep the kids occupied drawing a pretend town or other fantastical setting. Draw classic Hopscotch, bulls-eye beanbag toss, Tic-Tac-Toe, or obstacle courses for hours of fun.

Take a trip down Memory Lane

What better opportunity to reflect upon the sweet morsels of motherhood past and present than Mother’s Day?

  • Break out the oldies. Kids love looking through albums of old photographs and watching home movies.
  • Create a comic strip. Older kids can illustrate an event, celebration, or humorous incident from the year.
  • Preserve history. To honor a deceased mother, order signature jewelry or handwritten recipe pottery.
  • Check out Ancestry.com. Older children may enjoy looking at the family tree, historic documents, and photos.
  • Sit down for family scrapbook making. Begin a tradition of creating a beautiful annual keepsake, chronicling the past year. Print out your photos using a service like Snapfish or Shutterfly. Stop by the craft store to get scrapbook paper, stickers, hole punchers, and stamps for adorning. To make your scrapbook even more meaningful for next year, keep a running list of funny quotes from the kids to add.

Garden together

If you’re not one to “relax,” special day or not, visit the local nursery to pick out new flowers or vegetables for the garden a few days in advance. Then spend Mother’s Day weeding, planting, and sharing stories with those you love.

  • Make it more fun for the wee ones. Kids love having their own watering cans and pint-sized tools.
  • Adorn it. Paint and decorate rocks to add to your garden.
  • Choose long-lasting cut flower varieties. Shop for daisies, dahlias, mini sunflowers, asters, scabiosa, coneflowers, or larkspur to make beautiful arrangements all summer long.

Snuggle up to a Mother’s Day movie

Kids are only so little for so long. When the sun goes down, pop the popcorn, line the couch with blankets, and enjoy one of these movies suitable for Mother’s Day:

  • Dumbo – A circus elephant with big ears finds himself on his own once his mother is locked away for sticking up for him. In the end, Dumbo realizes the source of his ridicule is actually his strength and reunites with his mom.
  • The Boss Baby – New moms will empathize with the hilarious take on bringing a new baby into the house. If you haven’t seen it yet, this Pixar film uses a mix of beautiful animation styles, while inserting a few much-appreciated adult jokes and “30 Rock” style humor. Yet, it’s also captivating enough for a 2-year-old.
  • Brave – It can be difficult for adolescents to reconcile their mothers’ dreams for them with the aspirations they have for themselves. Princess Meridia lands her mother and herself into trouble with a witch in this Disney flick.
  • The Incredibles – Elastigirl is not just the wife of Mr. Incredible. She’s a fantastic superhero mom, too!
  • Freaky Friday – Tess Coleman and her daughter Anna wake up in each other’s bodies for a day, which helps them learn to get along better.

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