Swimming and Sailing Lessons - Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

After researching local swim programs and fees, including the YMCA and a specialty swim school in Bristol, RI called Ripples; my friend C decided to enroll her three boys (Ages 7, 5, and 4) in swim lessons at the Tiverton Yacht Club in Tiverton, RI.

The classes meet two times per week (30 minutes) for 4 weeks (8 lessons total), and non-members pay $100.  There are two sessions, so children may take the next level class after completing their first if desired.  For $12.50 a lesson, C thought this was the best local deal. 

She also likes that there are two lessons per week, rather than one, so the boys can build upon their previously learned skills and not lose momentum. 

Dates/Times/Fees: Swimming Lessons at Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

Covered Tables Adjacent to Swimming Pool - TYC

The TYC sits in a breezy location on top of a hill across from the harbor.  There is a covered area with a few picnic tables for parents and siblings to wait and watch.  The experienced instructor was able to assess the young children's levels; encourage them feel comfortable in the water; AND teach them quite a few useful water skills in a 30-minute time frame.  All three boys enjoyed their first week's lessons and can't wait to go back! 

Young Sailors at Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

On the way out, we noticed a group of young sailors learning how to sail!  A quick check of the TYC website resulted in a list of sailing programs for members and non-members of varying ages.  They seem to span the length of the summer from June to August, meeting two days or more per week.  The younger group meets for 3 hours, while the older students have a full-day schedule.  The fees seem very comparable to summer camp rates: 

Dates/Times/Fees: Sailing Lessons at Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

Tiverton Yacht Club (RI) Website

Sailing Lessons at Tiverton Yacht Club (RI)

Playground Review - Jamestown, MA

Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Teacher, Mom, and 3 Boys (under 7) Rating:   * * * * (out of 4)

Note:  Although I'm currently a preschool teacher and no longer a nanny, I still love all things early childhood!  This means taking field trips with my friend and her three young boys (Ages 7, 5, and 4)  and sharing our findings with others.  We especially love free and low-cost outings, so playgrounds are at the top of our list!  When we find ice-cream or other treats nearby, we include that information as well.  

The newly updated Jamestown playground still has that fresh mulch smell and is attactive, clean and spacious!  The pathways are made of compressed rubber and have a nice cushiony bounce as you walk.  The playground is located directly behind the town library (directions below), which might be an additional little stop if you have the time.  

New Mulch and Rubber Pathways at Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Pros:

Two large themed structures are the first things you notice as you approach the white picketed fence playground:  

• Spaceship area and Pirate ship area with multiple covered slides and stairs to climb:  

Climber and Space Ship area at Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Pirate Ship area at the Jamestown Community Playground, RI

You'll also find:  

• Climber: a large netted pyramid-shaped climber between the two.  

• Swings:  a row of swings (including an adapted/safety swing) for children and infants

• Zipline with platforms on both sides and a disc seat attached to a thick rope.  THIS was one of the most popular attractions at the Jamestown playground.  Parental intervention was needed at times to make sure children in line received a turn!  (There is no close-up photo of the zipline, but it is along the back fence in the photo below.)

Swings and Zipline at the Jamestown Community Playground, RI

Bonuses:  

• Fenced in along street/parking areas and latched gate. Children can run around and have fun, but they can't run away faster than you can catch them.

• About three picnic tables and a small grassy area to put down a blanket.  At this stage, there are no benches, which might be a nice future addition.  

Our three boys played for three hours straight before they started getting hungry and realized it was about an hour past their usual dinner time!

Cons: 

Other than swings, there isn't much here for infants or toddlers.  We taked to some grandparents with their one-year-old, and they were disappointed that there wasn't something more her size or speed.



Town Webpage:  Jamestown Parks and Recreation - Community Playground

Location/Map:  Jamestown Library at 26 North Road - Playground behind

Nearby Ice Cream can be found at Spinnaker's, located in the beautiful Ferry Wharf area where the Jamestown Ferry launches.  There are a few outside tables adjacent to a parking lot, and they offer basic food fare for children and adults (nothing to write home about), but the ice cream was a hit. 

Spinnaker's Cafe, 3 Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI

 There's also a small beach a few steps away from the wharf for walking, boat watching, and shell hunting.

Beach Near Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI 

View of the Newport Bridge from Beach Near Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, RI

Best Preschool Egg Hunt

I’ve tried all types of egg hunts, but this has been my favorite for four years straight. The children are excited, happy, and content! What more can you ask for?

To view the rest of the article and photos, please head over to my newest blog, which I started to store and share my favorite early childhood activities:

My Preschool File Cabinet - Best Preschool Egg Hunt

Mid-Week Mom Tip: Review of The Dinosaur Place in Montville, CT

My friend, Melissa, is a home daycare provider/owner and inventor of  Pick-Ease, a utensil that makes eating fun for children, including picky eaters.  She's also the mom of two young boys and likes to take them on fun-filled field trips. She writes about this trip and other topics of interest to parents on her Pick-Ease blog, so you can check them out at Pick-Ease.com.  I'm sharing her review of their recent trip to The Dinosaur Place in Montville, CT below:

This Summer, my family visited The Dinosaur Place for the very first time. The Dinosaur Place is located in Montville, CT, just minutes from Mystic Aquarium. Now, we’ve been to Mystic Aquarium numerous time, but I had never heard of The Dinosaur Place until last year. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend it! What an amazing day trip that’s fun for the whole family! 

The Dinosaur Place

At The Dinosaur Place you will find over 40 Life-Sized Dinosaurs on 1.5 miles of nature trails. You’ll also enjoy playing in Monty’s Dino-sized playground, finding your way through the A “Maze” asaurus, bouncing in the Jurassic Moon Bounce, splashing in New England’s largest splashpad, and much more!

Monty’s Dino-Sized Playground

When entering the The Dinosaur Place you will first see Monty’s Dino-Sized Playground. I love that the playground was designed for children of all ages. There are multiple Jungle Gyms of varying difficulties throughout Monty’s Playground, including a separate toddler-sized play area for little ones! My boys especially loved climbing on and through the 3 foot tall Pachyrhinosaurus (thick-nosed lizard) skull!

Splashpad

The Dinosaur Place is also home to New England’s largest Splashpad! Once again, accommodating children of all ages was considered during the design of this splashpad. My youngest son loves water but hates being splashed in the face, so I was very pleased to find that there was an area that he too could enjoy! In the Splashpad area you will find over 30 dinosaur-themed features including dinosaur head water cannons, a dinosaur “ribcage” waterfall, a spitting Stegosaurus, and more! There are also bathrooms and changing areas located right outside the Splashpad. 

Dinosaur Trails

Once again, at The Dinosaur Place you will find over 40 Life-Sized Dinosaurs on 1.5 miles of nature trails. To enter the Dinosaur Trails, you will walk under the belly of a life-sized Brachiosaurus. This dinosaur is 75 feet long and 40 feet tall! Walking through the Dinosaur Trails truly was an amazing experience for all of us. I had never seen anything like it before. The kids really loved exploring the trails and discovering all of the different types of dinosaurs! They also loved stopping at each of the “What am I?” touch and learn activity boxes located throughout the trails. In these boxes you will discover different objects including dinosaur teeth, seashells and more! Towards the end of the dinosaur trails you will find a life-like interactive animatronic Dilophosaurus hiding in a cave! We had to visit this dinosaur a few times during our visit, as it was a favorite for all of us!  

Raptor Bay

Upon exiting the Dinosaur Trails, you will come to Raptor Bay which is a seven-acre man-made lake. Along the edge of the lake there is a volcano that “erupts” every hour on the hour. When the volcano erupts you will feel the ground vibrate and see mist spray out of the top.

Jurassic Moon Bounce

The Jurassic Moon Bounce is a great addition to The Dinosaur Place. What kid doesn’t love jumping in a bouncy house? 

A “Maze” asaurus

If you go towards the right, upon entering the dinosaur trails, you will come to the A “Maze” asaurus. This is a large maze with lots of twists and turns than you have find your way though. I love that maze is raised so you can see your little one’s feet, making it easier to find them if they get lost! To exit the maze you will slide through the mouth of a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Discovery Depot

Everything I’ve listed above is included in the admission to The Dinosaur Place, and it’s more than enough fun to fill your day, but if you’re up for a little more adventure, stop by the Discovery Depot, located right next door! For an additional fee, at the Discovery Depot you can mine for gems, pan for gold, and dig for dinosaur bones! Some of these activities are only done at certain hours of the day so be sure to check for times on the big board located in The Dinosaur Place gift shop, where you also purchase tickets to The Dinosaur Place.

The Bone Zone

In The Bone Zone your child will work along side other children to uncover the skeleton of a dinosaur. Dr. Bonz teaches the children a bit about paleontologists, and walks them through the proper techniques for digging for dinosaur bones. After about 15 minutes of digging, Dr. Bonz will talk a bit more about the dinosaur that was uncovered. She will then hand each child a small case with 5 real fossils in it. The fossils alone made this activity worth the price, and the kids had lots of fun digging in the sand! 

Jackpot Mine

The Jackpot Mine is Southeastern Connecticut’s only replica silver mine. Before you enter, you will be given a souvenir bucket to place whatever your find in. In the mine your child will dig with their hands to try find over 50 kinds of real gemstones, crystals and minerals. Best of all, you get keep everything you find! This was definitely one of my favorite parts of our trip. Just beware that you are not allowed to help your child dig, so if your child is on the younger side and will require help, make sure you purchase a ticket for yourself too!

Thunder Creek 

Unfortunately, we didn’t participate in the Thunder Creek activity. After an extremely long day, our kids were just too tired to keep going, but this is definitely on our to-do list for next year! At Thunder Creek your child will be given a souvenir pouch to keep all of the “fools gold” they find while panning for gold!

What’s to Eat?

Inside The Dinosaur Place, you can grab some food at Monty’s Munchies, located next to the Splashpad. There you can get traditional concession foods – burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, etc. Although the food was good, the wait was extremely long, so I would recommend you pack your own lunch. This has nothing to do with the servers, as they were working as hard as they could. There were just so many people ordering, that they couldn’t keep up with it.

Another food option would be to eat at the Cobalt Cafe, located in The Shops at Nature’s Art Village. We didn’t visit this restaurant but from their website, I see that they offer a bit more than Monty’s Munchies.

Lastly, there is an ice cream shop at The Dinosaur Place which is the perfect way to end an amazing day! On top of ice cream, they also offer Root Beer Floats and other beverages

Tips

Don’t forget your bug spray and sun block! Also, bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes!

The NEW Tiverton Library - Children's Section

Teacher and Kiddo Rating:  * * * *  (out of 4)

I finally had a chance to visit the newly opened library in Tiverton, RI with two of my kindergarten-aged friends on our last day of school field trip.   I managed to capture some photos with my basic cell phone camera, but the photos don't do it justice.  The children's area of the library is clean, bright, and colorful with many places to explore and lots of comfy seating for adults and children.  Even though we spent almost two full hours there on our way to the beach, the kiddos really wanted to spend more time trying out everything there was to do.

Design in Motion Velcro-Type Activity

Soft, Vinyl Blocks with Velcro-Type Attachments

Also impressive, were the additional spaces geared toward toddlers and infants.  With plenty of space to crawl/walk around as toddlers like to do, the library makes use of wall space for interactive Velcro-type activities and a long desk area with toddler-sized chairs to work on puzzles or a computer.  Plenty of larger computers are available for older children in a separate, partitioned circular area (not photographed).

Crawling Infants Area with Rocking Chairs 

Toddler-Sized Desk Area with Puzzles and Computer

Stuffed Book Characters

Velcro-Type Activity and Knob Puzzles

Magnet Activity

Dry-Erase Table

The children's special event or story time area (I'm guessing, as we spied some big books on an easel and puppets in the corner) is still a work in progress.  A sign on the door stated that children were allowed in with adult supervision.  

Behind swinging glass doors, separated by a blue and lime green wall with circular port-hole windows, is a room filled with small tables and chairs (future crafts possibly) and bins with some quiet, construction/manipulative toys such as Duplo-type blocks and large foam blocks.

The projector hanging from the ceiling, spotlights facing the opposite wall, and stacked seating cushions all hint at the fun events to come!  

Story Time / Event Room

Foam Blocks in Event Room

Ball Maze in Event Room

My little friend wanted a photo of the bright and cheery restroom (one of two for families right in the Children's Area).

My personal favorite on the adult side of the library -- outdoor balcony with tables/chairs.  

More Info:

Tiverton Public Library in Rhode Island

Location/Map

34 Roosevelt Avenue

Tiverton, RI  02878

Phone:

1-401-625-6796

Hours:  

Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 8 PM; Friday 10 AM - 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM; Closed Sundays

Restroom Information:  

Two clean, bright family restrooms are available in the children's area, apart from the main library. They contain flip-down changing stations for diapers; auto-flush toilets, and motion-activated soap dispensers; water faucets, and hand dryer.  :)

A Cool New Keyboard for Preschoolers and Awesome Websites to Try!

Over the summer I've been working on meeting requirements to open a licensed family childcare program in my home.  I'm so excited to begin this new venture, called Teacher's Pet Pre-K!  If you get a chance, visit my Facebook page and check it out!  I just posted about my new keyboard, and wanted to share it here as well. 

It's called the FunkeyBoard, and I purchased it from Amazon for $39.  I love it!  It's a color-coded computer keyboard geared towards helping children distinguish between vowels, consonants, numbers, function keys, and punctuation/symbols.  Even the little mouse is color-coded to help children learn how to right/left click and scroll!

My only pet peeve about having computers available for young children in schools is that they are often just plunked down in front of the screen with a game loaded up to play by themselves.  Are they learning anything?  Maybe, but not usually. 


The specific sites listed below will require minimum instruction for youngsters, yet will allow them true independence once they know what to do and how to use the tools (keyboard and mouse).  Best of all, these activities are easy and actually educational!  They reinforce valuable Pre-K and K literacy, language, and writing skills.  Everyone wins!

My favorite of all time is Storyline Online.  Children can watch, listen, and read along (if they have a copy) to classic books read by Betty White, Elijah Wood, James Earl Jones, and other members of the Screen Actor's Guild.

Next, children can practice writing the alphabet on an online writing pad and watch demonstrations by a cute spider on how to form the letters at: MeddyBemps.

Two other favorites (although there are many more) are found at the same site, ABCya:

Upper and Lowercase Letter Matching  

Alphabet Bingo


I hope you and your little one enjoy these activities! 

Liebster Award

Thank you to Wendy at A Daily Dose of Del Signore for this blog award.  It's a nice way to get acquainted with other bloggers, so go check out her site!


The rules, should you be nominated:

1. If you were nominated, post 11 things about yourselves.
2. Then answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you created.
3. Create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers you decided to nominate.
4. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate with less than 300 followers.
5. Make sure and let these people know you nominated them! No tag backs, so don't nominate someone who nominated you.

11 things about myself: 

1.  I was named after a country-singing, braid-wearing, original Mouseketeer:  Darlene.  Dee is my nickname.

2.  I received a D in 7th grade algebra, because I spent the entire year staring at the back of the head of a boy I had a crush on instead of listening to the teacher.  

3.  I am afraid of spiders and have a ritual of checking my ceiling, walls, blankets, sheets, and pillows each night before going to bed to make sure the coast is clear.  

4.  I am also afraid of wasps.

5.  I've been interested in the environment and buying organic foods for the past 20 years, somewhere between the hippie movement of the 60's/70's and the current green awareness.

6. I used to write articles for our local parenting paper with topics like, Kid-Size Compost and My Favorite Day Trips -- Local Libraries.

7.  I was chubby/heavy my entire life until I lost 100 pounds in my 20's and lived life for a few years as a thin person.  I regained the weight over the years, and it is much harder to lose pounds now.  

8.  I like movies and television set in different time periods, like Downton Abby and Mad Men.  Life seemed much simpler then.  

9.  I am obsessive about certain items/motifs, but try purposely not to collect them or would definitely become a hoarder.  These items are maps/globes, tins, birds, vintage stationery/paper/advertising/stamps.  

10.  When I was a child I dreamed of being a singer, until the fateful day my dream died when I heard my voice played back on a tape recorder.

11.  Writing this list was very personal, and the first time I've told anyone some of these things!


11 Questions for Wendy's Nominees:

1. What do you struggle with right now?

Losing weight at 50!


2. What's your favorite comfort food?

Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream

3. What can you do really well that's unusual?

It's not unusual, but I am a fast and accurate typist.  I went to secretarial school out of high school, before going to college for early childhood education.  I'm a terrible texter though, because I am used to using all my fingers to type on a regular keyboard!

4. What can you cook that everyone absolutely loves?

Apple Pie with Walnut Crumble Topping (modified from a Martha Stewart recipe)

5. What inspires you? 

Nature, Children, and the Creativity of Others

6. What do you see yourself doing in ten years?

Teaching young children



7. What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, we've had the power all along to do what it is we'd like to do.

8. What one word do you think describes you best?

Unique

9. What is your best feature?

Eyes (according to my husband)
 
10. What's your favorite time of the day and why?

Late afternoon to evening, because my energy/creativity is in full swing.

11. Where is your favorite vacation spot?

 Anywhere peaceful and coastal with sun and a water breeze






Questions for New England Nanny's nominees:

1. What was your original goal when starting your blog?  Has it changed?
 
2. What would you do with your life if money was of no concern?
 
3. Did your parents have any other names in mind when you were born?  What name would you have liked for yourself?
 
4. Do you collect anything?
 
5. Do you feel that life has taught you an important lesson?  If so, what is it?
 
6. Do you have any words of advice for a younger you?
 
7. What are your "spare time" hobbies?
 
8. Is there something you'd like to learn to do?
 
9. What is your favorite childhood book or movie and why?
 
10. Are you a cat person or a dog person? 
 
11. What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

 
I'm tagging some fellow blogger followers:

Kristen at Crafty Kris

Sharon at Sha the Nanny

Crystal at Wanna Be Balanced Mom 

Angel at Chasing Serenity

CJ at   Killing Superwoman

Judy at Coffee Jitters

Beth at Create Your Traditions  

Janette at Jan's Crafty Nest

Silvia  at Mama Latina Tips

RJ's Mama at My Baby RJ

Lindsay at Lindsay's Tea Party 

Rockin' Lullabies

 Rockin' Lullabies

 
After years of working with young children, there are just so many times I can listen to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.  Recently while searching my library's statewide catalog for soothing music to play during mealtimes in my preschool classroom, I stumbled upon lullaby versions (instrumental) of music from Journey, Aerosmith, Queen, and the Beatles -- classic rock songs that I grew up with.

Somehow they've taken out the harsh drums and guitars and replaced them with gentle bells and other calming instruments, yet they retain the melody of the original.  I love them; the children love them; so it's a win-win.
 
I've gone back to the library catalog for more titles and found versions available for everyone from Green Day and Nirvana to Black Sabbath and Bjork!

You'll find all available titles at their website listed below, including sample tracks to listen to first. Remember to also check your library!

Rockabye Baby!

Potty Training Part I - Readiness

 I've trained my share of potty goers over the years and would like to share three important related facts to start:

1.  When children are ready, things will go much more smoothly, so timing is everything.

2.  Too early and frustration and battles of will ensue -- no one is happy and potty learning goes on too long.

3.  Too late and habits have formed that are difficult to break.  Potty training becomes a stressful race against the clock to be ready for preschool instead of a naturally occurring life event.

Montessori-based educators state the sensitive period for potty training is between 12 months and 18 months, which is right for some children.  Other experts say that the parent is the one being trained, as they are responsible for making sure the child sits on the potty at specified times of the day, but still it can be successful.

In my experience, 18 months to up to 2 1/2 years is the window of time that seems successful for most children.

In order to begin using the potty for bowel movements*, children need:

1.  An understanding of the language of their body parts and functions

2.  A predictable or regular schedule of bowel movements

3.  Practice in pulling pants (loose fitting and elastic waist) up and down themselves

4.  A parent or caregiver who is willing to dedicate a period of time to the initial learning process (at least one full week of consistency and routine if possible.  If not, a long 4-day weekend may get you started on the road to success).

This step is especially important as the child will need guidance, reminders, and positive reinforcement to achieve this huge developmental milestone!  This will mean missing story time at the library or other scheduled activities, but it will be worth it.

*Urination sensations can be more complex for children to understand.  The best indicator of physical readiness for urination is diaper dryness after a nap period.  A child may still need a daily diaper, pull-up, or training underwear for occasional wetness, but may use the potty for all bowel movements until he or she can control urination.   


Photo Credit: Dreamstime/Anitapatterson

'I Have to Go...' or Life after Potty Training

When my daughter was small, I wrote articles for the local parenting paper, The Bristol County Baby Journal, and occasional columns for our daily newspaper, The Providence Journal (Providence, RI).  Now that little R is entering his pottying stage, I'm reminded of a column I wrote about life after potty training (circa 1995) that I'd like to share with you:


Whew -- my local tour is complete.  What a whirlwind of activity for four years.  I never thought I would see them all, but I have.

Historical sites?  Ivy League schools?  Plays at Trinity?  No - public restrooms.  I'm the mother of a six-year-old daughter whose hobby is to visit public restrooms.  Why go at home when you can check out strange bathrooms all over the state?

Today we visited three in under three hours.  Must be a world record.

I pretty much expected visiting the restroom at McDonalds, our first stop.  But 10 minutes into our browse through Target, after reaching the opposite side of the store, came that familiar whisper:  "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom."  Off we trudge and there I wait.  She's getting better at this.  She likes to chat, ask questions and explain her philosophy of life while she sits.  My foot is tapping, eyes rolling, cheeks reddening.

One more quick stop at the drugstore to get toothpaste and toilet paper (how appropriate) before we head home.  Halfway up the toothpaste aisle, I hear it again.  I'm ready to scream.

I tell her they have no bathroom here, she'll need to wait.  We'll be home in minutes.  She threatens to do it anyway unless I find her a bathroom.  I ask a clerk; he points to the other side of the store.  "I told you," she says.

Parents have their patience tested continually, but in this area I have been pushed way beyond my tolerance level.  Bathrooms are pretty boring (not to mention the lack of cleanliness issue) if you're the one designated to hold the other person's coat, hat, assorted long necklaces, and a large stuffed leopard named Jasmine.  Waiting.  And waiting.  I'm concerned that the security cameras watching the sink area of the restrooms we visit will think I've lost my mind.  To pass the time, I roll my eyes toward the ceiling and shake my head in disbelief.

When she was potty training, strange-bathroom visiting became the rule.  I learned about bathrooms in places I never knew had them.  All the store clerks had to do was see a toddler jumping in place or crossing her legs and they'd gladly show us the secret hidden restrooms for Employees Only.

At four she lost interest in the excitement of conquering a new restroom.  Since turning six, however, she's at it again, but with newly acquired skills.

She's now tall enough to turn the sink on and off; adjust the hot and cold to suit her temperature needs; work the various models of soap dispensers, and reach the handle crank for the paper towels.  Or, my personal favorite -- electric hand dryers.  Loud, hot, annoying.  She always dries twice - doesn't like damp hands.

I smile meekly at the women who efficiently come and go through the restroom door.  They think she is so cute, lathering up her hands and gazing into the mirror.

All the while, I'm thinking, "Good, here's her stuff.  You wait while I shop."


This column appeared in The Providence Sunday Journal on September 3, 1995.