July 25, 2020 at 6:01 am (Suggested Activity)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Shooting Stars ♦ Astronomy ♦ Playing Cards ♦ Card History ♦ Statistics ♦ Manufacturing ♦ Physics ♦ Chemistry ♦ Food Science ♦ Folk Games ♦ Folk Traditions ♦ DIY Nature Crafts ♦ Basket Coiling ♦ Sun Catchers ♦ Bee Hotel ♦ Kitchen Scrap Gardening ♦ Stone Fruit ♦ Peaches ♦ Botany ♦ Living Art ♦ Entomology ♦ Spiders ♦ Literacy ♦ Psychology ♦ Campfires ♦ Cooking ♦ Pastry Arts ♦ Coffee History
July 25, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Family Variety Show)
From New Zealand, Claudia Robin Gunn presents a collection of starry songs old and new and invites you to listen and learn about the deep connection between people and the stars in the pacific and Oceania. – www.littlewildmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
July 25th & 26th, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: How Far is a Lightyear (Solar System Song) from Little Wild Universe
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
July 23, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, Distant Learning, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Social Distancing, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through bthe social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and over 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover learning ideas and community-based educational opportunities to explore at home and outdoors this weekend and next week.
NOW OPEN!
New England “OPEN” Air Museum reopens indoor & outdoor exhibit spaces! The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England with 3 large hangars, outdoor exhibits, and 100+ aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopters. Open every day from 10am-3pm with public programs and activities ongoing in socially distanced style. With 90,000 square feet of aircraft hangars and wide-open hangar doors, there is no better place to go for safe, socially distanced fun. The outdoor space will remain open with 10 aircraft, and visitors can see another 50 aircraft indoors, plus dozens of engines and exhibits on various aspects of aviation history. The entire museum has been cleaned and sanitized with daily cleaning protocols to ensure the health & safety of all. Admission: $16/adults; $10/children 4-14yo; Free for ages 3 & under and Veteran. Located at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks, CT
Online
Online Program Jul 27-Aug 14
Berkshire Music School – Rock On(line) & OnStage LIVE! Online/Pittsfield, MA. BMS brings its most popular summer camps online! For youth 11-15, OnStage LIVE helps young singers free their voice through sessions focused on choosing repertoire, building stage presence, and working with a pre-recorded track. It’s the perfect opportunity for singers to prepare for auditions & theatrical performances. (July 27-31). Geared towards high school and college-age musicians, Rock On(line): Solid Gold Solos gives students the chance to tackle that solo they’ve always dreamed of playing with masterclasses, group instrument lessons, and workshops in songwriting and theory/composition. The program culminates in an online performance opportunity. (Session 1: Aug. 3-7 & Session 2: Aug. 10-14.) Private lessons are also available. Dates: Jul 27-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 11-21yo. Contact: 413-442-1411. smoderski@berkshiremusicschool.org ♦ www.BerkshireMusicSchool.org
Online Program Jul 27-Aug 14
Online
Barrington Stage Co. KidsAct! and TeensAct!: The Show Must Go On(line). Online/Pittsfield, MA. Barrington Stage Co. will be holding 2 weeks of virtual camps in August, customized for campers who want to build their acting skills and be engaged creatively. Campers will film themselves under the guidance of experienced teaching artists and create a virtual show together. Teaching artists will teach virtual classes, offer private coaching, and help campers with independent, project-oriented learning. Counselors will be available to answer questions outside of class, provide one-on-one coaching, and help with project completion. Students must have access to Zoom, a Google account, a device with an internet connection, and a camera. KidsAct! for 7–11yo. TeensAct! For 12-15yo. SESSION 1: Aug 10-14. SESSION 2: Aug 17-21. 10am–noon. Cost: $195. Dates: Aug 10-21; Age Range of Participants: 7-15yo. Contact: 413-997-6117. education@barringtonstageco.org. barringtonstageco.org
RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN OUR CLASS DIRECTORY!
Deadline to register: August 7th
Add virtual or in-person classes, private lessons, tutoring services, and online educational opportunities to Hilltown Families’ annual Class Directory! The deadline to register for our Class Directory debut is August 7th. Reserve your spot now and benefit from free updates to your listing throughout the year. Advertise in the region’s go-to, online resource for community-based educational opportunities in Western Massachusetts, reaching thousands of students throughout the region.
Sign up by August 7th and take advantage of our advertising package!
More Information. | Reserve a spot. | Submit your listing.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN OUR PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE DIRECTORY!
Deadline to register: August 7th
Hilltown Families’ Preschool & Daycare Directory welcomes yearlong listings for preschools, daycares, and early childhood programs across Western MA, including indoor/outdoor and virtual/in-person programs. The deadline to register for our Preschool & Daycare Directory debut is August 7th. Reserve your spot now and benefit from free updates to your listing throughout the year. Advertise in the region’s go-to, online resource for community-based educational opportunities in Western Massachusetts, reaching thousands of students throughout the region.
Sign up by August 7th and take advantage of our advertising package!
More Information. | Reserve a spot. | Submit your listing.
ADVERTISE HERE: Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.
Saturday, July 25 • Sunday, July 26
Monday, July 27 • Tuesday, July 28 • Wednesday, July 29
Thursday, July 30 • Friday, July 31
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Online and in-person events and resources shared below are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.
July 18, 2020 at 6:01 am (Suggested Activity)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Blueberry Season ♦ Ethnobotany ♦ Horticulture ♦ Pastry Arts ♦ Ice Cream ♦ Nutrition ♦ Kitchen Science ♦ Summer Science ♦ Chemistry ♦ Physics ♦ Citizen Science ♦ Soil Science ♦ Sandy Shores ♦ Aquaculture ♦ Seaweed ♦ Earthscape Art ♦ Fishing ♦ Tie-Dye ♦ Mud Bricks ♦ Catapults ♦ World Mythology ♦ Hero’s Journey ♦ Creation Myth ♦ Greek Mythology ♦ Maori Mythology ♦ Native American Mythology ♦ American Folklore ♦ Aesop’s Fables ♦ Entomology ♦ Orthopterology ♦ Lepidopterology ♦ Edible Insects ♦ Grasshoppers ♦ Moths ♦ Silk Worms ♦ Sociology ♦ Psychology ♦ Cultural Studies ♦ Textiles ♦ Fashion Design
July 18, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Families, Hilltown Family Variety Show)
Andrew Hunt, the lead singer and songwriter for the family-friendly band Cowboy Andy and The Salamanders, lives on a lavender farm in the mountains of Western Montana. In this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, join Cowboy Andy as he embarks on a spirited “How To” Cooking Show complete with mediocre recipes, a few kitchen disasters, and lots of great songs for the whole family! – www.cowboyandy.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
July 11th & 12th, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: The Letter Why –Live at Folklife 2019
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
July 16, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, Distant Learning, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Social Distancing, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through bthe social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and over 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover learning ideas and community-based educational opportunities to explore at home and outdoors this weekend and next week.
NOW OPEN!
New England “OPEN” Air Museum reopens indoor & outdoor exhibit spaces! The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England with 3 large hangars, outdoor exhibits, and 100+ aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopters. Open every day from 10am-3pm with public programs and activities ongoing in socially distanced style. With 90,000 square feet of aircraft hangars and wide-open hangar doors, there is no better place to go for safe, socially distanced fun. The outdoor space will remain open with 10 aircraft, and visitors can see another 50 aircraft indoors, plus dozens of engines and exhibits on various aspects of aviation history. The entire museum has been cleaned and sanitized with daily cleaning protocols to ensure the health & safety of all. Admission: $16/adults; $10/children 4-14yo; Free for ages 3 & under and Veteran. Located at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks, CT.
Online
Online Program Jul 27-Aug 14
Berkshire Music School – Rock On(line) & OnStage LIVE! Online/Pittsfield, MA. BMS brings its most popular summer camps online! For youth 11-15, OnStage LIVE helps young singers free their voice through sessions focused on choosing repertoire, building stage presence, and working with a pre-recorded track. It’s the perfect opportunity for singers to prepare for auditions & theatrical performances. (July 27-31). Geared towards high school and college-age musicians, Rock On(line): Solid Gold Solos gives students the chance to tackle that solo they’ve always dreamed of playing with masterclasses, group instrument lessons, and workshops in songwriting and theory/composition. The program culminates in an online performance opportunity. (Session 1: Aug. 3-7 & Session 2: Aug. 10-14.) Private lessons are also available. Dates: Jul 27-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 11-21yo. Contact: 413-442-1411. smoderski@berkshiremusicschool.org ♦ www.BerkshireMusicSchool.org
Online Program Jul 27-Aug 14
Online
Barrington Stage Co. KidsAct! and TeensAct!: The Show Must Go On(line). Online/Pittsfield, MA. Barrington Stage Co. will be holding 2 weeks of virtual camps in August, customized for campers who want to build their acting skills and be engaged creatively. Campers will film themselves under the guidance of experienced teaching artists and create a virtual show together. Teaching artists will teach virtual classes, offer private coaching, and help campers with independent, project-oriented learning. Counselors will be available to answer questions outside of class, provide one-on-one coaching, and help with project completion. Students must have access to Zoom, a Google account, a device with an internet connection, and a camera. KidsAct! for 7–11yo. TeensAct! For 12-15yo. SESSION 1: Aug 10-14. SESSION 2: Aug 17-21. 10am–noon. Cost: $195. Dates: Aug 10-21; Age Range of Participants: 7-15yo. Contact: 413-997-6117. education@barringtonstageco.org. barringtonstageco.org
RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN OUR CLASS DIRECTORY!
Deadline to register: August 7th
Add virtual or in-person classes, private lessons, tutoring services, and online educational opportunities to Hilltown Families’ annual Class Directory! The deadline to register for our Class Directory debut is August 7th. Reserve your spot now and benefit from free updates to your listing throughout the year. Advertise in the region’s go-to, online resource for community-based educational opportunities in Western Massachusetts, reaching thousands of students throughout the region.
Sign up by August 7th and take advantage of our advertising package!
More Information. | Reserve a spot. | Submit your listing.
Saturday, July 18 • Sunday, July 19
Monday, July 20 • Tuesday, July 21 • Wednesday, July 22
Thursday, July 23 • Friday, July 24
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Online and in-person events and resources shared below are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.
July 11, 2020 at 6:01 am (Hilltown Families)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Bike Riding ♦ Learning to Ride ♦ Mountain Biking ♦ Bamboo Bikes ♦ Manufacturing ♦ Cherry Season ♦ Cherry Festivals ♦ Maraschino Cherries ♦ Pastry Arts ♦ Women’s History ♦ Aviation History ♦ Colonial History ♦ French History ♦ Cultural Studies ♦ Native American Food ♦ Multicultural Celebrations ♦ Religious Studies ♦ Obon Festival ♦ Lady of Fatima ♦ Bastille Day ♦ Japan ♦ Portugal ♦ Puerto Rico ♦ Cuba ♦ Animation ♦ Ecology ♦ Flowers ♦ Classical Music ♦ Traditional Childhood Games ♦ Hand Clapping Games ♦ Marbles ♦ Jump Rope ♦ String Games ♦ Hopscotch ♦ Jacks ♦ Rockets ♦ Entomology ♦ Water Striders ♦ Surface Tension ♦ Physics ♦ Engineering ♦ Technology
July 11, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Family Variety Show)
Tags: Bicycle History, Bike Riding, Bikes, podcast, Radio Show
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
July 11th & 12th, 2020
Original broadcast: June 2009
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Kids just learning how to ride a bike? Our readers have great advise to lend parents in our post, How Are You Teaching Your Kids to Ride A Bike? Need a bike? Our readers also have recommendations on Where to Get New/Used Bikes for the Family in Western MA. – Can’t get enough bikes? Check out our self-directed learning module on all things bikes!
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
July 9, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, Distant Learning, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Social Distancing, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and over 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover learning ideas and community-based educational opportunities to explore at home and outdoors this weekend and next week.
NOW OPEN!
New England “OPEN” Air Museum reopens indoor & outdoor exhibit spaces! The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England with 3 large hangars, outdoor exhibits, and 100+ aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopters. Open every day from 10am-3pm with public programs and activities ongoing in socially distanced style. With 90,000 square feet of aircraft hangars and wide-open hangar doors, there is no better place to go for safe, socially distanced fun. The outdoor space will remain open with 10 aircraft, and visitors can see another 50 aircraft indoors, plus dozens of engines and exhibits on various aspects of aviation history. The entire museum has been cleaned and sanitized with daily cleaning protocols to ensure the health & safety of all. Admission: $16/adults; $10/children 4-14yo; Free for ages 3 & under and Veteran. Located at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks, CT.
Online
Online Program Jul 27-Aug 14
Berkshire Music School – Rock On(line) & OnStage LIVE! Online/Pittsfield, MA. BMS brings its most popular summer camps online! For youth 11-15, OnStage LIVE helps young singers free their voice through sessions focused on choosing repertoire, building stage presence, and working with a pre-recorded track. It’s the perfect opportunity for singers to prepare for auditions & theatrical performances. (July 27-31). Geared towards high school and college-age musicians, Rock On(line): Solid Gold Solos gives students the chance to tackle that solo they’ve always dreamed of playing with masterclasses, group instrument lessons, and workshops in songwriting and theory/composition. The program culminates in an online performance opportunity. (Session 1: Aug. 3-7 & Session 2: Aug. 10-14.) Private lessons are also available. Dates: Jul 27-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 11-21yo. Contact: 413-442-1411. smoderski@berkshiremusicschool.org ♦ www.BerkshireMusicSchool.org
Saturday, July 11 • Sunday, July 12
Monday, July 13 • Tuesday, July 14 • Wednesday, July 15
Thursday, July 16 • Friday, July 17
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Online and in-person events and resources shared below are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.
July 4, 2020 at 6:01 am (Suggested Activity)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
4th of July ♦ Humanities ♦ U.S. History ♦ American Revolution ♦ Declaration of Independence ♦ Frederick Douglass ♦ Firework History ♦ Summer Foods ♦ BBQ ♦ Food Science ♦ Picnics ♦ Cultural Studies ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Food History ♦ Sandwiches ♦ Potato Chips ♦ Popsicles ♦ Fruits ♦ STEM ♦ Citizen Science ♦ Neuroscience ♦ Chemistry ♦ Pyrotechnics ♦ Maillard Reaction ♦ Convection Currents ♦ Manufacturing ♦ Meteorology ♦ Thunderstorms ♦ Clouds ♦ Weather ♦ Folklore ♦ Entomology ♦ Benthic Macroinvertebrates ♦ Metamorphosis ♦ Dragonflies ♦ Ants ♦ Women’s Studies ♦ Women’s Rights ♦ Social Issues ♦ Art Studies ♦ Watercolor Painting ♦ Sketching ♦ Origami ♦ Theater Studies ♦ Mechanical Theater ♦ Behind the Scenes ♦ Costume Design ♦ Rehearsals
July 4, 2020 at 6:00 am (4th of July, Hilltown Family Variety Show, podcast)
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Rolie Polie Guacamole’s Frank Gallo guest hosts a 4th of July party. The show features songs from Rolie Polie Guacamole album, Avocado, along with a mix of kindie music favorites and classic American folk-rock songs of the 60’s. – RoliePolieGuacamole.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
July 4th & 5th, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Avocado” by Rolie Polie Guacamole
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
July 2, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, Distant Learning, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Social Distancing, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and over 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover learning ideas and community-based educational opportunities to explore at home and outdoors this weekend and next week.
NOW OPEN!
New England “OPEN” Air Museum reopens indoor & outdoor exhibit spaces! The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England with 3 large hangars, outdoor exhibits, and 100+ aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopters. Open every day from 10am-3pm with public programs and activities ongoing in socially distanced style. With 90,000 square feet of aircraft hangars and wide-open hangar doors, there is no better place to go for safe, socially distanced fun. The outdoor space will remain open with 10 aircraft, and visitors can see another 50 aircraft indoors, plus dozens of engines and exhibits on various aspects of aviation history. The entire museum has been cleaned and sanitized with daily cleaning protocols to ensure the health & safety of all. Admission: $16/adults; $10/children 4-14yo; Free for ages 3 & under and Veteran. Located at 36 Perimeter Road in Windsor Locks, CT.
Jul 6 – Aug 21
Online Courses
Summit View Learning Summer Math Courses. Online. Summit View Learning can help individuals or small groups of students learn math well in an online setting. They offer personalized instruction with a focus on conceptual understanding and deep long term learning. Whether helping to prepare for school in the fall or accelerating math learning generally, SVL’s 4-week summer courses are customized to meet the needs of all students. Their summer courses include 8 one-hour virtual (real-time) lessons with their highly qualified and experienced instructors and optional hands-on activities that students can work on independently. Pricing: $350 for 1 student, $300/student for 2, $250/student for 3, $200/student for 4, contact them for groups over 4. Rolling admission accepted through July. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Campers: 9-18yo. Contact: 339-927-6191. jagron.svl@gmail.com. www.summitviewlearning.com/summer-math.
Online Program Now – Aug 14
Montessori School of Northampton Summer 2020 Virtual Programs. Online/Northampton, MA. Group classes w/individual lessons/instruction included. Half & full-day options offered. All virtual programs designed to balance engaging instructional content w/mindfulness for appropriate screen time intervals. For elementary & middle school students they offer online modules like Film & Videography, LEGO Engineering w/Play-Well TEKnologies, Social Justice Workshop, How to Make a Radio Play, Make Your Own Podcast, STEM Engineering, Ukulele instruction, Instrument Building, Dance, Visual Arts, Dungeons & Dragons, Graphic Novel/Comic Book Art, and Digital Animation & Coding workshops with Holyoke Codes. For 40+ years, MSN has offered engaging summer programs for children 18mo-8th grade in the tradition of Italian educator Maria Montessori. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-563-4645. summer@northamptonmontessori.org. msn.coursestorm.com
Online Camp Now – Aug 28
Virtual Camp
GCC Summer Virtual STEAM Camps. Online. GCC has paired up with Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education, to bring Virtual Summer STEAM Camps to kids ages 8-14. Taught live by teachers with expertise in STEAM, the online camps will run for 12 weeks. Offering courses on topics such as coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality, and more, Black Rocket’s camps invite students to engage in cutting-edge curriculum designed to encourage their imaginations & bring their ideas to life. Each week-long session is divided into 2 sections: 3-hour session in the morning for 8-11yo & 3-hours in the afternoon for 11-14yo. Virtual Campers will benefit from smaller break-out sessions with Black Rocket coaches and ongoing access to Black Rocket’s Creator Corps. Tuition starts at $149. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-14yo. Contact: 413-775-1661. colek@gcc.mass.edu. noncredit.gcc.mass.edu
Now Virtual!
Online Programs Jul 6 – 31
The Bement School Online Summer Programs. The Bement School is excited to offer remote summer enrichment opportunities for middle school-age students in the summer of 2020! Beginning in July, students will engage in academically-focused classes taught by Bement’s renowned faculty. Students will be challenged in small, specialized remote instruction with a focus on individual attention and skill-building that will allow participants to explore their passions or prepare for their upcoming school year. Each class will occur between July 6 and July 31 under a Monday-Friday model with instructor office hours available. Visit online to learn more! Dates: Jul 6-31; Age Range of Campers: 10-15yo. Contact: 413-774-7061 ♦ summer@bement.org ♦ www.bement.org/summer
Three virtual music programs this summer!
Jul 6 – Aug 16
Virtually Rock the Summer! Institute for the Musical Arts Rock the Summer 2020 to be held on-line. IMA’s on-line music programs offer girls & young women tools to confidently use computers to generate & share music that they create individually & together. Programs will utilize digital tools to enable students to work collaboratively on the development, home recording & virtual presentation of their music. IMA’s faculty is composed of seasoned musicians, producers & engineers, many of whom have been ground-breakers for women in the field of music. July 6-12 Explore Rock ‘n Roll, performance-based program for preteen girls 9–12yo; July 15-26 Rock ’n Roll Performance, designed for teen-aged girls 13-19yo; Aug 6-16 Recording, Engineering & Producing, designed for girls & young women 16-24yo. Programs culminate in virtual concerts/listening party. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 16; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-24yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org
Saturday, July 4 • Sunday, July 5
Monday, July 6 • Tuesday, July 7 • Wednesday, July 8
Thursday, July 9 • Friday, July 10
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Resources and opportunities below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm age appropriateness, registration requirements, and associated costs.
June 27, 2020 at 6:01 am (Hilltown Families)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Jam & Jelly ♦ Farmers’ Markets ♦ Fireflies ♦ Flowering Bogs ♦ Birds Nests ♦ Summer Trails ♦ Summer Insects ♦ Berry Season ♦ Food Studies ♦ Food Preservation ♦ Food History ♦ Nutritional Anthropology ♦ Mixology ♦ Holyoke Farmers’ Market ♦ Family Dinner ♦ Storytelling ♦ Recipe Books ♦ Food Traditions ♦ Family Recipes ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Carnivorous Plants ♦ Botany ♦ Organic Chemistry ♦ Bioluminescence ♦ Marine Ecology ♦ Ornithology ♦ Hummingbird ♦ Hooded Merganser Ducks ♦ Chickens ♦ Conservation Properties ♦ Emerson ♦ Thoreau ♦ Entomology ♦ Metamorphosis ♦ Spittlebug ♦ Lady Bugs ♦ Moths ♦ Oak Galls ♦ Parenting in America ♦ Conversations on Race ♦ Fascism ♦ Suffrage ♦ Mindfulness ♦ Sense of Place
June 27, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Families, Hilltown Family Variety Show, podcast, Video, Videos)
Tags: Social Justice Songs
This show explores songs about social justice. Drawing on his background as a community organizer and his years of experience as a children’s musician and educator, Jesse covers topics of unity, speaking up, protest, unfairness, bullying, racism, self-love, and empowerment. – www.moozika.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
June 27 & 28, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Moozika! – Bubbles
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
June 25, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational opportunities to explore at home this weekend and next week.
Online Program Jun 22-Aug 14
Montessori School of Northampton Summer 2020 Virtual Programs. Online/Northampton, MA. Group classes w/individual lessons/instruction included. Half & full-day options offered. All virtual programs designed to balance engaging instructional content w/mindfulness for appropriate screen time intervals. For elementary & middle school students they offer online modules like Film & Videography, LEGO Engineering w/Play-Well TEKnologies, Social Justice Workshop, How to Make a Radio Play, Make Your Own Podcast, STEM Engineering, Ukulele instruction, Instrument Building, Dance, Visual Arts, Dungeons & Dragons, Graphic Novel/Comic Book Art, and Digital Animation & Coding workshops with Holyoke Codes. For 40+ years, MSN has offered engaging summer programs for children 18mo-8th grade in the tradition of Italian educator Maria Montessori. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-563-4645. summer@northamptonmontessori.org. msn.coursestorm.com
Online Camp Jun 8 – Aug 28
Virtual Camp
GCC Summer Virtual STEAM Camps. Online. GCC has paired up with Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education, to bring Virtual Summer STEAM Camps to kids ages 8-14. Taught live by teachers with expertise in STEAM, the online camps will run for 12 weeks. Offering courses on topics such as coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality, and more, Black Rocket’s camps invite students to engage in cutting-edge curriculum designed to encourage their imaginations & bring their ideas to life. Each week-long session is divided into 2 sections: 3-hour session in the morning for 8-11yo & 3-hours in the afternoon for 11-14yo. Virtual Campers will benefit from smaller break-out sessions with Black Rocket coaches and ongoing access to Black Rocket’s Creator Corps. Tuition starts at $149. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-14yo. Contact: 413-775-1661. colek@gcc.mass.edu. noncredit.gcc.mass.edu
Now Virtual!
Online Programs Jul 6 – 31
The Bement School Online Summer Programs. The Bement School is excited to offer remote summer enrichment opportunities for middle school-age students in the summer of 2020! Beginning in July, students will engage in academically-focused classes taught by Bement’s renowned faculty. Students will be challenged in small, specialized remote instruction with a focus on individual attention and skill-building that will allow participants to explore their passions or prepare for their upcoming school year. Each class will occur between July 6 and July 31 under a Monday-Friday model with instructor office hours available. Visit online to learn more! Dates: Jul 6-31; Age Range of Campers: 10-15yo. Contact: 413-774-7061 ♦ summer@bement.org ♦ www.bement.org/summer
Three virtual music programs this summer!
Jul 6 – Aug 16
Virtually Rock the Summer! Institute for the Musical Arts Rock the Summer 2020 to be held on-line. IMA’s on-line music programs offer girls & young women tools to confidently use computers to generate & share music that they create individually & together. Programs will utilize digital tools to enable students to work collaboratively on the development, home recording & virtual presentation of their music. IMA’s faculty is composed of seasoned musicians, producers & engineers, many of whom have been ground-breakers for women in the field of music. July 6-12 Explore Rock ‘n Roll, performance-based program for preteen girls 9–12yo; July 15-26 Rock ’n Roll Performance, designed for teen-aged girls 13-19yo; Aug 6-16 Recording, Engineering & Producing, designed for girls & young women 16-24yo. Programs culminate in virtual concerts/listening party. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 16; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-24yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org
Jul 6 – Aug 21
Online Courses
Summit View Learning Summer Math Courses. Online. Summit View Learning can help individuals or small groups of students learn math well in an online setting. They offer personalized instruction with a focus on conceptual understanding and deep long term learning. Whether helping to prepare for school in the fall or accelerating math learning generally, SVL’s 4-week summer courses are customized to meet the needs of all students. Their summer courses include 8 one-hour virtual (real-time) lessons with their highly qualified and experienced instructors and optional hands-on activities that students can work on independently. Pricing: $350 for 1 student, $300/student for 2, $250/student for 3, $200/student for 4, contact them for groups over 4. Rolling admission accepted through July. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Campers: 9-18yo. Contact: 339-927-6191. jagron.svl@gmail.com. www.summitviewlearning.com/summer-math.
Saturday, June 27 • Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29 • Tuesday, June 30 • Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2 • Friday, July 3
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Resources and opportunities below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm age appropriateness, registration requirements, and associated costs.
June 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Hilltown Families Presents)
Tags: Tom Knight
Hilltown Families and western Massachusetts musician/artist, Tom Knight, have partnered up to offer a series of singing puppet shows for families at home, featuring puppets, songs, and dancing for all ages. In the season finale, Tom and the puppets try out some new moves while dancing to the Wiggle Worm. Allie and Henry learn to disco, waltz, twist, and many other dances.
ABOUT TOM KNIGHT
Tom Knight is a multimedia artist, based in Haydenville, MA. He has been delighting children and their grown-ups with his original, interactive, musical puppet show since 1988 with a unique blend of musicianship and puppetry shows. With his release of five CD’s for children and over 900 performances at festivals, museums, and libraries across the country, Tom Knight’s show are always lively and engaging for an intergenerational audience.
ABOUT HILLTOWN FAMILIES PRESENTS
Hilltown Families presents is a program of Hilltown Families, a community-based education network serving all of western Massachusetts, partnering with local artists, performers, individuals, organizations, and small businesses in the delivery of educational and entertaining video content for families at home. Interested in participating? Send your proposal to swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.
June 20, 2020 at 6:01 am (Hilltown Families)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Summer Solstice ♦ Strawberry Moon ♦ UMass Sunwheel ♦ Stonehenge ♦ Midsummer ♦ Astronomy ♦ Swedish Culture ♦ Folk Dance ♦ Father’s Day ♦ Genealogy ♦ Family History ♦ World Culture ♦ India ♦ Kinship ♦ Family Tree ♦ Poetry ♦ Vista’s & Byways ♦ Wild Orchids ♦ Woodland Garden ♦ Butterfly Garden ♦ PYO Farms ♦ Strawberry Season ♦ Kitchen Science ♦ Pastry Arts ♦ Strawberry Jam ♦ Nutritional Anthropology ♦ Native American Studies ♦ Mythology ♦ Nolumbeka Project ♦ Ethnobotany ♦ Entomology ♦ Biomimicry ♦ Nature-Based Learning ♦ Butterflies ♦ Swallowtails ♦ Moths ♦ Luna Moth ♦ Summer Sun ♦ Helioseismology ♦ Solar Energy ♦ Solar Science Experiment ♦ Distillation ♦ Sun Prints ♦ Nature-Based Math ♦ Mathematical Reasoning ♦ Geometry ♦ Hexagons ♦ Crystals ♦ Molecular Physics
June 20, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Family Variety Show, podcast, Video)
Award winning mother/daughter children’s duo Ruth and Emilia share their favorite songs about taking care of the environment. Listen in as they play songs about recycling, re-using, reducing, and planting trees and flowers to help mother earth stay healthy!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
June 20 & 21, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Emilia and Ruth celebrate Earth Day with their song, “We’re Goin’ Green” from their album, Kokowanda Bay.
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
June 18, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With 10,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.7 million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational opportunities to explore at home this weekend and next week.
Virtual Programs
Online Program Jun 22-Aug 14
Montessori School of Northampton Summer 2020 Virtual Programs. Online/Northampton, MA. Group classes w/individual lessons/instruction included. Half & full-day options offered. All virtual programs designed to balance engaging instructional content w/mindfulness for appropriate screen time intervals. For elementary & middle school students they offer online modules like Film & Videography, LEGO Engineering w/Play-Well TEKnologies, Social Justice Workshop, How to Make a Radio Play, Make Your Own Podcast, STEM Engineering, Ukulele instruction, Instrument Building, Dance, Visual Arts, Dungeons & Dragons, Graphic Novel/Comic Book Art, and Digital Animation & Coding workshops with Holyoke Codes. For 40+ years, MSN has offered engaging summer programs for children 18mo-8th grade in the tradition of Italian educator Maria Montessori. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 14; Age Range of Participants: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-563-4645. summer@northamptonmontessori.org. msn.coursestorm.com
Online Camp Jun 8 – Aug 28
Virtual Camp
GCC Summer Virtual STEAM Camps. Online. GCC has paired up with Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education, to bring Virtual Summer STEAM Camps to kids ages 8-14. Taught live by teachers with expertise in STEAM, the online camps will run for 12 weeks. Offering courses on topics such as coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality, and more, Black Rocket’s camps invite students to engage in cutting-edge curriculum designed to encourage their imaginations & bring their ideas to life. Each week-long session is divided into 2 sections: 3-hour session in the morning for 8-11yo & 3-hours in the afternoon for 11-14yo. Virtual Campers will benefit from smaller break-out sessions with Black Rocket coaches and ongoing access to Black Rocket’s Creator Corps. Tuition starts at $149. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-14yo. Contact: 413-775-1661. colek@gcc.mass.edu. noncredit.gcc.mass.edu
Now Virtual!
Online Programs Jul 6 – 31
The Bement School Online Summer Programs. The Bement School is excited to offer remote summer enrichment opportunities for middle school-age students in the summer of 2020! Beginning in July, students will engage in academically-focused classes taught by Bement’s renowned faculty. Students will be challenged in small, specialized remote instruction with a focus on individual attention and skill-building that will allow participants to explore their passions or prepare for their upcoming school year. Each class will occur between July 6 and July 31 under a Monday-Friday model with instructor office hours available. Visit online to learn more! Dates: Jul 6-31; Age Range of Campers: 10-15yo. Contact: 413-774-7061 ♦ summer@bement.org ♦ www.bement.org/summer
Three virtual music programs this summer!
Jul 6 – Aug 16
Virtually Rock the Summer! Institute for the Musical Arts Rock the Summer 2020 to be held on-line. IMA’s on-line music programs offer girls & young women tools to confidently use computers to generate & share music that they create individually & together. Programs will utilize digital tools to enable students to work collaboratively on the development, home recording & virtual presentation of their music. IMA’s faculty is composed of seasoned musicians, producers & engineers, many of whom have been ground-breakers for women in the field of music. July 6-12 Explore Rock ‘n Roll, performance-based program for preteen girls 9–12yo; July 15-26 Rock ’n Roll Performance, designed for teen-aged girls 13-19yo; Aug 6-16 Recording, Engineering & Producing, designed for girls & young women 16-24yo. Programs culminate in virtual concerts/listening party. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 16; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-24yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org
What would the summer be without a visit to Look Memorial Park, a place where families from all over the region visit to spend time together outdoors and in nature! Open daily 7am-sunset, the park has partially reopened their grounds including their water spray park (11am-4:30pm). Located at the rotary in Florence, the park now has a limited number of picnic sites available for rent (10 ppl. max), and vehicle entry into the park is only $5 on Mondays. Bathrooms & tennis courts are open; however, some attractions are still closed until further notice. Entry to the park is $10/vehicle. Free to walk in. Season passes are $50. Guests are asked to use hand sanitizer before and after play, maintain social distancing, do not wear a mask while in the water, and that children should be supervised at all times. For more info: 413-584-5457.
Saturday, June 20 • Sunday, June 21
Monday, June 22 • Tuesday, June 23 • Wednesday, June 24
Thursday, June 25 • Friday, June 26
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Resources and opportunities below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm age appropriateness, registration requirements, and associated costs.
June 13, 2020 at 9:00 am (Hilltown Families, Summer Camp)
Tags: Adapted Programs, Massachusetts, online learning, Summer Camps, summer fun, summer learning, Summer Programs, Virtual Programs
June 13, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Families, Hilltown Family Variety Show)
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
June 13 & 14, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: ‘Imaginary Friend’ (Spoken) and ‘Hi Gene’ written and performed by Greg Lato from the upcoming album, Create My Own World.
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
June 10, 2020 at 4:00 pm (Curly Willow on the Westfield River, mindfulness, Nature Based Education, Sienna Wildfield)
Tags: Ethnobotany, Moccasin Flower, Native American Studies, Nature Based Learning, Observations, Pink Lady's Slipper, Sense of Place, Wild Orchid
“Writing professor Kyhl Lyndgaard finds that 19th-century attitudes about ‘Indian removal’ were echoed by a notable shift in the common names of native orchids.” This is the sentence that begins the article, “Taking Off the Moccasin Flower and Putting On the Lady’s Slipper,” published by Potash Hill, the magazine of Marlboro College. Using the Lady Slipper (sp. Cypripedium acaule), in which we’ve seen a “bumper crop” this year, as a catalyst for learning, let’s begin here, the renaming of native orchids and other plants. Learning about the history and origin of different native plant species names can support a wide variety of subjects, including Native American studies, U.S. history, ethnobotany, poetry, and ecology. In Lyndgaard’s article, these subjects are tied together by weaving a story about Indian Removal through poetry, history, and the renaming of the Moccasin Flower. Read the rest of this entry »
June 7, 2020 at 10:00 am (Hilltown Families, Hilltown Families Presents, Video, Videos)
Tags: The Northampton Center for the Arts
Hilltown Families and The Northampton Center for the Arts have partnered up to offer a video series called “Hawley Street,” a cross between Sesame Street and an online variety show! Keeping artists and community connected, “Hawley Street” checks out what other creative folks in our neighborhoods are up to these days in this final episode.
ABOUT THE NORTHAMPTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
“Hawley Street,” created by The Northampton Center for the Arts (NCFA) Program Director Kelly Silliman, is a production of the NCFA at 33 Hawley. NCFA provides affordable space for artists, performers, and educators while developing programming dedicated to arts education, multidisciplinary collaborations, and community connections. 33 Hawley is a project of the Northampton Community Arts Trust.
ABOUT HILLTOWN FAMILIES PRESENTS
Hilltown Families presents is a program of Hilltown Families, a community-based education network serving all of western Massachusetts, partnering with local artists, performers, individuals, organizations, and small businesses in the delivery of educational and entertaining video content for families at home. Interested in participating? Send your proposal to swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.
June 6, 2020 at 6:01 am (Hilltown Families)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
FEATURED INTERESTS, RESOURCES, & COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Resources for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racialized Violence with Kids ♦ Talking About Race ♦ Picture Books ♦ Art & Activism ♦ Poetry ♦ First Amendment ♦ Black Lives Matter ♦ Psychology ♦ Decolonization ♦ Race, Racism & Racial Identity ♦ Racial Justice ♦ Whiteness, History & Culture ♦ Teaching Guide ♦ Teaching Tolerance ♦ Center for Racial Justice in Education ♦ EmbraceRace ♦ Facing History ♦ NAACP Berkshires ♦ Mapping Our Social Change Roles in Times of Crisis ♦ Undoing Racism Organizing Collective ♦ Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership ♦ Abolition Network ♦ Arise for Social Justice ♦ Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust
June 6, 2020 at 6:00 am (Hilltown Family Variety Show)
Tags: podcast, Radio Show
Listen to Podcast:
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
June 6 & 7, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Mexico celebrates Children’s Day in the midst of the quarantine caused by COVID-19.
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
[Original broadcast: April 28 & 29, 2018]
June 4, 2020 at 8:00 am (Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With nearly 10,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.6+ million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational opportunities to explore at home this weekend and next week.
Virtual Music Lessons
Michael Nix, NixWorks Music Lessons and Classes. Greenfield, MA. High-quality music lessons! Welcoming students in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Michael Nix offers private instruction, classes, coaching for performers, and prep for college and performance auditions – serving the private instruction and home-school community since 1980. Friendly, fun, supportive lessons tailored to the interests and needs of the student. Guitar (Classical, Steel String, Electric), Banjo (5-String, Tenor), Mandolin, Uke, Composition, Theory. Group Classes offered when practical. Zoom, Skype, and other online platforms. References available. 413-772-0328. mnix@nixworks.com. www.NixWorks.com.
Virtual Classes & Summer Program
Drama Studio Summer Programs. Springfield, MA. The Drama Studio is a unique community where young people come to grow as artists, leaders, and individuals. Now offering a variety of virtual acting classes and theatre programs in a safe environment for ages 6-18, including: Stories on Stage, where students will gain character, voice and performance skills, and build expressive communication skills in a fun, exciting peer group. In Comedy Improv Jam, students will learn to think on their feet and activate imaginations. For teens: TeenScene Audio Plays – improvise, write and produce original one-act podcasts. Other classes: Songwriting, The Art of the Audition, Stage Management/Tech, and Yoga for Actors. No prior acting experience required. Summer enrollment now open! Space is limited. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-739-1983. info@dramastudio.org. dramastudio.org/summer-programs
Saturday, June 6 • Sunday, June 7
Monday, June 8 • Tuesday, June 9 • Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11 • Friday, June 12
Saturday, June 13 • Sunday, June 14
Monday, June 15 • Tuesday, June 16 • Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18 • Friday, June 19
Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español
Resources and opportunities below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm age appropriateness, registration requirements, and associated costs.
June 3, 2020 at 1:00 pm (Curly Willow on the Westfield River, mindfulness, Nature Based Education, Sienna Wildfield)
Tags: edible flowers, Lilac, Nature Based Learning, Observations, Sense of Place, Soundscape
This week with Lilac as our point of entry, we’re getting curious and learning through the lens of food, cultural heritage, and habitat.
Now that we have turned the corner from May to June, notice the changes through your senses. Your senses can tell you what time of the year it is without even looking at a calendar. Just the sound the trees make as their young green leaves tussle together in the treetops when it’s breezy before a rainstorm is enough to signal the time of year. The next time there’s a wind, notice the sound of the trees. How does the sound differ from the winter months when the leaves are on the ground, or in the autumn when they are crisp and turning colors? Layer upon this dance between wind and leaves the changing soundscape of the birds, insects, and frogs, and you can observe what time of the year it is merely through sound. Invite your sense of smell to the table and the conversation deepens, accessing memories through the scent of blossoms, dirt, and summer rains.
LEARNING THROUGH THE LENS OF FOOD
Lilacs are in bloom right now, and unlike the intoxicating smell of Lily-of-the-Valley, which were in full bloom last week, the equally intoxicating scent of lilacs can be captured through taste. If you have access to Lilac blossoms growing safely away from the road and toxic chemicals, give these recipes a try while they are in bloom: Lilac honey, Lilac cocktails, Lilac water, Lilac pavlovas, Lilac scones, and Lilac syrup. These recipes capture the essence of this flower and are delicious ways to compare and contrast the smell and flavor of other flowers, like lavender and violets. How does our sense of smell and taste combine? What biochemistry is involved with smell, and how does our brain receive information and translate it into memories and emotions? Check out these TED-Ed videos, “How do we smell?” to learn about the biochemistry, and “How to master your sense of smell” to discover the art of smelling. Between the two, learn how smell, taste, and memory are connected through the olfactory nerves.
LEARNING THROUGH THE LENS OF HABITAT
Learning the scientific name of plants can lead us to learn about the historical context of a flower, it’s place within cultural heritage, and taxonomy. For instance, the scientific name for Lilac is Syringa vulgaris. Vulgaris is Latin for “common” (common Lilac), and the scientific name for Syringa is derived from the Greek word “syrinx” which means pipe. According to Wikipedia, “In classical Greek mythology, Syrinx was a nymph and a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. Pursued by the amorous god Pan, she ran to a river’s edge and asked for assistance from the river nymphs. In answer, she was transformed into hollow water reeds that made a haunting sound when the god’s frustrated breath blew across them. Pan cut the reeds to fashion the first set of pan pipes, which were thenceforth known as syrinx.” Those reeds were the hollow branches of Lilac.
Word origin is one path to take when looking through the lens of habitat during the season of lilac blooms. Another path is towards the cultivation, propagation, and care for Lilac in your home garden. They’re pretty sturdy perennials that can live up to 100 years. If you ever see a large lilac bush oddly growing in the middle of a field, the chance is there was a farmhouse that once stood nearby. In this video, “The Dirt: Lilacs,” home gardeners can learn about caring for lilacs. It also can help strengthen your appreciation for lilac shrubs in the home gardens of others and within community accessible botanical gardens.
LEARNING THROUGH THE LENS OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
Lilac has a strong presence in our cultural heritage. You can see evidence in annual events that celebrate this fragrant shrub. While they are not taking place this year, festivals like the Lilac Festival in Rochester, NY, and Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University have marked the season with cultural celebrations.
Attendance to these festivals, close observation in your garden or nearby botanical garden, and review of lilac renditions by famous and contemporary artists can support multidisciplinary learning while strengthening a sense of place. Paintings to compare and contrast include, Lilacs in a Window by American artist Mary Cassatt and Lilac in the Sun by Claude Monet.
Photo credit: Lilac Infused Honey (c) Sienna Wildfield.
Nature-Based Learning with Curly Willow on the Westfield River. Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains on the east branch of the Westfield River, Curly Willow on the Westfield is an emerging space for the passionately curious. A convergence of mindfulness and community-based education. Member, Community-Based Education Network™.
June 2, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Hilltown Families)
Tags: beekeeping, Botany, honey, wildflowers
Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield
While exploring spring ephemerals, think about how these fleeting flowers have influenced artists across the centuries. Take, for instance, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, a common spring wildflower that can be seen in the deciduous woods of Western Massachusetts. It is native to the Northeastern United States and flowers from April to June. In 1930, artist Georgia O’ Keeffe created a series of 6 paintings of this flowering plant while on Lake George in New York. The National Gallery of Art owns five of these six paintings. Looking at the painting, how does the artist choose to represent the flower? Remember, this flowering plant is quite small; how does the artist create a sense of drama and intensity that may often be overlooked when coming across the plant on a woodland walk?
Are there any other wildflowers you can think of that have influenced artists? Take a moment to consider why flowers are so appealing to humans. Is our attraction to flowers emotional or practical? For the honeybee, flowers are a source of food. What do they signal for humans? Could it be for the same reason? Other reasons? Read the rest of this entry »
June 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm (Hilltown Families, Homeschooling, Mass Appeal)
Tags: Homeschooling, Remote Learning, Unschooling
Hilltown Families and Mass Appeal (a weekday, hour-long lifestyle program on NBC) have teamed up to offer a live monthly segment on WWLP 22News! Each month, community-based education specialist and Hilltown Families’ Founder, Sienna Wildfield, joins Mass Appeal hosts to talk about ways to engage in your community while supporting the interests and education of your children (and yourselves!).
This monthly segment continued on Friday, May 29, 2020 with Sienna and Patrick discussing the differences between these past couple of months of remote learning and full time home schooling.
Click on the video below to view.
During this past couple of months of distant learning at home, families with children in public school have experienced virtual facilitated learning at home, where their education has been physically isolated from their school community, teachers, and peers on assigned subjects in which the student may or may not be interested, and within prescribed timeframes and school deadline that may or may not work for their family.
Home-based learning can look a lot different than remote learning from home. It can be facilitated by the parent (homeschooling) or self-directed by the student (unschooling), and based on the interests and needs of the student and their family. And it will look different from family to family, depending on several factors:
Things to consider when supporting your child’s learning from home: Read the rest of this entry »
May 30, 2020 at 6:01 am (Hilltown Families)
Tags: elearning, Homeschool, Lifelong Learning, Massachusetts, New England, online learning, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, self-directed learning, Unschooling, Western MA, western massachusetts
NOW LIVE!
Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 directories!
Founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield, Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by strengthening a sense of place through methods of community engagement that supports interests and values.
By highlighting the embedded learning found in community-based resources, events, and opportunities, learning becomes inclusive, accessible, and intergenerational while remaining relevant to the learner. When community members are brought together through shared interests, meaningful connections are fostered through a shared history based in community engagement.
Awarded the "Essential Agent of Change Award" by the MDPH's Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting "positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness."
Statement of Solidarity: Hilltown Families acknowledges and stands in solidarity with community groups, service organizations, and individuals working to defend human and civil rights peacefully. Our commitment to sharing community-based educational opportunities that support learning about racism and xenophobia continues during a time of significant social and educational changes. We are committed to doing better and advocating for positive change through facilitated and self-directed learning opportunities. Learn more about the mission of Hilltown Families here and share community-based educational opportunities in Western MA here.
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The Hilltown Family Variety Show (HFVS) airs Saturday mornings on Valley Free Radio, 103.3FM WXOJ, Northampton, MA from 9-10am with encores on Sunday from 7-8am. Playlist and podcasts are posted immediately following broadcast. Listen to our archived shows at any time: HFVS Archived Shows.
