Visiting the Vale Earth Gallery

By AndreaMy daughter and I had the opportunity to attend the newly renovated Vale Earth Gallery opening at The Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. This Gallery is open to the public on November 30th but we had the chance to see it the day before.

Our family has been members of this museum for two years now. Having this membership is one of the best educational investments we’ve made for our children ages 8, 4 and 8 months. The child-friendly and interactive displays pertaining to natural history and natural sciences have lent a hand to school projects, personal interest and regularly satisfy the inquisitive minds of two of my three oldest children with their countless questions relating to our natural world.

I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive when found out which exhibit was reopening. This particular exhibit was not one we visited regularly – not because it wasn’t well done, The Canadian Museum of Nature does not do anything poorly – but because it hadn’t appealed to the kids who were always with me. I’d enjoyed seeing the beautiful glass-encased minerals but just found myself imagining what beautiful earrings they’d have made.

That being said, I am not an expert on this or any topic of natural science. I am just a mom who wants to foster her children’s interests and provide them access to the information and experiences this museum has to offer.

My oldest daughter, Hannah, age 8, (aka. Nature Girl) has had a rock collection since she was two. I think every child has hunted for beautiful stones on a beach, a forest or a park at some point in their lives. I borrowed books to help identify these rocks but found the task of identifying and classifying minerals to be daunting.

To my delight, I found this new exhibition helped fill gaps in our knowledge and understanding of mineralogy. Even better, my daughter was completely engaged in the displays and interactive features this permanent display has to offer. Fortunately when my children are engaged, I have time read and learn myself. The gallery starts at the beginning – literally. We read about the “big bang”, touched and examined meteorites that have fallen to earth and learned about the earth’s layers. She was particularly captivated by learning the consequences of a change in the solar system (ie. the absence of Jupiter or change in distance of between earth and the moon).

Around the corner she had the opportunity to control a 6-ft animated globe. She discovered how the plates divide and what the world would look like if the water evaporated.

This exhibition allowed us to see some of the most extraordinary mineral formations, some of which she has in her own personal collection. You have the opportunity to see an animation of how rocks and minerals form and what makes a mineral a mineral. A favourite highlight included the opportunity to view minerals under fluorescent light. You will be pleasantly surprised in what happens!

A compliment to the current Nature Unleashed temporary exhibit is an interactive opportunity to make a volcano or cause an earthquake. Visitors can also make different rocks with the Sedimentator (which makes sedimentary rock), Magmanator (makes magmatic rock) and the Metaporphicator (makes metamorphic rock). Another complimentary feature was the sedimentary rock face from Saskatchewan featuring embedded fossils. Children love to search for items – especially when they’re looking for a T-Rex’s tooth!

Hands down, the most popular part of the display was the replica of a limestone cave. The opportunity to be immersed into this realistic environment with dripping waterfalls and the challenge of identifying cave features and creatures was a great experience.

I feel this exhibition was designed with children in mind. The gallery used video, interactive consoles, comic strips, experiments, actual samples and simulated environments to engage children and their senses at their height level. I also feel it filled a huge hole in the museum’s content.

Every visit to this museum involved a mandatory “visit to the dinos!” but I suspect we’ll be adding a “visit to the rocks!” as well.

PS – Ok, I did find the earrings I’d like too! ;)

I am a wife and loving mom to three amazing children ages 8, 4 and 8 months, who continue to fascinate me with their inquiring minds and desire to discover. I learn through them.

Giving Back at the Holidays

by Krista As my family prepares for the holiday season, we have decided to once again make a concentrated effort on helping to support those in our community who are less fortunate, and want to involve the lils as much as possible.  We feel that it is important that they see us trying to help those who are less fortunate than we are, teaching them to be giving and empathetic.  We are very thankful for our happiness, health, and home, and we know that others are not as fortunate.  We want to show our children that we together can do something to help.  I remember doing that with my parents when I was young, and I hope my children will grow up to remember the same.

Here is a list of a few of the ideas that we have participated in the past, or investigated for this year.  Some represent a monetary donation, a donation of time, and some require both. Not all are applicable for families with young children, but I am going to try and get them involved in as many as possible! I’ve noted age limits or restrictions where I could, but it is always best to check with the recipient of your donation to see what age is appropriate for participation.  Some will encourage the participation of little ones, but others might require that they be excluded or take a limited role.

The Ottawa Foodbank is a local institution that helps to feed families in need, as well as supply food to shelters and other programs for their meals.  I am sure that you have seen the bins in many large grocery stores in the area.  This month, we will be targeting their “most needed list” with a donation each time we shop.  I also looked into whether we could volunteer in any capacity, but our children are too young.  If you do have children 6 or older, you can volunteer together to do things like work in the warehouse, do office work, or work at special events. The volunteer contact information is on their website.

The Christmas Exchange also seeks to provide assistance with feeding families in need, through the Christmas hamper and store vouchers programs.  When I was a child, we used to always do Christmas baking while listening to their Christmas Cheer radio-thon on CFRA.  This year’s Christmas Cheer broadcast was held on December 6^th  (and has always been one of my favourites), but they have many other opportunities and events for our family to get involved listed on their site.  While it is possible for children as young as five to volunteer, there are only volunteer activities for those eighteen and older listed on the volunteer page. Contacting them directly may yield more opportunities for younger children.

The Shepherds of Good Hope as well as some local churches and houses of worship (many of Ottawa’s houses of worship are listed here) also have programs where you can “adopt” a family, and build a hamper containing food for Christmas dinner, essential goods and small gifts. You can see if your family can help to build a hamper by purchasing the items they need, pack hampers and wrap gifts, or deliver hampers right before Christmas.  The Shepherds of Good Hope has expressed that they are in great need of people to sponsor families, having had many more requests this year than they would normally fill.  When you call, you can be matched to a family that is in great need, but that meets your wishes (ie size or location).  You then contact the family representative and discuss what their needs AND wishes are.  There are opportunities for younger children to help out in all aspects of this process, but some tasks may be more suitable than others, so please remember to let whichever organization you help out with know that the ages of your children so that you can ensure they will help out when they are volunteering.

Many local elementary, middle, and high schools, churches, and community associations also get involved with food drives, charitable fundraisers like bake sales and holiday meals.  These drives and events provide a great opportunity to talk about those less fortunate, and why you support the activities.  You can help out by volunteering with your child in preparation for the event, gathering donations, baking, cooking, or helping out at the event.  School, church, and community run events generally offer great opportunities for children of ALL ages to help out. Please check with your local school, community association, of church to see what they have planned.

There are a few institutions in Ottawa that host holiday meals in the days leading up to Christmas, starting as early as this weekend! The Mission is one that holds the meal in advance of Christmas December 16^th for this year’s meal. This presents an opportunity for those looking to volunteer, but not on Christmas day.  In addition to using volunteers on that day, they have an ongoing need throughout the month.  Youths aged fourteen and up are eligible to help out with their parents at the Mission or their events.  If your children are too young, they may still have a need for prepared foods, that you can make together.  My lils and I are baking cupcakes through Cupcakes 4 Christmas again this year, our contribution to the dessert at this meal.  Please contact either of these organizations directly to see if they have further need.

A number of local restaurants and houses of worship also hold free meals for those less fortunate on Christmas day.  The Newport Restaurant in Westboro is one such establishment.  They have been hosting a Christmas meal for as long as I can remember and accept all sorts of food donations, as well as need volunteers on Christmas day to help out.  The best part?  They accept volunteers of all ages!  When I called to ask what we can do to help, they told me that young children are welcome to help out, provided they can carry a plate! If you cannot make it on Christmas day, they also accept food donations in advance.  Please contact them directly to see how you can help out.

In the lead up to Christmas, we will also try to bring some toys to children in need. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways. One idea that I had was to go shopping as a family and pick out toys or games that our children would like, but donate them to Toy Mountain, which only accepts new toys.  The other was to clean out our toy bins, and donate the toys and books that we don’t use any more to a shelter (the Community Information Centre of Ottawa has a searchable database to help find shelters), or church, or a thrift store.  Thrift stores, like Value Village take all sorts of donated goods, including toys, and help out lower income families by offering them for sale at low cost.

Finally, we will be gathering up our old snow suits to donate to the Snowsuit Fund, which will pass them on to children in need.  The children can help us with this task by gathering the pieces and matching up hats, mitts and boots, and then dropping them off with us.

December is a busy month, and I know that we are not going to be able to do all of the ideas that I listed above, but I hope to involve the children in some of the ones that we have planned.  I know that not everyone celebrates the holidays in the same way, or at the same time, but I hope these activities give you a starting off point if you are looking to help out in the community. Looking for other ideas? The Community Information Centre of Ottawa has compiled a GREAT list of events that are going on over the next few weeks in support of those in need, a list that highlights donations needed and how individuals can help.

Do you have any other ideas?

Krista is married to Willy and mom to a 5 year old son, Woo, and 4 year old daughter Goose. You can find her at Life in the Hutch or on Twitter @kgraydonald

Letters to Santa

Did you know the City of Ottawa Archives has events and workshops for kids?

Most people think of the Archives as a place for adults and academics but the staff at the archives is trying to change that. We want kids and their family to know that we are not just trying to preserve the memories of the City of Ottawa and the broader community, but trying to encourage and teach everyone how to do this for their own families.

In 2011 the archives moved to a brand new building, at 100 Tallwood drive, which provided the space for us to expand our programs and services.

We are now having our first holiday event.  Come to the archives and write your letter to Santa on December 2nd, 2012 from 10 am to 3 pm. The kids can also make crafts, decorate cookies and enjoy some holiday stories.  Bring the entire family. It’s free.

For more information about our programs look us up at ottawa.ca/archives or like us on Facebook.

Christmas Old-Fashioned Style

By Angèle There are always a million things to do during the holiday season, but how much is really what matters to you? I know that for me, concentrating on the basics and creating traditions that my child (and her mother) look forward to every year is what matters. So if you’re looking for a simpler Christmas, even an old-fashioned Christmas, here’s a good place to start.

Heritage Villages Cumberland Museum (East of Orleans)

On a late Sunday afternoon last December, my daughter and I, along with friends, went to the Cumberland Museum to experience the Vintage Christmas Village of Lights.  We admired twinkle lights as we walked in the dark and sang carols on our horse-drawn wagon ride.  We then decorated gingerbread men in the old town hall (yes, we ate most of the icing straight from the bag), and admired the handmade decorations in the schoolhouse. Of course, after warming up with hot chocolate around the camp fire, we saw Santa in a very old, charming house. We left filled with Christmas spirit; it was an event to remember.

Needless to say, I plan on going back this year: http://www.ottawa.ca/en/rec_culture/museum_heritage/museums/cumberland/events/ http://www.facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families (two adults and unlimited children) $18.

Upper Canada Village (South of Ottawa, in Morrisburg) We haven’t been to Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night Festival yet, but if it’s anything like what we can do and see there during the summer, it will be impressive. Starting November 30th, we can go on a horse drawn wagon ride or on the lit up toy train, spot the Dickens characters and enjoy carollers in the old church or have a traditional Christmas dinner.  Or we can simply stand and stare at the twinkle lights for hours.

It’s definitely worth the drive from Ottawa. http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/activities/alight-at-night/

Angèle is a goofy mum to a daughter and a wife to an evil genius (retired, apparently). She’s also a social media strategist, a podcast host and a teacher in training.  In her other life, she’s a fan of fresh air, yoga, good friends, new places and keeping things simple.  She is the author of two blogs: More of Less (http://moreoflessblog.blogspot.ca/ ) and My C Word (http://mycword.blogspot.ca/ ).  PS. She often overshare. You’ve been warned.

Elf on the Shelf – Making Family Memories

by Gwen I am big on traditions in my home so I’m always looking for ways to create new memories with my children. Some of the fondest memories of my childhood revolve around the holidays, so when I heard about Elf on the Shelf, I knew that we could have lots of fun with it.

Elf on the Shelf has been around for many years, but the idea only became a household name when the digitally animated television special entitled An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf premiered in 2011. Because of this TV special, Elf on the Shelf hit the big-time. Craziness ensued which caused stores everywhere to sell out, but we were lucky enough to snag ourselves the very last Elf on a Shelf from our Chapters Indigo store last year.

When our elf was “delivered” to us, the kids quickly named him Andy (because they think he resembles Andy from the Toy Story movies). The pictures in this post are of Andy and some of the trouble he got himself into last year!

Now, the whole idea around Elf on the Shelf is that he comes to live with your family in the weeks leading up to the big day. Each night he travels back to the North Pole to bring Santa a report on how the kids he belongs to behaved that day. When he returns each morning, he sometimes gets into a little mischief and this is the fun part.

There are many sites on the web showing different situations elves have gotten themselves into, so the sky is the limit when it comes to the fun things you can come up with for your elf. The true fun though, is seeing the kids find the elf each morning and giggling about the silliness they discover. And the best part of this whole thing? You will be creating holiday memories that your children will remember for a lifetime.

Keep your eyes open for the Elf on the Shelf television special, I am certain it will air again this year, and if you do decide you want to get your family its own elf, hurry, because they sell out fast!

Have fun!

Where to find Elf on the Shelf in Ottawa: Tag Along Toys Kanata Chapters/Indigo In store and online

Gwen is a mom of 2 and owns/operates Nayla Natural Care, an online store that specializes in carrying the best organic, natural and eco-friendly products.