Welcome to September!
I can remember clearly, the excited feeling of going "Back to School" shopping with my mom. School supplies have taken on a new meaning and include so much more than we thought we would need in school.
For those who are choosing an un-school or remote/pod setting this year, here are some good tips for creating the most efficient and calm environment for everyone:
- Join your child/children in Their Learning Process
- Praise and Display Their Work
- Use their interests as teaching opportunities
- Choose a location based on your child's learning preferences
- Eliminate distractions.
- Make it comfortable—but not too comfortable
- Ensure the learning space has good lighting
- Have all of your child's supplies—pencils, paper, calculators, for example—easily accessible in their learning space.
**Below is a list of websites of online schools for those who are homeschooling or are seeking specific course curriculum in addition to or in lieu of their local school schedule.**
Courses such as Learn to play Chess, How to speak French, Cooking classes for kids and much more.
https://www.connectionsacademy.com
https://fiaf.org › frenchclasses
https://www.k12.com › parent-student-resources › faqs (possibly FREE!)
https://seahomeschoolers.com › sea-online-classes
Fall Getaways!
1) Adirondacks/Lake George, NY
After you spend a full day dedicated to the Wild Walk, a system of wooden bridges that snakes through the Adirondack Park as a “High Line of the Forest,” check out the area’s fun low-key events. Try out some of the area's best wine at the Adirondack Winery Lake George Tasting Room in Lake George or Head to Fort Ticonderoga to explore its gardens, learn its history, and hike its Carillon Battlefield trail with views of Lake Champlain and Vermont's Green Mountains.
2) Vernon, NJ
For a great getaway, less than 1 hour from NW Bergen county, visit Crystal Springs Resort and Spa. A year round resort, Crystal Springs now has a variety of Fall getaway packages to choose from! Please visit:https://bit.ly/3Lbv7EX
3) Villa Roma Resort- Callicoon, NY
Longing for the old days of the Catskills hotels, but with modern amenities? Then visit Villa Roma Resort for a wonderful, all inclusive experience! With delicious meals and non stop activities for both kids and adults, you will have NOT to remind your kids to get off the Ipad! They have unique theme weekends. Please visit: www.villaroma.com for details and booking and ask them for a Mac Kid discount.
Local Fall Fun!
Abma's has 250 acres of sustainable farm in beautiful Wyckoff, NJ.
This fall, join Abma's for one of their amazing children's art programs, happening every Thursday at the farm. A petting zoo ticket is included! Free wine tasting for parents!
Secor Farms- Mahwah, NJ
Secor has fun hayrides to their pumpkin patch in the fall. They have awesome cider donuts and tons of foliage and herb plants to choose from. Children love Secor. Close to many northern bergen county towns, Secor is a local family owned business, located directly across the street from a playground and ball field where kids can play before or after their visit. Please visit their website for current regulations and any changes to their schedule:
http://www.secorfarms.com/fall
Fall Festivals (Bergen and beyond)!
*Please visit your local library or local chamber of commerce website for information on the following outdoor/in-person events:*
Bike MS Country Challenge - Clinton, NJ - Sep 17th, 2022
Bike MS is more than a ride. It’s an experience grounded in camaraderie and marked by passion, inspiration, determination and pure enjoyment. It will be an experience you’ll never forget, shared with new friends and old. https://bit.ly/3d8eayI
Edison’s Fall Family Spectacular **(Publishers Picks)**- Edison, NJ - Sep 24th, 2022
Two stages of live music and entertainment, pony rides and petting zoo, kids activities, wrestling ring, RC cars, and more!
Great Pumpkin Festival (not Charlie Brown) - Vernon Township, NJ - Sep 17th to Nov 6th, 2022
Heaven Hill Farm has fun for your weekends, including over 30 activities like a pumpkin patch corn maze, arts & crafts, carnival rides, & more! Free parking
Guinness Oyster Festival - Red Bank, NJ - Sunday, Sep 25th, 2022- 12pm-6pm
Family friendly event with lots of vendors and activities for the kids. A street festival featuring live music on two stages and local restaurant food booths with a wide variety of food options such as lobster rolls and mini-reuben’s, raw and fried oysters and of course plenty of Guinness beers! https://www.redbank.org/events/98/11th-annual-red-bank-guinness-oyster-festival-2021/
Ridgewood Street/Craft Fair - ** (PP)**Ridgewood, NJ -September 18th, 2022
This giant block party and craft fair along East Ridgewood Ave. will be held from 11am-6pm. Over 200 merchants and crafters plus a kids play area and live DJ. Enjoy foot at the local restaurants along the street fair route.
Rock the Farm - Seaside Heights, NJ - Sep 24, 2022
This family friendly event features incredible music all day long, food trucks, beer & wine garden, KidZone, and so much more. This day will feature the world’s top tribute bands covering a variety of everyone’s favorite music.
Swedesboro Day - Swedesboro, NJ - Sep 24th, 2022
Dragon Run 5k, live performances on two stages, car show, historic re-enactors, local vendors and more.
**Please visit our social media pages- https://www.facebook.com/Mackidnwbergen and/or https://www.instagram.com/mackidnwbergencountynj/ for more events as well as for wellness articles, parent/family friendly guides, children's sports and tons of connections to local NW Bergen businesses.
Thank you!
Elisa
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