Kabongo

Question: “What fun things can we do during Fall Break?”

Ava’s reply:

Among the many fun things about writing with Shara is seeing how different cities live. In my city school just started but in Shara’s city school is on fall break!

Here are my 5 ideas:

1. Check to see if there is a Corn maze in your town. It is lots of fun to run around in it, if you don’t mind getting lost.

2. I love apple picking this time of year. I love to smell the beautiful trees and taste the delicious apples.

3. Pumpkin carving is a timely activity and lots of fun this time of year!

4. Since the break is a break from sitting in school all day (and listening), make sure to give kids fun choices. Ask each child to make a list of things they would like to do or play. Write it for them if they can’t yet write. Ask them to circle the one most important play activity on the list and take turns.

5. Fall is also a great time to take a drive and go see the foliage. Take a ball and play catch and don’t forget to roll around in the leaves.

Shara’s reply:

Ava used some of my favorite ideas! LOL. I can come up with more, though. Here goes…

1. Stop by FarmVisit.com to locate a farm in your state. We love going to farms during the Fall season: hay rides, pumpkin picking, treats, horses, corn mazes, and more! Don’t forget your camera.

2. Make leaf rubbings together. Remember this, from childhood? Fun stuff!

3. Write a poem about Fall or Autumn. Work with your kids to create something unique and special, naming your favorite things about the season. Here is another idea:

F = Falling leaves

A = A crisp day

L = Laughing in the breeze

L = Lingering afternoons

Help your child(ren) create one line for each letter of “Fall” or “Autumn.” It’s fun to see what they come up with.

4. Bake together. This is my favorite time to bake: cookies, pies, shortbread, pumpkin bread, and more. I involve my kids because it teaches them to apply math and reading skills. It gets messy but we’re bonding, so I try to accept the messes and move on. Even though my personality is a bit like Monica from Friends… (neat freak).

5. Use this time to start planning a charitable giving opportunity for the holiday season. In our family, we choose at least one family to help in our community every year. We work with our local charity group, too, but in addition, we select one family to assist in a personal way. We want our children to see and become involved with ‘giving unto others.’ Last year, we selected a local family who needed a Thanksgiving meal. We went shopping together to buy all of the fixings and we then delivered the food to the family. Another year, we made up a big gift basket full of food and goodies for a family of 8. Use this Fall Break time to reflect upon who you might be able to assist and get your kiddos involved in the process!

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AVA’s BIO

Ava Parnass, a.k.a. “The Kid Whisperer,” is an author, songwriter and child therapist who specializes in marrying entertainment and social-emotional literacy for kids. Ms Parnass helps kids figure out how they feel through playing, talking, listening, reading, singing and dancing. Read more…

SHARA’S BIO

Shara has a background in education, early childhood, preschool work, marketing, freelance and special needs. Shara was a nanny for 16+ years working with children birth-13. She has four children of her own. She is currently the secretary of her town charity group, a Library Board member and a member of her small town business community (helping with fund-raising events and children’s activities). Read more…

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