By Michelle Riggen-Ransom

With the fall season almost upon us, we’re brushing the sand out of our cars and turning our gaze skyward, where migrating birds are beginning their journeys for parts south. Rhode Island is on the migration path for many of the states 300-plus birds: twice a year we are treated to a dazzling, hectic flurry of bird activity.

Rhode Islanders are doubly lucky in that we live on a major bird thoroughfare, and we have an awesome resource for birders and birding in the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. The Audubon Society has an amazing array of avian activities of interest to parents and children, from their bird walks, their hugely popular Raptor Weekend (coming up September 8-9 – register in advance by calling 401-949-5454) and their many other bird-related programs, stories, and craft activities. I personally can’t wait for Owl Prowl, where kids ages 10 and older can join their parents for an evening of learning about and listening for owls. What a great excuse to be outside on an autumn night peeking at things with a flashlight!

Also coming up on September 1 at the Audubon Environmental Education Center is a chance to meet and greet the award-winning author of The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies. This is a fascinating book and is illustrated by one of my favorite children’s book artists, Melissa Sweet.

If you and your little ones are curious about the birds you see and hear around your neighborhood, pick up a laminated bird map of Eastern backyard birds and see if you can identify them. Beginning birders can look for clues like wing patterns, beak shape, and color or even their quirky, birdy behavior. My four year old loves looking up the birds he sees: he feels quite proud now that he can easily identify cardinals, blue jays, hummingbirds, and finches. An older child might enjoy a copy of Peterson’s Field Guide to Eastern Birds, a comprehensive book with gorgeous illustrations and migratory maps as well as bird names and behaviors.

Birds are among the most engaging and accessible creatures for children to learn about. They exist happily with us and brighten our days with their distinct personalities, beauty and song. Not unlike our children themselves.

Related reads:
Mole and the Baby Bird by Marjorie Newman (Baby-preschool)
About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sills (Ages 2-5)
The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies (Grades 2-6)
Peterson’s Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America by Roger Tory Peterson (All ages)

Nature/Nurture, written by Michelle Riggen-Ransom, is a twice-monthly column with ideas and information to help kids and their families engage with the natural world in fun, interesting ways. Share your thoughts and explorations by adding your comment below, or contact us with your story ideas.

by Lisa Kerr
Exhibit/Program Developer
Providence Children’s Museum

I have a confession to make – I am science phobic. Having grown up in a family of writers and artists, the idea of formulas, periodic tables, scales, test tubes and beakers sent shivers down my spine. Even when I became an educator and embraced a wide range of subjects, I still didn’t fully appreciate the delight in scientific study.

Working at Providence Children’s Museum has given me a wonderful new perspective on the possibilities of science. Exploring with my young friends has helped me realize that science is not some foreign concept solely tied up in laboratories and chemicals, but a constant examination of the world around us. Opening my eyes and broadening my mind has led to a stream of marvelous discovery. Watching a leaf blow along the sidewalk on a windy day is a lesson in aerodynamics; cooking with my children is research in chemistry; building a tower of blocks is an exercise in engineering. Armed with this awareness and powered by curiosity, even the most mundane tasks transform into exhilarating experiments.

I’ve also come to realize that scientific thinking is not about having all of the answers, but, rather, having lots of questions. Why did the block tower crumble when it got too tall? How could I build it again differently? Why does that leaf soar into the air, while others scurry along the ground? Come to think of it, what keeps an airplane in the sky? Would my airplane look like the leaf that soars, or the leaf that scurries? The opportunity to seek out the answers on our own - to test, experiment, design and build - provides a powerful learning experience. More importantly, it strengthens our ability to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers; skills that will stay with us and serve us long after facts and figures fade from our memories.

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Graco has determined that on some ComfortSport car seats (produced between January - July 2007), the Lower Anchorage belt may have been misrouted during the assembly process. This could affect the performance of the car seat if it is installed in the rear-facing mode only and the Lower Anchorage belt is attached to the vehicle’s LATCH anchors. No injuries have been reported. Check Graco website for details.

How can I get my toddler to eat more vegetables on a daily basis? I’ve tried carrots, beans, pea pods, and edamame with no luck.

First of all, this is normal and developmentally appropriate for your toddler. It is hard to get them to sit through a meal, never mind eat the healthiest components! One of the things that many people have found helpful is to turn meals into little buffets. In my house we use a cutting board and set out just a few pieces of a variety of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats at lunch time. My little grazers could walk by and pick up a piece whenever they were hungry, or make funny faces with the foods.

Another tip is to try turning healthy ingredients into dips, spreads, and smoothies. Avocado becomes green dip; basil and tomato is spread on fresh bread for baguettes. Strawberries, yogurt, and banana make for a yummy, nutritious smoothie on a warm day. Involve your child in the process. Have him help you put the strawberries in the blender or take a plastic knife and have him help you “cut” the banana. Even the smallest hands can help accomplish these tasks. Once he feels part of the meal, he will be more likely to try it out.

Tried these strategies and still no success? I just found a new book, The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals by Missy Chase Lapine, which helps hide vegetables in everyday meals. Some of the recipes include black bean brownies, cauliflower hidden in macaroni and cheese and more. I’ve even used the book to hide a few veggies in my husband’s dishes the last few weeks!

Kelly LaChance-Guertin BA, CCE, CD (DONA), CLC, has been a birth and postpartum doula for the past five years. She is currently a certified birth doula through DONA (Doulas of North America) and a certified childbirth educator. As the co-owner of Bellani Maternity and the mother of two, she experiences first-hand the struggle of balancing work and family, as well as the realities of raising children. Visit to learn more about Kelly’s one-stop resource for pregnancy and parenting.

On August 28th the Moon crosses into the Earth’s shadow and will undergo its second total eclipse in 2007. This event can be seen to varying degrees by much of North America. It begins at 5:52 am ET and lasts for about 90 minutes. Whether you get a chance to see all or parts of the eclipse – talking about the event can still be fun for our kids.

Some children are fascinated by the moon, the sun, and the stars. Not all kids are old enough to understand that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow (Umbra) by getting between the sun and the moon. But no matter the child’s age, you can still share the event with them by checking out the sky together, sharing some great books about the moon or cutting moon shapes out of colored paper. See more moon ideas from the past in – Make it a Moon Week.

For details on viewing this Total Lunar Eclipse, visit Space.com. The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled for February 20-21, 2008.

Read The Moon Seems to Change by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley Illustrated by Barbara & Ed Emberley

Traction Man Is Here! by Mini Grey is the story about a young boy’s new action figure toy, called Traction Man, and it comes complete with outfits for every occasion. He is ready for any adventure from protecting toys from evil pillows to guarding breakfast toast. With the help of his friend, Scrub-brush, he can handle anything until he gets the knitted green outfit from grandma. In this superhero tale of adventure, Mini Grey (named after the mini-cooper car) captures our kids’ creative imagination in their world of toys.

In our house, the action did not stop at the end of this book. Just like in Traction Man is Here! and the movie, Toy Story, our kids’ toys lead an adventurous life. Windsurfer Man from our house now has his own green felt traction suit along with a washcloth (playing his pal, Scrub-brush). The adventures of traction man in our house continue. Traction Man saves the day again!

Traction Man Is Here! by Mini Grey. (For pre-school to age 8).

DIY
Almost any toy can be an action figure or superhero. Help your kids transform their dolls. Cut capes out of felt. Glue on a piece of ribbon and tie around dolls neck. Ready for action!

Ready-Made
Search eBay for classic superhero toys or find an interesting selection of action figures at Accoutrements.

by Katy Killilea

After the high seas adventure we had this spring, riding the ferry from Bristol to Prudence Island, I was eager to try the ferry trip from Providence to Newport with my kids. For a number of reasons and with my specific family circumstances (namely, a companion who can barely sit still), the seatless Prudence Island Ferry was a more enjoyable daytrip. But I still highly recommend the ferry to Newport. Here’s why.

While you wait in line along the dock to board, you can see crabs and minnows in the water below the dock. There is quite a lot of marine life activity to observe. Should interest in that wear thin, you should know that the ferry is a magnet for raucous, older ladies in revealing blouses who loudly recall getting drunk on limoncellos, thus forgetting to reapply sunscreen. This provides a nice alternative entertainment.

On the ride, you will get to see ships—big ships—a lot of them, and close up. The ships’ crew members seem generally eager to wave to ferry passengers and even blow their incredibly loud horns. The views are great from up above in the open air, and it was very windy. You will probably need a jacket.

Since we did not think we could manage to entertain ourselves on my remaining $2 in Newport until 4:00 PM (when the next ferry departed), we rode out and right back to Providence, not even setting foot in Newport. On the trip back, we snagged a table inside (there are two tables and each seats six) and spread out our snacks. There is a snack bar with everything from Swedish fish to mixed vodka cocktails. The snack bar crew refused to accept my kids’ dollar for candy. The views from inside are very clear and exciting, and the place was spic and span. One crew member patrolled with a dustbuster, looking in vain for dust to bust.
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Here is the latest recall for toys made in China.

Thomas, Curious George Spinning Tops, Tin Pails and more by Schylling

Why? Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Description: The recalled tops and pails are primarily metal and have wooden handles. The tops are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or a circus scene. The pails are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or in a solid red or yellow color. Tops with plastic handles are not included in this recall. Sold at Specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide from July 2001 through July 2002. More info at Schylling or CPSC.

SpongeBob Address Books and Journals by Martin Designs Inc.

Why? Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Description: The recall involves address books and journals with SpongeBob SquarePants™ character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The UPC numbers (80773007505 for the address book and 80773002260, 80773075501 and 80773007551 for the journal) are printed on the back covers. Sold at Retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007. More info at Martin Designs or CPSC.

Find complete list of recalls on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website.

By Marianne Ruggiero
Coordinator of Family Programs at The RISD Museum

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Note: The images of artwork from The RISD Museum collection will remain on the Kidoinfo website for only 3 months as requested by the Museum. Although the images have been removed, kids may still enjoy doing some of the following projects.
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Have you ever created a “portrait,” or picture of someone that you know? What type of art materials did you use? Crayons, clay, maybe even a digital camera? In the days before cameras, which can produce an instant portrait, artists often made paintings of people. These painted portraits could take days, even months, to complete. People often had to pose for long periods of time. The completed portrait was usually given a place of honor in the home of the “sitter” (person who posed for the portrait), just as you might put a framed photograph of yourself or a family member in a special place in your own home.

How can you tell that these portraits were painted long ago? Compare the portraits and decide how they are alike. How are they different? Just like today, people who posed for portraits centuries ago dressed in their best clothes. Kids’ clothes, back then, were miniature versions of those worn by their parents. Think of yourself wearing the clothes worn by the children in the paintings. Would it be hard to play dressed like this?

Look at the family portrait. The Dad is pointing to a statue of his father. The statue carries the words “He lived and died without reproach.” This means that the Dad’s father was a very good man who never did anything wrong. The Dad tells his children to follow in the steps of their grandfather. Are the kids listening well to his words?

Now take a look at the portrait of the man in blue. Describe his expression. Is he happy, sad, worried? Or is it hard to tell? We don’t know the identity of this man, but it’s thought that he may have lived in New York, and perhaps had served in the American Revolutionary War. At that time African Americans made up 20 percent of the country’s population. Half of the African American population was free – like the man in the portrait – very few had the right to vote.

Say “Cheese!”

Have you noticed that people in old portraits, whether paintings or photographs, look very serious? They are very rarely shown smiling. Why do you think this is so? (Hint: think of how long it takes to paint a portrait…)

Now you are the artist!

Self-portraits are the pictures artists make of themselves. Set up a mirror on a table and first study your face very carefully. Using a lead pencil, draw a picture of yourself and then color it in with crayons or colored pencils. Include details – a favorite toy, book, or sports item – that describe you and your interests.

Frame your portrait. Choose a frame to download:
Ornate-Frame | Flower-Frame | Star-Frame

ARTplay is a monthly column written by Marianne Ruggiero from The RISD Museum in which various themes and activities will introduce kids and parents to the museum’s collection both online and off. Each month Kidoinfo will help spark your children’s interest in art – they can learn about different works at the museum and download a related activity to create offline. Be sure to visit the museum and explore the art in person. On Free-for-All Saturdays (the last Saturday of every month), kids may continue their exploration through a variety of hands-on workshops, performances, videos, and special gallery quests throughout the day.

Credits for illustrations:
Cornelis de Vos
Flemish, around 1584-1667
Portrait of a Young Girl, around 1633-5
Oil on canvas, 47 1/2 ” x 32″
Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design
Gift of Manton B. Metcalf
Photography by Erik Gould

Jacques-Luc Barbier-Walbonne
French, 1769-1860
A Portrait of the Comte de Choulot de Chabaud la Tour and his Family, 1806
Oil on canvas, 87″ x 68 1/2 ”
Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design
Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund
Photography by Erik Gould

Thought to be by James Martin
American, active 1798-1810
Portrait of a Gentleman, around 1820
Pastel on paper, 21 1/2 ” x 16 3/4 ”
Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design
Georgianna Sayles Aldrich Fund
Photography by Erik Gould

All additional inquires or requests should be directed to: Melody Ennis, Coordinator of Photographic Services, The RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903. 401 454-6535. E-mail inquires to: mennis@risd.edu

ARTplay is a new monthly column written by Marianne Ruggiero, Coordinator of Family Programs at The RISD Museum.

Various themes and activities will introduce kids and parents to the museum’s collection both online and off. Each month Kidoinfo will help spark your children’s interest in art – they can learn about different works at the museum and download a related activity to create offline. Then make sure to visit the museum and explore the art in person. On Free-for-All Saturdays (the last Saturday of every month), kids can continue their exploration through a variety of hands-on workshops, performances, videos, and special gallery quests throughout the day.

The RISD Museum of Art: 224 Benefit Street, Providence, RI. Telephone: (401) 454-6674