Tag Archives: Education

Summer Madness

Happy almost 4th!

We’ve had a busy few weeks, some how I delude myself in to believing that things slow down in the summer, but that is far from accurate. If anything work lately has been a whirlwind of activity.

Big has been in a multitude of summer camps, including an art camp at Minneapolis College of Art and Design,  Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Northern Clay Center, the Textile Center and a few others.

Little has recently started in Pre-K and loves her new room and teachers. Her favorite activities in the summer are swimming and this summer feeding the Giraffes at the Minnesota Zoo.

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Additionally, we are looking at some really fun opportunities for Strawberry picking (or the next week or so) and Pied Piper Crafts.

What are your favorite summer camps/activities?

-CM

Decisions, Decisions

Last week we heard back from almost all the schools we’ve applied to. With the exception of one she was accepted to all, which was exciting. Now it comes down to financial aid. I really hoped it wouldn’t come down to that, however, I have realistic expectations about how much I can afford, and while we didn’t specifically start doing online school for the price tag (free) it certainly doesn’t hurt!

On that note, we haven’t completely given up on the idea of online school, in fact quite the opposite. GM actually completed her 3rd grade math for the year, so this week we’ve begun 4th grade math, and having that flexibility has been awesome.  Continue reading →

Our Top 10 Cultural/Educational Institutions in the Twin Cities

GM has been learning about Japanese Woodcut prints at school, and it downed on me that the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has an extraordinary collection. They recently had an exhibition of a portion of their extensive collection.  Click here for an example of a Japanese Woodblock Print from the MIA.

I often forget how fortunate we are to live in the Twin Cities metro area that has a huge collection of really impressive cultural and educational institutions.

Here in no particular order are a few of our favorites;

  1. The aforementioned MIA, or Minneapolis Institute of Arts
  2. The Guthrie
  3. The Minnesota Zoo
  4. The Science Museum
  5. The MacPhail Center for Music (where I just happen to be sitting while I write this post)
  6. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
  7. The Walker Art Center, but most notably the outdoor sculpture garden which is more child friendly for the under 10 set.
  8. The Raptor Center
  9. The Mill City Museum
  10. The Children’s Museum

Now, this doesn’t even begin to mention the multitudes of theatres, art galleries/lofts, nature centers and other opportunities. Plus I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few of the big ones on this list. Many a blog has been written about these institutions; however, I still felt the need to name some of our favorites.

-CM

Waldorf Schools

We have fallen in love with the Waldorf School near us. GM is currently on her three day visit of the school. (Today is day 2.) and she’s thriving there. Her little sister took an informal tour today and also really seemed to feel at home. 

Today is the first day since I began this exhaustive search where I’m feeling like I may have found a solution that will work for all of us. 

-CM