Austin Tinkering School!

Following in the footsteps of Gever Tully (founder of the original Tinkering School in California and author of "50 dangerous things you should let your children do", my friend Kami Wilt has started the Austin Tinkering School.

She offers summer camps and workshops throughout the year where:

"kids can get their hands on real tools and real materials. Adults serve as collaborators rather than teachers for maximum engagement, interest, enthusiasm, learning, and enjoyment."

Obviously very in line with the Acton Philosophy!

I have signed Bodhi up for the Six Simple Machines class on Tuesdays from 4-6pm. (see description below).

http://austintinkeringschool.wordpress.com/

Six Simple Machines ages 4-8 $175

CLASS ADDED: now also offered Tuesdays 4-6 Sept. 21st through Oct. 26th

In this class we will explore the six simple machines ( pulleys, levers, screws, wedges, wheel and axles, and inclined planes) in the most hands-on and experiential way possible. I’ll bring lots of examples of these machines that we use in daily life, and we’ll do a fun project each week using each machine. For a grand finale we’ll spend the last day making Rube Goldberg machines.

book group?

I'm reading Atul Gawande's" Checklist Manifesto", and finding it insightful (though a little repetitive- it could probably have been a magazine article instead of a full length book. I like stories of the horrors of the OR so I'm personally okay with the extra anecdotes). I'm thinking about implementing the concepts in the book to increase efficacy around the house and in some other projects. The Acton community may find this book useful; if anyone else reads it, I'd be interesting in hearing your thoughts.

On a similar note, would anyone be interested in forming an unofficial, informal Acton Parents book group, perhaps starting in August or September?

Things We Like:What Happens When Children Build Their Own Three-Story Playgrounds?

"studies point to the tendency for children to adjust their actions given the relative danger of a situation. If the perceived risk is high, children will naturally be more careful or wary of their actions and movements."

http://publicworkshop.us/?p=194

school lunches

I'd love to know your opinion on our lunch program - how important is it to you that we provide this service? Does it add value to your life and your child's life? Would you like to have your child bring his/her own lunch next year rather than pay for us to provide lunch? Now that we have some time under our belt, I'd like to assess how important this program is to you. Thanks for feedback!

Mary Pope Osborne -- Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter

• Young Adult Events

Start: Tue, 03/09/2010 - 6:00pm

This evening, Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
(sisters/writer and illustrator, respectively) will here to celebrate
the release of the newest book in the ever popular Magic Tree House series, number #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter.

Attention all Jack & Annie fans—authors of the sensationally popular
Magic Tree House series will be here this evening for a wonderfully green
celebration of the release of their newest book in the MTH series,
Leprechaun in Late Winter. Come to the event dressed in your finest
green-colored apparel and enjoy a great event with two of the most beloved
children’s book authors of our time!

WRISTBANDS FOR THE EVENT WILL BE HANDED OUT BEGINNING AT 9AM

*Event Guidelines: 1. You may bring up to 2 paperback books in the
MTH from home to have signed. There is no limit on the number of hardback
versions of books in the MTH series that you would like to have signed. 2.
You must buy a copy of MTH #43 from BookPeople in order to have any books of
your books signed.

If you'd like to pre-order a MTH book, an order form is attached at the bottom of the page. Please email bookkids@bookpeople.com if you have any questions pertaining to an order.

Welcome!

Parents, this blog is for you!

We hope you will use it to post your thoughts, ideas, and questions. It is a space for you to engage one another in discussion about Acton Academy and what it is like to be an Acton Academy family.