THE FAIRMONT FIVE playful gift ideas

The holiday season is here!  Are you feeling the pressure?  I can't help with everything on your to-do list, but I'm happy to let you in on a secret we recently pinned to our Pinterest board (the cutest holiday gift guides for kids you'll find anywhere south of the North Pole).  Whether you're shopping for a budding scientist or a ballerina-to-be, you'll get plenty of great ideas for gifts that delight this season and for many moons to come.  Here are a few themes to guide you:

1. Play
2. Read
3. Music
4. Imagine
5. Scientists and Explorers

Photo from A Lovely Lark

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE community service for kids

There are plenty of reasons to despair of the future, but I'm filled with hope and wonder when I spend a little time connecting with kids. They are amazing! 

Just the other night I was watching a 60 Minutes segment that featured the founder of Free the Children, Craig Kielburger, a young man who was struck by the injustice of child slavery back when he was in 7th grade and since has built a successful charity empowering kids to change the world. 

Kielburger's story is inspiring...and humbling at the same time. Saving kids from poverty and lives of servitude proved much harder in practice than in theory, but he didn't give up. He resisted the temptation to become apathetic, a pitfall that keeps many adults (myself included) from getting involved in any number of worthwhile causes.

This holiday season, I hope you will be inspired by this story, as I have been, and will give giving back another chance. You can create a home that inspires your kids to be a part of something much bigger than themselves. Here's how:

1. Make community service part of your family's mission statement--It's easy to say that giving back is important, but when you put it in writing you're more likely to stick with it.  Sit down as a family and write a "mission statement" that makes community service a priority. 
2. Incorporate charitable gift-giving into your holiday traditions--Work with your kids to clean out the closets, the pantry or the garage and donate usable goods to those in need.  You won't have to look far to find a cause eager for donations this time of year.
3. Shop for gifts that go to support important causes--Not sure what to give loved ones this holiday season?  Hop online with the kids and let them help you shop for gifts that give back.  Check out these suggestions from Harper's Bazaar.
4. Let the kids stage their own charitable event--How about a hot cocoa stand, a gift-wrapping service or a cookie party?  Children develop leadership and organizational skills and experience pride of ownership when they dream up their own way to give back.
5. Plan a volunteer vacation--If you really want to take your volunteerism to the next level, plan a service-oriented family vacation for the New Year.  Cross-cultural Solutions offers working trips to destinations around the world.

Photo from Free the Children

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE homemade halloween costumes

Ask most kids their favorite holiday and most of them will undoubtedly say Halloween. They get to stay up late, take home tons of candy, and play dress up! This Halloween, instead of running to countless stores to find your child's costume, try making it yourself! Here are a few creative and fun DIY costumes that you and your kids can make together.

1. If your kids want to dress up as a group try making these adorable toadstool and gnome costumes. For more than one toadstool and gnome try changing the colors for each child to make a garden!

2. A beautiful butterfly is always striking and can be a great costume for a small child even up to a teenager. Let your child in on the creative process and allow her to choose her own color combinations. 

3. If your son just doesn't want to go the superhero route, have him help you make this dashing knight costume. 

4. For an alternative to the princess, try this creative paper doll costume. Get your child involved by letting her choose the color. She can also help by cutting and coloring. 

5. Your child will want to jump in and start exploring the deep in this crafty scuba diver costume. But put your sewing machine away, because this is a new sew costume. 

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

FAIRMONT FIVE pumpkin patch picks

Fall is finally here. Time for flannel, hot cider, and a visit to the pumpkin patch. Kick off the holiday season with a trip to one of Orange County's top-rated pumpkin-picking destinations. Make it an adventure for the whole family and don't forget to bring your camera!

1. Tanaka Farms is conveniently located in Irvine and offers a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch open daily through October 31st from 9am-6pm. Admission, parking and corn maze are free. In addition to a vast selection of pumpkins, there are U-Pick vegetables, wagon rides, and a petting zoo. On the weekends enjoy the Fall Harvest with food, games, ATV rides and more. 
2. Irvine Park Railroad offers the ultimate pumpkin patch experience--complete with train rides, hay rides, tractor races, face painting, panning for gold, a child-friendly haunted house, great food, and more. Irvine Park Railroad is open 7 days a week from September 17-October 31 from 10am-5pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends. Admission is free.  Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
3. Johnson Brothers is also centrally located in Irvine and includes many free activities including barnyard animals, an Indian Village with authentic tipis, do-it-yourself face painting and much more. There are also pony rides and a bounce house. Admission is free and the pumpkin patch is open every day until Halloween from 9am-9pm.
4. Pumpkinpalooza at Zoomar's Petting Zoo  in San Juan Capistrano offers pumpkins, petting and pony rides, plus lots more for the admissions price of $7 (kids) and $8 (adults). It is open daily from 9am-5pm. Visit Zoomar's Facebook page for more details about this year's event and consider taking the train to San Juan for an added adventure. 
5. Big Horse Corn Maze in Temecula boasts the largest corn maze in Southern California, which just may make it worth the drive. Also unique are its piglet and ducky races, hay wagon rides, corn cannon, and pumpkin bowling! The maze is open weekdays from 1pm-5pm and weekends from 10am-4pm. Some activities are only available on weekends, so make sure to check the website for details.

Photo from Microsoft Office photo gallery

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE pins we love

Have you heard, Fairmont is on Pinterest?! With so many of our Fairmont families and friends engaged in creating digital collections on Pinterest and with so many great ideas to pique our ever curious minds, we found the temptation just too hard to resist. So, we are happily pinning away each week discovering books, craft projects, recipes, home design inspiration, gifts...pins more or less linked to education that we hope will delight the life-long learners in all of us.

Here are some of our favorite pins thus far:

1. Whimsical art room posted to Learning Spaces
2. DIY playdough  posted to Art of Play
3. Teacher giftwrap posted to Elementary
4. Back to School comic posted to 21st Century Learning
5. Art journal inspiration posted to Junior High

Photo from willowday

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE outdoor fun

Studies show children spend less than seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play while they spend about seven hours a day in front of a screen. There’s nothing wrong with technology, but a glut of electronic stimulation at the expense of time spent running, playing and exploring in the great outdoors amounts to trouble. 

Studies link excessive screen time to childhood obesity, diabetes, attention deficit disorders, depression and nearsightedness. By contrast, time spent in nature has been shown to reduce children’s stress levels, improve their performance on standardized test scores and foster their emotional intelligence.

Knowing that outdoor play is important and having the tools to make a change in your family’s lifestyle are two different things. Luckily, you don’t have to blaze your own trail. The National Wildlife Federation has a helpful guide for parents that helps provide solutions to common challenges like not having enough time or concerns over safety and weather. Here are a few ideas you can begin implementing this summer:

1. Start small by encouraging your kids to spend 15 minutes a day playing outside.  The NWF recommends building up to at least an hour of outdoor fun each day.  An impromptu picnic on the lawn, a few rounds of hopscotch, running through the sprinklers—it all counts.
2. Develop a family policy to limit excessive screen time. Some parents suggest an equation of equal time for electronic play and outdoor activities.  If your kids want to play video games for 30 minutes they must earn this time by playing outside for 30 minutes.
3. Make parks, trails, the beach, etc. extensions of your own backyard. Instead of an outing to the mall or movie theatre, research all the great outdoor entertainment options in your community.
4. Go stargazing. Too hot to play outside during the day? Spend some time outdoors at night. Check out these resources and guidance on studying the moon, stars, and other celestial sights. If you want to head out to a stargazing event, here’s an app for your mobile phone from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific for finding one near you.
5. Camp in your own backyard.  Re-create a camping experience at home by pitching the tent just outside your back door. Light up the fire-pit (if it's safe) and sing Cum bi ya--your kids will love "roughing it" and you can retire to air conditioned comfort if things get a little too rustic.

For more information about bringing the outdoors home, visit www.beoutthere.org.

Photo from parenting.com's article on backyard camping

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE family movie night

Summertime for moms and dads isn't nearly as much fun as it is for our kids.  We still have to work, pay bills, and tend to all the grown-up responsibilities of life, even when it's a hot, sunny, absolutely perfect summer day.  What I have discovered this summer, is that I can relive the summers of my childhood and enjoy a little downtime with my kids by watching some of my favorite family movies together.  So far our movie festival has included classic Disney films Pollyanna (1960) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960) and my all-time favorite Born Free (1966) which I first saw filmstrip style at my local library as part of their summer reading program.

We've rounded up a few oldies but goodies for your viewing pleasure. Who's bringing the popcorn?!

1. The Parent Trap (1968)
2. The Sandlot (1993)
3. Gidget (1959)
4. South Pacific (1958)
5. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Want to plan an Outdoor Movie night party?  We loved the inspiration provided by Connie Smith on her Pinterest Board Backyard Movie Party.

Photo from the blog Southern Exposure

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE unique powers of camp

We all know that kids benefit in many ways from participating in summer camp programs. They develop leadership and teamwork skills, make friendships, and explore their interests. 

But what is the "secret sauce" of summer camp? What really makes camp such a special time for kids? At Fairmont, we know that it's moments like these...throwing your head back to fully experience the misting Rainforest exhibit at the Zoo or catching some Z's on your Camp Counselor's shoulder during the bus ride home. These moments are magical and memory-making for kids (and they just happen to be our favorite moments too!) 

We also loved this Top 5 list of the "unique powers of camp" compiled by educator/author Michael Brandwein. He credits the magic of camp to these things: 

1. Camp leads the way in using the best methods to help children learn and grow. For almost 150 years, camps have been the leader in using the number one secret to teaching: children learn most from doing. 
2. Camp communities remove the typical pressures from school and support children in a positive atmosphere that cherishes effort and persistence. One fast way to explain the incredible power of camping is in two words: "no grades." 
3. Camp has distinctive value in preparing children for future success. Camp creates communities where kids make daily decisions about activities and learn how to get along with others. 
4. Camp offers an unequaled variety of opportunities to develop well-rounded children. Camps cut like a laser through the negative expectations and beliefs that can stick to children and hold them back. 
5. Camp combats youth isolation by offering positive and accepting communities. Camp is all about belonging - belonging to a group that respects and values each member. 

What makes camp special for you? While that definition might be slightly different for each person, the "super power" of summer camp is undeniable.

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE beat summer brain drain

For a summer's worth of brain boosting crafts, like this memory keeper, check out the June issue of Family Fun magazine or visit familyfun.com.

Woo hoo!  Summer is just a few days away.  For all those kiddos who've been crossing off their calendars, it's almost time to let loose!   And for us big kids too, summer gives us an excuse to loosen up a bit at home and at work and make time for doing, well, nothing.  It's good for all of us to escape the structure of the school year for some long overdue R&R;  however, summer's laid back attitude can morph into a vacation for the brain that's not so great for kids.  Re-think summer to turn lazy days at the beach, a trip to visit relatives, even a pick up game of baseball (with the sprinklers going full blast) into a learning opportunity.  Here are a few simple strategies for packing brain boosters into your kid's summer:

1. Tackle a new skill--check out the summer camp and course offerings in your area and encourage your child to try something new.  Studies show that novel experiences (learning or doing something new) boosts memory, creativity and overall learning.  Don't forget Fairmont's Summer Program offers lots of great enrichment workshops
2. Keep a journal--writing about his/her trip to the Grand Canyon seems less like a language arts lesson and more like a fun way to keep track of summer adventures.  In addition to journaling, kids can write and send postcards and create scrapbooks to keep writing skills sharp this summer.
3. Start a small business--lemonade stands, yard sales, dog walking services...imagine the possibilities for your young entrepreneur this summer!  Creativity, critical thinking skills, leadership, these are just a few of the skills your kids will develop when they dream up "the next big thing".
4. Research your family tree--a family reunion can become a hands-on history or genealogy lesson if you frame it correctly.  Hand over the video camera and encourage your child to make a film about the experience.
5. Join a summer reading program--where's the coolest place in your neighborhood this summer?  Yep, the library.  Sign your kids up for the summer reading program at your local library and you'll be rewarded with weeks of reading and fun activities, plus air conditioned comfort!

Photo of camp craft memory keeper from spoonful.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE rad grad gifts

It's time for Pomp and Circumstance, flower leis and sighs of relief--oh, and it's time to go shopping for the perfect graduation gift for the graduates in your life.  Graduation presents can be tricky since you want the gift to have meaning, be practical, and most of all be something that expresses just how proud you are of the graduates in your life.  There's nothing wrong with gift cards or cash, but there's something more thoughtful about a carefully chosen present.  Here are a few grad gifts I think deserve high honors:

1. Charitable Gift $20+,Oxfam America
   Bet you never thought of getting your grad a goat?  But, there's a good chance that's just what your social conscious graduate would prefer.  Choose from dozens of gifts that do good and support your graduate's dreams to make a difference.
2. Mini Plus Brewing System $100, Keurig
   For the dorm-room dweller who’s short on space (and time), this machine has a tiny footprint and brews a great cup in a minute. From the grad gift list at Martha Stewart Living.
3. Upcycled Wetsuit iPad sleeve $28, UncommongoodsNo matter where the adventures lead, this protective case made from recycled wet suits, will guard his gear. From the grad gift list at Real Simple.
4. Trail Cargo Shave Kit $60, Fossil
   Sturdy canvas and ample cargo pockets make this shave kit a must-have accessory for college bound dudes.
5. Collegiate Throw Blanket $56, Stanford bookstore
   If you're sure you know where your high school graduate is headed in the fall, go online and shop that school's bookstore for gifts emblazoned with the school name or mascot, like this super versatile woven afghan from the Stanford University bookstore.

Photo from Oxfam America
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE memorial day must-haves

Summer is just around the corner and nothing ushers in the season better than an outdoor Memorial Day celebration with  family, friends and neighbors. In my opinion, you've just gotta have the following:

1. American Flag—The stars and stripes is an enduring symbol of all that our country represents. Fly  Old Glory with pride on Memorial Day, and share these fun flag facts with your kids.
2. Grilled Food—Memorial Day unofficially kicks off grilling season. Before you fire up the barbie, get your grill in shape with these prep tips.
3. Patriotic Decorations—Red, white and blue are festive colors to play with on Memorial Day and any decorations you craft can do double duty a few months later for Independence Day. Check out these décor ideas from Martha Stewart Living.
4. Moment of Remembrance—at 3pm on Memorial Day, observe the National Moment of Remembrance and take a minute to remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate price to safeguard our American way of life. Take your patriotism a step further by visiting a war memorial or donating to a quality cause supporting our veterans such as the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
5. Dessert!—There are plenty of sweet ways to top off your celebrations, but I’m partial to desserts that make the most of the spring’s bounty of berries. I'll be trying these Grilled Balsamic and Brown Sugar Strawberries.

Photo from Chasing Delicious 

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE benefits of summer camp

Summer is in the air! As the days get longer and warmer, kids can't help but anticipate the carefree months of summer ahead. For you, the summer anticipation includes planning what the kids will do with their time--summer school, summer day camp, sleep-away camp, swimming lessons, vacation? 

As we remember from our childhoods, summer is a special time for kids, a time for self-discovery and making memories. Summer camp provides a unique, enriching environment for this experience, and the benefits of participating in a quality summer camp stretch far beyond the memories. 

According to the American Camp Association, a 100-year-old organization of camp professionals committed to preserving, promoting and improving the camp experience, summer camp helps children build personal competencies reflected in the four "C's" of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character. 

Camp counselors provide children with a network of caring adults to look up to, and an organized camp program creates a safe environment for discovery and exploration. 

The ACA lists the following benefits and anticipated outcomes of the camp experience:

Social Skills Development

• Leadership 
• Communication 
• Participation 

Self-Respect and Character Building 

• Responsibility 
• Resourcefulness
• Resilience 

Community Living/Service Skills 

• Caring 
• Fairness 
• Citizenship
• Trustworthiness 

Developing these key life skills and character traits at a young age gives children an advantage   as they grow and mature. 

Fairmont is proud to offer a Summer Program that is accredited by the American Camp Association. Fairmont offers a mix of both summer school and summer day camp so children can experience a quality summer camp program and beat the summer brain drain. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE mom blogs we love

In the past couple years, mommy bloggers have taken off! While the sheer number of mom blogs out there can be overwhelming, the good ones provide great content for moms with children of every age. Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, here are five mom blogs to bookmark. They'll make your life a little easier--and a little more fun! 

1. Cool Mom Picks. Just like it sounds--cool moms who find and share the coolest stuff. We love this blog for finding inspiration of all kinds: birthday party gift ideas, stylish diaper bags, organization apps, etc. Kristen, Liz, and their content contributors write in a quick, snappy way. We also recommend their sister blog Cool Mom Tech for all you techies. 
2. Design Mom. "I post on the intersection of design and motherhood." What stylish mama doesn't love that? Blogger Gabrielle Blair shares her experiences as a designer and mother of six who is currently living in France. She shares craft ideas, travel tales, amazing photography, mom advice, and much, much more. 
3. Rage Against the Minivan. Best blog name award, right there. Minivan hater (but admitted minivan driver), Kristen Howerton is mother to an amazing multicultural family, built through both adoption and birth. She blogs about the tough stuff, including the balance between parenting & adoption and the impacts of race, religion, and politics on her family. We appreciate her unique perspective (and her very sarcastic sense of humor). 
4. Alive in Wonderland. A great blog for Orange County moms. Writer Suzanne Broughton is OC Family's top mommy blogger, among many other titles. Her blog boasts everything from family excursion ideas to interviews with top OC chefs to awesome giveaways. 
5. Mom 101. Liz Gumbinner is a witty mama who knows how to write. Her posts on parenting tribulations, the challenges of being a working mom, and on mom blogging itself will get you hooked. She has a loyal following for a reason, and she's known for still replying to reader comments herself--imagine that! 

(Photo from The eMarketer Blog) 


Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE preschool readiness

How do you know your child is ready for preschool?  The answer really depends upon your child. In my case, I noticed that my children were becoming more independent and enjoyed spending time at grandmas without having me close at hand.  They talked about school and were curious about colors, shapes and learning their A,B,Cs. And (here's the biggie) they were confident about going to the potty.

Preschool paves the way for a lifetime of learning.  Here are five questions to ask yourself to determine if your child is ready for those first, important baby steps:

1. Is your child potty-trained? While not all preschool programs require that children be potty-trained, at Fairmont we believe that giving up diapers is one clue that your tot is ready for the big kid world of preschool.
2. Can your child separate from you without melting down? Every child has moments when leaving mom, dad or another caregiver can be particularly tough.  If your child is ready for preschool, you'll notice a burgeoning independence as your little one looks forward to striking out on his or her own.
3. Can your child properly feed him/herself with utensils and remain seated in a chair while eating?  Preschool-aged children are notoriously "wiggly" in their seats, and that's okay.  But he or she should be able to feed him/herself without needing adult help.
4. Can your child play with other children, or alone, for at least 15 minutes without requiring constant adult intervention?  Playing well independently and with others is a skill that builds as preschoolers mature; however, they'll need to start moving in this direction before it's appropriate to enroll them in preschool.
5. Can your child follow other adult’s directions?  If you're the only one who can get your child's attention, he or she may not be ready for preschool.  Make sure your child has the opportunity to experience other caregivers--family members, friends, etc.--before starting preschool.

Want to learn more, join us tomorrow, Wednesday, April 25th, for a special Chalk Talk: Week of the Young Child Workshop at the Fullerton Main Library.  Sheila Rafa, an early childhood educator from the Citron campus, will share tips and tricks for potty training and ways to prepare your child for preschool.

Photo from Microsoft Office clip gallery

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE creating a backyard habitat

Since I was a kid, I've loved digging in the dirt. My mom was an avid gardener.  My grandfather and his father and his father...were all farmers, so I guess I come by it naturally. So, when I arrived in the concrete jungle that was LA county, I was determined to start digging.

What began as a beautification project soon grew into something more meaningful.  As I researched native and drought tolerant plants, I discovered that they were not only more economical than my thirsty lawn, they were also beautiful.  And as I set about transforming my front and backyard spaces with Mediterranean plants, succulents and California natives, I discovered an unexpected bonus.  My yard became a mecca for bees, butterflies, dragonflies, many different bird species and even a few lizards.  In fact, one year a pair of ducks nested near the water feature.

These days there's lots of talk about transforming our lawns into green spaces that embrace our natural habitat. Up for the challenge this Earth month?  If so, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Do your homework before you dig. The CA Native Plant Society is a wonderful resource offering tips, plant lists and garden plans. Visit nurseries that specialize in natives, like Tree of Life nursery in San Juan Capistrano.  You'll have access to master gardeners and a greater variety of natives than at the garden variety garden center.
2. Start with container plantings. Not ready to rip up the front lawn?  Who can blame you.  You may be surprised how successful you can be in attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds with a native plant container garden.  Half wine barrels can even support shrubs and small trees.
3. Get your kids involved. Children love to get dirty and this is a perfect opportunity to play in the dirt!  They can help with every stage of the process from shopping for plants to helping maintain your new backyard habitat. 
4. Add a water feature. Don't worry, you don't have to be an engineer to figure this one out. A bird bath or large plant saucer works fine as long as you keep it clean and refresh the water often. 
5. Avoid herbicides and pesticides. It goes without saying that you won't attract animals to your yard if you're busy killing their food. Stick with organic gardening practices and don't worry if you see the occasional aphid or ant.  A pest to you is a meal for others!

Need more convincing that a backyard habitat is for you?  Check out how a native garden boosted test scores at an LA elementary school.

Photo from CA Native Plant Society website.

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE bringing 21st century learning home

As parents, you are your child's first and forever teacher.  It's a big responsibility, especially in today's rapidly changing world. You can count on Fairmont to provide great educational opportunities in a fun and challenging school environment.  But there's plenty you can do at home to prepare your child for success in the 21st century.  Here are a few pointers from Edutopia's Parents Guide to 21st Century Learning:

1. EXTEND THE SCHOOL DAY with experiences that help kids pursue interests and build new skills. Check out the latest extracurricular classes offered at your Fairmont campus.
2. LOOK FOR SUMMER CAMPS AND OTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCES that build 21st-century skills.  We're a big fan of Fairmont's Summer Programs.
3. BUILD ON YOUR KIDS’ INTEREST IN GAMING by getting them connected with Massively Minecraft, a digital-media learning community created by parents and teachers for students ages 4-16.
4. UNLOCK YOUR CHILD’S CREATIVE POTENTIAL through community arts programs. Read Edutopia's article on why the arts are critical.
5. HELP YOUR CHILDREN MASTER COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS by practicing social and emotional learning at home. Borrow ideas from the Edutopia article, Raise Your Student’s Emotional-Intelligence Quotient.

Photo from Microsoft Office photo gallery

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE spring break day trips

Spring break is just a bunny hop, skip and jump away.  Have you made your plans?  If not, here are some great getaways perfect for some family-friendly day trippin'.

Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Coast--One of my favorite places in the OC for savoring the natural beauty of our California coastline.  Enjoy a long walk on the beach, hike along the coastal nature trails or check out the restored historic district complete with colorful beach cottages, gift shop and museum.  Don't miss lunch or dinner at the Beachcomber for delicious, no-fuss fare and a view that can't be beat!

Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach--In keeping with the aquatic theme, visit Long Beach's homage to the Pacific ocean.  Kids will love the playful otters, the shark lagoon and the hands-on animal experiences available every day of the week.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch--You don't have to be a plant lover to LOVE this excursion to one of the most colorful places in Southern California this spring. Stroll among 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers and be sure to bring your camera!

The Great Park in Irvine--Float 400-feet above the landscape in the Great Park's Balloon ride, open Thursday-Sunday. While you're there, ride the carousel and check out Kids Rock--a play area of misting shade structures, climbing rocks and “underground tunnels."

Catalina Island--Head off-shore for an adventure in Catalina Island.  In addition to the exciting ferry ride, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, helicopter tours, parasailing, zip-line fun and more in this close-to-home island paradise.

Photo from Crystal Cove Alliance

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE sites to keep you smarter than your kids

I shouldn't pretend to keep up with Fairmont students! ;) But here are five websites with free content that keep learning alive for parents. Much of the content on sites like Khan Academy is appropriate for younger students as well, and can be useful to parents who like to plan educational enrichment exercises for their kids during the weekends or our upcoming spring break.

1. TED Ed --Illustrated videos that pair extraordinary educators with talented animators.
2. YouTube EDU --Videos of academic lectures, speeches, How-To's, etc.
3. Khan Academy --Educational videos about almost everything combined with practice exercises.
4. iTunes U --Entire courses from colleges and universities like Stanford, Yale, and MIT along with several other K-12 and higher ed institutions.
5. Fast Company's 30 Second MBA --Business tips from C-Level execs from every industry neatly packaged in 30-second clips--who doesn't have time for that?

Photo from iTunes U

Contributed by Courtney, Fairmont Private Schools

THE FAIRMONT FIVE celebrate pi day

For all you math whizzes out there, today is a very special day--it's Pi Day! 3.14 Pi, Greek letter (), is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi Day is celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world on March 14th, seeing as Pi = 3.1415926535…


Even for those of us whose fortes are more...right-brained, math is always going to be an integral part of daily life (no pun intended). So why not spend Pi Day getting your calculate on?! Here are a few ideas: 

• Test the Domino Effect. Watch the video above and learn how to use pi to calculate the number of dominos used in a domino spiral. Then create your own (slighly smaller) version and test out what you learned. 
• Make (and eat) a Pie. Use your fraction skills and whip up one of these great pie recipes from NPR's Doreen McCallister. It'll make a very festive Pi Day dessert! 
• Count Your Letters. Being a writer, I loved this idea that a teacher contributed to the official Pi Day website: "In class we are using the first 20 digits in Pi and writing a story using the numbers. For example, with 3.14 you would use a 3-letter word, then a 1-letter word, then a 4-letter word and so on." 
• Meet Sir Cumference. Circumference, radius, diameter...if all this circle speak is a little over your little one's head, try explaining the concepts with the help of Sir Cumference! He stars in the books Sir Cumference and the First Round Table and Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi, and he helps turn math into an adventure. 
• Channel Your Inner Einstein. Albert Einstein, the math genius himself, was born on Pi Day--March 14, 1879. The city of Princeton puts on a four-day celebration in honor of Einstein and Pi Day. Check out their activities and re-create some in your own home or school. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FAIRMONT FIVE leap year day to-dos

As a working mom of three little kids, I often find myself wishing for an extra hour here and there. This year, my wish is coming true. Well, not quite. It's true that 2012 is leap year and that means the notoriously short month of February gets extended by one day, a Wednesday as it turns out. Unfortunately, I won't be able to horde those extra 24 hours all to myself. Children will need to be fed and bathed and readied for school.  Emails will need to be answered and projects completed on deadline.  And, the household chores I've neglected all winter will still be nipping at my heels. All that said, leap year day only comes around every four years which is a rare enough thing to warrant a little celebration. So, here are some ideas on how to spend at least a few moments of your leap year day:

1. Take a leap of faith. According to folk tradition, women may propose marriage to men during leap year.  It was a pretty big leap of faith for a woman to take back in the day.  Why not channel all that courage into stepping out into the unknown in your own life?  Maybe it's something as innocuous as painting an accent wall in your living room or as daring as venturing into a new career.  Either way, let the spirit of the day encourage you to be brave.
2. Enjoy a nap. Just thinking about leap year day makes my head spin with all that I'd like to get accomplished.  While you're loading up your list of to-dos, set aside an hour or two to just relax.  Take a nap, go for a long walk, enjoy a leisurely lunch.  It's okay to be a little lazy every fours years!
3. Plan your summer vacation. You've been dreaming all winter of the perfect summer vacation. There's no time like today to start making plans.  Book early and you'll be rewarded with greater availability and better rates.
4. Reconnect with an old friend. Most would agree that friendship is one of the most valuable things in life.  Don't let the day go by without picking up the phone to chat with an old friend you've been meaning to connect with for weeks, months or even years.
5. Do one thing you love.  It might be starting the day with your favorite hot beverage or pulling out the craft supplies for an evening of creativity.  Whatever floats your boat, plan to do something on this special, extra day that makes you happy. Because even though this year is one day longer, life is much too short!

Cartoon copied from The Week

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools