As of today, this is 2020’s schedule of community days:
January 20
February 1
February 5
March 18
May 25
June 17
For us BBHSers, this is a great deal. If you ever go to Artful Adventures, the ticket price is already low but now you can get a 15% discount in the cafe! Worth visiting on a free day, I’d say!
One of my favorite parts of this homeschooling journey has been the opportunity to fill in gaps in my own education. I love learning about history, culture and science.
Over the years I’ve used some online education portals to pursue some amazing classes. Not only is it a great way to pass time while my kids are doing their own work, it’s also a powerful way to demonstrate to them my values around education.
Books I used with online courses, Source: BBHS
Here are my fav online learning portals, let me know of your favs in the comments!
EdX.org – This platform was created by Harvard and MIT and hosts courses from colleges and universities around the world. Most courses you can take for free. The first amazing course I took was “The Science of Religion” from the University of British Columbia. I’ve also taken courses on Chinese History, the basics of Neuroscience, Ethics, History of Architecture. Most EdX courses do not require any outside materials or text books, though classes may suggest optional readings. The site is user-friendly, and you can go at your own pace.
MIT OpenCourseWare – From their site: “MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.” I’ve taken an introductory course on Geology through this platform. Compared to EdX.org, OCW isn’t as user friendly. The courses available, however, are actual college-level courses! You will often want to buy or borrow the textbooks for each course. I bought my textbook off eBay for less than $20. If you can get your course’s books from the library, these courses are truly free and high quality.
Coursera – This platform is a lot like EdX. The biggest difference with Coursera is that you need to keep up with each course’s timing. It’s not as relaxed as EdX, but I do think the courses are at a slightly higher level. I haven’t successfully finished a class on Coursera because of the timing issue, but have found some really great topics, such as entomology and fair use copyright law for blogs!
Do you use these online platforms yourself? Do your kids learn from them? Please share your experiences in the comments below!
Every year the Kendall Square outdoor skating rink opens for the season with a skating show featuring professional skaters, international competitors, and lots of holiday fun. The show is free. Skating is free for the day as well (skate rentals cost extra) 11am-9pm.
Details: Saturday, December 14, 2019, show begins at 2pm, free, 300 Athenaeum St, Cambridge, MA.
There’s a very fancy public art installation that just opened up in the Seaport this week. While I don’t usually enjoy the District 1-ness of the Seaport and the events held there, I do enjoy free public arts and exposing my children to them! This one looks like a community experience akin to the “The Gates” many years ago in Central Park in NYC. From the descriptions, it sounds to me like the best time to go is night, but I’m sure it’s captivating any time of day. “Entre Les Rangs” translates to “Between the Ranks” or “Between the Rows.”
Details: December 9, 2019 to February 2, 2020, free, Seaport Commons, 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA.
Blink! at Faneuil Hall – Nightly through 1/1/2020
This exuberant light and music display has become an annual tradition in Boston. During the day on Saturday, December 14, 2019, you can also enjoy “Candy Land Play-A-Thon” from 10am to Noon where each participating child receives a free game or gift. From Noon to 5pm you can take “Selfies with Santa” and make a Christmas Photo Frame while supplies last.
Details: Saturday, December 14, 2019, free, Candy Land 10am-Noon, Selfies with Santa Noon-5pm. Blink! holiday lights, nightly 4:30pm-10pm every half hour, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA.
Details: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 2pm to 3:30pm, free, Hunnewell Building Visitor Center, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA.
“A Light Through the Ages” the Meaning of Chanukah in Story and Song – 12/15
“Central Reform Temple of Boston will offer the eleventh annual presentation of “A Light Through the Ages”, a celebration of Chanukah in story, song and light. This beloved holiday tradition for people of all faiths offers a unique opportunity for the greater Boston community to experience the inspiration and broader significance of the Festival of Lights.” Free but registration is required.
Details: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 4 pm, free, Central Reform Temple, 15 Newbury St, Boston, MA.
Holiday Concert Featuring the Copley Singers – 12/15
This Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 3:45 pm to 6 pm, the USS Constitution is hosting a lovely Christmas Tree Lighting. The event includes “holiday music, free hot chocolate and cookies, an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves, and remarks from USS Constitution’s Commanding Officer.”
I bet opportunities for beautiful holiday photos will be abundant!
The public may begin boarding the ship at 3:45 pm, the tree lighting will be at 4:30 pm, guests may then tour the ship until 6 pm.
Please note that all adults must show appropriate ID and all bags are subject to search before going onto the ship. Click here to read more about visiting the USS Constitution, ID requirements, what to expect when going through security screening, directions and parking.
Broke Boston Homeschooling 