Going Back to Our Roots: The Family Reunion

September 4, 2005, 11am - 5pm, California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, L.A. Celebrate family roots with music and spoken word entertainment by Malcolm Jamal Warner, family tree workshops and a screening of Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored. Free admission, $6 parking. 213-744-2132.

Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire

Various times today through Sept. 5, Exposition Park, 2929 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Music, crafts and sporting events; kids' area features storytelling, petting zoo, rides along with magicians, jugglers and stilt walkers. Participate in an animation workshop with professionals. $6. 323-734-1164, www.africanmarketplace.org

Big! World! Fun! Family Series at the Ford

September 3, 2005, 10am, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. This Saturday's performance features Reflections in Black presented by the Lula Washington Dance Theatre. The African-American experience through dance, song, and music. Ages 4-11. Cost: Children are free (tickets required), Adults $5. Parking: free. Phone: 323-461-3673.

REMEMBER TO BRING HATS, SUNSCREEN AND WATER TO BIG!WORLD!FUN! EVENTS. THERE IS ALSO WATER FOR SALE ON SITE.

Visit www.fordamphitheater.org for future events!

Home Depot Workshops

10, 10:30 and 11am Saturdays, various locations. Professionals help kids create projects such as birdhouses, step stools and sailboats. Ages 6-12. Free. Call local store, www.homedepot.com.

Back to School Tips

With the first day of school just around the corner, here are some tips to make the transition from summer a little more bearable:

*Pack lunches the night before and refrigerate!
*Make sure backpacks are packed and ready to go the night before.
*Create a homework center. Stock with extra crayons and supplies needed to complete homework. Make sure it's not near a t.v.
*Lay out clothes the night before.
*Remember kids need to make as many decisions as possible. Avoid power struggles by letting them make small decisions.
*Create a special hamper in the laundry room for uniforms and other rush items.
*Fold T-shirts so that the design is recognizeable without unfolding.
*Each evening have a 30 minute family clean up time to get everything back in place.