Posts Tagged ‘music’
When we were offered the chance to review a CD whose purpose was to expose children to the world of classical music in an engaging way I was thrilled. Since one of the ways to help little ones appreciate the performing arts is exposure to them and since I feel rather under-educated when it comes to classical music, I was looking forward to this album at least as much as the girls were.
Magical moments happen when interests and opportunities coincide. Sammi recently became enthralled with the story of Rapunzel and we’ve read several variations of the story. When we received Green Golly and her Golden Flute Sammi recognized Rapunzel on the cover immediately. She was definitely ready to give this album a go. In just a few days of receiving the CD we had listened to Green Golly’s story three times!
Green Golly and Her Golden Flute
The first 12 tracks are a dramatized retelling of Rapunzel (named Green Golly, for the golly good greens that in the witch’s garden did grow) along with clips of classical music woven seemlessly into the story. Keith Torgan is the narrator of the story and does an amazing job of appealing to young children. He has a grand storytelling voice and says the silliest things with such majesty that it’s hard not to be completely captivated.
Then there’s Barbara Siesel on the flute and as the voice of Green Golly. She does a marvelous job going from a newbie on the flute to an accomplished flutist. Siesel’s performance was inspiring. She’s bound to inspire children to want to create music. I want to learn to play the flute now!
One thing that sets this introduction to classical music apart from others I’ve seen is how the music is woven into a story. Each moment when a song is played highlights the meaning and feeling of that piece. My favorite feature is that the name of the composer is given for each piece. I loved that I didn’t have to keep looking to the CD case to see which song and who composed it. That info was included in the storytelling. Well done. After the story, tracks 13-22 are the complete version of each song included in the story. It’s a terrific collection of classical music for using with little ones in a variety of ways.
A final thought on the story. You’ll never believe the twist at the end! Not your typical Rapunzel ending, at all. But fitting for Green Golly, her independence and desire to see the world and perform.
Giveaway!
Keith Torgan and Barbara Siesel are excited to share a copy of Green Golly and Her Golden Flute with one BBGU reader. We are excited to host this giveaway for them and know you’ll just love this storytelling/classical music combination. The giveaway closes Monday, April 12 at 11:59 Eastern time and the winner will be announced Tuesday, April 13 and contacted via email.
Required:
- Leave a comment telling me why you think it’s important to expose children to classical music/the performing arts.
Additional Entries:
- Subscribe to Because Babies Grow Up (if you’re already subscribed, leave a comment saying that)
- Become a fan of Because Babies Grow Up on Facebook (if you’re already a fan, leave a comment saying that)
- Tweet “@ajpassey has a #giveaway for Green Golly & her Golden Flute, a combo of classical music and storytelling for children: http://bit.ly/9HPb4L” (Leave a comment with a link to your status)
- Post on Facebook “Because Babies Grow Up is giving away Green Golly and her Golden Flute, a great album introducing children to classical music through the story of Rapunzel: http://bit.ly/9HPb4L” (Leave a comment saying you posted on Facebook)
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Continuing yesterday’s topic of helping little ones appreciate the performing arts, today we’ll focus on music. And specifically about getting little ones involved in making music.
Find local classes
There are many mommy & me style classes that introduce little ones to music and instruments. Some organizations I know of that may be in your community are Kindermusik (their website has great info on music and little ones), Fundamentals of Music and Movement (developed by Aaron Nigel Smith of Everyone Loves to Dance), Music Together. Do a Google search on mommy & me music class with your location and see what you can find.
Make Music at Home
If you can’t find any local classes (like us!) then make music at home. This is also a great way to continue the fun you had at a local class. If you have left over plastic Easter eggs, try making these egg shakers. Or you can make these paper-mache drums. I’ll be posting more instruments you can make at home!
Great instruments you already have on hand include
- pots and wooden spoons,
- unsharpened pencils for marching sticks,
- or an empty ice cream tub for a drum.
Start a Musical Playgroup
We think making music is more fun with lots of friends. So we host a monthly playgroup focused on music called Music Makers. We do fingerplays and nursery rhymes. Then we march while hitting our marching sticks together. We try out different instruments and rhythms. And we end with a book and snack. It’s so much fun. Even with the little musical ability I have, we are able to learn about music, rhythm and instruments in a fun and energetic setting.
Music Resources
The Ramblings and Adventures of a S.A.H.M. (blog)
101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children (book)
Band in a Box by Melissa and Doug (instruments)
What is your little one’s favorite music making instrument?
I’ve always been drawn to the performing arts. I don’t have a great voice. I’m not gifted at playing a musical instrument. I’ve dabbled in drama, but nothing serious. And I’m quite the laughable sight on the dance floor. Despite these shortcomings, I still appreciate the performing arts. Having tried (and found my skills lacking) I know how difficult it is to do it well and that helps me appreciate great performances all the more.
I’d love for the girls to become great pianists with amazing voices that can wow and inspire on the stage or the dance floor. But that needs to be their choice when they’re ready to make it. For now, though, I can share my love of music, drama, and dance with them and help them see the beauty, the comedy, the inspiration, the joy that comes from the performing arts.
Why Are the Performing Arts Important?
Funding for arts in education seems to be at the top of the “Can’t Afford It” list every year. It begs the question, if it’s so easy to cut funding for it, does it really matter? YES! It does matter. And making it part of their early childhood education can help them to have an appreciation for performing arts as they get older. Math, Science, English, History all serve their purpose in the basic knowledge we need to get educated. But appreciating and participating in the performing arts adds another dimension to life. We become well-rounded citizens when we allow the performing arts into our lives. We are inspired, uplifted, moved to better ourselves, our families and our communities. There is joy in living when we allow ourselves to be entertained in wholesome ways.
Appreciating the arts in general, and the performing arts specifically for this post, has always been a sign of advanced civilization. I’ve been thinking about that a lot and trying to find my own understanding of that classification. It reminds me of Maslow’s hierarchy from Psychology 101. If all of our time and energy is focused on meeting our physical needs for food and shelter then there’s no energy left over for emotions or relationships and thus definitely no energy left over for participating in wholesome entertainment. When basic needs are met easily and there’s energy left over, then we can focus on relationships, improving ourselves, understanding the world around us and appreciating or participating in the arts.
So civilizations or groups within civilizations that have an abundance of resources have the energy and time to devote to appreciating the arts and, if they chose, participating in them. From my experiences and observations, it seems that most people have some desire or drive to create something that inspires others. It can be anything from a lullaby for a baby, to a letter-craft for a preschooler; an impromptu band with friends to an comedy routine at a family or neighborhood talent show.
Two Ways to Help Little Ones Appreciate the Performing Arts
- Exposure: They need to see the performing arts in action. Take them to see dance groups or music groups perform locally. Get season tickets to a children’s theater (one of my favorite memories from my elementary school days). Many communities offer free events at the park during the summer months.
- Chance to Participate: You can enroll them in dance classes, art classes, music classes. There are many resources for mommy and me classes (in larger communities) If those things aren’t available, make some instruments at home, crank up a CD or the radio and dance around. Act our your little one’s favorite episode of Dora (or their favorite show or book).
Making the performing arts a part of their lives now will help them in so many ways. They’ll develop confidence in themselves as they perform (even if it’s just for you) and they’ll see the joy that comes from this medium of entertainment. They’ll make connections between their experiences and the culture in which they live. They’ll have knowledge that is shared among their community and society, helping them find ways to interact in new situations.
What other benefits do you see from helping your little ones appreciate the performing arts?
I’ll be talking more specifically this week about music, drama and dance and how to help your little ones appreciate these modes of entertainment, both as a spectator and a participant. Be on the lookout for a sweet giveaway this week, too.
Photo credit: Chipola College – Fine and Performing Arts
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I know we just got back from a trip and you’d think that a 3 hour flight and a 4 hour drive would be enough to cure me of the travel bug, but it wasn’t. I was listening to Missy Higgins yesterday and my favorite song, Don’t Ever, totally makes me want to go on a travel-adventure.
Her accent, her voice, her music all stir emotions in me. I feel nostalgic and dreamy. At the same time I feel a longing for something just beyond my reach that I can almost identify. I love her music because it helps me be reflective and opens a creative channel for me to bring in ideas and hopes then inspires my plans to make them happen.
Here are a few other songs that really inspire me to travel.
Barenaked Ladies: Never Is Enough (“I can go to Europe, travel with my friends…Buy a giant backpack. Sew a flag on the back”)
Milkshake: Travel Far (I didn’t know this was the title of the song, but it does inspire me to want to travel far)
I have a Travel Accessory for you!
When I went to Blissdom in February I made several luggage tags to hand out as gifts to bloggers I wanted to meet or connect with. I found a few yesterday that I hadn’t handed out. I thought I’d share them with you! I have four to send out (one has already been claimed by my mom). Aren’t they cute? They are decorative so you can tell your black bag apart from other people’s black bags.
Here’s the deal.
Send me an email at becausebabiesgrowup@gmail.com giving me your name and address. The first four emails I get will received a luggage tag in the mail. I will send you an email in return letting you know if you should be checking your mailbox or not for one. I promise that I will guard your personal information with my life and never solicit you through your mailing address.
Hope to hear from you 
What inspires you?
Welcome to another contribution to The Adventure of Motherhood’s Feed Me Books Friday. Today I’m excited to share a series with you about some Wacky Aussies. The author, Jacqui Taub, has offered to send the complete series to one lucky winner!
About the Waussies
The Waussies are a cute set of characters created by Jacqui Taub for her grandchildren. She wanted to share stories with them that teach values like kindness, good health, as well as fun and laughter. There’s Hiccup Waussie (Sammi’s favorite), Boomerang Waussie (my favorite), Burger Waussie, Beachbal Waussie and a bunch more. The Waussies even have their own song! Give the chorus a listen. (With video)
Pretty cute, huh?
The Waussie Series
There are six books in the series. We’ve rad and enjoyed them all. Each one comes with a CD that contains the Waussie Song and a dramatized reading of the book. Each character has a different voice which I think enhances the listening experience. Sammi loves to listen to the CDs while looking at the books and often prefers to hear them rather than to have me read them.
Hiccup Waussie Loses His Hiccups
In this book, Hiccup Waussies friends try to help him get rid of his hiccups. They have some pretty creative ideas and I love Ant’s take on why he’s got them at all. (The air isn’t staying out.)
Beach Ball Waussie invites Hiccup Waussie to jog with him to help his breathing.
Ant suggests blowing up balloons the keep the air out.
Other Titles in the Series
Boomerang Waussie to the Rescue- Tennis Racquet Waussie’s Space Adventure
- Burger Waussie’s Lost Bun
- Beachball Waussie’s Lost Air Stopper
- Pineapple Waussie’s Tickly Problem
Overall, I think these books are really fun. The characters are unique and captivating. Sammi is having a lot of fun recognizing the characters again in each book. Jacqui has created a great community of friends and you feel a part of that community as you read the books. The lessons they teach are subtle so it’s not too preachy, but they make for great discussions as you help your little one draw the lesson out of the story.
Aside from her own grandchildren, Jacqui has worked with children and loves the interaction of being with little children. This love is evident in her books and CDs. We were surprised when the CD reading of the book didn’t have a ding to say when to turn the page. That was a little difficult when in the car because we couldn’t see the pages to help Sammi. But when we cuddled up on the couch to listen, it definitely kept us both engaged in the story and the experience of reading together. When I asked her about it, Jacqui said she left it out intentionally because “it’s more encouragement for mums to sit with the children and help them read along.” I was definitely encouraged!
Giveaway Details
The giveaway os for a complete set of Waussie books from Waussie Productions and Jacqui Taub. This giveaway is open to US residents. The giveaway will run until March 18 11:59 EDT. The winner will be announced Friday morning and contacted via email. Feel free to do as much as you’d like to gain extra entries in the giveaway. You can use Twitter and Facebook once a day for additional entries throughout the week. Please come back and tell me each time to claim your entry.
REQUIRED:
- Leave a comment telling me how you teach values to your little ones.
- Please leave a separate comment for each entry to make sure all your work is rewarded.
Optional:
- Visit Waussie Productions and watch one of Jacqui’s videos. Leave a comment saying which video you watched.
- Subscribe to Because Babies Grow Up (if you’re already subscribed, leave a comment saying that)
- Become a fan of Because Babies Grow Up on Facebook (if you’re already a fan, leave a comment saying that)
- Tweet “@ajpassey has a #giveaway for the set of Waussie books for kids 3-7. Come get Waussified: http://bit.ly/d903YS”
- Post on Facebook “Because Babies Grow Up is giving away the set of Waussie books for kids 3-7. Come get Waussified: http://bit.ly/d903YS”
Thanks for entering the giveaway! Don’t forget to check out other books moms are recommending over at Feed Me Books Friday.
Disclaimer: I received the complete set of Waussie books to aid my review. My opinions are my own and reflect the experience my children and I had with the books.
We had our Music Makers playgroup yesterday. At the last minute, I had the brilliant idea to make egg shakers to go along with our book and craft.
Supplies for Egg Shakers:
- Easter eggs
- Beans
- Super glue
- (Duct tape)
I filled an egg with beans, spread the super glue around the bottom piece’s edge, then snapped the top on. I let them dry for about an hour and did a test run with the girls. When dropped, a few of the eggs opened. So we pulled out the duct tape and taped them up. I checked the super glue I chose and it said the liquid kind is the best for plastics and I had the no drip gel, which was okay. I’m guessing it had a long set up time. 10 kids played with them and none of them opened up so the gel super glue/duct tape combo worked for us! I’d recommend using an epoxy or liquid super glue to secure the egg pieces together.
We practiced shaking them high and low, fast and slow, loud and soft. We also practiced starting and stopping. Then we rocked out to Mahna Mahna by Cake from For the Kids. The shakers were a big hit and a super easy, fast instrument to make. So, after Easter when all your plastic eggs are hanging around, you can turn them into a musical instrument to enjoy the rest of the year!
Book:
I showcased this book last Friday, but I’ll mention it again since it inspired the craft and instrument. We read Clifford’s Happy Easter. It’s a fun book about dying eggs and an egg hunt. It doesn’t go into any reasons for celebrating Easter which is okay with me because I’m kind of picky about the religious books we read. It had silly illustrations that got a laugh out of the kids. It would be a great companion to any egg activities you may do.
Craft:
We decorated our own eggs. I set out a bunch of supplies and let the little ones choose how they wanted to decorate their eggs. We had leftover cut paper from Valentine’s cards, zigzag ribbon, jewel stickers, tissue paper squares, crayons, markers, and buttons (Sammi’s favorite!) The kids had a great time gluing everything on. The older ones enjoyed cutting their eggs out after they were finished. I downloaded the egg image here, but they also have larger versions (1 or 2 to a page. I did 4)
What alternative uses for Easter eggs have you found?
Sammi at 18 months
We love to sing songs in our house. I know I’ve told dozens of stories of when, where, how we sing songs, but I just have to share a few more! I mentioned on Monday that I’m fighting off a cold I got from Elli. Monday evening my voice decided to get in on the game and has been rough and rascally ever since. Plus my ears are slightly stuffy so I sound rather hollow to myself which complicates my ability to sing.
We usually sing the girls a few songs at bedtime. Monday night my voice wasn’t so far gone yet so I was able to make it through the singing just fine. But by the end of yesterday my voice was just tired and when I went to sing to the girls last night, my voice was cracking high and low. About halfway through the “first” song I looked down at Elli (whom I still snuggle for one song before putting her in her crib) and she had this look on her face that was part puzzled and part disappointed in my singing. She recognized that I didn’t sound like myself and that I wasn’t singing well at all. So the “first” song turned into the only song.
One of the songs we sing just about every night we’ve personalized with the girls’ names. It’s Jesus Once Was a Little Child. One line says, “So, little children, let’s you and I try to be like Him.” The first time I heard my grandma sing this song to Sammi she sang, “So, Little Samantha” and it was like a new world opened to me. I hadn’t thought to change words to include Sammi’s name. Now we sing, “So, Elli and Sammi” to include both girls.
Another favorite is Ram, Sam, Sam. This one was an obvious fit for Sammi since her name is already in the song. But we took it one step further and changed all the words to fit our family. Here’s the original with our actions first, followed by our personalized version.
A Ram Sam Sam
| A ram sam sam A ram sam sam Gully gully gully gully gully Ram sam sam |
Clap hands Clap hands Roll hands Clap hands |
| A ram sam sam A ram sam sam Gully gully gully gully gully Ram sam sam |
Clap hands Clap hands Roll hands Clap hands |
| A raffi, A raffi Gully gully gully gully gully Ram sam sam |
Make circle with one hand on first Raffi then with other hand on second Raffi Roll hands Clap hands |
Passey Version
A Mom, Sam, Sam
A Mom, Sam, Sam
Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli
Mom, Sam, Sam
A Mom, Sam, Sam
A Mom, Sam, Sam
Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli
Mom, Sam, Sam
A Daddy, a Daddy
Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli, Elli
Mom, Sam, Sam
For other songs, we randomly change words to fit our situation. This is especially true of Dora’s songs. We sing “Where are we going?” just about anytime we are “going” anywhere, from the library to the kitchen for a snack. We also sing her “We did it!” song a lot. It’s been a great practice for Sammi because she’s starting to come up with variations all by herslef that actually fit the rhythm of the song.
What songs have you personalized for your little ones?
So I slept a lot this weekend. I think I’m fighting off the cold that Elli developed last week. Her poor eyes were so goopy all day Saturday. She’s finally clearing up, but now I’m stuck with a sore throat and a runny nose.
I’ve definitely got the Monday Blahs!
So I thought I’d beat them with a fun song today from our Sponsor Aaron Nigel Smith. His album Everyone Loves to Dance was released earlier this year and has been a wonderful addition to our family’s collection of music. Here’s the title track, Everyone Loves to Dance. It’s sure to get you moving and grooving and soon you’ll forget it’s Monday at all!
What do you do to beat the Monday blahs?
Disclaimer: The above links are not affiliate links, however, Aaron Nigel Smith is a sponsor of BBGU. Our contract does not include posting about him or his music. I chose to do that because it’s what I needed today!
We’ve been making Valentine’s Cards all week. We made one for a Valentine Day Card exchange (and I took ZERO pictures!) Then we made some for family members (14 in all) and then we made some for local friends that we saw yesterday at a Valentine’s Day Party. The last are my favorite and I wanted to share them with you.
The idea for the card came from Big Sounds by Bari Koral
To get yourself inspired, here’s a clip from Big Sounds:
Can I get a Roar?
You can download the card if you want. Just print one file, turn over the paper and print the other file. It should work to make two cards. Just make sure you cut it the right way or you’ll end up with a top flipping card instead of a side flipping card. (Uh, no, that didn’t happen to me.)
Dinosaur Valentine Card outside
Dinosaur Valentine Card inside
Have you posted pics of Valentine cards you’ve made? Please leave a link; I’d love to see them!
Just wanted to say hi to everyone visiting from No Time For Flashcards. I had a great weekend getting to know Allie better. She’s as adorable and brilliant in real life as on her blog. I really admire Allie’s dedication to children’s education and providing resources for parents to make magical moments with their little ones.
Like she said, I focus on crafts, music and literacy. My goal is to help you interact with your children at any age in a way that’s joyful to you and your child. Here are a few of my favorite posts so far!
Crafts
Bari Koral Photo Credit: Megan Moloy
Bari Koral Photo Credit: Megan Moloy
Music
Literacy
Thanks again for stopping by! Hope to see you again in the future, at least on Allie’s fan page on Facebook. Have a great Sunday.
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