Parenting's Silliest Babies

Parenting magazine posted its favorite videos from the Silliest Baby contest. My favorite is this little one, skydiving.

Early Childhood Resource

Great Web design, sharp resources, and easy to navigate. I love pre[k]now.

"We are educating people out of creativity."

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. The universality of his message is evidenced by its rampant popularity online. A typical review: "If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."

Via swissmiss.

Where I was during Convention

Via Neatorama.

Parent and child dance shoes

Link via Sean's google reader (which I can't figure out how to link you to at this very moment).

Great ad.

Wonder what the Kindermusik equivalent would be?

Via Coolhunter.

Lessons from Feathers

Musik and Motion has a beautiful post about the sounds you'll hear and the v-formation you'll see when geese fly south for the winter.

CHIP on his shoulder

Photo traqair57

Still trying to figure out why President George W. Bush will vote to veto a program that would ensure millions of children recieve health care early on. The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition seems stumped, too.

Below are step-by-step, word-by-word directions printed in their e-newsletter this month on how to call your Senator or representative.

"Recently, President Bush vetoed legislation that would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and expand health coverage to millions of uninsured children. On October 18, the House will vote to override the President’s veto. Stand up for children lacking health care access by letting your representative know you support the health needs of Texas’ children and families!

As you know, without additional funding, more low-income working families will lose child care and more child care providers will continue to struggle to keep their doors open. Further health care funding is also critical in order to ensure that children receive the proper health coverage necessary to thrive in life. Please make sure that your voice is heard by calling your members of Congress today.

To speak to your Senator or Representative, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Member of Congress, or click here to look up the name and contact information of your Senator or Representative.

Talking Points for Calling Your Representative

My name is _________. I am a constituent, and I am requesting that Representative __________ sign the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representative Rosa DeLauro, in support of including the $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

I also request that Representative __________ supports a $200 million increase for Head Start.

In addition, I am requesting that Representative ___________ vote to support the health care needs of millions of uninsured children in response to the veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Talking Points for Calling Your Senators
My name is _________. I am a constituent and I am requesting that Senator _______ supports a $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and a $200 million increase for Head Start increase in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

Really crafty, clever costume ideas

The moose antlers are actually white gloves sewn into a brown hat. Even better ideas here.

Girl with Guitar

Modernized Art.

Well?

They're holding Wiggles and Giggles At Home Materials. And quite frankly, I can't tell if he's to take hers, or kiss her.

Boys.

Thanks Jeanne!

Primer on music lessons

This article appeared today in the Omaha World-Herald newspaper. In it you'll find some great advice to share with parents interested in providing music lessons for their child.

Too young to play an instrument? By Jane Palmer

What are good starter instruments? For babies: rattles (maracas), tambourine, bongo drums. For toddlers and preschoolers: rhythm sticks, sandpaper blocks, maracas, drums, finger cymbals, triangles, cymbals, gongs, jingle bells, xylophone-type instruments with removable bars and chorded zither. Toy instruments won't hold a youngster's interest for long. Age 3 and older: new or gently used piano, which should be tuned once or twice a year. Second best is a digital electronic keyboard with touch-sensitive, weighted keys. Young violin players: smaller violins, scaled to a child's hands and body.

How young can children typically start music lessons? For traditional piano lessons, at age 7. For band and orchestra instruments, in fourth or fifth grade, when children are big enough to manage the size of the instruments and have more lung capacity.

How can you get preschoolers interested? Listen to all styles of recorded music from birth. Sing together and play singing games. Participate in Kindermusik or other music experience programs for babies through age 7 or 9. Find local programs online at http://www.kindermusik.com.%20look/ for preschool programs that devote at least 10 percent of their time to music.

How much are lessons? From $15 to $40 for a 30- or 60-minute session.

How do you obtain instruments? Introductory instruments such as sandpaper blocks may be available at toy or school supply stores. Most instruments require a trip to a music store. Ask for a student instrument. Turn down artist instruments, which are higher priced. Buy a used instrument to further cut costs, and ask about service and repairs after the sale. You may find a bargain in classified advertisements or at a pawn shop, garage sale or thrift store. Make sure everything works. Music stores often have a rent-to-own program. If you keep the instrument longer than atrial period, you own it and your monthly payments apply to the purchase. On the rental agreement, take note of the interest rate and total cost. It may be cheaper to obtain your own loan.

Sources: Joan Reist, past president of the Music Teachers National Association and retired associate professor of piano pedagogy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lance Nielsen, president of the Nebraska Music Educators Association and director of bands at Lincoln East High School. National standards published by the National Association for Music Education at http://www.menc.org/.

Matchbox train craft

Picture-by-picture instructions on Kids Craft Weekly.

Make your own rainbow rainmaker shaker

Use food coloring on the rice. Via Sparkle Power!

Go Canada!

For Erin

ABC Music & Me Schools Edition

Some Outcomes are Immeasurable

If you know someone in the pre-K public school system--such as a Director of Curriculum, or Superintendent--let us know.

ABC Music & Me is especially effective for children with developmental delays, English language learners, or children who are at risk of falling behind in Kindergarten.

Just in time for Convention

Via the Imaginary Foundation.

She flies through the air with the greatest of ease

Speaking of missing bloggers .... Darcie and I still catch each other mid-air every once in a while, thanks to Facebook. These days, the former Kindermusik Educator and now, mom of two, is crafting another talent: Photography. She's now shooting along side her husband Jason, and the result is even more music and movement in the shots for Revival Arts Studio.

Better than Mr. Potato Head

Turn up the volume to hear the sound effects for some face fun.

Via Neatorama.

Freestyle Tuba

girl with guitar

A hunka-hunka-halloween

It's that time of year again. Thankyouverymuch.