Music Activity ~ PicassoHead

On Monday I did a review and started a giveaway for a wonderful CD called Picasso, That's Who! by Hope Harris. I thought I would extend it with a few little activities that you can do with your family. But first, let's learn a little about Picasso....



Mom & Dad you might be more interested in this:

• Picasso was born on October 25th, 1881 in Malaga, Spain.  Picasso was considered an artistic genius as a child. His father was an artist and art teacher and when Picasso was 7 he began to teach him how to paint. He began his formal art studies when he was 11 until he was 16. 
• He began developing new art styles when he moved to France around the age of 20 (his rebellious period???)
• You can track his emotional periods & how he developed his style by looking at the paintings he created -  check out his blue period (1901-1904), his rose period (1904-1906), black period (1906-1907), cubism (1907-1915) and neo-classicism. 

   

A personal note: I found it interesting that Picasso is actually NOT the father of Cubism - he used the style of cubism (geometric form) formed by Georges Braques (he used it to depict a natural object) to form an abstract essence or feeling (click here).


Combining literacy & art ~ huh?

Are You Ready?

to be sucked in...

Click the picture & find out!

FUN Family Activities:

1. Try your hand creating portraits using simple oval shapes with pastel, dye, yarn, string, rocks, markers.
2. Create your own amazing Picasso portraits online: (age 5+)  Click Here        
3. Make Pablo Picasso Cookies
4. Make a Squiggle Art Sculpture - did you know that Picasso made one of his paintings by using bicycle parts??? I didn't!

A few websites you'll find FUN things to do:

-  MommyMaestra

-  Picasso faces Art Lesson

-  Art Activities by Age Level

Note: much of these activities I found through MommyMaestra's website & a few others I found just by roaming the 'net.

Tell us what your family ended up making!
I want to hear ALL about it!

It's Almost Time

~ Book Review 

It's Almost Time

by Debbie Bernstein LaCroix

ISBN: 978-1935279853

$14.99 (hardback)

About the book:

It's almost time…the gears are winding, getting ready to chime! Are you ready? Join the countdown to the most colossal cacophony of clock sounds ever! From chimes to ding dongs, from grandfather clocks to cuckoos, this collection of sounds will have young readers buzzing with excitement.

My thoughts:

It's Almost Time is an invitation for interaction. Your children can chime the sounds off with you as you read to them and I'm sure you'll hear them making their clock noises during playtime too. Debbie has taken the time to describe the sounds the different clocks make such as:

The tick, tick, tick of the clocks counting down the time, 

The Booooom, Boooooom of the tower clock,

The Buzzzzz, Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz of the alarm clock and the

tinkling sound of the babies clock gently singing about a little lamb.

This is a very cute books for kids 3+ and would make a great addition to homeschools, libraries, and preschools - and it would be fun to read for storytime too!

As parents there are a number of things you can do when you read "It's Almost Time". 

• Have your children find the different clocks in your house and talk about the noise it makes when it "chimes" and "buzzes" throughout the day. 
• Make a paper plate clock and have your child decide what kind of noise it makes and be sure to practice "telling time" by moving the hands of the clock around. For younger children paste the large hand at the 12 and move the small hand around to teach them "o'clock" (ie - 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock) and make different clocks that show what time your child gets up and goes to bed, what time they go to school and what time they come home.
• When you are driving around during the day encourage your children to find all the clocks that they can - talk about the sounds they make.

A few good websites on learning to tell time:

• Alarm Clock Coloring Page
• Shirley's Preschool Activities - Skills for Telling Time

I was given a copy of It's Almost Time by Kane Miller Publishing to review right here on CCB. I was not required to write a positive review and no money exchanged hands.

Music Monday ~ Picasso, That's Who!

~ Review & Giveaway

Music Mondays!

  

Today I have a treat for you & a giveaway too! Hope Harris has released a FUN, action oriented CD called Picasso, That's Who! designed to introduce children to different artists and encourage their FREE spirit & ability to be spontaneous. 

Picasso, That’s Who 

(And so can you!) 

Adventures in Art 

My Thoughts:

This is a wonderful CD. It's full of life and movement. Hope Harris has a beautiful voice that encourages kids to sing along (grown ups too - I was in the car singing away) and while I was listening I felt like the words gave an 'image' and I almost felt like I was painting along & dancing to the music (wouldn't that be a picture - me dancing LOL). 

Be sure to check out Hope's website - there is a wonderful craft activity that you and the kid's can make. "How about some Maracas baby?"  and you can hear 2 of the songs from this CD and several from Cousins Jamboree too!

Songs:

A-C-T-I-O-N (Jackson Pollock)

Picasso, That's Who! (Pablo Picasso)

Who made the Splash? (David Hockney)

Grandma Moses (Grandma Moses)

Swingin' Little Dock (Alexander Calder)

See A Painting By Georgia O'Keeffe (Georgia O'Keeffe)

Dot in Motion (Paul Klee)

Telling Stories (Romare Bearden)

M-A-T-I-S-S-E, Matisse (Henri Matisse)

Impression, Monet (Claude Monet)

Paint a Picture, Too

BUT don't go to far - you can listen to Picasso, That's Who (which by the way is my favorite on this CD) with a direct link right from Classic Children's Books! Tell us which song is YOUR favorite!

Click Here to Listen
(click on the first track to hear my favorite song)

About the Artist:

Hope Harris has been dancing to music and using it to stage her own theatrical productions since she was a little girl. She has worked on and off broadway and in Regional and Stock productions. She has also created her own CD's beginning with a Lullaby CD for her own children and most recently her CD Cousins Jamboree won the Parent's Choice Silver Honor Award!

I know you're going to love this CD as much as I do. Technically, this CD is for kids age 3-10 but I think it would be a great House Cleaning CD - but then you might not get much done since you'll be dancing along. LOL

~ Be sure to return on Wednesday to learn a little about Picasso &
   see some FUN activities you can do too!

Picasso, That's Who will be released on 5/22 - and you can purchase it and Cousins Jamboree on either CDBaby.com or on iTunes!

WIN It:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:

I was given a sample CD of Picasso, That's Who by Hope Harris to review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to post a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks Hope! Waldmania PR

ChalkTrail - What an awesome FUN idea!

I was doing a little hoppin' the net and came across a FUN blog called Handmade Charlotte who has a neat little blog that is family oriented and filled with great products and tools for kids - tools that keep them active, engaged, filled with imagination and well, I think she just might be my NEW favorite children's blog..... 

She was showcasing this new product for kids - I think it's brilliant! One of the problems with childhood today is it's filled with static time spent on the net or in front of the TV. Much of that time is spent by themselves and I think it's starting to seriously cause problems with kids being able to play & work with others. No longer do our kids know how to work in teams. They no longer have a natural hierarchy of the strong kids to the weaker kids who need to be led. Now, I'm not talking bullying - I'm talking kids that are able to come up with great ideas and the kids who help them succeed with their ideas. I personally believe that kids learn to work together and follow the rules that they will have in the work world.

Anyway, one of the new toys that is being promoted on KickStarter.com is the ChalkTrail which attaches to the back wheel of your kids bike (big or small) or scooter. They can then use their bikes to create patterns, lines, pictures - best of all your kids can attach the holder & chalk and Dad - your tools won't disappear because no tools are needed! Check it out:

ChalkTrail was created by and has been fully funded on KickStarter and hopefully will be on the market soon. It's a great way to encourage FUN, Safe activity outdoors - no TV or other supplies necessary except a helmet of course. It's also considered by Parents.com as one of the Best Toys of the 2012 Toy Show!

The Deets:
Cost: Bike $24.99, Scooter $14.99, replacement packs: $7.99
It uses non-toxic, washable chalk, works on all sizes of bikes (yep, mom and dad can use it too) and scooters.
Pre-order your Chalktrail now and get in time for summer! http://kck.st/zQ1WJp

@chalktrail     Facebook

I think these are going to be very popular, would make a great birthday gift or even a fun gift for surviving the school year - it's time for play!

My Sparkling Misfortune

~ Book Review

 My Sparkling Misfortune

by Laura Lond

ISBN: 978-1460922361

$9.85 (paperback)

$2.99 (Kindle)

My Sparkling Misfortune is the story of a villain who is an unwilling hero.  Lord Arkus is a villain who is feared by all, disliked and hated by those who know him.  In a strange twist of fate while planning his 'come back', he captures what he thinks is an "evil gormack" only to find he caught a "sparkling", to help him exact revenge on Prince Kellemar.

The sparkling is able to help Lord Arkus through a series of 'miracles' (or spells) but refuses to help him with anything that will harm others or do anything that is evil.  In return Lord Arkus finds ways that he thinks will trick the sparkling into doing what he wants.  And as we all know, "those who do wrong, always have to answer for it".

Written in first person by the main character Lord Arkus, this book is fast paced and full of adventure.  There are sword fights, kingdoms, knights and attempted kidnappings.  It's perfect for kids who love to read and moves fast enough and is easy enough to read for reluctant readers.  There is enough humor and action that your kid won't want to put it down.

You can purchase My Sparkling Misfortune as a paperback for $9.99 or in electronic form for your kindle for $4.95 on Amazon.  This would make a great Christmas or birthday gift for your readers.

This book was received through Dream Books LLC, and I was not financially compensated for writing this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

**Watch for a review of the sequel to be posted soon: My Royal Pain Quest**

A replay ~ visit Family Friendly Omaha this Summer!

Come to Nebraska for FUN times...

Are you thinking about a quick trip (or maybe a 'not so quick' trip) this summer with your family? Why not visit us in Omaha? There are many day trips that you can make in the area and we are within a days journey from Minneapolis, Texas, Colorado and Chicago.  Here are some of the High Points you'll find right in this great Metropolis....

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Omaha, NE is right in the middle of the country situated on the border of Iowa and Nebraska. The great Muddy Missouri runs between Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa and there is a wonderful bridge that spans the 'Great Divide' to tie the two together.


The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge ever built. It reminds me of a Sail Boat with the giant 'wing' spans that you see reaching for the sky 200 feet above the water. Connecting Downtown Omaha with Council Bluffs it's a favorite of families, bikers, skaters and dog walkers. It links nearly 150 miles of trails on both sides of the river. Kids and old men alike like to stand on the bridge and watch the boats go sailing by under the bridge.


After an evening in downtown Omaha get a good's night sleep before you hit two of Omaha's favorite family destinations! There is Fontenelle Forest and the Henry Doorly Zoo both of which are award winning family fun places to go!



Fontenelle Forest is part of two nature centers right on the edge of Bellevue, Nebraska. There are activities for all ages from taking a stroller ride down the boardwalk, kayaking the Missouri, taking nightly guided walks through the reserve and seeing all kinds of night life. You can join in on making mud pies, learn how to identify trees, and seniors have a night all to themselves - come for an OWL extravaganza! Click here for more events.


Learn more: Leaflet, Summer Day Camps (brochure) and Astronomy Events are available for kids (& families too) if you'd like to have a little Mom/Dad time =D.

Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the TOP leading zoo's in the country.  Our Zoo is wonderful! My favorite of all the attractions at the zoo are the Desert Dome (not the top part where you'll learn about 3 major deserts in the world, the habitats and animals) I LOVE the Kingdom's of the Night underneath the desert. It's like walking in a huge underground cave complete with bridges, night animals and more. (more) Then there is the Lied Jungle which is hot and steamy and the largest indoor rainforest in the world! There are waterfalls, monkeys calling, beautiful birds and flowers and a great bridge suspended in the air to walk over (kids love it). (more) While you're at the zoo - make sure you don't miss out on the Nursery to see the babies, or check out the Newly Remodeled Scott Aquarium to watch the sharks swim over your head or Gorilla Valley.

 Do be prepared to bring your walking shoes but if you get tired you can take a train ride across the zoo or how about a Skyfari (a ski lift style ride over the giraffes, cheetahs and more).  2012 Events

There really is so much more that I can share about those two destinations - but I have a few other things to show you..... but first I'm going to give you some links to a few more places in Omaha before we make an hour drive to Lincoln for a couple more of my favorites!

Durham Museum

• Durham Museum (take a trip through history), right now they have an exhibit of Pulitzer Prize photo's, and then walk through a turn of the century life and into a train (kids will LOVE the train). 
• The Joselyn Art Museum is on the edge of Downtown Omaha (go Saturday mornings before 11 and stay all day for FREE), check out the awesome Brian Selznick exhibit - it's beautiful & would be a good one to share with your kids. My favorite are the glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. They are gorgeous and unfortunately I can't find a picture to share with you.
• Boystown touches the lives of over 1.6 million people each year and you can find out how through a tour of Boystown. Many of you have seen the 1938 movie "Boys Town" which helped spread the mission of Boystown then and that mission continues today. More info

There are two other places in Nebraska you really should not miss since you are so very close. Lincoln, Nebraska is the state capital and features many wonderful family friendly sites - AND it's only about an hour away from Omaha!!!

1. You definitely want to check out Morrill Hall - the home of the Dinosaurs! You will find the largest exhibited elephant skeleton - a giant mammoth. NEW permanent Exhibit:  First Peoples of the Plains: Traditions of Land & Sky and you can also see the striking portraits of Native American children in traditional regalia by Award Winning artist Don Doll, S.J. Be sure to also check out the museum's collection of hunting, fighting and ceremonial weapons, and the Explore Evolution exhibit which might be interesting for teachers and families if you are studying that. There are also some brilliant murals by Mark Marcuson throughout the museum.
2. Don't miss The State Capital Building - it's beautiful and a fun way to instill pride in our country in your children. If possible arrange to join a tour of this beautiful building. The floors are tiled mosaic and the walls are marble and they ALL feature Native American and Pioneer history. You'll also see marble columns, hand carved walnut wood ceilings and so much more. If you aren't afraid of heights be sure to go up to the Observation Floor so you can see the beautiful view.  

Fun Fact: 

The Nebraska State Capital is the heaviest building in North America. 

Betcha didn't know that, did ya? 

I hope you all make the time to come and visit Nebraska when you get a chance. To help you some with planning your visit, Nebraska tends to be very hot humid in the Summer and so it's always good to plan indoor activities during the day and outdoors in the early morning and evening hours. You can also rent a cabin at Mahoney Park - there are horses, parks, an indoor water park, walking trails & it's about 1/2 way between Omaha & Lincoln. What more could you ask for?

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