Snopes Email Investigations help prevent trouble

These days forwarded emails are a rampant issue with some folks, and I get a lot of it, too.  Sometimes you read things and you just don’t know what to believe.  Or there is the very real concern that some emails will contain viruses.  Since I don’t typically forward anything, I wanted to share it on this blog.                                                                         One website I have found to be useful is www.snopes.com .  They literally check all these email claims and virus warning, and investigate any of the claims, and report on the reality of the situation.  You can check it every once in a while, or you can have the reports emailed to you as they are published. If you get a suspicious email, you can also check there for a report on that, or send it to them to investigate.                                                                                            Unfortunately, there are emails that LOOK like they are from people you know that contain a deadly virus.  The latest one was meant to look like an e-card that comes from family or friend.  The subject may contain something like: ‘You’ve received a Post Card from a Family member’.   The following link describes it more in detail, and gives you a way to get your real e-cards from family and friends, but avoid this very aggressive computer virus (it actually turns your machine into an attack system, and destroys a critical component of your harddrive). It’s Real!  Here is a link to the snopes page:

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

mama merit badges

I met up with Amy Bowers, one of my Kindermusik moms, at the Mega Monday for Moms Event at the museum today, and realized that she has developed a wonderfully creative way for mom’s to get the recognition we deserve, the mama merit badges. 

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These small merit badges depict scenes from which we mothers glean some of our most challenging moments, and rise to the occasion to deal with them the best we can. 

Check out her website:  www.mamameritbadges.com

In the “about” area, you’ll find out that these are simply offered, so that mothers can note and reward themselves for the times that parenthood has taken them beyond normal boundaries.

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The beauty is that each mom decides when they have earned each badge, and that it will be forever connected to a specific story about their children. whether you organized the most fabulous and extravagent birthday party ever, or dealt well and made it through some horrific event like poop explosions in the middle of a photography session. 

I love her comments on the FAQs page:

Why did you create these?

The simple answer is because I wanted them and they did not exist. Life as a parent has stretched me so far beyond my boundaries and comfort levels that I could literally feel my self changing and growing. After my many adventures with my brood I would actually say, “I need a merit badge for this!” (Do go on to read the rest in this area.)

AND it is simply fun to read the stories of what prompted some moms to award themselves specific badges in “merit badge tales”.  Amy is also planning to have some get togethers with local folks to share stories of how they earned their merit badges!

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This is a mom who always seems so calm, cool, and collected, and her children are very sweet and well mannered.  She’s always reading the best books on creative parenting.   This is an enlightening aspect of her personality, and helps me realize that no matter where we are in our motherhood process, that we are amazing, and can be recognized by ourselves, or by others.  I actually think it will be fun to give them as gifts.  

In addition, I would recommend that we have a Kindermusik, or even musical patch, as I know of several mothers who deserve such a patch, including Amy, who has each of her three children in their respective age appropriate classes.  Congratulations Amy, on being a great mom, and for coming up with a wonderfully creative way to recognize and celebrate our amazing mom moments.

#1 Fan of Bubbles

We LOVE bubbles at our house.  And it is so easy to make a big batch of bubbles (as long as you have the glycerin).  These are some of our favorite bubble songs activities.

 

My Bubbles Float All Through the Garden  (sung to “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”

My bubbles float all through the garden,

My bubbles float all through the yard:

I like to run after my bubbles,

But trying to catch them is hard. 

Come back, come back,Oh, come back, my bubbles to me, to me.

Come back, come back, oh, come back, my bubbles to me.

I’m a Little Bubble   by Jean Warren        Sung to:  “I’m a Little Teapot” 

I’m a little bubble in the air.

I can float most anywhere.

You can blow me higher,

But when you stop,

I float right down,

And then I pop.

Activity ideas:

• Sing the above song and encourage your child to float like a bubble, and then float to the ground and “pop” (jump up). 
• Listen to bubble sounds; ie. carbonated drinks, blowing bubbles in chocolate milk.
•  Fizzy Apple Drink:  1 cup apple juice, ½ cup club soda, 4 ice cubes, 1 slice apple.
• Spread an old shower curtain on the floor.  Place a dishpan in the center then add warm water andliquid dish detergent. Make bubbles.
• Blow bubbles toward the child’s chest.  Encourage to pop the bubbles by clapping, catching, touching, kicking, swatting with fly swatter.

Best homemade bubble mixture:  ¼ cup liquid detergent, ¾ cup water, 1 Tbs. sugar, and ¼ cup glycerin (Add more glycerin if you want it stronger).  ·         For a wand, use a pipe cleaner or twist tie to make a larger circle, then dip and wave it around slowly.

Jeremiah, Blow the Bubbles 

Jeremiah, blow the bubbles   Puff, Puff, Puff.

First you blow them gently,   Then you blow them rough. 

• Make bath or sink full of bubbles, then practice blowing them off a hand or object, gentle & rough.
•  Blow bubbles gently from a wand, then blow the formed bubble more roughly moving them around in the air. 

 Bubbles, Bubbles  by “Miss Jackie” Silberg 

Bubbles,       bubbles,       Everywhere.      

           Floating,        popping,       In the air. 

Make A Toy:    Shake It Bottles    Fill a small clear plastic bottle halfway with warm water, then add a bit of liquid dishwashing detergent.  Fasten the top securely, and then wrap it with strong tape.    Give the bottle to your child and encourage them to shake it. Let them have fun creating bubbles in the water.  Add glitter ora few drops of food coloring to the water to make colorful bubbles, if you wish.

#1 Fan of Bubbles   by Debbie Mondale 

Bubbles in my Bath,   bubbles in my sink,

Bubbles in my head sometimes when I think.

I even like blowing bubbles in my drink,

I’m a number one fan of bubbles. 

Bubbles in the air, bubbles everywhere,

Little bitty bubbles, there’s plenty to share.

BIG rolly bubbles, as big as a bear,

I’m a number one fan of bubbles.

 

I might be a #1 fan of bubbles, so I am definitely a fan of a bubble master, RI Bubble Guy is the bomb.  This is one of his first videos, he gets better and more complex.  Check out this website: www.soapbubbler.com , to see more of his videos.

 

Resources for several of the activities listed: 

• Treasured Time with your Toddler: A Monthly Guide to Activities – by Jan Brennan
• A Year of Fun:  Just for Ones/Twos/Threes by Jean Warren and Theodosia Sideropoulos Spewok  (See posting just on this set of books.)
• Babybug Magazine (6m-2yrs) – Call 1-800-827-0227  Also have Ladybug (2-6), Spider, & Cricket & LOTS more!

Another wonderful website to find more extreme forms of bubble recipies, activities, tricks, and even computer play is found at www.bubbles.org .  Have a bubbly day!

Magic Gertie Balls

Everyone seems to like my Magic Gertie Balls that we use in class.  Almost every program gets to use them some time during each semester.   The Imagine That! class is now using them as part of our park play scenario.  

The Gertie Ball is just the most touchable, catchable, hugable, squooshable ball to play with!  The “Magic” ones we use in class are heat sensitive, so they are light blue when cool, but where touched by a hand, they turn purplish.

You can get them online at www.gertieball.com , where you will find an amazing variety of types of Gertie Balls.   Or you can find them at www.shopkindermusik.com .  They are currently having a special on the “magic” Gertie balls (see Specialty Items section, pg.2), as well as MANY other SALE and CLEARANCE items.   Actually, they are also selling a fabulous CD, “HAVE A BALL” that includes a great variety of songs about ball play, as well as instrumental music that just inspires a lot of creative play.  (see Sale section, pg. 4)

Since the Gertie ball is filled with air via a little durable straw, the adult can adjust the density for the specific activity, or age of child.  When filled very full, it bounces very well.  When not so full, it is very easy to catch and grab hold of, making it the perfect ball for babies. 

The texture is kind of like a plyable foam, which also helps it be easy to catch, and just fun to touch and play with.   But there are two points of advice to heed: 

1. Play with it indoors only (the foamy texture catches the dirt, and it is difficult to clean). 
2. Be careful with babies/toddlers that like to bite and pull, or with animals that chew such as dogs, etc., as the exterior will break with this kind of misuse, and any bits of plastic bitten off may be a choking hazard.

Have fun, and let’s…. PLAY BALL!!!

Kookaburra Creativity

The Village semester, FEATHERS, includes a popular folk song about an Australia bird, the Kookaburra.  The song was written by Marion Sinclair for her Scout troup.  I remember singing this song around the campfire at youth camp, and have many fond memories singing it while hiking, etc. 

We had fun making up new words back then for what might happen to the Kookaburra, so I like to challenge my Kindermusik Village parents to come up with their own verses.  The following verses include the original version, as well as versions by my Kindermusik families (names listed).  Please enjoy these the accept the Kookaburra challenge (read about it below).

Kookaburra

• Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,  Merry, merry king of the bush is he.
• Laugh, Kookaburra, Laugh, Kookaburra,  Gay your life must be. 

(As sung by Kindermusik Families Feb. 2001)

• Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,  Helping all the children count to three.
• One, Kookaburra, Two, Kookaburra,  I can count to three.     (Allison Hunter) 
• Kookaburra loves to ride the tail,  of his friend the baby whale.
• Dive Kookaburra, Dive, Kookaburra,  What a splash you’ll see.  
• Kookaburra sits on a bird bath rim,  Little does he know there’s a cat ‘neath him.
• Fly Kookaburra, Fly, Kookaburra  Hurry and find a limb   (Dena Weber) 
• Kookaburra sits atop her nest,  Watching all her babies while they rest,
• Love, Kookaburra, Love, Kookaburra,  Mom, you are the best !   (Laura Chase) 
• Kookaburra sits in the old oak tree,  watching all the acorns a-bove he,
• Duck, Kookaburra, Duck, Kookaburra,  Sore your head must be. 
• Kookaburra sits on the welcome mat,  Watching out for the old fat cat.
• Run, Kookaburra, Run, Kookaburra,  Tired your legs must be.      
• Kookaburra swings in the old gum tree,  Swinging swinging high as can be.Swing, Kookaburra, Swing, Kookaburra,Gay your life must be !   (Lee Shupsky) 
• Kookaburra goes to the county fair  Rides the ferris wheel through the air,
• Wheee!  Kookaburra, Wheee!  Kookaburra  Look down if you dare !   (Kim Smith) 
• Kookaburra goes to the picture show  Finds a seat in the very first row.
• Shhhh! Kookaburra,  Shhh!  Kookaburra   Keep your voice real low.   (Kim Smith) 

At http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Songs/Kookaburra.html , you will immediately hear the melody played while viewing the words.  There is also a LOT more on this site, like ideas for crafts and activities, a coloring page, and even a lesson plan.

On the following posting, I have included my favorite recording of Kookaburra by Mary Miche’, as well as more information about her music.

If you so choose you can take the Kookaburra challenge.  Sing this song with your child, and together make up a verse.  Post your new words as a comment below, and everyone can enjoy it!  Make sure and include your name.

Mary Miche’ – Earthy Tunes & Songs for Teaching website

Mary Miche has MY FAVORITE recording of the Kookaburra song found on her on Earthy Tunes album.  (Unfortunately, the words are still copyrighted, so I can’t include them here.)  CHECK out the website where you’ll find the lyrics, her albums, and sooooo much more.

The WHOLE Earthy Tunes album by Mary Miche is a MOST enjoyable folk music recording, subtitled “Nature songs for Kids Ages 3 – 11 years”. I highly recommend having this as part of the music your children grow up with.  It really does make you feel more in tune with mother earth and all it’s unique features.  

There are a lot of gardening songs on it, like “Inch by Inch, Row by Row”, as well as original songs like “Banana Slug”, “Spiders and Snakes”, “Dirt, You Made My Lunch”, all educational as well as fully enjoyable to sing!  Mary is VERY tuned into the earth and it’s environment,  educating and advocating for conservation and peace through music and many other venues.  Teaching ourselves and our children is the best place to start!

You can find out more about Mary and her music on her website: www.marymiche.com .  You can even hear samples of the songs on her albums, and you can order your choice of her music by calling 510-845-8417.  My album is on audio cassette, and I’m not sure how else it is available.

Sept. 10 – NEW INFO.  I just heard from Mary, you can order any of her albums on CDs, or you can download the entire album from this really cool website,  www.songsforteaching.com .  I just checked it out, and WOW, what a wealth of music is available there !!!  Teachers of ALL sorts should be flocking to this site where you can find educational and entertaining music about most any subject.  Homeschooling moms, get ready to have some fun teaching any subject through music.  Talk about Ms. Debbie heaven, I could really go broke here!!!  Makes me want to get an ipod.  I’m definitely ording a CD version of “Earthy Tunes”, as well as another of her albums called “Peace It Together”.  And WOW again, there’s a Music Appreciation section.  Oooh, Oooh, Oooh,  See you later!