Mama Carmody, Author at Love to Laugh and Learn

Love to Laugh and Learn Turns 3 Years Old

October 7, 2014 by Mama Carmody 4 Comments

Love to Laugh and Learn Turns 3 Years Old

Please join me in celebrating “Love to Laugh and Learn’s” 3rd year in existence. I want to thank my followers. I look forward to sharing many more fun learning activities with you.

This has been a big growth year for my blog. I had heard that once you reached 50 posts your blog would start growing exponentially. Well, they weren’t kidding. In January of this year, I was excited that my blog finally reached 1000 followers; and just a couple of days ago I reached 5000. It took me two years to get to 1000 and in less than a year, look how much more it’s grown.

Thanks to Bob Lotich and Jonathan Milligan from Blogging Your Passion. I have received so much valuable information from those guys. I first stumbled across, Bob and his blog, Christian Personal Finance. I was searching for articles on how to make money with my blog when the results led me to this article: How to Make Money with a Blog. I found a lot of free information on that site. I also received a lot of free information from Jonathan’s site, Blogging Your Passion. Shortly after that, they introduced some blogging courses they had created. Because I so appreciated the free, valuable advice they had shared, I had begun to trust them so, I decided to sign up for their video lessons. I have been very happy with the vast amounts of information I receive from Blogging Your Passion University (BYPU). I am constantly learning new things that help me with my blog. Click here to learn more about Blogging Your Passion University

If this is your first time to visit my blog, you may not know this about me but I love children. I love talking to them, playing with them and teaching them. My favorite thing is teaching them new things without them even realizing they are learning. They simply think we are playing!

Here are the things I have covered over the past 3 years. (Click on the collages and they will take you to a page that will link you to the posts.)

And the series I am currently working on is Community Helpers.

I also post a calendar, of Family Friendly Events, that are happening for the month. Currently these activities are for the Indianapolis, Indiana area but I still plan on expanding to other cities.

I love interacting with my followers and their children, so don’t feel bad about stopping me in public to say hi. I would love to connect with you through my Facebook page, Love to Laugh and Learn or my Twitter account. Please stop by and let me know what you think of my blog (positive and constructive criticism welcome). Also, please let me know what other learning activities you would like for me to cover. Thanks, again, for all your support.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

September 23, 2014 by Mama Carmody 2 Comments

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

I was very excited for the opportunity to take my great-nephew, Jeremiah, to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) free community day. We have been taking him to outdoor concerts since he was a few months old. My husband plays in a couple of concert bands and big bands so it’s been fun to have the little one with me to enjoy the music. Outdoor concerts are great for kids because they don’t have to sit perfectly still and quiet; they can get up and move to the music.

Last winter I was playing with the idea of taking Jeremiah to one of my husband’s indoor concerts but since he was only 2 years old I was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to sit still and stay quiet. When I heard about the ISO’s free community day, I thought this was just what I was looking for.

Interactive Opportunities

The ISO offered an afternoon of entertaining and interactive events. The activities started at 2:00 p.m.. As we walked towards Hilbert Circle Theatre we could hear the ISO percussionists demonstrating their drumming skills.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

There were drums, scattered around on the sidewalk, for all to join in. Jeremiah was not impressed with the drums but this little girl really seemed to have fun. She got a kick out of my husband squatting down and playing a drum next to her.

As we entered the theatre, we received free tickets for an ISO concert that would start at 5:00 p.m.. They also gave us raffle tickets for several giveaways.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Playing the violin

There were so many activities going on that it was hard to choose where to start. We decided on heading to the Wood Room on the 2nd floor. There we were able to try different string instruments. My husband tried the cello while Jeremiah learned about the violin. Jeremiah so loved the violin that we went back to that room 2 more times. He even “played” with a group towards the end of the day.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: “You Conduct”

Next we went to “You Conduct” with Adam Bodony. Jeremiah was not interested in trying his hand at conducting, but we stood in the back and followed the directions we were given. Here is one brave young man that took the opportunity to conduct the string quartet.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day: Meet the Musicians

Listening Opportunities

There were several different ISO ensemble performances happening throughout the venue. We listened to one performing on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage and then headed outside to listen to another. We were please to see our dear friend and principal trumpet for the ISO, Chappy Perry, playing with the brass group.

Since the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance was at 5:00, and it was general seating, we headed into the main theatre at 4:00 p.m.. The brass group was now playing inside, on the stage, so we had the pleasure of listening to them again. Pat took Jeremiah up on the stage so he see what it was like to be up there. Jeremiah also needed the signature of a trombone player on his “Meet the Musician” activity sheet; now he was in reasonable proximity to get it.

The Concert

The concert was the one thing that I wasn’t sure we could get through, with a 3 year old, but I wanted to give it a try. We sat up towards the front because, from my experience, the best way to keep his attention was to have him where he could actually see what was happening on stage (with as few distractions between him and the musicians as possible). I let him stand up, squat down in the floor, climb up into the seat and then repeat the process several times, prior to the concert. I explained to him that once the concert started he would have to sit quietly and only whisper when he had something to say.

Once the Concertmaster entered the stage and starting tuning the orchestra, I told Jeremiah it was time to get up in his seat. He climbed right up and turned to listen. I was actually very proud of his behavior for the 45 minute concert. He wiggled in his seat a little but nothing too distracting and he remembered to whisper whenever he had something to say. He clapped each time it was appropriate and even stood with us during the standing ovation.

Secondary Lessons

Besides learning about the symphony orchestra, I had some secondary lessons I wanted Jeremiah to experience. We got dressed up to attend the event. It was not necessary, we could have worn blue jeans and tee shirts but I wanted Jeremiah to realize that there are some special occasions that we should dress up for. I believe some other parent’s had the same idea from the looks for these two well dressed youngsters.

Jeremiah’s mom has taught him well, in using please and thank you, but an additional lesson we worked on was to look at the person he was thanking. We also taught Jeremiah how to shake hands and say, “Pleased to meet you.” He did a wonderful job and seemed very proud of his new skills.

All in all, I thought the day was a complete success. I was happy to see so many families with young children; although you wouldn’t have to have children to enjoy this day. I can’t wait until next year to do this again. I hope to see you there!

Families at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Community Day

Fun with Music
Meet the Musicians
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards
Music at an Early Age by Mamamusing
Generally Having Fun with Music
Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Meet the Musicians

September 11, 2014 by Mama Carmody 1 Comment

Meet the Musicians

I have created a fun, interactive activity for my great-nephew to use this weekend during a special music event. I wanted to share it with my readers, because even if you aren’t from the Indianapolis area, you might find a local event for your child to use it.

The Event

This weekend the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is hosting a free Community Day. I am so excited! We have been taking our great-nephew to outdoor summer concert band and big band events since he was a few months old. Now we have the opportunity to introduce him to the symphony orchestra. He has shown interest in learning what the different instruments are but this will be his first time to experience the string instruments.

One of the features of the event is being able to meet the musicians and see the instruments up close. I created the activity below so my great-nephew would have a reason to interact a little more closely with the musicians while also learning the names of the instruments.

Meet the Musicians Activity

Click on the image below to get your downloadable activity sheet. I would suggest printing it on cardstock so that it holds up better. Take along a fine point permanent marker (or two) for the musicians to use. Have your child identify the instrument the musician is playing and match it to one on the sheet. Once the musicians are finished with their performance politely approach them (being careful to avoid bumping their instruments) and ask them to sign across the picture of the instrument they play. Besides learning to identify the instruments, your child will be learning to interact with others (using please and thank you). We are going to use this opportunity for an additional lesson; teaching our great-nephew about shaking hands (he is 3 years old).

I would love to hear about your experience with the activity sheet. Please come back and leave a comment.

Free Community Day with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO)
See my September Family Friendly Events post for more details.
Doors open at 2:00
Concert begins at 5:00 p.m.
Free

Fun with Music – Overview
Fun with Music: Percussion Instruments
Fun with Music: Brass Instruments
Fun with Music: Woodwind Instruments
Fun with Music: Voices
Fun with Music: String Instruments
Fun with Music: Keyboards
Music at an Early Age by Mamamusing
Review: Rhythm! Discovery Center
Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Acknowledgements

The images for the Meet the Musicians Activity were created by Dancing Crayon Designs

Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts at the Center for the Performing Arts, in Carmel

December 22, 2013 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

Review: Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

Disclosure: I decided to do this review, for the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts, on my own. I was not asked to do it. I purchased the tickets for my great-nephew and myself.

I had first read about the Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts in the Indianapolis Star. They are geared for children ages 1 to 7 years old. The entire experience is just under an hour. There is 30 minutes of music followed by 15 minutes for the audience to touch and play the musical instruments. The purchase of a child’s ticket allows the admission of two adults for no additional charge.

Today’s performance was given by the Sounds of Brass, from the Hendrick’s Symphony Orchestra. I was especially interested in this performance because my husband was one of the musicians. We picked up our 2 year old great-nephew and took him to this concert.

Brass Group from the Hendrick's Symphony — Brass Group from the Hendrick’s Symphony

When you first arrive, each child receives a carpet square to sit on. (I taught preschool for several years and I used carpet squares in my classroom. They are wonderful for helping children to get a concept of their personal space.)

Carpet Squares to Sit on at Peanut Butter and Jam Concerts

There are chairs that the adults can sit in but many sat on the floor with their children. It is a wonderfully intimate setting for little ones to be introduced to different styles of music.

View from behind the band at the Peanut Butter & Jam Concert

The interaction with the musicians at the end of the concert seemed to be a big hit with everybody. A few of the children were able to get musical sounds out of the instruments which is quite a feat on brass instruments. You don’t simply blow air through a brass instrument to get a sound, you have to buzz your lips just right as you are blowing the air.

Interacting with the musicians at the Peanut Butter and Jam Concert

This was an extremely entertaining and educational event. I highly recommend taking time to attend at least one (if not all) of the Peanut Butter and Jam concerts. They have one concert each month and they fill up fast so be sure to call and get your tickets early. Please look for me. It is very likely that you will see me at several of these events.

Related Posts

Rhythm! Discovery Center Review

October 9, 2013 by Mama Carmody 15 Comments

Rhythm! Discovery Center Review

On Saturday, September 28th, we took advantage of the free admission offer by Smithsonian Magazine and headed to the Rhythm! Discovery Center. I would describe Rhythm! Discovery Center as an interactive percussion museum. There are several “hands-off” displays of different percussion instruments but I must admit that I didn’t really pay much attention to them. We were all about the hands-on pieces; and since we brought a 2 year old with us there was plenty of “hands-on” everywhere we went.

Here are a couple of the “hands-off” displays:

Rhythm! Discovery Center: "Hands-off" Displays — Rhythm! Discovery Center: “Hands-off” Displays

Let me warn you, if you or any of your children are sensitive to noise then this is not the place to go but if you don’t mind some good old fashion racket then you will have a blast.

One of the very first things we encountered was this huge drum. No, that it not just a large display, it’s a drum.

There are so many opportunities for learning at the Rhythm! Discovery Center. You could experiment with rhythms or the way different instruments made from different materials sound. For instance, how does a drum with an animal skin head sound different from a drum with a plastic head? Listen to how the drum sounds different from the cymbals.

Rhythm! Discovery Center: Different Mallets

You can experiment with how the drum sounds different if you hit it with your fingertips, the palm of your hand or your fist. There were also different things to play the instruments with so you can listen to the differences of playing with a hard mallet, a soft mallet or a brush (the musical kind, not the hair kind). You could also learn the names of the different instruments and from what country they originated.

The lessons we came to learn this day were simple (since we brought a 2 year old). We were simply experiencing the joy of sound and music. And there were secondary lessons like sharing and learning to wait your turn (which actually, he does very well).

Below are some of the pictures from our day:

The Cymbal

The Chimes
Children of all ages enjoy Rhythm! Discovery Center.

Wooden Instruments

The Percussion Wall

Rhythm! Discovery Center: Percussion Wall

Crash Cymbals
The cymbals were actually way too big but Jeremiah listened very closely to Uncle Pat’s instructions. I love the joy on his little face once he was able to crash them together.

So Much Fun
We truly enjoyed our time at Rhythm! Discovery Center and look forward to going back many more times.