Disney Live: 3 Princess Tales

Disney holds the secret to magic. 

The kids and I saw Disney Live! this past weekend. Baby girl was only impressed with the fireworks and Ty only cared for the witches (so he says) , but four-year-old Za...

Well, she was inspired, giddy almost. 

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy narrated the three tales of Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle. My kids have not seen those characters' movies, but have seen the first four's show. Even though the stories were not familiar, they had no problem following along. 

Of course, I got mom memories, like Za waving her toy Minnie Mouse at the Minnie on stage, or Ty grumbling because Lightening McQueen was not present. 

The kids had fun, and the show was just over an hour long- perfect for little ones. 

The Pageantry 

Anything Disney will be well done, and this was no exception. The characters had costume changes, and the famous princess dresses from the three stories were dazzling. 

My favorite part was the kick line during Beauty and the Beast's famous,  "Be Our Guest." The kids commented about the lights and matching wardrobe for the closing- shimmery gold and lights.

The Stories

I'm not a huge princess fan. Za has never had a princess birthday party and she has not seen many of the movies. I feel that the movies are from a different time period and do not apply to today's norms, expectations, and common sense. 

BUT I am aware that aside from the verbal animals, talking mirrors, and carriages via pumpkins, some people take these stories literally, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

Women say they want "a Prince Charming" or rescued as princesses are. While I don't believe Belle suffered from Stockholm syndrome, I cannot ignore that these Disney stories are meshed in our American culture and my children will learn about them - from somewhere. 

Like all forms of media learning, discussing ideas with children makes sense. 

Media Learning

Za wanted to know why the witch hated Snow White, the stepsisters enslaved Cinderella, and the Beast jailed Belle. 

Actually, those weren't her words, but she did climb on her dad's lap upset. 

We talked about every story needing a problem, and that in kid stories, really, really bad things wouldn't happen - especially since the characters couldn't exist, like a beast or talking mirror. 

We also discussed that the stories are silly, and that most of those events couldn't happen anyway, to which Za replied, "yeah, people don't like mouses, only Mickey Mouses."  

Which, is the perfect quote to lead onto the kids' Christmas present: Disney tickets!

They will be surprised in about a month with a Christmas trip to Disney. We are excited, and the trip to Disney Live! hopefully set the tone for more fun to come. 

Children's Discovery Museum

Children's Discovery Museum - Normal, IL

We live about an hour away from Normal, IL. My kids have been to the Children's Discovery Museum several times, some with us and other times on class trips. They ask to go frequently, but we are members at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. With the gas and time and ticket price, I always tell them no and go to the museum 10 minutes from us. For a treat though, the family went a few days before school started.

We had a blast, and the kids showed me that they are too old for pictures. I also answered my biggest question, "is the Normal or Peoria museum better for kids?"

First, the review.

The Children's Discovery Museum has three floors. Floor one has a section for little kids/babies, a water table, a dentist chair, medical section, restaurant, train tables, and a padded area for babies. (That's a ton of kid-friendly stuff).

Baby playing with blocks.

Sometimes educational places don't have baby areas, but this museum has several.

This is large area has steps and carpeted play areas for toddlers.  

PLUS the museum has a "dirty toy box" for slobbered toys. Fabulous.

Floating demonstration.

While Ty and Za went off to explore messy and open areas with dad, baby C.J. and I had toddler areas to explore.

The elevator... why do kids love the elevator? It must seem magical to them, and they love pressing buttons. Anyway...

Floor two has a combine that the kids put balls in, crank, and then collect. They can also shoot the balls across the room, which I don't need to explain is the coolest thing ever. 

Dumping the balls in the vacuum for them to go across the ceiling.

The floor has interactive computer touch-screens for kids to learn about the food they eat. I do not agree with everything presented in these info-graphics (corn, dairy), but explained what was presented, the sponsors of the area (ahem), and what dad and I believe.

Ty milking the cow.

Sisters driving the tractor.

Much of floor two has information about farming, recycling, and compost. This is my favorite floor and my kids actually spent the majority of the time on it.

Za making music.

It also has a noise machine with cranks that allow the user to change the volume and tone.

Floor three contains large items - a walk-on piano, a drum set, a small room for crafts, a stage, and a painting area.

My kids wanted to spend the most time up here. The encouragement to paint on the walls is too exciting to resist!

Overall

This museum is huge. My suggestion is to plan how long your family can stay focused without breakdowns (about an hour for mine) and divide by three. Each floor is worthwhile, but we spent too much time on floor two. The kids were hungry but wanted to keep painting on floor three. We had to drag them out to feed them. A little bit of organization on our part, with five-minute alerts for the kids, would have helped.

I should add that the museum has a party area for food, and vending machines with some decent choices. We staved off hunger for a bit, but eventually had to leave for a pizza.

The kids loved it. I got bored watching them dump those balls in the vacuum, but hey, it happens. Which leads me to my thoughts about the "better" museum in the Central Illinois area.

Second, the decision. 

When we left, I had the Children's Discovery Museum totally sold in my head as the better choice. My kids love it and ran around, jumping from one interactive toy to another. My kids never want to leave the Peoria museum either, but even taking the "newness" of the museum they seldom frequent into account, I still believed they liked Normal better than Peoria. They might still - and it is very educational, well worth the ticket price.

Then as were buckling the kids in for the ride home, we asked the kids what their favorite part was. After they answered, Ty asked me the same thing.

"I don't know," I told him. I love watching my kids at that museum, but it is a kid museum, not catered to me. I have more fun at the Peoria museum. The kids' areas are smack in the middle of the "adult" areas. While I watch them play, I read about fish, area hospitals, or athletics.

That edged the Peoria museum up in my mind. I set the example for my kids by learning while they do - and our areas are not totally separate. My kids explore and learn at both museums, but I also learn in a "mom area" as the kids call it. Showing my kids that I enjoy learning while they explore - that is the best example of lifelong learning I can imagine. I wish Normal would add some parent material so parents can set the same examples there.

I was not compensated in any way for this post. 

Elementary Kids Summer Activity: Week Six

I apologize for not blogging! I have worked two weeks out of June and this week and the next for July. Any extra time, I've been catching up on laundry or playing with the kids. Plus, I'm exhausted.

Here are this week's words of the day and other activities. We skipped last week (sorry!) but we needed a break, and I couldn't bring myself to research them. ;)

Here is the sixth installment of weekly activities:

Words: (theme: advertising)

Media: the means of communication (radio, TV, magazines) that influence people widely

Brand: a kind, grade, or make of a product

Marketing: the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling

Commercials: a paid advertisement or promotional announcement

Endorsements: approval, normally from a famous person or group, for a product or service

(My kids ask lots of questions about advertising, mostly because my husband is in the business. They are around these ideas, and these words are familiar. Also, I believe in honest media learning from an early age).

Quotes of the day: (Albert Schweitzer)

The highest knowledge is to know that we are surrounded by mystery.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possess the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Do something for somebody everyday for which you do not get paid.

Example is leadership.

Bible Quote: 

For I know the plans I have for you. says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Monster Jams Review

I apologize for not posting sooner! Some days I play and work with the kids all day and when I get a break I often think, "I should go write a blog." And then I don't - and I rest or read a book. Part of the mom-job.

As my readers know, I had four tickets to give away for Monster Jams, and I had four tickets for my kids to go. Since C.J. is tiny, we did not take her. Ty and Za went, and they had fun and lots of questions.

They had to wear ear protection, and Za was grumpy about that aspect. Besides concern for their ears, they also asked questions about the smell in the arena.

Both of them had fun, but Ty was giddy for most of the events. My little guy loves monster trucks, and plays with them most days. Seeing them live was a big deal - and he's gone before to this event.

Most of the kids' questions came after the show, when they wanted to know about all the products advertised during the show. For instance, they both would like to fly to Vegas for the largest Monster Jam show of the year. Ah, a lesson in commercialization, and marketing.

Seriously, the kids watched intently and we shared a nice family night.

CT Shooting

I thought all weekend that I should write something regarding the CT Shooting because as a parent of a kindergartener, and a blogger of a website where I attempt to bring the worlds of parenting and education together, people might expect an idea. I don't have a clear idea, but lots of rambling.

In fact, I don't know what to say as I sit down to write this. There are people on Facebook talking about how God is sending Americans a message, because he is mad at us. Other people believe teachers should be armed, or a security guard should be in every school. People are sending anti-gun messages in emails. We have new memes. Tweets.

Some people are calling Adam Lanza a monster. The next person feels sorry for him. Someone else is mad at his mother, another at the NRA, and another at the lack of mental health care.

And my husband and I discussed what, if anything, to tell our very own kindergartener, the one we kissed and held for an hour straight Friday night, even though he tried to wriggle away. (We told him nothing). 

I was thinking all this tonight as I did a dash to a big-box store to pick something up for my mom's group Christmas party tomorrow morning. I had to pick up one ingredient, but looked around, and what I saw was sad.

I happened upon workers (who are probably receiving a terrible wage, with no benefits, who are probably parents who are tired and struggle to spend enough time with their children) unloading boxes upon boxes of junky toys. Toys that will not last a year, toys that will break before their new owner return to school in January, toys that will soon reside in a landfill, toys, most assuredly, that were not made in the United States. Toys that will not teach children anything - or that do not encourage creativity. Toys that won't be valued, to teach children appreciation.

Children are tiny compared to the rest of us. They don't think they are, which makes them even tinier. Parenting consumes adults - it changes us. We raise our kids in a society, in a culture, and that shapes them. Right now, we have a sad place to raise children. Was it always sad?

Prior generations had wars, famine, hushed molestation, and bans on "airing dirty laundry." I don't know that generations before us had an attack on basic values, that toys, clothing, and commercialization targeted children in underhanded, nasty ways. 

Meandering tonight, I gazed at dress-up clothes, size 4-5, that were see-through, black, with bloody skeletons on them. I saw a shirt that said, " 3 Things I'm Good At: making my homework disappear, annoying my sister, video games."

I guess you can dress your children in such garbage, and obviously people do, or it wouldn't be in the store. I don't advocate regulating what is sold or created, but I encourage parents to think before they buy. Parents are ultimately responsible for the messages their children receive.  

Wouldn't it be a welcome thought, to have a society that valued education over video games and kindness over bloody skulls? Life's not roses and ice-cream, I get it. But - size 4? Our culture instills violence into young, vulnerable lives. Then we all suffer. It would be nice if corporations were on parents and teachers' sides, if the bottom line wasn't the holy grail. It would be nice not to drive my kids to school and explain inappropriate commercialization to them.

I kept thinking, what if customers (parents) told these companies their stuff was junk and we didn't want it. Then I thought, I think we do. I think parents try. (I honestly believe parents and teachers try - they really do). Why won't this junk go away? It starts so early, and the desire of a designer and a cheap shirt maker to rake in extra money takes precedent over sending young kids a positive message.

So yes, it absolutely parents' jobs to protect children. It is our jobs to instill our values, to interpret messages for them (and teach them how to analyze), to put the heavy weight of life's sorrows on our shoulders.  And yes, it is our job as parents to keep all this junk out of our kids' lives, all this stuff that we as parents deem as junk. And I understand that every parent's definition of "junk" differs.

I'm tired though, and I have years and years of parenting left to do. 'Sad' does not cover the emotions of the CT shooting - heartbreaking, unfathomable, and horrific still do not give the events justice.

Sad does cover how I feel about our society right now, and its violence and apathy for our tiniest members.

Disney on Ice! Treasure Hunt

Magical Childhood

Sometimes, adults forget what it is like to be a child, to be trusting, to wonder so endlessly.

As my kids watched Disney on Ice last night, I got to watch their faces as characters skated and sang. They were excited, yes. They were also curious and a little astonished.

Before it started, they asked why the ice was red. My husband and I explained them the lights overhead changed colors, making the white ice different colors.

Ready to start!

 
They wanted to know how people moved on ice, and we discussed the special shoes they wore. 

And on, until the show started. It began by warming up the performers, and taking the approach of exercising and why bodies need to move. Then Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy showed up. Goofy fell on the ice, and Donald shook his head at him.

The characters from "Alice in Wonderland," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and "Peter Pan" performed. The show was amazing, complete with fireworks and music from the movies. I was taken back - I did not expect this kind of performance. It was magical, and I know the feelings of my children will stay with them for years. The show really was that mature, to make a lasting effect. It was not a cheap, thrown- together affair. I felt fortunate that Ty and Za will have such memories.

Za climbed on her dad's lap for help braving the theatrics, aka, loud noises and lights.

Other times. Aladdin and Jasmine took a carpet ride, and Tinkerbell and Peter Pan flew in. My three-year-old giggled and jumped. My five-year-old smiled, and I noticed he had big, wondering eyes. After the second or third character "flew" into the arena, he leaned over and whispered, "I saw those strings."

It just doesn't last long, the innocence before they notice and understand. Kids wonder about different colored ice and special effects of lights. It is so important to explain processes and answer their questions. I would be lying if I didn't admit I smiled a tired smile (you know the one I mean?) when Ty noticed the wires that actors held.

Because I slightly remember that awe, that feeling of "wow - there must be some magic, some mystery" from when I was little. It is fleeting. At the age of five - is it really ending?

Kids have it for such a short time, and as a parent, it is awesome, a mixed bag of emotions to watch Za lit in amazement, and Ty enjoying himself, only with a bit more skepticism than his younger sister.

My kids thoroughly enjoyed Disney on Ice, and their parents appreciate the innocent and magical memories they have from it. 

Disney on Ice! Update!

Hello! I am excited to share this fun activity with my readers. Media is such an important part of our children's lives, and discussing what they see, and how they feel about shows is even more important. Plus, ice skating is just cool.

Along with discounts and a ticket giveaway, I received this Disney coloring sheet for my kids. Print it off, and have fun coloring!

I have quite a few entries for Disney on Ice! but will gladly accept more. Here are the details for how to enter:

1. Leave a comment about Disney on Ice! on Switching Classrooms' Facebook page. (You will need to 'like' the page if you haven't already).

2. Leave a comment here, below about Disney on Ice!

Keep in mind that you must be 18 years or older to participate. 

One winner will win four tickets for December 9th. If you want to order tickets with a discount code, here is that information again: 


Peoria Civic Center - December 6-9
Showtimes: Thursday – 7pm
Friday – 7pm
Saturday – 11am, 3pm, 7pm
Sunday – 1pm, 5pm
Tickets: $10, $15, $21, $34, $44
Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800.745.3000, at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets, including area Walmart locations.
For more info, visit disneyonice. 

 If you are going to order tickets in advance, be sure to use discount codes: MINNIE4 ($4 off each ticket). 

I'm sure it will be a fun show. Good luck!

Disney On Ice! Tickets

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Switching Classrooms has four tickets for...

Ty and Za had a blast at Disney Live! and so I accepted another four tickets for a giveaway for a blog winner! First, the information: 

Peoria Civic Center - December 6-9
Showtimes: Thursday – 7pm
Friday – 7pm
Saturday – 11am, 3pm, 7pm
Sunday – 1pm, 5pm
Tickets: $10, $15, $21, $34, $44
Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800.745.3000, at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets, including area Walmart locations.
For more info, visit disneyonice. 

 If you are going to order tickets in advance, be sure to use discount codes: MINNIE4 ($4 off each ticket). 

Exclusions apply. Valid on the following performances: Saturday 11am, 7pm and Sunday 1pm, 5pm. Valid only on $21 and $15 tickets. Not to be used in conjunction with any other discount. Limit 8 tickets. Additional fees may apply.

Now the sweepstakes:

I have four tickets for the Sunday show at 5 pm. I will draw a name on December 5. 

You guys know the drill, because I don't make it hard:
 
1. Leave a comment about Disney On Ice! on Switching Classrooms' Facebook page. (You will need to 'like' the page if you haven't already).

2. Leave a comment here, below about Disney On Ice!

Keep in mind that you must be 18 years or older to participate. 

One winner will win four tickets for Sunday, December 9.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

 Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Disney is not a sponsor, endorser or administrator of this Sweepstakes.

 
Good luck! 

Disney Live! Mickey's Music

My kids and my blog sweepstakes winners saw Disney Live! yesterday in Peoria. The kids had a blast, and sang and danced through most of the show. It was a very kid-appropriate activity that was not quite two hours - long enough to hold their attention.

Ready to go into the theater!

The theme surrounded music, which is wonderful, because most children are inclined to be musically intelligent. The performers told the stories of "Toy Story" and "Aladdin." My kids have never seen "Aladdin," but they had fun during those songs, and they were non-stop-giggly during the "Toy Story" part, probably because they adore those characters.

Our ridiculously cute sweepstakes winner in a Mickey Mouse outfit.

Mickey and Minnie performed, and had sparkly outfits on for the final number. I was pleasantly surprised when the characters danced to pop songs that kids would recognize, like "Who Let the Dogs Out." Sometimes I take my kids to movies or performances and fear that something will be sexual or inappropriate for a five and three-year old, but I saw nothing of the sort!

Like I mentioned, the theme was enjoying music. At the beginning, Mickey said, "Anything can be a musical instrument" and at the end he closed with, "Music brings us all together." True, and I understood that. I wonder if he should have mentioned that more during the show to emphasize the theme more.

The show was a huge success, and I also think it is great when kids get to experience live performances, where the audience interacts with the performers. We had a blast, and would go to see it again!  

Disney Live! Update

 

Hello! I am excited to share this fun activity with my readers. Media is such an important part of our children's lives, and discussing what they see, and how they feel about shows is even more important. 

Along with discounts and a ticket giveaway, I received this Disney coloring sheet for my kids. Print it off, and have fun coloring!

I have quite a few entries for Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival, but will gladly accept more. Here are the details for how to enter:
1. Leave a comment about Disney Live! on Switching Classrooms' Facebook page. (You will need to 'like' the page if you haven't already).

2. Leave a comment here, below about Disney Live!

Keep in mind that you must be 18 years or older to participate. 

One winner will win four tickets for Friday, November 23. 

Not everyone can win, so...

here is purchasing information, along with discount codes!

• Tickets: $18, $25, $38, $50
• Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800.745.3000, at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets, including area Walmart locations
• For more info, visit disneylive.com. Check out Disney Live on Facebook for a peek backstage.  
• Disney Live: offer code/password: MINNIE4 
• Exclusions apply. Valid only on $25 and $18 tickets. Not to be used in conjunction with any other discount. 
• Limit 8 tickets. Additional fees may apply.