Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in pittsburgh, PA

Enjoy a Book and a Smile

by Jennifer Signore

August 03, 2009

This week at the Savvy Source, we are talking about books that make us laugh.  In our house, books are king, and I have found that the biggest belly laughs have come from how I read the book rather than the content.  Do we have silly books?  Of course.  But they are not nearly as silly when read with a straight face.  So, cut loose and be wacky and silly with your kids while sharing a book.  You might be surprised at how hilarious it can be.

Here are some of my favorite funny book moments:

In Green Eggs and Ham, Sam and his unwilling traveling companion splash into the water and the line is uttered (for the umpteenth time), "I do not like them Sam I Am."  Try saying it while flapping your lips with your index finger to sound like you are "underwater."  That one gets requests for a repeat over and over.

If you are reading the Gruffalo, you simply must do the voices.  I always make sure to get all hooty with the owl voice and a bit hissy with the ssssssssslithery sssssssssssnake.  It's a fabulous book on its own, but the enjoyment goes up a notch when voiced in character.  (In my opinion, that fact is true of most books.)

For silly in general, nothing much beats a Dr. Seuss book.  Have you seen the VUG under the RUG?  Or what about Beft?  Why is it that Beft always go to the left? 

In reality, you can make almost any children's book a time to laugh.  Especially when the book gets "hungry" and decides to take a little nibble on an arm or two (guaranteed to make even the most hard-core grump crack a smile).  

Happy reading!

Baby Einstein World Music

by Jennifer Signore

April 27, 2009

On March 31, Baby Einstein released the latest additions to their video and music collection for kids, the World Music DVD and World Music CD.  I was asked to be one of a group of moms to host a premiere party for the new DVD and CD and was happy to participate.  Our family has a few other Baby Einstein products, both CD and DVD, and the kids always seem to enjoy them.

A small, but mighty, group of our friends and their children gathered to experience the World Music collection, and the overall impression was very positive.  The DVD has a lot of classic Baby Einstein features like the animal puppets and short, funny scenes where two of the puppets interact.  The kids all got a kick out of the puppets acting silly, getting rained upon, chasing each other, and generally acting like, well, children.  Actually, the adults seemed to crack a smile more than once, too.

The DVD included some other features that caught my attention.  One is called "Grow with Me" and allows the program to play with video and music alone or with video and music paired with spoken and written words corresponding to items in the scene.  This way, as your child becomes more interested in language, the video can provide a new connection.  The "Select a Segment" feature is one that our house will definitely appreciate.  What it does is allow you to select a five or ten-minute segment for those times when you don't want to see the entire 37 minute video.  My kids are quite good at identifying when the video has actually ended, so if I try to turn it off sooner (and claim that it's the end), I will get an earful from the peanuts.  Loudly.  If I know that we only have a few minutes for video time, I can choose a shorter segment and everyone wins.

The World Music CD is a lovely mix of world music performed in the Baby Einstein style, and it makes my kids dance around every time they hear it.  What I like about the song collection is the nice mix of soothing and vibrant musical selections.  When you pop the CD into your computer, you also have access to song lyrics as well as discovery cards to help your children learn even more from their world music experience. 

Overall, I would give the Baby Einstein World Music CD and DVD a definite thumbs up both for the quality of the program and the improved use of the DVD and computer interfaces to customize the viewing (and listening) experience.  If you already have the World Music collection, or plan to get it, make sure to stop by the Baby Einstein DVD or CD Web pages to share your experiences under the "Customer Stories" link.   

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a copy of the DVD and CD as well as party supplies (plates, cups, napkins) in exchange for my review.  Two families that attended the party will each receive the DVD or CD (I wanted to keep them until my review for reference).

A Day at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

April 06, 2009

I have mentioned the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in previous posts as a great place to spend a rainy day, learn to tell time, or hear a story.  But I haven't yet written an entire piece on that location, and, well, it's about time I did.  The Children's Museum is one of the best places in Pittsburgh for preschoolers to explore, create, imagine, and play.  If you haven't been there yet, you must go soon. 

Located on the North Side in the Allegheny Square region, the Children's Museum packs a historical punch before you even enter the building.  As you approach from the front, to your left is the Old Allegheny Post Office building, complete with a cute rotunda on top.  To your right is the old Buhl Planetarium building.  The structure connecting the two spaces makes up the entryway. 

Once inside, you can spend an entire day in one area or hop from place to place, absorbing the dizzying array of activities and exhibits.  I will share with you a few of my favorites, but it is by no means an exhaustive list of fun and fancy.

If your preschoolers are at the young end of the spectrum or you also have an infant in tow, check out the Nursery on the third floor.  The Light Wall and Table is like a Lite-Brite on steroids, which means you'll get a kick out of it, too (plus a taste of nostalgia for your own childhood).  The pegs are a bit tough for the smallest hands to push into the wall, but they'll soon master it.  Another favorite of ours is the Bubble See Saw (hint-it makes for a really cute picture if taken through the bubble wall).  And don't' forget to stop at the rice table for some sensory fun!

For older preschoolers, don't miss the Garage and Workshop.  This expansive, round room (the old planetarium room from Buhl, for those who grew up in the ‘Burgh) is all about hands-on activities.  As you enter the room, you will find a collection of deconstructed automobile pieces that demonstrate exactly how the mysterious parts under the hood make a car get up and go.  The Interactive Art Pulley takes a series of colored balls up to the top of the room and lets them roll back down on what might be described as a roller coaster of wires.  If your kids are anything like mine, this task will keep them occupied for quite some time.  Then, you can launch little parachute men from the Climbing Structure.

Before your day has ended, make sure to stop by the Studio to make a little something to take home.  The selections normally include printmaking, painting, paper making, and clay sculptures (I believe the clay sculptures cannot go home with you, but everything else can).   And, lest you think that the museum is only fun on a day that is better spent inside, then you have not experienced the new and improved Backyard (just outside the Studio).   I am partial to the musical swings, but the Waterworks are pretty cool, too. 

Overall, a day at the Children's Museum is a day well spent.

What's Happening? Mar 20 - 26 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

March 19, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

I’ve added a couple of entries to the “Evergreen” section of the calendar—don’t forget to check them out!

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day
Wear your favorite sweater to celebrate the life of Mister Rogers
Find various activities on the Web site

Mister Rogers’ Birthday at the Children’s Museum
Celebrate the life of one of Pittsburgh’s greatest neighbors
Free admission, meet Mr. McFeely, hear the PSO perform at 1:00p.m.

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
7:00p.m., tickets start at $15

King Tut at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 6:00 to 8:00p.m.
Learn about ancient Egypt and write heiroglyphics
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25
 

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Tomato Plant Girl at the Children’s Museum
Get a sneak peak of the show by Shakespeare in the Schools and make a puppet afterwards
2:30p.m.

Kidapalooza at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Meet your favorite characters, participate in numerous activities, and get fingerprinted for safety
Adults $9, kids 3-11 $6, kids 2 and younger free; 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Glade Run Maple Sugar Festival in Zelienople
Learn the maple syrup process from tap to final product
Admission $5, children 12 and under free

Annual Spring Flower Show at Phipps
Opens today and runs through April 19

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
11:00a.m., 2:00p.m., and 5:00p.m.; tickets start at $15

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
11:00a.m., 2:00p.m., and 5:00p.m.; tickets start at $15

Zippy’s Roadside Fest at the Children’s Museum
Storytelling by cartoonish Joe Wos at 1:00p.m.
Learn about the Pittsburgh signs project at 2:30p.m.
Hear Rick Sebak (of WQED fame) talk about PA’s roadside treasures at 3:00p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

Exploring Australia at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Voyage down under and create Aboriginal-style art
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Willy Wonka Junior at the New Hazlett Theater
Enjoy this musical children’s classic in a vibrant stage show
7:30p.m., tickets start at $5 (save by purchasing in advance)
Show runs through Sunday, March 29

EVERGREEN EVENTS

Children's Museum
There's always something happening at the Children's Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don't forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details.

Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don't forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays. 

Warhol Museum
The Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it's a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

Carnegie Science Center
There’s always something happening at the Carnegie Science Center.  Nurture your kids’ curiosity at one of the many science exploration areas, see a demonstration, or just watch the miniature railroad go by.  No matter how you spend your day, it will be a trip worth taking.

Phipps Conservatory
Take a stroll back in time as you meander through lush gardens and picturesque vignettes.  Learn all about plants in 17 distinct botanical areas.  Check out the newest exhibit, “Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon.”

Alphaboat Giveaway!

by Jennifer Signore

March 02, 2009

Before I tell you about my latest great book find, I wanted to give a shout out for Dr. Seuss' birthday.  He would have been 105 if he were still around.  But, lucky for us, he left behind a legacy of silly creatures and whimsical rhymes that have entertained children (and adults) for generations.

I have recently become aware of another author that puts an air of whimsy in his illustrations and books.  His creatures do not climb impossible staircases or drive ridiculous vehicles, but they are composed of something that is near and dear to most kids...the alphabet.

Preschoolers are innately curious, and one thing that will eventually grab their attention is the alphabet.  Once your child realizes that there are letters everywhere, it's as if someone has introduced them to a magical world that was previously hidden in plain sight.  Watching this transformation from the perspective of a parent is, in itself, magical, too. 

Michael Chesworth's Alphaboat is a great book to encourage your children's love for letters and playful imaginations.  As an added bonus, it's chock full of great jokes and puns that will keep you entertained while you cuddle up for story time.  This book is not just impressive and entertaining, but it is also educational. With such detailed illustrations and subtle humor in the text, you are sure to find something new every time you open the front cover.

Here's a sample of what you'll find inside:

One day i chanced to stop for t
and listen to sweet Mellow D,
in her old H beside the sea,
sing of her long-lost Mister E.

She said he'd hid a treasure chest
out on an I-land to the west.
Just where it's buried she knew not.
But X would surely mark the spot.

Michael Chesworth has been illustrating children's books since 1989 and hit a home run when not only illustrating, but also writing Alphaboat himself.  Also on his list of "authored" and illustrated books is Rainy Day Dream. 

Would you like a chance to win your very own copy of Alphaboat?

Simply send me an e-mail (our comments are not working at the moment, sorry) at beingsavvypittsburgh AT savvysource DOT com.  Put "ALPHABOAT" in the subject line, and, in the e-mail, tell me your favorite letter of the alphabet and why.  It can be silly, of course!  The winner will be chosen and notified directly on March 6, so don't delay!

What's Happening? Feb 27- Mar 5 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

February 26, 2009

 THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Seussical the Musical at New Hazlett Theater
7:30p.m., Tickets: Advance $15/$5, Door $20/$10

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
Moon High School, 7:00p.m.
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children's book
Tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door

Felting Frenzy at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 6:00 to 8:00p.m.
Create art projects using wool felt
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

Family Yoga at the Children's Museum
12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free tea afterwards for participants

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Seussical the Musical at New Hazlett Theater
7:30p.m., Tickets: Advance $15/$5, Door $20/$10

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
Mt. Lebanon High School, 11:00a.m. and 2:00p.m.
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children's book
Tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door

Showshoeing with Venture Outdoors at the Children's Museum
Try your hand at showshoeing on a simulated terrain

Peter and the Wolf at the Children's Museum
Enjoy a performance of this classic tale, 2:00p.m.

Darwin Remembers: A Play at the Carnegie Science Center
Saturdays through February 28, 2:00p.m.
Celebrate Darwin's 200^th birthday by learning more about his life

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Seussical the Musical at New Hazlett Theater
2:00p.m., Tickets: Advance $15/$5, Door $20/$10

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
Byham Theater, 2:00p.m.
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children's book
Tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door

National Aviary at the Children's Museum
Learn about trees and visit with a feathered friend, 1:00p.m.

Professor MiGooch at the Children's Museum
Professor of Fun, Musical Stuffie Show at 3:00p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 2

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! at the Carnegie Library Hill District Branch
Come celebrate with stories and crafts, 4:30 - 5:30p.m.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash! at the Greentree Public Library
Stories and fun, 6:30 - 7:30p.m.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! at the Sweetwater Center
Ages 4 - 6, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Create art at a wild birthday party!
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
Gateway High School, 7:00p.m.
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children's book
Tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door

Rock n Roll Art at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Create a poster for your favorite band
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Disney on Ice at the Mellon Arena
Through March 8
Catch your favorite Disney characters live!

Food Prints at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 4 - 6, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Play with your food-it's ok!
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

EVERGREEN EVENTS

Children's Museum
There's always something happening at the Children's Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don't forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details.

Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don't forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays. 

Warhol Museum
The Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it's a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

What's Happening? Feb 20 - 26 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

February 20, 2009

THIS WEEK’S HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 

Drip, Splatter, and Splash at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Take a look at some Jackson Pollock works and then create your own abstract paintings. Wear your old clothes because it’s going to get messy!
Ages 4 to 6, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers 

Engineer the Future at the Carnegie Science Center
Explore all the ins and outs of engineering with hands on activities and demonstrations 

Family Yoga at the Children’s Museum
(every Friday in February)12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free tea afterwards for participants  

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 

Animation for Kids at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Lets your kids, ages 5 – 7, explore the art form of animation
Class begins Saturday, February 21
Four sessions, 10:00 to 11:30a.m.
Space is limited 

Engineer the Future at the Carnegie Science Center
Explore all the ins and outs of engineering with hands on activities and demonstrations 

Once Upon a Toon at the Children’s Museum
Storytelling and live illustration by cartoonist Joe Wos
Shows at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00p.m. 

Darwin Remembers: A Play at the Carnegie Science Center
Saturdays through February 28, 2:00p.m.
Celebrate Darwin’s 200^th birthday by learning more about his life 

Open House at La Escuelita Arcoiris
Spanish immersion preschool and kindergarten
Squirrel Hill, 10:00a.m. to noon  

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

 Mardi Gras Masquerade at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Learn about Mardi Gras while you create art projects, make painted noisemakers, and march in a parade through Sweetwater!
Ages 4 to 6, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 

Seussical the Musical at New Hazlett Theater
Through March 1
Tickets: Advance $15/$5, Door $20/$10 

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater
Through March 4
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children’s book
Various locations; tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door    

EVERGREEN EVENTS 

Children’s MuseumThere’s always something happening at the Children’s Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don’t forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details. 

Carnegie Museum of ArtCMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don’t forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.

Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryCMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays.   

Warhol MuseumThe Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it’s a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

I Love to Laugh: Favorite Funny Books

by Jennifer Signore

November 18, 2008

I definitely love to laugh, and I love it even more when the kids can get in on the fun. Seeing them crack a smile, look to you for reassurance, and then burst into bellylaughs is one of the moments I cherish most in life. So, as you might expect, I enjoy reading funny books with my kids. We have a lot in our collection, and I have gathered here, for you, some of our favorites: If You  Read more...

Books About Monsters

by Jennifer Signore

October 28, 2008

Where the Wild Things Are This is the classic monster book that is a must read for every kid. The writing gives lots of room for playful interpretation and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. I can't say enough positive things about this book that was a favorite of mine and is now a favorite of my son's. Check out a Savvy review of this classic. The Gruffalo Come  Read more...