ML Interest Tag: green-room

Why Celebrating Earth Day Is Such a Special Opportunity for Kids

By Gay Cioffi

When my four-year-old granddaughter, Alma, heard her mom using the word, environment, she quickly asked her where she had heard that word.

Surprised, my daughter answered her with a question, “where had she heard that word?”

Alma explained that she had learned about the environment at her school and that she and her “Green Room” classmates were going to “Actually save the environment!”

My daughter replied that that was great news, then asked how they were going to do that. Alma described that they were going to recycle things and reuse things —so there isn’t a lot of trash on the planet. She elaborated, “The earth is our home, and if we don’t take care of it, we can’t just move to another planet, like Mars or Saturn.”

As part of her class’s efforts, they have been busy making play-dough this week, for a sale to friends and family—with the proceeds going to adopt a polar bear. As Alma proudly proclaims, “We’re going to save the polar bears too!”

Introducing the observance of Earth Day to young children is important for many reasons. First and foremost, it is essential to note that the next generation will face daunting challenges related to climate change and environmental issues. Laying a foundation that provides the notion of stewardship will be the first step in ensuring their critically needed commitment as they become adults.

For real change to occur in our efforts to save the earth, governments must recognize and respond to the effects of climate change with meaningful policies. Citizens must demand and support policies that are “earth-friendly,” then work and sacrifice to implement them.

While an effort to adopt one polar bear may seem insignificant, it is one of the many ways that the seeds of taking care of our home—the earth—are planted. Discussions such as: trying not to use too much water or electricity, caring for and planting trees and gardens are examples of simple ideas that can be introduced to young children.

Just as Alma and her classmates enthusiastically embraced this spring observance, children and adults around the world are embracing the urgent need to care for our planet.

By celebrating Earth Day with our families, we teach children responsibility and problem-solving; our community efforts reinforce the concepts of cooperation and collaboration, which in turn yields community connection.

 

This post originally appeared on www.littlefolksbigquestions.com

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

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Goodnight Moon: A Must-See Bedtime Classic for the Whole Family

by Allison Sutcliffe

Whether you’re a fan of this classic book, or just excited to have the chance to take your littlest theater fan for a night out on the town, the Seattle Children’s Theater’s production of Goodnight Moon hits just the right note for parents and kids. There are plenty of silly, sight gags to make the wee ones giggle. And lots of “you are so my people” moments parents will share with the Old Lady. Long story short, it’s a sweet production, no matter what your age. Bravo!

photo: Chris Bennion

In the great green room…
In this production, there’s definitely a telephone and a red balloon. And who can forget that silly cow jumping over the moon (but we’ll get to that in a moment)? From the minute your Littles lay eyes on this perfectly reproduced stage, they’ll think they’ve stepped into Margaret Wise Brown’s adorable story. Every detail is there, from the little toy house on down to the young mouse; even the bowl full of mush sits at its rightful place on Bunny’s bedside table. It’s this air of familiarity that will settle even the wiggliest dramatists down for a sweet night at the theater.

photo: Chris Bennion

And the quiet old lady whispering hush…
Just like the book, the storyline of the play is a simple one. It’s bedtime for Bunny. But just like real life, putting Bunny to bed is not as simple as it seems. He needs some water. And then he needs to be tucked in. Sound familiar? And the list goes on, as the Old Lady calmly redirects him again and again back to his comfy bed. With each interruption comes a little mini story, focused on one aspect of the book. The kittens play with string on Bunny’s bed, keeping him wide awake. The bears on chairs leap from the painting to entertain Bunny with a catchy little tap number. Even the lamp and the blankets on the bed get in on the action, with magical puppetry and special effects that will keep your sidekick wondering, “how did they do that?” And the story unfolds, as all parents well know, with Bunny finally, finally giving in and heading off to sleep, but not without a lot of coaxing, singing and whimsical distractions along the way.

photo: Chris Bennion

The play, put on in the Eve Alvord Theater, clocks in at just under 90 minutes, with a solid 10-minute intermission so the tot lot can get their wiggles out. The theater has cushy bench seats so kidlets can spread out if they need to and move with more freedom than traditional theater seats allow. This makes for easy viewing for those as young as three. But if you’ve got one that just can’t wait to share an insight, or really wants to ask questions throughout the production, there’s always the quiet room at the top of the theater, where parents can take their busy sidekicks without missing any of the action on stage. Everything’s piped in up there, so drama kings and queens can be as excited as they want to be. And who can blame them, really? This stuff is fun!

photo: Chris Bennion

Goodnight Activities
The Seattle Children’s Theatre staff is always so thoughtful about what their littlest audience members take away from any performance, and Goodnight Moon is no exception. If you’re looking for a side of learning to enhance your theatrical outing, be sure to leaf through the online Active Audience Guide before or after the show. It’s chock full of goodies about the performance, with insider info on everything from costuming to puppeteering to how the stage was made. Curious kiddos will also get a kick out of the coloring pages, reading suggestions and sweet sleepy poems that are in there too. Our suggestion? Print out a copy to keep the wee ones occupied before the show starts.

photo: Chris Bennion

Goodnight Extras
Friday nights are jammie nights during Goodnight Moon’s run. Be sure to dress the kiddos in their bedtime best (and join in if you’re game!), and bring a blankie or stuffie to cuddle with during the show. Not only does this make for some of the cutest viewing you’ve ever seen, but it makes putting them straight to bed after the show a cinch too. Select performances will have a little pre-show reading of Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny (which has a sweet cameo in the play) in comfy poufs set up in the lobby. And families are encouraged to bring along new pajamas or a new copy of your favorite bedtime book to donate to Wellspring Family Services at any of the performances. These little extras will help make bedtime easier for area families in need.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

An extra special part of this show is the sensory-friendly performance, scheduled for April 4  at 5:30 p.m., designed to put kiddos with diverse developmental and sensory needs at ease. This relaxed performance will include subdued lighting and sound effects, as well as a chance to “Meet the Theater” on March 29 at 4:30 p.m. Here, curious cuties will have a chance to tour the theater and ask questions before attending the performance. Check out all the sensory goodness must-knows online.

Good to know
If seeing Goodnight Moon is definitely on your must-see list, grab tickets quickly as a few performances are already sold out!

Seattle Children’s Theatre
201 Thomas St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-441-3322
Online: sct.org/Shows/2014-2015-Season/Goodnight-Moon

Dates & times: Thur.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
When: March 5–April 26
Cost: $20-$40
Ages: 3 & up

Are you planning to see Goodnight Moon? Have you seen it already? Tell us your favorite part of the production in a comment below. 

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Go Under the Wurlitzer & Behind The Screen at the El Capitan Theatre

by Jennifer O'Brien

A visit to the historic El Capitan Theatre means you’re not merely going to the movies, you’re taking a magical trip back in time to Tinseltown’s golden age. Starting this fall, families are invited to take an exclusive look behind the curtain of one of the most breathtaking film venues in the world with Disney’s Movie Palace and Backstage Tour. Perfect for visiting relatives and movie loving tots, this tour arrives just in time for the holidays.

photo credit: El Capitan Theatre via facebook

Film buffs of all ages will find the 30-minute guided tour of the El Capitan fascinating as they get a rare all-access pass to the innerworkings of this legendary landmark. Learn the secrets of the theatre’s glamourous history since making its Hollywood debut in 1926, including its transition from a playhouse to movie theatre. You also get to visit the Wall of Fame, which documents countless movie premieres over the years, Walk of Fame ceremonies, and the theatre’s meticulous restorations under various ownerships. Kiddos will especially love hearing that almost every Disney film world premiere has been held at the El Capitan since reopening under Walt Disney Ownership in 1991, starting with The Rocketeer.

photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien

Lovingly restored to its original grandeur, the 1,000 seat theatre’s ornate architecture is truly a feast for the eyes. On the tour, you are welcome to shoot as many photos as you like throughout the entire tour and believe us, once you’re inside the actual theatre, you’ll be snap, snap, snapping away. They’ll even dim the lights and treat you to a full viewing of the dazzling curtain show that’s performed before every movie.

photo credit: Disney’s El Capitan Theatre

After the curtain show, kids and parents can hop on stage and take a picture with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ that has helped make this theatre extremely special over the years. With four keyboards and 37 ranks of pipes, the organ is unparalleled when it comes to playing live music for movie palaces. On the weekends, an organist rises up (as if by magic) from under the stage and performs right before the movie, so there’s no better time to bring your little ones.

photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien

Other tour highlights include an in-depth look backstage, including the “Mickey Lift” glass elevator which secretly transports cast members to the stage for the movie pre-show; the downstairs dressing rooms and green room; a visit to the Sherman Brothers Star Dressing Room – named for the composers of “It’s a Small World” and “A Spoonful of Sugar;” and the lower lounge area where premiere after parties are usually held. Kids feel the full VIP treatment! At the tour’s conclusion, every guest is treated to a box of freshly popped popcorn. Yes, it’s a good as it smells. And if you need a sweet treat to balance out the salty, exit through the adjacent Ghiradelli Soda Fountain (still Disney themed, as it was when it was the Disney Soda Fountain), where everyone who enters gets a sample square of tasty chocolate.

For families who might be short on time (or attention spans), Express Tours are also available throughout the day which include the history of the theatre, a visit to the Wall of Fame and tour of the lobby area.

Hours: Full tours are given daily at 8:30 a.m. Express Tours are given throughout the day.

Cost: Tickets are available on a walk-up basis through the El Capitan box office and cost $15 per person (including kiddos) for the full tour. Express tours run $5 per person. No advanced reservations are needed.

Parking: Parking is available across the street at the Hollywood & Highland Center parking garage for $2 for up to four hours. Please remember to bring your parking ticket with you to the El Capitan for validation.

6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90028
Phone: 818-315-4110
Online: elcapitantheatre.disney.com

photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien

What are your family’s favorite memories of the El Capitan Theatre? We’d love to know!

– Jennifer O’Brien

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