Here is a link to a great article about the importance of making music a part of a child’s life every day.
http://www.forsmallhands.com/ideas-insights/music-matters
Category Archives: Screen-Time Suggestions and Facts
Ideas for reducing and managing screen-time.
2017 Performances
FEBRUARY 2017 ******************************************************************************************************************
February 7 Sacramento Public Library, Courtland Branch
3pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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February 15 Sacramento Public Library, Walnut Grove Branch
3pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
APRIL 2017 ******************************************************************************************************************************
April 5 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
13:30 am Preschool Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Consuming Kids-A “Must-See”Video
I recently watched a riveting video titled “Consuming Kids – The Commercialization of Childhood”. I highly recommend this video, released in 2008 by the Media Education Foundation.
It is available in U-Tube format. Click on the links below for the main video (67 minutes), and an excellent extra section titled “What Parents Can Do” (9:34 min)
Consuming Kids- The Commercialization of Childhood
Alan Candee, Storyteller and Musician
Alan Candee was recently included on the “Storytelling in Sierra Nevada Foothills” page of Sierra Nevada storyteller BZ Smith’s website, sierranevadastorytelling.org
NYTimes: Traditional Toys May Beat Gadgets in Language Development
2016 Performances
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016
SEPTEMBER 2016 ****************************************************************
September 10 SACRAMENTO PLAY SUMMIT Central Library, 821 I Street, Sacramento, CA
9am-4pm Alan presents a breakout session on: “Engaging Children without the Use of Electronic Screen Media”
Conference registration is mandatory. More information about this event and registration at Fairytale Town Events
September 12-18 WORLD GOLD-PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS Free Admission!
11am Alan performs as “Old Put” on Thursday, September 15th, at El Dorado County Fairgrounds as part of a week of Gold-Rush living history experiences.
(http://www.eldorado2016.com/calendar)
September 24-25 FAIRYTALE TOWN’S CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL Free Admission!
10am-4pm both days Alan and his wife Nancy will have a booth at this event. Please visit and play music with us, and we will give you a musical instrument to take home.
OCTOBER 2016 ******************************************************************************************************************
October 14-16 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S MUSIC NETWORK CONFERENCE The Conference Center, Los Gatos, CA
Alan presents “Singing and Moving Away From Electronic Screens”
(More information about this event and registration at http://childrensmusic.org/)
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October 20 Sacramento Public Library, Arcade Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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October 22 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
11 am School-age Program: Rock-Hunting Fun! Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby. Informative and fun, children will see and hold fossilized rocks from around the world. Be forewarned: children will be given a semi-precious gemstone to keep and may begin picking up rocks wherever they go!
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JANUARY-AUGUST 2016
March 5 Sacramento Public Library, Galt Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting–Do they move? Join retired librarian and longtime rockhound Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to explore the hobby and to make a gemstone wire-wrap necklace. Registration required. Please contact Galt Library.
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March 7 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
10:30 am Pre-School Program: Music and More: Alan entertains with songs and humorous and engaging stories. Opportunities to sing along, move to the rhythms, and
contribute imagination to the outcomes of musical selections.
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APRIL 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
April 6 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
10:30 am Pre-School Program: Music and More: Alan entertains with songs and humorous and engaging stories. Opportunities to sing along, move to the rhythms, and
contribute imagination to the outcomes of musical selections.
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April 23 Stop by Alan’s booth at the Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival at Fairytale Town, Sacramento, CA
11am-3pm You can play with his musical instrument collection and make a kazoo! FREE ADMISSION!
http://www.fairytaletown.org/events/sutter-childrens-center-wellness-festival-3/
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MAY 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
May 6-8 Stop by Alan’s booth at the Whole Earth Festival on the UC Davis campus quad area, near the student union. He is located in the northwest section of the quad, near the children’s play area. 10 am to 5 pm
JUNE 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
June 8 Sacramento Public Library, Southgate Branch
11 am Pre-School Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Expect pantomime, puppetry, and compulsory silliness.
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June 11 Stop by Alan’s booth at FAMILY DAY at Safetyville USA, 3909 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA
10 am to 5 pm Mindful Media information table and musical play
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June 16 El Dorado County Public Library, Georgetown Branch
1 pm Teen Program: Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. Registration required.
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June 18 Sacramento Public Library, lsleton Branch
10:30 am Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes.Check with Isleton Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 18 Sacramento Public Library, Walnut Grove Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes.Check with Walnut Grove Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 21 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
1 pm Pre-School Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Expect pantomime, puppetry, and compulsory silliness.
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June 21 Sacramento Public Library, North Highlands Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 22 El Dorado County Public Library, Pollock Pines Branch
11 am School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 23 Sacramento Public Library, Courtland Branch
12:45 pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 28 El Dorado County Public Library, Placerville Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. (Limit: 20 participants) Check with Placerville Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 30 Sacramento Public Library, Isleton Branch
3 pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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JULY 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
July 20 Nevada County Public Library, Truckee Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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July 21 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
1 pm Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. Check with Cameron Park Library for pre-registration requirements.
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AUGUST 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
August 24 Sacramento County Public Library, Franklin Branch
3:30 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. (Limit: 20 participants)
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Media and Children:compelling research
Please take the time to watch this Ted Talk – Media and Children presented by Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician and researcher of brain development in young children.
It will be well worth your time. – Alan Candee
Rediscover Nature
Between 1995 to 2015, I noticed a dramatic change in what children claim to be their favorite activities. Children used to routinely share activities such as bicycling, swimming and street games with their friends. With children’s time so dominated by screens today, almost all of their activities involve screen media. And if children only interact with electronic screens, who will be left to live in the real world? Please watch Rediscover Nature
NYTimes: Screen Addiction Is Taking a Toll on Children
Young people are plugged in and tuned out from the real world for many more hours than experts consider healthy.
Follow the links below to access an important two-part article
Part 1: Screen Addiction Is Taking a Toll on Children
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/06/screen-addiction-is-taking-a-toll-on-children/
Part 2: How to Cut Children’s Screen Time? Say No to Yourself First.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/how-to-cut-childrens-screen-time-say-no-to-yourself-first/
Children need LIMITS on screen time
The following letter was submitted by Alan and published in the West Sacramento News-Ledger on May 6, 2015, and in the Georgetown Gazette on May 7, 2015:
Dear Editor,
National Screen-Free Week is May 4-10. Going screen-free for one week is a good start, but parents need to set regular limits on electronic screens for the sake of their children’s overall health. The American Academy of Pediatrics says no amount of screen-time should be allowed for children under the age of two, and children aged 3-18 should have no more than 1-2 hours of quality screen-time per day. Why? Screens are stealing children’s lives! The average child spends nearly eight hours a day in front of a screen compared to just twelve minutes a day of unstructured, outdoor play. And if the vast amount of time spent with screens doesn’t concern you, 99.5% of the nearly 4,000 studies on violence related to screen-time show a directly proportional link to aggressive behavior in children. Also, the more TV a child watches the more likely s/he is to fall victim to obesity and diabetes, and for each hour a preschooler watches television s/he is 10% more likely to exhibit symptoms of attention-deficit-disorder.
Parents who set limits on children’s screen-time understand the dangers. For parents that allow limitless access to videogames and television, consider what Steve Jobs said when asked what his children thought of the I-pad: “They haven’t used it,” he said. “We limit how much technology our kids use at home.” And Chris Anderson, the former editor of Wired and chief executive of 3D Robotics, instituted time limits and parental controls on every device in his home. “My kids accuse me and my wife of being overly concerned about tech, and they say that none of their friends have the same rules,” he said of his five children, 6 to 17. “That’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand. I’ve seen it in myself; I don’t want to see that happen to my kids.” For more, check out: www.allianceforchildhood.org and www.commercialfreechildhood.org
Alan Candee
Mindful Media Management