Of banana splits and magnet compositions



Why yes, that is a Yo Gabba Gabba placemat.  Don't judge us.



Ben creating one of his magnet compositions

 

Ben playing one of his magnet compositions, for Mozart Mouse


Well, the first picture is pretty self-explanatory.  No, he didn't get to eat the whole thing himself.  He shared it (somewhat reluctantly) with us, and it was delicious.

At his piano teacher's recommendation, I got a "Music for Little Mozarts" piano instruction kit which includes, among other things, two stuffed animals named Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear (he also has Mozart and Beethoven action figures, acquired separately) and this great magnetic white board.  One side has the piano keyboard that you see, and the other has staff notation.  There are ten small note-shaped magnets, and Ben's favorite piano-time activity is placing these on the keyboard and then performing the result.  It's been a great vehicle for him to learn the pitch names and locations, and he's pretty much mastered that.  He usually practices at the piano in the living room, but this was an impromptu act of creativity at the electric keyboard in the guest room, timed especially so as to delay his bedtime.  He knows how to manage me.