January Celebrations
Gasparilla Pirates & Bountiful Bubbles
We, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, invite you to step lively ‘n’ join us as we once again invade the City of Tampa to share our trinkets ‘n’ treasures – a tradition we’ve honored since 1904. Our band of marauding buccaneers will be settin’ our sails to descend on the City of Tampa in the wee mornin’ hours of Saturday the 29th of January … and The Children's Gasparilla on Saturday the 22nd of January we’ll be looking fer you!
Come celebrate the Gasparilla Invasion as we enter Hillsborough Bay in the tall-masted Jose Gasparilla pirate ship (she’s a beauty), with cannons a-boomin’ and flags unfurled. Join us for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, when we’ll dock at the Tampa Convention Center fer a hearty meal befittin’ a hungry band o’ buccaneers! Fill yer pockets with the beads ‘n’ treasures we’ll be throwin’ as we wind our merry way down Bayshore Boulevard in the lively, colorful Parade of the Pirates. Dance in the streets with me ‘n’ my mateys to live music at the Pirate Fest Street Festival. So, scuttle yer other plans ‘n’ be prepared to come party with us. If ye don’t join in the festivities, it may be the plank for you! Arrrrrgh!
Come celebrate the Gasparilla Invasion as we enter Hillsborough Bay in the tall-masted Jose Gasparilla pirate ship (she’s a beauty), with cannons a-boomin’ and flags unfurled. Join us for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, when we’ll dock at the Tampa Convention Center fer a hearty meal befittin’ a hungry band o’ buccaneers! Fill yer pockets with the beads ‘n’ treasures we’ll be throwin’ as we wind our merry way down Bayshore Boulevard in the lively, colorful Parade of the Pirates. Dance in the streets with me ‘n’ my mateys to live music at the Pirate Fest Street Festival. So, scuttle yer other plans ‘n’ be prepared to come party with us. If ye don’t join in the festivities, it may be the plank for you! Arrrrrgh!
Music
Pegleg Tango by Captain Bogg & Salty (Audio CD - 2005)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Swashbuckling Sea Songs by Various Artists (Audio CD - 2007)
Bedtime Stories for Pirates by Captain Bogg & Salty (Audio CD - 1999)
Great Pirate Music: Music Inspired By Pirates of the Caribbean by Various Artists (Audio CD - 2006)
Books
How I Became A Pirate by Melinda Long & David Shannon
Pirate Pete's talk like a pirate by Kennedy, Kim
A princess, a pirate, and one wild brother by Funke, Cornelia Caroline
1001 pirate things to spot by Jones, Rob Lloyd.
Pirate ship adventure crafts by Llimós Plomer, Anna
My mom the pirate by French, Jackie
Pirate Pete's talk like a pirate by Kennedy, Kim
A princess, a pirate, and one wild brother by Funke, Cornelia Caroline
1001 pirate things to spot by Jones, Rob Lloyd.
Pirate ship adventure crafts by Llimós Plomer, Anna
My mom the pirate by French, Jackie
Clicks
Speak like a Pirate:
http://www.pirateglossary.com/
http://talklikeapirate.com/
http://www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html
Children's Gasparilla Events:
Preschool Stroll http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/stroll.html
Air Invasion http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/air_invasion.html
Parade http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/childrens_parade.html
Piratechnics http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/piratechnic.html
http://www.pirateglossary.com/
http://talklikeapirate.com/
http://www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html
Children's Gasparilla Events:
Preschool Stroll http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/stroll.html
Air Invasion http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/air_invasion.html
Parade http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/childrens_parade.html
Piratechnics http://gasparillaextravaganza.com/extravaganza2/piratechnic.html
Activities
Booty Bags. Invite Mates to pillage a decorated booty bag. Inside the bag is a cardboard tube (tissue paper or paper towel) with treasure map and one piece of black construction paper rolled up inside. Make Treasure Island maps on brown newsprint or brown paper bag. Then, you can roll each one up, tie with ribbons and place each one in a clear bottle or a root beer bottle for a more authentic look (leave a piece of ribbon hanging for easy removal). Singe the edges of the paper for a worn look. Add a few tablespoons of sand and small seashells to give it an ocean-like effect. The map will lead the land-lubbers on an adventure to discover their true pirate-natures! Insert photo graphics with a single word for each location- this allows all abilities to participate together. Upon completion of each activity, the participant will receive a stamp from each staion on the map -total of 5 gold or silver stamps.
Purchase a package of men's small or children's plain white tube socks. Weave a white shoelace through the top of the sox for a drawstring. Write each child's name on a sock. When they arrive they can attach their booty bag to their belt loop, and use it to hold party treasure. Goodie Bag ideas could be: a compass, ring, tattoos, gem pop rings, candy necklaces, chocolate foil covered coins, gummy fish, temporary tattoos or candy necklaces.
Pirate Names
http://www.piratequiz.com/
http://gangstaname.com/pirate_name.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pirates
http://www.piratenames.net/
Have name badges with pirate names printed & some blanks for those who come ready with a pirate name- stick the Pirate Name Badge on Jolly Roger (black construction paper).
Flag & Jolly Roger
http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/the_pirate_party_activities_5.html
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/coloring/piratebearcolor.htm
Pre-cut construction paper, stickers, stamps to decorate the Jolly Rogers. Using your pirate name, think of what you would like on your Jolly Roger! Draw pictures of your favorite hobbies, things, people, animals, characters….
"Real" pirates used individualized flags so that unsuspecting ships knew exactly WHICH pirate was about to board them. To illustrate the point, we directed their attention to our downloaded pictures of pirate flag designs used by real pirates through the ages. Equip the guests with 14" x 11" pieces of black contruction paper, black & white pirate clip art (hourglasses, cutlasses, skulls, skeletons, fists, anvils, etc.), markers and challenged each guest to create a pirate flag of their own ... something that would at once identify them (perhaps by making reference to their newly acquired pirate names) as well as inspire terror in the hearts of the potential victims. Finished flags can be hung as part of the decoration or wrapped around the spyglass.
Spyglasses. Jolly Rogers can be stuck to mainsails or around Spyglass. Rubber band or hot glue small circle of colored cellophane to end. Finish decorating with misc. gems, sequins, glitter, paint pens, etc.
Treasure Hunts. Sand box & Briny Deep treasures. Fill treasure chest with sand and gold coins, fill a large plastic storage bin with water and sponge/foam fish shapes with paperclips. Participants take turns fishing with a magnet on the end of a rope & dowel rod. Tick-Tock, Find the Croc. With a little imagination, an egg timer makes a suitable crocodile. Have pirates try to locate the hidden croc by its tick, before the bell rings.
Walk the Plank.
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf58birthday/famf58birthday11.html
Create a 2' x 8' plank, use sidewalk chalk in the driveway or masking tape on the carpet. Take turns blindfolding each player, turning them 3 times then release them at the start of the plank. Who ever can walk the furthers without falling off the "plank" is the winner. Modification: secure a board across a Little Tykes pool with 2 step-stools. Set toy alligators in the pool for ambience, then everyone got to walk across. Upon reaching the other side, the pirate is awarded a Hook Hand. To make one, cut a slit in the bottom of a plastic cup. Cut a hook shape out of cardboard, wrap with foil, and slip it through the slit in the cup.
Musical islands. Set as many hula hoops on the floor as you have guests, and play music. Pirates must walk around the hoops until you turn off the tunes, at which point they must be standing inside one of the "islands." A person not on an island becomes The Musician able to turn the music off the next round. Every few minutes, take away a hoop, until only one seafarer remains. Then give all Musicians instruments to play along with pirate tunes.
Pin the 'X' on the Treasure. Using a large brown grocery bag, cut open, draw a treasure map. Print out and cut apart 'X's and Treasure chest. Glue the treasure chest near the center of the map. Attach tape to the back of each X, so that there is a sticky side out. Blindfold each pirate when it is their turn.
Purchase a package of men's small or children's plain white tube socks. Weave a white shoelace through the top of the sox for a drawstring. Write each child's name on a sock. When they arrive they can attach their booty bag to their belt loop, and use it to hold party treasure. Goodie Bag ideas could be: a compass, ring, tattoos, gem pop rings, candy necklaces, chocolate foil covered coins, gummy fish, temporary tattoos or candy necklaces.
Pirate Names
http://www.piratequiz.com/
http://gangstaname.com/pirate_name.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pirates
http://www.piratenames.net/
Have name badges with pirate names printed & some blanks for those who come ready with a pirate name- stick the Pirate Name Badge on Jolly Roger (black construction paper).
Flag & Jolly Roger
http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/the_pirate_party_activities_5.html
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/coloring/piratebearcolor.htm
Pre-cut construction paper, stickers, stamps to decorate the Jolly Rogers. Using your pirate name, think of what you would like on your Jolly Roger! Draw pictures of your favorite hobbies, things, people, animals, characters….
"Real" pirates used individualized flags so that unsuspecting ships knew exactly WHICH pirate was about to board them. To illustrate the point, we directed their attention to our downloaded pictures of pirate flag designs used by real pirates through the ages. Equip the guests with 14" x 11" pieces of black contruction paper, black & white pirate clip art (hourglasses, cutlasses, skulls, skeletons, fists, anvils, etc.), markers and challenged each guest to create a pirate flag of their own ... something that would at once identify them (perhaps by making reference to their newly acquired pirate names) as well as inspire terror in the hearts of the potential victims. Finished flags can be hung as part of the decoration or wrapped around the spyglass.
Spyglasses. Jolly Rogers can be stuck to mainsails or around Spyglass. Rubber band or hot glue small circle of colored cellophane to end. Finish decorating with misc. gems, sequins, glitter, paint pens, etc.
Treasure Hunts. Sand box & Briny Deep treasures. Fill treasure chest with sand and gold coins, fill a large plastic storage bin with water and sponge/foam fish shapes with paperclips. Participants take turns fishing with a magnet on the end of a rope & dowel rod. Tick-Tock, Find the Croc. With a little imagination, an egg timer makes a suitable crocodile. Have pirates try to locate the hidden croc by its tick, before the bell rings.
Walk the Plank.
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf58birthday/famf58birthday11.html
Create a 2' x 8' plank, use sidewalk chalk in the driveway or masking tape on the carpet. Take turns blindfolding each player, turning them 3 times then release them at the start of the plank. Who ever can walk the furthers without falling off the "plank" is the winner. Modification: secure a board across a Little Tykes pool with 2 step-stools. Set toy alligators in the pool for ambience, then everyone got to walk across. Upon reaching the other side, the pirate is awarded a Hook Hand. To make one, cut a slit in the bottom of a plastic cup. Cut a hook shape out of cardboard, wrap with foil, and slip it through the slit in the cup.
Musical islands. Set as many hula hoops on the floor as you have guests, and play music. Pirates must walk around the hoops until you turn off the tunes, at which point they must be standing inside one of the "islands." A person not on an island becomes The Musician able to turn the music off the next round. Every few minutes, take away a hoop, until only one seafarer remains. Then give all Musicians instruments to play along with pirate tunes.
Pin the 'X' on the Treasure. Using a large brown grocery bag, cut open, draw a treasure map. Print out and cut apart 'X's and Treasure chest. Glue the treasure chest near the center of the map. Attach tape to the back of each X, so that there is a sticky side out. Blindfold each pirate when it is their turn.
More Activities...
Bountiful Bubbles for the New Year
Materials-
wax paper, water-soluable markers, bubble juice, bowl, bubble wand for each child
Play Time-
May provide time for a very light snack & water to prevent grumblies & grumpies.
Wash everyone's hands.
Provide 5-10 min of free play for the children & caregivers
to Shake their Sillies Out. (Dance to that song or any other!)
I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out,
And wiggle my waggles away!
I've gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out, Clap, clap, clap my crazies out, Clap, clap, clap my crazies out,
And wiggle my waggles away!
I've gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out, Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out, Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out,
And wiggle my waggles away!
I've gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out, Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out, Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out,
And wiggle my waggles away!
I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out, Shake, shake, shake my sillies out,
And wiggle my waggles away, And wiggle my waggles away!
Warm Up Song-
Sit in a circle and allow each child to introduce him/herself- or introduce the younger ones.
Sing Auld Lang Syne chorus only- talk about emphasizing the positive and bringing/creating/wishing for the good things. Alternative songs may be found with Mommy & Me or Signing Times.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Introduce- The Art of Affirming the Positive for the New Year. Emphasize 'IT IS' rather than 'MAY IT BE.'
Give & you shall receive; law of multiplication. Every action has an equal & opposite reacation... BUT generosity multiplies!
Activity-
Pour bubble juice into a bowl
Give each child/caregiver a strip of wax paper. With a water-soluable marker write the child's wish for the new year.
Prompt by asking the child what they would like that might make their family smile?
What do they like doing best with family?
Give each child a Magic Wand bubble wand.
Have all of the children place their wax-paper affirmations into the bubble solution
Ensure all wax paper is placed marker side down & completely submerged
Wave magic wands and say a magic word (or create a little song/chant)
"Abracadabra Abraca-ZOOM! Nursery Magic COME INTO THIS ROOM!"
say 3 times so children can learn/participate.
Children may dip/stir their wands into the affirming bubble juice and blow their wishes into the room/sky.
Play Time- Allow children to play again for 10-15 min.
The light of Love surrounds us,
The love of Love enfolds us,
The power of Love protects us,
The presence of Love watches over us,
Wherever we are, Love is,
And where Love is, all is well.
Closing Song- Happy Trails chorus only
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.