Each year, the Geffen Playhouse invites the nation’s best family shows to perform in the Saturday Scene and the 2009-2010 line-up is full of literary stars (from Ferdinand the Bull to Shakespeare). Perfect for kids from 2-12, the productions range from musical acts to puppet shows to worldly excursions. Each company only comes to town for one show, so it’s good to get tickets in advance. Create your own series of four shows (or as many as you like) and the ticket price drops from $15 per person to $12; subscriber benefits include advance seating and option to purchase additional tickets for 15% off during the season. Click here to choose your shows.

habla blah blah classes introduce the sounds and words of Español with fun and whimsy. Addressing multiple learning styles at a child’s critical period of language development, the class invites children and their caregivers to participate in songs, play, and ritualized communication that can be repeated and reinforced easily at home. And it’s fun!

The fall session will focus on the 1st half of habla blah blah’s self-titled CD, habla blah blah: an introduction to the sounds & words of Español, Volume 1 (available for purchase at Play).

• Dates & Details: When: Tuesdays, 11:30-12:15; September 29th – December 8th (no class October 20)
• Ages: Open to children ages 9 months to five years and their caregivers. No previous language skills are necessary.
• Cost: $185 per child Siblings 9 months and over $125. Siblings under 9 months attend FREE Includes 10 weekly classes and unlimited use of Play’s community area on the day of your class.
• Instructor: Valeria Mason (see below)
• Class size: Enrollment is limited to 12 children plus care providers. Register in person at Play or by phone: 323.988.1189
• FREE demo class: Tuesday, September 15th, at 11:30 Reservations are required.
• Please reserve your spot by e-mail.

Valeria Mason, Instructor, habla blah blah Valeria was raised in Mexico City with a passion for music and languages. She is fluent in French and English, and, of course, her native tongue, Spanish. Wonderfully gifted with the violin, Valeria has taught children and adults since 2002 and was last the Dean of the Department of Strings for the Escuela Nacional de Musica, UNAM. Valeria has also been a member of the Suzuki Method Association since 2003.

According to their website, “Beverly Hills Manners™ is a California-based protocol and etiquette training enterprise dedicated to promoting the development of good character and leadership skills to both children and adults worldwide.”

Here are some of their class offerings:

• Introductory Course at McCormick & Schmick’s

This introductory class provides an overview into the world of manners and is full of interaction and practice for your child.  Children will be instructed in all aspects of etiquette and protocol while developing fundamental character-building traits such as respect, compassion and common courtesies. 

In addition to the instruction, a formal dining tutorial portion will be taught covering all rules of table and dining etiquette.  Children will learn how to set a basic table, the proper way to use their utensils, how to manage specific types of foods and beverages, and how to initiate and participate in conversation during an actual 5 course meal. 

• “Museum Manners” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

“Museum Manners” combines museum etiquette with a one hour art appreciation tour presented by Quick Culture and designed just for kids at LACMA. Following the art appreciation tour, children are escorted to the Pentimento Café for a complete review of table and dining manners followed by a 5-course dining tutorial prepared by Patina Catering. Children are prepared for their museum experience through an introduction to museum manners including: appropriate attire, voice level, pacing, self-guided tours, tours with docents (tour guides), and the no touch policy.  For children ages 7-12.

• “A Smart Girls Guide to Manners” Sponsored by American Girl Place, Los Angeles

In this day-long class, girls will learn what to do when they find themselves in sticky situations.  They will practice the proper way to make introductions and greetings, get tips on table manners (like which fork to use for which course) and learn some pointers for writing delightful letters and heartfelt thank-you notes.  Then girls will use their dining etiquette over lunch in the Café.

• School Enrichment Programs

Our two and a half our special enrichment programs are offered after school on a one time basis.  Curriculums may be designed specifically to meet the needs of the school and the attending children.  Our most popular program is “An Introduction to Good Manners”.  During the intensive session children have an opportunity to learn tools and skills necessary to handle themselves with grace and style in any social situation.  From how to make a positive first impression to proper introductions and table and dining etiquette, they will develop newfound confidence and self-esteem.  A 5-course dining tutorial accompanying the table and dining portion is optional.   For children ages K-12th.

• Etiquette Parties

Tea Parties, Baby Showers, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties, Bridal Showers, Confirmation Parties, Dining Etiquette Parties, Mini-Cotillion Parties (includes dance instruction), Sportsmanship Parties, Sweet Sixteen Parties

• “Manners Camp USA”

Good manners are the best way to make a positive first impression in a fast-paced world where basic consideration is too often forgotten.  Welcome to “Manners Camp” where children participate in a comprehensive and fun-filled program incorporating culture and etiquette.  Each camp session explores a particular etiquette theme and accompanying cultural activity introducing the children to new skills and techniques which assist them in becoming independent, well-rounded and confident human beings.  For children ages 6-13.

• Private Tutorial

Private tutorial training programs are available to both children and adults.  Private instruction is offered in order to meet the scheduling needs of our clients.  A needs assessment is taken from which a custom developed program is constructed.

Andell Family Sundays
12:30–3:30 pm | Free
Join us on Sundays for programs designed especially for families. Make art, explore the museum, or join a bilingual gallery tour. Most of all—have fun!

Power of Color: Abstract Expressionist Art
August 23*, 30, September 6, 2009 | North Piazza
What does red say to you? How about green or purple? Color is one of the most important ways an artist communicates. In LACMA’s permanent collection, check out how abstract expressionists use color. Make your own art or move like a color in workshops with Doran George, May Jong, Daniela Arbizzi, and Quan Yen Trang. 

Celebrate Korea! 
September 13, 20, 27* | Los Angeles Times Central Court
Join a celebration of the reinstallation of the Korean Art galleries! Special on September 13—Korean dance and music performance with the Korean Classical Music Institute of America. Make your own music with the performers and join in art workshops with Hadley Holliday, Robert Morse, and Quan Yen Trang.

*Family Sundays starts at 11 am just after the Tarfest run! See Tarfest.com  for more information.
*Children’s Author & Illustrator: Alex Beard

Brush and Ink: Korean Painting 
October 4, 18, 25 | Los Angeles Times Central Court

NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. This includes permanent collection galleries and selected special exhibitions. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in.

Form is available at http://www.lacma.org/programs/pdfs/NewEnglishNexGenForm.pdf.

I recently heard of “Music Together.” It is a music based mommy and me classes for infants to kindergarteners. If you are interested in this type of activities for you child visit their website and request more information for a class near you!