Posts Tagged ‘elementary school
School Days
Last Friday I took Ammo the Dachshund on a special outing to my Elementary School, Uwchlan Hills. It was Read Across America Week as well as Dr. Suess’ Birthday – and Ammo came along to help me read to the kids as well as show off some of his favorite tricks.
Ammo is wonderful with kids, and every time I see him at a public event like this it reminds me that I really want to get him therapy dog certified. I also have plans to get him his Canine Good Citizen Certification as well.
Ammo was a huge hit with the 3rd grade class we entertained and we even got to share the ponies’ video at the end. We had so much fun that neither one of us wanted to go back to work, but perhaps we’ll get to visit again soon.
You can see more photos and read all about Ammo’s big adventure HERE.
Live Performance! Super Dog vs. Super Pony
Do you remember when Minnow and Ammo made their first Elementary School Visit back in May? Well, the day has finally come – their live performance video is complete! My brother Taylor (the filmmaker) shot and edited this whole video – and it turned out really cool!
We can’t wait to make more school visits in the future – making kids laugh is so much fun!
If you are having trouble viewing the version above, try the one below (without the super cool super hero music):
Tomorrow we’ll resume with out pony penning recap! Yeah!
Check out Depthink Productions and Envision Event Media for all of your movie making needs!
Minnow and Ammo go to school
Today was a big day for Ammo the Dachshund and Chincoteague Minnow. Together they went on their very first Elementary School Visit to the Renaissance Academy in Phoenixville PA. The older kids had been reading Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry and the younger kids read My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers.
"It's so hard to wake up early"
Ammo was a little unenthusiastic to be up at 4am – I literally had to drag him out of bed and plop him into the car. He had had a very busy day the day before, so I think he was a little extra groggy.
Ammo & Cricket helping to pack
We gave two talks/demos while at the Renaissance Academy. Most of it was geared around Misty of Chincoteague – since that’s what the kids had been learning about. I talked about the real life Misty, and how she also went on school visits, and into libraries, and even rode an elevator once. We also talked about how Misty had a sidekick named Alex the Dachshund who liked to jump through a hoop, climb ladders, and dress up in doll clothes (the kids got a chuckle out of that one). I also had pictures of Misty and some of the pony swim and auction. We even had a special picture of Minnow and Misty’s great-granddaughter, Black Mist.
The kids had some great questions for me too. Like is Minnow afraid of anything? To which I replied – his biggest fear is flash photography, he believes that the flash is lightning – so perhaps when he was wild on Assateague Island as a foal he had to live through a terrible storm. And can Ammo do a back flip? Sadly no. But we also had some interesting questions about Misty, and the kids seemed very interested in learning all that they could.
Eventually we transitioned into performing Minnow & Ammo’s award winning Super Pony vs. Super Dog skit. Minnow was a star as usual – and he won every time in their little super hero battle of tricks as the kids clapped the loudest for him each performance. Ammo didn’t go unnoticed – as the kids broke out into laughter as soon as Ammo’s stunt helmet came out. Ammo was still a little groggy (he’s such a baby), so although he performed all of his tricks – he was in sort of a slow motion. No spur of the moment hole digging like he normally does (he always gets a big laugh on that one), but he was still just as adorable as ever – even if he was a little tired.
Minnow painted a fabulous painting during his performance, which is now hanging at the Renaissance Academy. The kids helped name it “Misty’s friend Minnow”.
Along with my fabulous mom, who never fails to drop everything and assist me with the boys (thanks mom!), I also brought my brother, Taylor, along – who’s home for a short time from his home in North Carolina.
Taylor is an amazing videographer/editor – and I was thrilled when he agreed to film our performance. I’m so excited to see what he comes up with, because all of his stuff is amazing! Seriously, check out his website! But since talent cannot be rushed, we will have to wait several weeks until he gets home and has a chance to edit it all together.
Taylor also edited and filmed (even recording his own music) the main video on our website (check it out here) – which he amazingly shot in one day! (oh and P.S. don’t let the height difference fool you – Taylor is my younger brother)
After the performances I walked Ammo and Minnow around so all the kids could have a turn petting them. Each kid also got a trading card that had a different picture of the ponies and ammo on the front.
Ammo took the opportunity to take a nap, while Minnow wanted the kids to get all his itchy spots. I love seeing all the kids smile and laugh and seeing them all petting Minnow reminded me of this Photo of Misty.
Photo from : Life Magazine
Ammo passed out immediately on the way home, you have to remember he’s only 2 years old – and he only just began performing in front of audiences last summer. He still has many years ahead of him! Minnow on the other hand didn’t want to go home!
We had lots of fun on our school visit, and I hope there will be many more in our future!
You can see more photos of the event on the Renaissance Academy Library Blog, and a short video up on the Phoenix Newspaper (an article will be accompanying it shortly).
The Super Pony goes to School
The past few weeks we’ve been busy practicing and practicing. On Monday, Minnow & Ammo the Dachshund will be making their very first Elementary School visit.
The kids have been reading the book Misty of Chincoteague, and they are very excited to meet Minnow and Ammo. I still remember my first “pony” visit when I was in Elementary School. We had Gawani Pony Boy and his horse visit our school – he talked about his book and we all got to sit inside a real tepee. It was definitely something that stuck with me through the years.
Minnow and Ammo will be performing their famous “Super Pony vs. Super Dog” skit, and showing off their amazing painting skills. I’ve also *gulp* agreed to give a talk about Misty of Chincoteague. Public speaking is not my favorite thing (is it anyones?) – but I know it would mean a lot to the kids.
So I’ve been busy collecting photos of Misty and even HER Dachshund sidekick, Alex. I thought it would be great fun to learn about the similarities between Minnow and Misty and even Ammo and Alex. How ironic that each of their names start with the same letter? (Minnow had his name when I got him, and when Ammo came in to my life I didn’t even know there was a dachshund in Misty’s life).
Alex was a performing pooch just like Ammo. He jumped through a hoop, climbed a ladder, tolerated dressing up in doll clothes, and even enjoyed riding on Misty’s back.
We’re all very excited for the visit – and I know Minnow and Ammo will be in their element getting to meet all of the kids. Ammo has even been inventing new tricks in practice, as he always has to be such a ham. Just seeing him in his little stunt helmet and cape makes me laugh – no child could resist him!
After our visit I’ll be sure to give a full recap of the event on the blog. And we have lots more performances being scheduled for this year, so make sure you check out our calendar to catch us at an event near you! More dates will be listed shortly – we are even working on a few new skits – with a special new “performer” who’s never been seen before!
“It’s not who you are underneath, it’s what you do that defines you” – Rachel, Batman Begins
