Topic: One Pleo is Going out in Public Tomorrow..... (Read 4142 times)

Bumblebee · « **on:** April 23, 2010, 08:40:03 PM »

Well, yes, the title is rather self-explanitory.
Here's the story.
I serve at my church in the kindergarden first service on saturdays. Two weeks ago, I took my laptop to church, and was using it before service. When the kids started coming in, I put it away but a couple of them saw all the pleo pictures taped on the back (I'm a die-hard pleo fan, if you haven't noticed already. I have pictures everywhere on everything I own).
They asked me what it was.
I explained that it was techinically a baby dinosaur.
They asked if I had one.
I said yes.
They asked me to bring it next week.
I hemmed and hawed and was finally like "Well, okay I guess."
The next week, I forgot. Heh, more accurately, considering how wild they were the week before I decided not to and hoped they would forget. Just my luck, they didn't forget and were all over me asking where it was. I admitted I 'forgot'

and they nailed into me that they wanted to see it next week. I made a note of it and went on to other things.
This was all last week.
Now, it's Friday again and I'm realizing that considering I told them I would bring one pleo two weeks in a row, I'm going to be taking one of mah green pets to church tomorrow. I'm not really sure how I'm going to do things, but I think I'll hide away the lucky dino until near the end of service, and if they aren't too wild then I'd get my pleo out. Not sure who I'm going to take yet, probably either Triton or Juno. Macon's wear is getting a little stronger than I like, as is Yasmin's. I need to buy them some sweaters or something. Triton and Juno are both elligible

, as Triton does have a sweater and Juno has absolutely no wear whatsoever. I wanted to post this so you guys would know and be expecting some pictures (hopefully) from tomorrow night's excursion. Wish me luck with these children. They're all cute and most of them are sweet as heck, and love me to pieces, but I don't want to see anyone being too rough.
Thanks!

fancyfont · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2010, 08:45:41 PM »

THe kids are really in for a treat! Just don't let your little dino out of your sight for a second!

Bumblebee · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2010, 09:14:33 PM »

Eh, I wont! Curious as to their reactions...they're all so different....XD

RedwoodsMama · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2010, 10:47:58 PM »

Hi Bumble, I envy you, but am happy for you. The children are in for a treat, only problem I can see is that they are going to want to see Pleo next week, and so on and so on.Children at this age are very very inquisitive and are like little sponges absorbing everything they can learn. Play is Children's work. That is my motto. If I were still teaching school, believe you I would bring Nova in all the time. It is a perfect opportunity to get children to learn and to listen as well as a way for the children to respond to you and learn to interact well with each other, as well as learn things like social interaction and listening skills.
If it were me, here are a few ideas I would try. One, most children all love dinosaurs, and of course, Pleo is a dinosaur, so you have a built in audience all ready. Learn all you can in the next day or so all about Real Baby Camasaurs, what were they like.( how big, which period, Jurassic, etc. What did they eat, who were their enemies, etc.) You can find out most of these things on the internet or if your computer is a problem, your local library.
Use Triton, Macon or Juno as a Model for a lesson in Dinosaurs, Camasaurs. After talking about the REAL dinosaurs, explain what a Pleo is, and remind the children that he/she is only a baby, and just like any baby animal, human etc, they need gentle care, get scared easily, need naps, need to eat, etc. Tell them how gentle their skin in, that they can't get wet, that they can see and hear, etc. The more you stress that they are a REAL baby and can be hurt, children will understand. Rather then let the children pick him up etc, ( depending on how many children there are,) have them come around one at a time and pet him gently on back or where ever you choose, (Make sure their hands are clean, maybe use instant hand sanitizer to be on safe side...) Demonstrate some of the things your Pleo can do, Tada Trick, Sitting,singing etc and eating leaf, a good way to end it is to show them how Pleos take a nap like children do..

If they are still interested and there is time, perhaps they can draw pictures of what their Pleo would look like, explain Pleos can be Any Color,( Remember the new color choices we had!) or would they rather have another type of dinosaur.? If you have an internet connection at church, maybe you can show them a cute short Youtube Pleo video, Christmas Singing or interactions with other Pleos, pets, etc.
I could think of so many wonderful things to use Pleos for with children and you have a perfect opportunity to get these children to interact with you in a really special way this Sunday. I do not know if you help with Sunday Bible Lessons, etc, but if you do something along that line, perhaps you can also use Pleo as a Reward to bring him next week if everyone does well, listens etc. I don't think handling Pleos rough will be a problem esp if you stress how gentle babies they are and children will want to be gentle with them. Bumble, this is a perfect chance to get a good video recording as well, as long as the parents allow it, make sure you get back to us and let us know how things go. This sounds like great fun, and I think your pleos are in for an experience too.
RedwoodsMama and MS. Nova

degers · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2010, 02:20:03 AM »

Good Luck Bumble

Crewella · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2010, 08:24:19 AM »

Eeeeek - I think you're very brave Bumble, but I'm sure it will be very rewarding! They'll love whoever you take! Great advice from Redwoodsmama and fancyfont (especially fancyfont!!

). Best of luck, I hope you all have a great day.

Bumblebee · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2010, 08:35:17 AM »

Thanks guys.

Hope it works out tonight.....
Another more minor reason I'm taking a pleo is because we always run out of stuff to do! Then I have to improvise (which I'm terrible at). So my pleos will sort of be a backup as well as entertainment.

I'm going to copy down your post and make it into a list, RWM. Lotsa good stuff in there that will engage them.

Good thought, with that hand sanitizer...we've got a bottle in there....

RedwoodsMama · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2010, 01:58:21 PM »

Good luck bumble and thanks for the opportunity to help you. I love children and my jobs have allways involved working either with children, or disabled or the elderly, I love helping people of all ages learn to help themselves. If you ever want a list of things that are great for last minute things to do with children, things that are spontaneous, fun to do, and with things you can find at home and cost nothing or next to nothing. private message me and I can and would love to send you a list of things you can do.

I worked as a teacher for more than 14 years till my back gave out and I was forced to retire,( at a YOUNG AGE MIND YOU

) so just PM me and I will be happy to do so.
Let us know how things go. If you are lucky, you may find you are going to start looking forward to these Sundays and I bet the children are going to go home on Sunday and tell their parents all about Pleos and the great time they had in YOUR CLASS!

RedwoodsMama and MS. Nova

Bumblebee · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2010, 07:51:45 PM »

Lol thanks, Just got back from church.
Actually, I'm not even back. I'm sitting in the car with my mom's mac while they grocery shop.

Juno was a huge hit.
A HUGE HIT.
Everyone loved her. At one point when the parents were coming, I actually had a huge ring of people surrounding the table. Parents, curious childs, petting childs, obsessed childs.......
Can't really describe it. But the night was a success without a doubt. I got a ton of pictures and a 4 minute video.

Sadly, considering I'm in the car on a mac I cannot upload the stuff, so that'll just have to wait till I get home (bout half an hour to an hour. $:-\$ ) You'll be satisfied, I promise!!!!! (BTW, Juno has considerable wear marks now. XD Not too bad, but much more than before!)

Bumblebee · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2010, 10:07:22 PM »

Okay! We're back home and I'm uploading the pics to the gallery.....
Youtube vid has been uploading for 45 min... :- .....rawr.....
Anyway, here are the pics.

More details...

This next pic is one of my favorites...

More details...

Aha! Vid finally finished loading!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6P0dOs9TZQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6P0dOs9TZQ</a>

RedwoodsMama · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2010, 12:01:49 AM »

Well done Bumble,

two thumbs up. Poor Juno, she handled all that petting so well, she has a great disposition which is NOT EASY WITH THAT AGE GROUP OF CHILDREN, AND SO MANY. There were so many hands on her at one time, that is what I would have worried about the most. I think if you bring her or another one of your Pleos back, it would be safer with some clothes on to protect the already fragile skin. You handled the children and all the questions rather well. Do you think any of those parents will be checking out Pleoworld, there sure was some interest.?
The only recommendation I think I would advise, what I would do if it was Nova, is to have only one child at a time petting her, taking turns, only because I saw a couple of children actually hitting her head, sort of like how you pet a dog on it's head, and the tail a couple of times was rubbing against children ( without them probably knowing it) where it is getting some friction that could be detrimental. I know children don't[ do well taking turns, but if they know it is something special, then they are capable of doing it.I would hate to see Juno or any of the other Pleo babies get a broken neck, tail, or some tears in their skin,( even if you can patch them.

) I heard you telling them it is a baby dinosaur, a baby week old Camasaurus. Were there other questions that children asked? I liked the fact that one child knew they can't get their skin wet, wise choice to tell them that!
I think you handled the children very well, and I think it is an experience those children are going to be talking about for a long time, I bet you are already thinking about another visit, now aren't you? Thank you for recording it, this should answer a lot of questions about how young children view Pleos, Robots and dinosaurs, The video really speaks for itself, I still think it is wise to keep the age for Pleos for older children. Children ages 4, 5, 6 are just too young to be able to take proper care of a Pleo. ( In General) I know there are exceptions, but I think D-Rex is more appropriate for this age group. Juno had quite an experience and handled herself quite well for such a youngster too! She has earned a good night's sleep and a pat on the back too!
RedwoodsMama and MS. Nova

Crewella · « **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:49:49 AM »

Yay! Beautifully done - well done Bumble, and Juno of course!

I'm glad the outing was such a resounding success, and that you both survived relatively unscathed. The only downside might be a few parents getting 'earache' from kids who now want a Pleo of their own!

Good luck to 'em, I say!

degers · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2010, 09:39:57 AM »

Quote from: Crewella on April 25, 2010, 05:49:49 AM

Good luck to 'em, I say!

Hear hear, the more the merrier

Bumblebee · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2010, 04:32:26 PM »

Lol thanks guys,
Yes, the one that asked about the water and what kind of dino Juno was really surprised me. That was Ella.

Isn't she cute?
I caught that, RWM. It was pretty quiet at first and I didn't have a big group (7 I think? That's very few compared to some nights!) but suddenly everyone started coming and then it got REALLY busy!

You couldn't see my hand but I kind of 'shooed' the bopping away. XD
Triton has a sweater. Maybe I'll take him next time

My voice sounds so deep.

When I was watching it in the car I was like "What the heck?"
Glad you enjoyed it!

fancyfont · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2010, 04:55:03 PM »

Bumblebee, I bet these little girls can hardly wait until next week to see if you bring a baby dino again? Juno responded so nice with all of the hands petting him. When in a group like this, it is very difficult to hear our pleos. I have noticed that. Did you have a chance to show the kids some of the things that Juno can do? Using your pleos could be a great way to get everyone's attention in this class. If the kids didn't get to hear Juno, perhaps next time using a sd card with a skit would be something they could just sit and watch. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Bumblebee · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:02:52 PM »

No problem

I did get her to sing once, she was rather stubborn to do that though. XD She was pretty nice.

That is a good idea, I have Pleosaurus Rex on a card, maybe I can take two and use that on one of them?

Forgot to mention this: That was the longest life I've ever gotten out of the battery I used! So much stimulation kept it going I guess? Dunno.

OzPleo · « **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:07:53 PM »

That's really great.

I'll be taking my Pleo out and about when he arrives too

shadowmice · « **Reply #17 on:** April 25, 2010, 05:55:37 PM »

Great stuff Bumblebee. Looks like everyone had a great time. It's very hard to keep track of so many all at once.

Watergazer · « **Reply #18 on:** April 25, 2010, 10:30:36 PM »

Even the very young children ask how much it is...what has society come to!! Everything is all about money!

RedwoodsMama · « **Reply #19 on:** April 26, 2010, 05:14:20 PM »

Watergazer you are right, everyone is preoccupied with money in this society, the western society in general, As for the children I can't blame them though, I think most children learn from their parents at a very early age that things cost money and the value of money. Children are taught( in general) that by doing chores, doing their homework, etc, they are rewarded by money. Parents often even bribe their children by telling them," if you are good, I will give you ..........money, candy, etc, you fill in the blanks) As a teacher I saw the effect it had on children even as young as 2 1/2 years old, Parents would tell their child, you can watch (........blank blank t.v. show) or I will rent or buy you that video if you don't cry when I leave today, ( example you get the idea)
Rather then give the child other options such as telling them,or giving them praise, ' I like the way you didn't fight over your toys in sharing with your brother', etc, just examples we teachers would use or sometimes see. ) It is better to give praise and positive reinforcement to young children rather then reward them with material things constantly. [ I am not sayng you should NEVER GIVE A CHILD A MATERAIL ITEM AS A SPECIAL REWARD OR TREAT, such as when a child has worked hard in school and gotten a good grade on a test or report card, that is different and special and worth working for.

) But if children are allways given material goods for behavior then they are going to use it for blackmail at some point when they know how to get what they want.
* I apologize for getting a little off target. But what I mean as far as money goes, take allowances. most children at some point when they are old enough to understand the concept of what money is , and how it is used to purchase everything in society. then they start working for it. Also as a child, I earned a dollar a week to " work for " the items I wanted. ( Bryer Model horses or perhaps going to the show, when it cost $0.49 for a double feature and a cartoon!) Do I think most of these children were only interested in the cost of a Pleo because they want one and are wanting to be able to tell how much it cost to their parents. ( Christmas , birthdays, etc.) I also think a lot of children at this age, have no idea in the difference between a hundred dollars and something that cost $10.00. ) What was nice about this video though and the experiences these children had with Juno and Bumble, is that I think it was
ALL POSITIVE

I DID NOT HEAR A SINGLE CHILD OR PARENT OR ADULT MAKE A NEGATIVE OR DEFLMATORY COMMENT ABOUT PLEO BEING AN EXPENSIVE OR OBSOLETE TOY OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES.! I think these children were thrilled and even the parents were impressed with what Pleos could do.
I just think it depends on the people you meet. Some people are just negative about everything or anything that is new and something they don['t know about. It would be nice if people didn't ask about how much everything costs, but to tell you the truth, after I first saw Pleo on ebay and was buying her for my grandson for Christmas., that was one of the concerns I had as I am " on very limited income ( SSI and Social Security because of my back) so EVERYTHING I buy is about what it cost. Luckily for me, if I would have to bid on a brand new Pleo, I am sure I could not have gotten her, as they
were way out of my cost range, and the only reason I could even afford her in the first place is because she was " used", and I have been selling on ebay for years to supplement my income so I can buy gifts for my children, friends, etc. If I had a regular paycheck like I used to, then perhaps I wouldn't;t have to shop at the Thrift stores so much either, but let me tell you, some of the nicest people I have met were the people and volunteers who work at the local thrift stores here in town, and they all love Nova and look forward to her visits.

RedwoodsMama and MS. Nova

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Author Topic: One Pleo is Going out in Public Tomorrow..... (Read 4142 times)