Thursday, July 30, 2009

Second week of "Lucie" went even better than the first. Several new families signed up, and the regulars from last week were back. After telling Magic Dogs of the Volcanoes, a well-known Hispanic folk tale, we had the children act out The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, told from the wolf's point of view (of course, he's innocent!!!) Excellent discussion of the week's theme "Fairness", as we discussed how important it is to hear both sides of a story before judging someone or something. From there, it fit right in to discuss the implications this has for freedom. The U.S.A's court system allows someone to defend him or herself and present their side of the story. Deep stuff for elementary age kids, but something they can understand in a children's story context. The music was fun, once again. Even adults played percussion, and everyone sang along, trying both the English and Spanish verses. Prizes, gifts, and snacks followed.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hispanic Family Reading Program

Last week we began a 7 week story program called "Luciernagas" (Butterflies.) We had 13 children and 14 adults who enjoyed stories and songs in English and Spanish. This is one of my favorite Ms. Humanities Council programs; it shows parents the importance (and fun) of reading, helps both adults and children learn English, and encourages parents to maintain their own cultural identity and customs while learning new ones. I've posted a few pictures and will include more as the program goes on.

Ballyhoo at the Ballroom

The Whole Schools Initiative and the Ms. Arts Commission held an event in Oxford to allow all of us on the Artist Roster to meet with over 300 educators from throughout the state. The hang drums, made from propane and helium tanks, were the big hit at my table. The other homemade percussion instruments were all sampled, and, of course, I had my styrofoam guitar on hand, too. I love showing people how much fun storytelling, music, and making your own simple instruments can be!