Visit to Poplar Springs Elementary

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Poplar Springs Elementary. Around 400 students listened to, and participated in, stories and music. An added bonus was that my grand-niece attends school there, and was in the audience, along with her dad and grandparents, who paid a special visit to the school.

Setting the stage

We have a rich heritage of stories from right here in our own country.





Since this session involved telling all Native American stories, I set the stage by playing the cedar flute. My visits to schools include giving teachers ideas for incorporating the stories the children have heard into the curriculum. I now send a teacher packet ahead of my visit, with sample lessons in math, language arts, science, social studies, music, art, etc. These lessons are designed to teach core skills in a way that is fun and motivating for students.

Students in grade 2-3 act out stories

My first performance at Poplar Springs was for the youngest students, grades PreK - 1. The second was for grades 2 and 3. Each group consisted of around 200 students. Although it isn't possible to get all audience members on stage, I always let audience members provide hand motions and sound effects so that every child is included.




Here two students help to tell a story.

Youngest students in the band

Students in grades Pre-K through 1st grade showed they not only like music, but they have a great sense of rhythm. Many of my percussion instruments are homemade, as I want children to see that they can have a wonderful time with music without spending lots of money.





Here students play rattles, drums, gourds, tin can shakers, etc.

Pre-K Through 1st Graders Have Fun, Too!

Even very young children relate to storytelling and music, and are able to act out a story. Poplar Springs youngest students were enthusiastic, helpful, and had great audience manners. Here two children help with the story "Grey Eagle Catches the Sun."

Acting out a story

All my stories and songs are participatory. Children enjoy the story more and remember it better when they can play a part, provide sound effects, or play some of the instruments.






Here a student has some simple lines, and is excited about getting to use the microphone.

The band plays on!

Poplar Springs students become the percussion band for a nice blues rendition of "You Are My Sunshine!"

Summer!

It's summer, and I'm currently booking for the coming school year. I'm looking forward to adding a couple of new schools to my schedule. I'll be at Poplar Springs Elementary in Meridian, MS in October, and Madison Avenue Elementary in Madison, MS in February. We're also in the planning stages for a new 7 week "Luciernagas" program sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council.
Look for new stories, songs, and instruments, including the Native American flute.