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!"