April 2015 Setting it Up
But Javier turned to interpret. "He wants you to come 3 days and work with all 5 of the younger classes." I tried not to gulp too obviously, but Javier caught my drift and laughed. "It will be a challenge. You can do it." Day 1 I witnessed a hint of a smile as he shook his head to my answer. Then he disappeared and left me with my "support team" Javier & Don. At least the teachers were expecting me. I just needed Javier to explain to each teacher that I needed some space on the floor for my quilt. I felt sure I could take it from there. First Group Yea, there was a teacher, but she didn't look too thrilled to have us interrupt. I introduced myself and then Javier explained I needed floor space. In moments the room was a frantic mess, with 22 heavy metal desks screeching across the floor. I gestured to the kids to sit in their chairs, then rewarded the quiet ones by escorting them one by one to a spot on the quilt's blue border. "La Manta especial!" I finally exclaimed as all were seated. Special blanket would have to do, since I had no word for quilt. Then I pointed to a heart and asked "Como se dice?" Quilt Song The kids chanted back "corazon!" I told them the word in English and began patting my knees and singing in English, ''Do you see a heart on the quilt-oh, quilt-oh..." It was a rowdy little bunch of 22 and I knew better than to waste time explaining... even if I could have. The kids taught me a lot of words with the Quilt Song. 2 Helpful Words More Classrooms After the first class Javier thought I'd be fine on my own, but I insisted he was wrong. I was okay once on the quilt, but the transitions with each class were a bit insane. We found the next classroom door locked, so I once again changed up the visiting order. The teachers, all in traditional dress seemed confused by my visit. I couldn't explain why I wanted to throw a quilt on their floor or what I was doing when I held the quilted bag up to my ear and made snoring sounds. Only later when I peeked at Don's photos did I notice a teacher taking pictures... or smiling when I asked the kids to sing, "Wake Up!" to my sleeping amigo in the bag. Senor Pickle I usually reserve my puppet for preschoolers, but I needed him desperately. After all the kids had a turn to sing into the bag, Senor Pickle woke up and he appeared to be a bit terrified of the kids, who all seemed anxious to grab him. The puppet whispered in my ear, then broke the news to the kids. "No hablo espanol." I shrugged and shook my head. Senor Pickle would not be able to help me. Names The kids who had seemed embarrassed to talk to me, were much more eager to tell Senor Pickles their name. It gave me a chance to come face to face with each child. I'm no fancy ventriloquist, but it still amazes me that there were only a few who addressed ME with answers. It was pretty much between the kids and the puppet. A Colorful Group Clothing Affects Behavior? It seemed like this group was so much more attentive. Maybe the clothing had a calming effect? It turns out the class was dressed up for some kind of performance, so maybe they were nervously quiet about their upcoming show. A Visiting Dad? While the teacher sat back in her chair, not interfering, this Dad got on the floor and joined in. It made me wonder about parent participation in schools. Parents and Snack Time!
Learning From Mistakes As the morning progressed I had begun to learn what worked and what I should avoid. Do Not let kids help fold up the quilt. That's fun with kids you can guide verbally, but it's too easy to get a mountain of kids in the middle. And it's hard to achieve order once I've lost control! I also learned that the kids love it when I make a mistake. So Senor Pickles and I made quite a few. Magda's Class Magda had already been acquainted with Senor Pickle from the house, so I was surprised when she responded with genuine enthusiasm. She is not a bit shy, so she could have demanded to be first or she could have yawned with the repetition. But Magda at age 4 was the perfect role model! Throw and Catch Thinking Ahead Day 2
Greeting Kids Before 8:30, the common area of the school was echoing with kids flying in every direction. I was suddenly bombarded with hugs and giggles from kids who remembered me. Minutes later, it wasn't much quieter when I gathered with my first class on the platform stage in the corner of that room. We had no choice since the group I met with couldn't use their flooded classroom because of a storm the night before. Noise from all classrooms spilled out of open doors into the common area. Even children spilled out of classrooms now and then. A group raced through in gym uniforms and another small group gathered by the wall to do embroidery. I don't think I taught the kids on the stage much, with all the distraction. Beanie Babies Help Out
It was time to say "Adios, Puppy Dog!" I hid the dog and clapped my hand over my mouth to show them we weren't allowed to sing (only hum) the word puppy dog, anymore. It got silly as we omitted different animals and suddenly we were only humming and gesturing the whole song. Miraculously, all 5 groups caught on! Mardi Gras Beads Scarves and Music ![]() Just as I pulled out the I-Pod with New Orleans Dixieland Jazz, the teacher apologized and had to take the boys to gym class. I was left with a group of eager girls, ready to dance with scarves. Not a problem! End of Day 2 creative energy works overtime to communicate with the face and body and gestures. The kids had responded with such enthusiasm, I felt rewarded, but I couldn't read the teachers and none spoke English.
As I was writing down the words of the song, another teacher came in and wanted the words to the Quilt Song. Then another teacher asked me to sing it so she could film it on her cell phone. And as I was leaving the school, two more teachers approached and each took a turn shaking my hand. All I could understand was the word gracias, but there was such warmth in the tone and sincerity in the eyes. I did the same thing back. I thanked them in English, (patting my heart) for sharing their classrooms with me. I hoped they could understand from my eyes what my words said, "Thanks for trusting me with your children... so grateful for the experience..." What Did I Learn? Too much. My brain is still baffled 10 days later. But mostly I learned that there is a way to share and enjoy one another without verbal skills. I'd like to think I could do the same thing with kids in France or Japan or Brazil. But could I do it without the Quilt? I'm not sure!
2 Comments
5/28/2015 03:44:06 am
OMG! I love this and what you did. Kudos for you doing it without knowing the language. Magda is sooooo cute btw. I love her name.
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Beth
6/1/2015 07:00:24 am
Thanks, Kristi! She was a little cutie. Looking forward to hearing about your latest travel adventures, soon!
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The QuiltFor 20+ years children have called it the Magic Quilt. They've danced and pretended all over these colorful squares. I've dragged it to schools, shelters and studios where children have climbed on top to hear Magic Quilt Stories and to act them out. Archives
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