Two Groups and Lots of Stories This week I carted my odd collection of phones and gathered with two groups. My morning gang had me in stitches. These folks know how to take my props and have fun! Play and Work The toy phones made us stop and think about kids using phones. A few could actually remember their first phone call. Alice was confused when she saw her first phone at age 9. She had moved to New York from Puerto Rico, where they had not owned a phone. Today she still has family in Puerto Rico and many are living without phones now, due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Operators Many remembered the day when an operator was needed to put a call through. I loved Bertha's story about being an operator. She said they often had to deal with prank calls or worse. "Men used to make rude calls from phone booths." Bertha explained how they got many of these calls, since calling the operator didn't require a coin. They weren't allowed to hang up on these men, but she cleverly spoke to them in a way that made them want to hang up on her! She demonstrated her technique. "You must be pretty pitiful if you don't have a date tonight!" Phone Booth
The way Betty spoke, I could tell she had worried about this young classmate. But she described where the booth was located and even today seemed to feel better knowing the area was in an active, safe part of town. Afternoon Group "I just want to get the Hell out of here." She snapped. I begged her to just listen to one song with me. I played The Telephone Song by the Andrew Sisters and she suddenly softened and even smiled. Music did the trick for a while, but eventually she moved on from our group... which actually helped a bit.
I wish I had taken a video of Ramona when she made a call. I prompted her a bit and whispered, "Pretend you're calling your mother to tell her you're getting married." I wasn't sure if this was asking for too much. Sometimes Ramona is awfully quiet, with little expression. But she dialed the phone slowly and her face lit up as her voice went up a notch. "Hi Mom... this is Mona! You'll never guess what! You're going to have to get on the big bird and fly out here..." She paused with the skill of a trained actress. "... because guess what? I'm getting marrrrrried!" The whole table just applauded. already organized props and I go in without planning. It's so fun to know that I can do this without wearing myself out anymore. The little surprises and stories will come on their own and I love that!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
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
May 2020
|