Teaching Kids to Sing and Dance During the Visit Aug 22!
By St. Paul's Cathedral parishioner Monique Caron: In August a small group visited Dorcas House in Tijuana. After serving lunch, we all went out to the covered patio where I began teaching the kids folk dances which included Children's Polka, The Danish dance of Greeting, The Shoemaker's Dance, La Raspa and La Jesusita. Other members of our group paired up with the children to help them learn the steps. After learning the dances and not knowing the names, they began requesting them by the track number on the CD player or by showing me a few steps. They never tired of these dances and kept asking to do them over and over again.
Eventually we convinced them to take a break (because yours truly was exhausted.) Silvia started them off singing songs they already knew. Then I began teaching them new songs in Spanish as well as "Alouette" in French. They were very attentive and listened very carefully before repeating the words of the songs. After singing for awhile, some of the girls entertained us with some dancing of their own. Finally, they asked to do some of the folk dances they had just learned one more time before we had to leave.
Although I have been a teacher for 32 years working at both the elementary and secondary level, this was by far one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The Dorcas House kids are eager and enthusiastic learners. They make you want to keep dancing until you drop! If you know any children's games, crafts or other activities, I want to encourage you to share your skills and talents with the Dorcas House children. Not only will they appreciate it, but you will be richly rewarded.
