Winter Reading Program promotion in schools

Puppet Show at Oman Elementary School
December 17, 2008
Three classes of grade 1 and 2 students at Oman Elementary School were entertained by visitors from the Swift Current Library on Wednesday, Dec. 17. A very well behaved and attentive audience, they listened to three seasonal poems read by Margaret Lottridge. The two nonsense poems, Exploding Gravy and Snowflake Souffle, brought some giggles from the group and Robert Frost’s classic Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening was one child’s favourite – “I like that one best”.
Manisha Khetarpul then introduced Tekeyla Friday who has extensive training in theatre arts and is also a prolific writer of puppet scripts. Tekeyla began her program with a fingerplay, Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle, which was recently taught at a storytelling workshop by Kevin Mackenzie at the library. It was action-filled drama as the children followed along miming Tekeyla’s thumb and hand moves as fast as they could. Mr. Wiggle’s bump off the toboggan and Mr. Waggle’s run in with a tree were the best part. They loved it.
The puppet show, Mr Johnny-cake followed with Manisha and Tekeyla as puppeteers. Sitting in the back row of Oman’s library I could hear the dialogue very clearly and took note of the good arm positions of both puppeteers throughout. The action of the story was most entertaining as well as the voice and pitch changes. Manisha and Tekeyla enjoyed their puppets as much as the children and it was reflected in their showmanship. The play, Santa has a Cold, had some minor script changes since the last time it was performed at the REM Christmas party. Each time it is performed the story gets better. Once again the audience became engaged in the plot-telling Santa repeatedly that medicine will help him to get better. Mrs. Claus took his tips to heart and added her own advice-chicken soup.
It was a delightful morning that was well received by teachers and students at Oman.
A handout was given to all the students inviting them to the Swift Current Library for the January Reading Workshop co-ordinated by Tekeyla Friday.
P.S. I saw on Oman student on a school bus this morning showing another student a fingerplay.

Weaver
Margaret Lottridge