"Arrow to the Sun"

A Great Idea—Saturday Enrichments in the Arts (S.E.A.) Becomes a Reality

Well—it has happened again; another bright idea has become a reality at SML Good Neighbors. We have been talking for many months about having out-of-school programs for our Good Neighbors kids during the school year as well as in the summer. Many of our ideas have focused on the arts, and on January 11, 2014 the first S.E.A. program was launched in partnership with the Roanoke Children’s Theatre. We have been partnering with RCT since 2009 so a theater program as our first S.E.A. was a natural.

The program that began on the 11^th was the idea of Pat Wilhelms, Artistic Director of the RCT, who said one day during the summer; “it would be great to have a theater program for the Good Neighbors kids during the school year.” So, here it is—a great idea that became a reality; thanks Pat!!!

Following a shared lunch, the kids were led through a series of warm- up exercises to loosen up their muscles, voices and inhibitions. It didn’t take long before the shyness melted away and everyone was having a great time. Benjamin began the day very quiet and reserved, but as caught in this photo—he got over it!

Pat and Caroline taught the kids to do mime and use it to help tell the story, Arrow to the Sun. This folktale from the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico tells the story of a mysterious boy’s search for his father. As the story unfolds, “The Lord of the Sun sent a spark of life to earth, and it became the Boy. When he grew older, he sought his father—until finally, Arrowmaker made an arrow of Boy and sent him to the Sun.” Using, mime, drumming, and dialogue, the kids—with Pat’s guidance—made this story in to a dramatic presentation. I was impressed and surprised at how quickly our kids connected with this theater activity. And, I felt a special connection to this folktale having spent time at the Acoma Pueblo. It is a very special place.

Did our first S.E.A. program live up to our expectations? ABSOLUTELY. The kids worked together (team-building), they learned about another culture, they used listening and verbal skills, and practiced story telling through metaphor and imagination. What a fun way to experience education! What does Pat have in store for the next seven (7) classes? I love surprises; so do our kids.