Let's Play!

 
You might think you are familiar with the four seasons. (Spring, summer, fall and winter.) At Folklore Village we add a few more to the traditional list. We are currently in School Program Season. It's a fun time for all of us as we hear the giggles and “ah ha” moments of the kids. Our Folklife~Your Life programs for schools are enriching days filled with traditional music, games, making felt out of wool and dancing. I am privileged to be the Games Teacher. (Yes, I get to come to work and play games!) This lively session is held in our Wakefield Schoolhouse which was built in 1893. As I walk with the kids (ages range from 1-5th grade) down the path to the quaint white building I am always energized by their questions, humor and stories. I love hearing the amazed “ooos” come out of their mouths when the walk into the school. The session begins by talking a bit about life as a student in a one room a hundred years ago - complete with discussions about the outhouse and me dipping a girl's hair into invisible ink in the old school desk. After a lot of “wow” moments and more questions I grab a Folklore Village magic broom (which I'm still trying to get to fly) and teach Stir the Mush. Once they catch on to the trick of the game we move on to many others, including Wink-um, Scream, Foosball, The Donkey and the Fiddler, and Swedish Elbow Tag. I might even throw in a round of good old fashioned “telephone” if we have time. Oh what I would give share the pure delight on kids faces during these programs with you. I wish you could hear the laughter or see their eyes light up (and hands flail in the air) when they figure out one of the “trick” games. (It's just as wonderful and entertaining seeing a parent or teacher's eyes light up when they figure it out!)
 
I think the most amazing thing about our school programs is the lasting effect they have on the children. How do I know? By the numerous times I have children come up to me in the grocery store, at the library or just in a parking lot and say “You're from Folklore Village!” Just this week while I was attending church a little girl walked shyly up to me and proclaimed “You're from Folklore Village!” I asked her what I taught her and she proclaimed in a rather excited voice, “How to make soup!” (Note: this is actually Stir the Mush, but it's close enough for me!). She then proceeded to tell me that she taught the game to her sister. Those words are gold to us here.
 
Everything we do at Folklore Village is about passing things on. Our traditions, our stories, crafts, dances, jokes, food, memories, and more. When we introduce the importance of passing things on to a child, and they not only understand it, but DO it, it's a good day. It makes us smile.
 
Ooh – a school bus is just pulling in. Time to go play!