Wild Swan with Anansi Stories & Anansi Stories with Folurin's Dad

 On Friday, Kindergartners traveled to the Wild Swan Theatre production of "Under the African Skies."  We saw three tales performed, learned traditional African dances, and listened to authentic African music played on drums and an instrument very similar to a xylophone.

One of the stories in particular was called, "The Talking Vegetables."  Kindergartners were delighted to see a trickster tale that was similar to the "Anansi" stories  read during our "Author Study" unit.

We were even more excited to meet some of the cast of characters from the plays upon our departure.  Some children even remembered cast members from past summer camp experiences at Wild Swan.

 The Kindergartner's feast of tales became even more appetizing when Folu's daddy Ore stopped by to share one of his family's traditions.  He spoke of hearing bedtime stories as a child told by his mother.  These tales, Ore explained, were stories about animals who talked!  He began spinning a yarn about one entitled, "The Spider, The Tiger, and the Firefly".  When Ore mentioned that the spider's name was called (who else), Anansi, the children all squealed with delight!  They recognized Anansi as if he were an old classmate.  The Kindergartners interjected comments about how "Anansi did mischief", and how "fireflies fire up lights" and have "little soft lamps inside".  

We then settled ourselves back in and heard the rest of the adventure.  Folu even had a major speaking part!  Applause  and requests for more and more tales followed.    Folu's Dad promised to come back soon with more of his childhood memories.