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A Performance To Remember December 2010

Performing at Lions Home for the Elders

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by Ms. Yeo Hwee Cheng

Communications Director, Halifax Montessori
ahKongTreats for 'Ah Gong': The children distributed cookies and cupcakes to the residents

This is the second time performing for 'Ah Gongs' and 'Ah Mahs' (Grandfathers and grandmothers) for some Apple and Kindergarten class children. Hence when the teachers briefed the class about the up-coming event, some children were able to share their experience with their friends. Two days before the performance, the children baked... and packed cookies and cupcakes to be presented to the residents at the home. They were excited and looked forward to the visit.

The children were glad to done their performing outfit again. Apple class children from the afternoon session kicked started the performance with the African dance 'Waka Waka'. Hanna who enrolled only after the concert managed to learn the steps and routine with help from her friends and performed, too, which was commendable. The Watermelon girls had to shrink their 2-circles formation in the Chinese dance into 1 due to absentees but they had no issues with that and put up a remarkable performance, comparable to what we saw at the concert. Following the footsteps of the elder children, the adorable 'Little Fire Flies' charmed the residents with their smiles and innocence. None of the children cried and they all seemed to enjoy the company and attention. The Finale was performed by the smart, bow-tied bearing boys and little red 'Annie' from Apple Class with their rendition of 'Tomorrow'.

liDancers"Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur."

-Maria Montessori

The children also enjoyed a 15 minutes performance of Chinese Opera sponsored by the Lions Club of Singapore Ladyhill who also organised this visit. The encounter with the Opera singers was not pleasant for some younger children because of their painted faces, queer (ancient Chinese) outfits and high-pitched singing tones. Hence the Apple and Tangerine class children sat at a distance whereas the Kindergarten and Student Care children sat near the performance area to view the Opera rendition of a classic love story. Some Apple class children who were previously exposed to this type of performance who very keen and requested to watch the performance which was granted and they, too, enjoyed it.

Before we said goodbye to the elderly residents, the Apple and Watermelon children distributed their cookies and cupcakes to the residents and also helped the Lions Club members distribute goodies bag to the residents. Some children had to gather up a lot of courage to approach the elderly but with the teachers' help, they did it. The teachers were reminded an important lesson from this project, that young children are capable of showing compassion and love, as much as their constant need for these affections. The children were obviously very pleased with themselves as they knew they had done something good and important that day. The joy on the residents' faces made everything worthwhile. It was a wonderful and beneficial experience for all parties involved. Thank you parent for allowing your children to be part of this event. We hope your child is showing more concern and love for their grandparents at home after the event.