Pilot Project Journal Entry
Sing With Our Kids EVENT
JOURNAL
September 29th- October 20th, November 17th
EVENT TITLE:
“Ring Around The Rosy”
EVENT DESCRIPTION We
did this event about 6 times in the late summer into early
fall. Families with children from babies to age ten or so, and
grandparents, gathered to sing Ring Around the Rosy several
times. Then we got out a parachute and sang Pop Goes the
Weasel with a beach ball in the middle, tossing the ball in
the air as we sang, “pop.” we did this several times. I also
brought scarves for dancing, and finished by setting out a
basket of rhythm instruments as we sang Everybody Loves
Saturday Night.
TARGET GROUP families
with babies and young children (and what turned out to be the
official SWOK dog!).
LOCATION Mercerdale
Park, located on a major but not too busy street, and next to
a play area almost always being used by young children and
families
HOW ADVERTISED SWOK
website, Facebook, SWOK mailing list, Preschool Association
online publication, community online
PREPARATION AND MATERIALS USED
Sing With Our Kids 6-foot banner on PVC stand
Bracelet rings to enable parents holding a child to be
connected to the circle.
Parachute and beach ball
Basket of miscellaneous rhythm instruments.
1/4 sheet of paper with SWOK website and information to hand
out
PROJECT GOALS
To give families the experience of singing together
outdoors, with friends, neighbors, and strangers
EVALUATION
WHAT WORKED
Having the banner to let passersby know what was
happening, and that they were invited to join in
The banner not only invited folks to the event, but gave them
exposure to the project increasing
community awareness.
Holding the event in a highly visible location and next to a
play area guaranteed there would be children!
WHAT DIDN’T WORK OR COULD
BE IMPROVED
There was nothing I would have done differently, except to
have had more of these events.
PERSONAL STORY / IMPACT
One dad said, with tears in his eyes, “This is what I want for
my kids!”
People stayed and visited for at least an hour after the event
each time. About half an hour after the first event, a mom
whose older sons had gone to the adjacent skateboard park
afterward to play, came back and said, “ I just wanted you to
know my boys are over there singing away as they skateboard….
and I’ve never heard them sing before!”
Several parents came up and told me they didn’t know “Pop Goes
the Weasel.” and it made them realize how few children’s songs
they knew.
For me, this event embodied the full intent of the project;
community singing together and making memories
for and with their children. There is something powerful about
holding hands, walking in a circle, and singing with other
people! |