HUNDREDS of dirty dogs boogying (below) were everywhere in one school, in many different colors, in dozens of designs I think there were a handful of cats as well.
I’ve noticed that a lot of teachers write out the poems on large sheets of paper so that all the kids can recite them together. I wish I could be there every time.
THE PROGRAM COVER BELOW is from a Dirty Dog Boogie musical put on by St. Mary’s Choir School in London, Ontario. It was directed and produced by teachers Dympna Cybulski and Kathy Fraumeni. The poems were all put to music in the most interesting and original ways imaginable. Andrew Petrasiunas composed the music, and Christine Petrasiunas directed it, accompanied by Rebecca Lubos.
Hearing my poems performed, with the kids singing and dancing like stars on Broadway, was one of the best moments of my life, I can tell you that. I was impressed beyond words with them. Thanks, St. Mary’s! You were fabulous, darlings, just fabulous.
There’s more about poetry in the classroom after the pictures.
I’m told that Dirty Dog Boogie is used a lot with both adults and children learning English. I think Dirty Dog Boogie is like the dessert after a difficult language lesson. Here is a very good explanation of why poetry works in these classrooms.
“Using Rhythm, Song, and Chant in the EFL Classroom: When second language learners have the opportunity to play with language , at almost any age or level of proficiency, they can receive considerable enjoyment. Using rhythm, song and chants in the EFL[/ESL] classroom reduces tension and anxiety while reinforcing concepts through word/sound play. It has been shown the second language learners benefit when they are provided with a great deal of comprehensible input in a low anxiety environment (Krashen 1982). Rhythm, song, and chants have affective value in the EFL classroom, increasing motivation and helping students determine that they can acquire a second language by being pleasantly exposed to it.”
Eloise S. Cooke, Youngsan Won Buddhist College
And from The Language Beat by Deborah Dunleavy, Pembroke 0-921217-74-9:
“Rhyme is a wonderful discovery for children. They love to anticipate a rhyme. They are amused when an unexpected rhyme occurs. Children like to play with words that sound the same. The chanting of nursery rhymes has made many children appreciate the natural music of language.
“Our hearts beat, our lungs fill with air, our eyes blink, our legs walk and our arms swing. We are filled with the rhythm of life.”
BEST BOOK TO GET
Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox, Harvest Books 0156010763. You’ll like finding out more about what Mem Fox thinks.