Big baskets, little baskets, green baskets, yellow baskets…. The preparation for the origami spring basket began and was first slated to take place in March.
During that time, Dr. E.J. and Ms. Pat made all kinds of sample baskets before postponing the activity until April. The day finally came and Dr. E.J.’s anticipated arrival via Zoom was happening. There she was with her jazz and blues background! Ms. Pat and Ms. Linda were all set to engage the excited children and make all the connections. The first was the connection between April and jazz music. The kids learned that April is jazz appreciation month. They also learned about the origin of jazz in African American communities and the profile of one of U.S.’s most famous jazz singers, Ella Fitzgerald. But what about baskets? That is when the sing-along to the video of Ms. Ella singing, A Tisket, A Tasket, came in! The lyrics were printed out and they read and sang them perfectly. The book, I Am Spring, told all about its characteristics and they then learned about spring celebrations in the U.S., South Korea, India, and China. Dr. E.J. guided them in the making of origami spring baskets as Ms. Pat and Ms. Linda assisted in the room. The children remembered the tune and were heard singing ,A Tisket, A Tasket, as they completed their spring baskets. Their larger origami basket was tucked into their take-home snack bag along with a surprise smaller origami basket from Ms. Pat’s collection. It was great fun!
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