An Introduction to RSF

Something interesting happened at Robertson House this week. Each mom who attended class was brand new! I did not see any familiar faces. Most of the staff were attending a meeting, so I was on my own by way of making introductions and explaining the details of the program. I realized that I was going to have to offer lots of encouragement and direction throughout the class due to the shy personalities on hand, and so as I handed out lyric sheets I made sure everyone understood what was expected of them. The majority seemed excited, while a few took some time to come around.

We started with the basics which included Roly Poly, I Wake Up My Hands, If You're Happy And You Know It, The Wheels On The Bus, Little Red Wagon, Old MacDonald, Six Little Ducks, Little Green Frog and Ants Go Marching. We were able to try Rolling The Ball which was met with some success and I made sure to reiterate to the grownups from time to time that singing along was the most important thing to do, even if they felt like they didn't know the words or melody.

For the instrument of the week I was glad I had decided to bring along the Cabasa, which is a very easy instrument to play for someone with little to no experience. It is a percussion instrument that is constructed with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow, wooden handle. It provides a metallic, rattling sound when shaken or twisted, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake. I showed the grownups how to hold their child's hand against the bottom of the cylinder and twist the handle round and round to make a ch, ch, ch, ch sound. We then sang Clean-O, scrubbing all the different parts of the body.

For the jam I sensed the need to lighten things up a little more and taught them the actions and corresponding rhythms to one of my favourite jam songs, Hot! Hot! Hot! I saw lots of smiles, and even some dancing, so it was successful in bringing the group a little closer together. We finished with the parachute, shaking it out to my new favourite recording of Soul Man performed by Sam & Dave.

I am hopeful that some, if not all, of the moms return with their children next week, as I did sense a good time was had by all!