A Sunny Thursday at Canto del Sol Nov 5, 2009 by Katie King

It was my first time visiting the little school here in the eastern part of San Jose. As a visitor here at the WWD-F, I am eager to see all the projects that these devoted women spend many hours developing. Entering Canto del Sol, the escuelita for young children based on New Humanistic philosophy, I was struck by the sound of happy kids. The humble space impressively held two classes of students, a kitchen, office, two bathrooms, and an extra room at the back. Throughout the morning, the kids rotated between art projects, outdoor activity, and group lessons. Angie, one of the WWD-F teachers, held a graceful composure as she guided the 5 yr olds through a bilingual exercize on learning opposites. Witnessing the process, I was amazed at how much English the children had absorbed through their instruction; indeed they were eager to tell me the English words they knew and to practice with me!

When it was time for snack or "merinda", we took the small group outside and each child layed out a small blanket or towel where he or she would sit. The well-behaved kids began the dig through their lunchboxes, each appearing with a little item to eat. It made me smile when "Teacher" Angie reminded the children to eat their fruits first - and when one of the little boys said proudly in spanish "Teacher look! I have a banana!" It was refreshing for me to be around kids with their simplicity, energy, and abundant creativity. It seemed that the instructors of Canto del Sol really fostered these qualities and encouraged the kids to be naturally themselves.

It was a pleasant morning and I was impressed with the amount of resourcefulness and joy of the instructors at the school. The kids were clearly learning academically, as well as gaining artistic and social skills. Because the New Humanistic education approach incorporates aspects of meditation and quietness to the children too, I noticed the kids receptivity to stillness and understanding that there is a time for silence. In this busy world, it brings me joy that this little school is radiating with happiness, creavitity, and peace!