Creating Community Through Noah’s Ark
In October 2010, each class at the PLN – Gratts Primary Center visited the Noah's Ark Exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center as an extension to a school-wide discussion about individual strengths and building community. Students explored, climbed, observed, and discussed how so many different animals could co-exist on the ark. The Skirball staff led students in a discussion of how they could each contribute to "Building a Better World." Upon their return to school, students spent several days working with their classroom teachers and Art Coordinator, Ingrid Herrador, to create masks representing an animal each felt embodied a personal strength. These masks were on display for parents and the community to see at the school’s Parade of Masks. Providing the beat for the parade was a community drum circle made up of parent and student representatives from each of the 16 classrooms and led by Norman Jones of Rhythm Child. The inclusion of a drum circle was also purposefully connected to the percussion jam students experienced at the Skirball. Finally, in December 2010 under the direction of Ms. Herrador, the students created a collaborative art installation demonstrating their understanding of how the school is coming together as a community.
Click here to learn more about our PLN – Gratts Primary Center .
Keeping it Real: Para Los Niños Partners with the Real Medicine Foundation
When a child is exposed to domestic violence, substance abuse or child abuse, teachers and childcare workers are on the front lines. If these caring adults are well-trained in recognizing the signs of trauma, they can ensure that children receive the assistance they need. If no one realizes a child needs help overcoming trauma, the child is at high risk of developing serious psychological and medical problems as an adult.
Para Los Niños continually looks for creative ways to advance our mission to help children succeed. To enable our staff to better identify signs of trauma, Para Los Niños began collaborating with the Real Medicine Foundation in 2006.
The Real Medicine Foundation is a humanitarian organization that provides holistic support to people living in poverty-stricken areas, as well as areas that have endured war or a disaster. They believe that “real” medicine treats the whole person: physically, emotionally, economically and socially. The Real Medicine Foundation assessed our programs, teachers, curriculum and our clients in order to design a relevant, sustainable training program for staff. The first trainings were held for staff in our Child Development Centers and Para Los Niños Charter School, who care for our youngest, most vulnerable children. Over two days, staff members worked with trainers from the Real Medicine Foundation Psycho-trauma team to learn key principals and techniques.
These trainings will better equip Para Los Niños’ teachers and caregivers to recognize, identify and assess the impacts of traumatic childhood events on our children. As a result, they will be able to arrange timely and effective prevention and intervention for children. Due to our partnership with the Real Medicine Foundation, children will grow up healthier and safer at home and school, without the risk of long-term negative consequences.
Music Soothes Teen Souls
Youth Center students are giving some old - and new - fashioned rock and roll to Para Los Niños! Thanks in part to a grant received by the Pasadena Showcase House in 2004, students have learned the backbone of music – its rhythm – through individual and group lessons. Instruction featured an introduction to percussion, bass, and guitar and a drum circle. The NBC Universal Foundation recently donated an upright piano to the Youth Center. Once used at the NBC Studios on productions, rehearsal halls and set dressing, the piano is now a welcome addition to the music program. Inspired by the instruction they received at the Youth Center, students decided to form a rock band last year. To quote the catchy INXS tune, the Youth Center band, Blitzkrieg, is, quite simply, “a new sensation.” Comprised of boys and girls, the band features a lead singer, drummers, and guitarists. Using the Youth Center computer lab, resourceful band members have downloaded sheet music for classic and modern rock; one of their favorite bands is Nirvana. The band has performed at student events and several Para Los Niños celebrations.
Click here to learn more about the Youth Center and other After-school Programs.
Not Just Child’s Play
Did you know that one of the best ways for children to learn is through play? Playing with wooden blocks, for example, is not only fun, but also one of the most valuable learning tools in our Child Development Center classrooms. Building with blocks helps children learn about sizes and shapes, spatial relationships, math concepts, and problem solving. Children learn about weight and size when they lift, shove, stack, and move blocks. Additionally, when playing with blocks, children make decisions about how to build a structure or solve a construction problem. So, if you want a great learning experience for a child, the professionals say let the games begin!
Click here to learn more about our Child Development Program.
Fast Facts
In 2007, over 583,000 people in Los Angeles County lived in extreme poverty
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87% of children of immigrant families in Los Angeles County are U.S. citizens
