Puppets Play at Finca La Maya

The students got a big treat at Finca la Maya’s free English classes on Saturday when Janice Pinney came all the way from Alto de Maria with her big colorful cast of characters to help teach by PLAYING…with big furry funny puppets! The volunteer teachers split the students into small groups, then each group invented a short skit to perform for the other students ~ all in English. The beautifully crafted puppets provided a fun and creative way for students to use their most recent new vocabulary words. Classes at La Maya have been full, even in this rainy season. Though Janice provided twenty-six puppets, students had to share their cute furry friends to do their skits.

The performances were interesting: some puppets went to the beach for the day, another group explained which kind of animal they are and what they like to eat. There was a big ferocious lion, a magical unicorn with blue eyes, and a greedy cookie monster in the group.

There was also lots of laughing ~ with kids, adults and puppets all playing and dancing with each other. A fun time was had by all and it was a sad moment when the puppet mistress Janice had to pack them away at the end of the morning classes.

A big THANK YOU for this unforgettable day goes to Janice, and to the generous volunteer teachers who help make this special day happen: Barb Williams, Patti and Bob Fitzgerald, Caroline Hinkle, Alex Martinez, Lloel Munoz…oh, and Starr and Steve at La Maya too.

A special note: the next big event at Finca la Maya is coming up SOON, and more volunteers are needed. It’s the most exciting event of the year for students and only a few hours of time is needed from our helpers: we need bakers and volunteers for our famous and ever-popular Gingerbread Cookie Day, to be held on 10 December from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Please note that this activity is for our regular English students ONLY and not open to the public in general.

If you’d like to join in the fun, it’s simple: if you have a couple hours on Saturday mornings to share with students at La Maya, you qualify! Fun is promised, no Spanish necessary! Just contact Starr at info@fincalamaya.com or call 240-8281…or best: just show up!

Watch for details for Finca La Maya’s big Valentine’s Day party in February!