Cantando y Jugando  | Elba Llantin-Cruz

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Arts Discipline: Music
Curriculum Connection: Science

Teaching Artist Legacy Statement

As a Latina educator, performer, and songwriter, I promote cultural competency and pride through language learning (Spanish), music, play, and social interaction. My mission includes advocating for transformative social-emotional learning by encouraging educators to use culturally responsive practices that validate and affirm students' racial and cultural identities. This approach nurtures cross-cultural connections and explores the diverse traditions, histories, music, and stories of Puerto Rico.

Component Type Arts Workshop
Grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
First Language Spanish
Other Languages English
Professional Links

https://cantandoyjugando.wixsite.com/elba/testimonials

Facebook@elbacantandoyjugando

Instagram@elbacantando

Twitter@elballantin

Testimonials

"With Elba, it doesn't matter if you are very young, very old, or inbetween (or even 'tween'), you will have a great time at her show. Her enthusiasm is infectious; her props are great fun. Her songs will remind you of your childhood and maybe your homeland. You will feel glad that you came."
- Fair Haven Branch, New Haven Free Public Library, New Haven, CT

"Elba's Cantando y Jugando interactive musical program is the best event I have hosted at my library. Elba was responsive and communicative during the planning process, and she adjusted easily when we had a technical snafu right before the event began. My library is in a heavily Spanish-speaking neighborhood, and children, teens, and adults were so proud and excited to participate in a program that represented their own language and cultures. For the attendees who don't speak Spanish, Elba provided a fabulous immersion experience. She seamlessly incorporates everyone into her performance, old and young alike. I highly recommend having the program in an area where patrons will hear the music and see the activities, rather than an enclosed program room. Several patrons came to the library for their regular business and when they saw and heard Elba's excellent music and voice, they ended up staying for the entire event! I cannot recommend her enough - your community will love her!"
- Fair Haven Branch, New Haven Free Public Library, New Haven, CT

Description

Many of the songs I sing and help students to write relate to animals and their adaptations or growth cycles such as "La Mariposa" or "La Araña" or "La Libélula