Elle Marie shows off her Princess Mama in class

I never had problems talking in front of a big crowd. My job requires me to present in front of different groups from business support organizations, national government agencies, and non-government organizations. I also got a chance to teach freshmen in my Alma Mater, De La Salle University. But, last July 28, 2010 was different. I had to present in front of my daughter, Elle Marie’s class.

Part of Elle Marie’s “Show me your Mama” activity in school was to bring Mama in class to showcase her talent or hobby. Being a self confessed stage mother, I got very excited at first with the thought of going to Elle Marie’s class and doing something for her. Later, I got confused because I don’t know what talent or hobby I have that is worth showing the class and that will make Elle proud of me. I thought of reading a poem, storytelling, or painting. Dancing and singing of course never made it to the list. I ended up doing storytelling specifically, Sleeping Beauty since it is Elle Marie’s favorite story.

Aside from reading Sleeping Beauty for Elle Marie almost every night since I bought her Sleeping Beauty book, my only experience in storytelling was ten years ago when I was still a volunteer in Tuloy sa Don Bosco. After office, I would go to Tuloy and read story or tutor street children. It happened for almost one year and I got good feedback about my storytelling.
Up to the last minute my palms were sweating and I was very nervous. When teacher Thea asked me to sit in front of the class to start, it took me seconds to compose myself and start. At first I was very conscious I couldn’t look at Elle’s direction fearing that she has a disapproving or disappointed look. But when I finally got the courage to look at her, I noticed that she has a confused look. It is like she is confused why I reading her favorite book in front of her class. So, I smiled at her.

It was like subjecting myself to thesis defense all over again. The kids would not stop making side comments “I also have that book”, “we will watch that soon”; one even tried telling me the story ending!; and once in awhile throws very difficult questions like “what kind of bird is that black bird?” I answered crow (since it is the only black bird I know), somebody said mockingbird (imagine, when I was 3 years old I didn’t know what mockingbird is!) Funny, it turned out that the black bird in the book is a raven?!

In the middle of the storytelling, teacher Thea asked Elle to sit beside me as I read the book. I made her hold the book and turn the pages. Once in a while, Elle Marie would make follow up remarks and point to the characters everytime I mention their names. At this point, I know Elle Marie is really having a great time and all the nervously I initially had faded away…

Challenging as if may be but it is always a welcome thought for me to do something for my daughter. I hope she remembers every moment of it and know in her heart that I am doing everything just for her. I thank the management of Early Achievers Learning Center for a successful Show me your Mama and Papa weeks. It was fun and informative for the kids. But it was a fulfilling experience for the parents.