Cinema Friday

For those of you who have been blog followers for years you have seen me write about Movie Night at the Toddler House before.  Movie Night is an event that happens every Friday night at the GLA Toddler House.  It is a reward available to the oldest 15 children who live here, earned by good behavior throughout the week.  Its a big deal, not just the movie, but the snacks, and the freedom to stay up “late”… something that is very much looked forward to not only by the kids who have earned it each week, but by those who are getting old enough that soon the privilege will be made open to them as well.   

When Dixie came back from the States on Wednesday she brought with her a projector for the Toddler House, something Joyce has been eyeing for awhile desiring to use more visual media in school with the kids.  Before she set it up in the classroom though she decided to give it a test run…

SOOOOO this afternoon we popped and popped and popped popcorn, bagging it individually, just like the theatre.   We set up ALL the chairs, and many of the benches outside in the yard.  We positioned the projector, plugged in our speakers, attached a couple boards to a flat sheet and hung it from the balcony, and prepared for a debut event.  The Toddler House Cinema.  The kids bathed early and were lined up on their balcony in pj’s ready to head down and take their seats the moment they were beckoned, they gave encouragement and cheers as Joyce struggled to get the DVD she had selected to play, and then finally it was time.  Big ones carried the little ones, and all took their seats, the screen went form blue to previews and the sound boomed on.  Heads tilted and eyes glued to the screen “Alvin and the Chipmucks” came on and they bounced in their seats with excitement.  The volunteers quickly passed out bags of popcorn to each child as the nannies came out and filled the back row to join in the fun.  The youngest boys stayed on their balcony for an aeriel view and to make it easier to slip them into  their bunks when their eyes got to heavy.  As we sat below we could hear them cheering and chopping on their popcorn the light from the screen reflecting off them and illuminating the joy on their faces.  As the songs begin row 1 be-bopped in their seats, row 2 started, row 3 joined in, and before long every body was scooching back and forth to the songs.  

By this point, one hour past their usual bedtime we figured some of the littlest ones would be ready for sleep, but we were wrong, they are dancing to the music in the “mosh pit” front and center just under the screen. Everyone is enjoying this special time, and the chance to ALL enjoy a movie together this Friday night. 

photo credit: Emelyne Martin

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