Circus dreams

Chloe Brewer had a look of concentration on her face.
The second grader at Nativity of Mary Catholic School in Independence wanted to make sure that when she balanced the peacock feather on her hand, that it did not fall.
The result was a balanced feather and a look of amazement from the 7-year-old.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Chloe said. “I think it is fun because there are so many places that you can balance a feather. Then you have to make sure it doesn’t fall.”
Circus of the Kids, a nationally known circus group, visited students at Nativity of Mary Catholic School Thursday. Students prekindergarten through the eighth grade were given the opportunity to practice juggling and balancing skills in a circus workshop, followed by a performance from the Circus of the Kids performers later in the afternoon.
Bruce Pfeffer, ringmaster of Circus of the Kids, said the group visits more than 100 schools each year throughout the United States. Since 1982, the group has introduced basic circus skills, such as juggling, as well as character building and exercise in the school setting. The goal, he said, is to educate and to teach children that they can be successful.
In addition to the one-day workshops, Circus of the Kids offers a two- to four-week residency program, teaching children circus routines through the physical education curriculum as well as programs for camps, resorts and recreation departments.
“Studies show that the juggling skills we teach help kids with reading and hand-eye coordination and even stimulates the brain for better concentration,” he said. “Schools tell me that this is one of the best things that they have brought into their school. The kids learn new skills and vocabulary and have a great time. This opportunity is just plain fun.”
Kim Felz, physical education teacher at Nativity of Mary, said she learned of Circus of the Kids through information that was sent to the school. She said it seemed like an activity that could involve the whole school and give students the chance to learn something new.
“This really fits into what we always talk about – educating kids in different ways,” she said. “I thought it was great to see all of our kids out there and enjoying their successes. Simply throwing a scarf into the air and catching it gave them such a sense of accomplishment. That was great to see.”
Felz said Nativity of Mary makes an attempt to bring in unique and different programs to teach lessons. From archery to taking a class fishing, she said, it is important to present children with a range of opportunities because not all children learn in the same way.
“This is opening up a whole new world for our kids,” she said. “It is a great opportunity to be exposed to different things, and it even gives them their own circus for a day.”
Joellie Allwin, a first grader, said it was exciting to be able to learn new tricks like juggling scarves.
“I think the peacock feather was the hardest because you have to balance it,” she said. “Balancing a feather on your foot was the hardest, but it was a lot of fun too.”
For more information on Circus of the Kids, visit the Web site at www.circusofthekids.com or call toll free at 866-CIRCUS-5.