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Over a century ago in autumn, 3- and 4-year-olds at Snell's Pre-Kindergarten School listened to "The Story of the Little Red Leaf". Having a folk tale-like history, it was first told to Snell's children in the early 1900's and then adapted and embellished into its present form by the mother-daughter team, Mary Robinson (Owner/Director 1959-1991) and Donna Johnson (Owner/Director 1991-2012) . Like several other traditions at the school, now entering its 115th year, the story has lingered. It continues to be read as one of the Fall stories that Snell's children listen to each year.
In the story, the Little Red Leaf finds himself alone on a branch after all the other leaves have changed colors and fallen from the branches of the Mother Tree. The lonely leaf longs to join them.
Stella Snell, one of the first teachers at Snell's and the school's original owner, had been inspired by developing educational theories that incorporated music into lessons for young children. Music and movement have been part of Snell's program since then, and over the years also were brought into "The Story of the Little Red Leaf."
In the embellished story, preschoolers mime the parts of the leaf, the tree and other characters.
As part of Snell's 100th anniversary, Donna Johnson, who passed away in 2012, published an illustrated, hardcover edition of the story. The book also includes a CD to incorporate the musical elements of the story.
In the story, the Little Red Leaf finds himself alone on a branch after all the other leaves have changed colors and fallen from the branches of the Mother Tree. The lonely leaf longs to join them.
Stella Snell, one of the first teachers at Snell's and the school's original owner, had been inspired by developing educational theories that incorporated music into lessons for young children. Music and movement have been part of Snell's program since then, and over the years also were brought into "The Story of the Little Red Leaf."
In the embellished story, preschoolers mime the parts of the leaf, the tree and other characters.
As part of Snell's 100th anniversary, Donna Johnson, who passed away in 2012, published an illustrated, hardcover edition of the story. The book also includes a CD to incorporate the musical elements of the story.