Fairfield, CA - On February 14th, students from the Suisun Valley Kindergarten classes lit up the stage at the Annual Suisun Valley Love Concert. This cherished community event, eagerly anticipated each year, drew parents, family members, and district staff who gathered to support the kindergarten students as they showcased their musical talents.
The Suisun Valley Love Concert has become a beloved tradition, offering a heartwarming display of love, gratitude, and enthusiasm. This year, all but three of the 60 Kinders participated, singing and signing the lyrics to popular songs about love.
Kindergarten teacher Christina Parkinson, the founder of the Love Concert, shared the origins of this special tradition. "I started this 22 years ago when I had deaf parents who wanted to help us in the classroom. They came in weekly to teach nursery rhymes. I love music so I started incorporating ASL to go with my songs."
The Love Concert not only brings joy to participants and attendees, but also provides numerous educational benefits. Singing helps children develop phonological awareness through rhythm, rhyme, and syllabication, while also expanding their vocabulary. Additionally, performing in front of an audience helps children build confidence and self-esteem, laying a strong foundation for future success.
"The students worked very hard to learn the songs, and we were so proud of their bubbly performance," remarked Christina Parkinson. "We have an optional assembly every year, and the entire school enthusiastically comes to watch. Most of the school is singing by the end."
The success of this year's Love Concert was also made possible by the dedication and hard work of teachers Jennifer Green and Chloe Tagawa.
The Annual Suisun Valley Love Concert continues to be a highlight of the school year, fostering a sense of community and celebration while providing valuable learning experiences for the students.