Our work is unique because it is based on the theory that the style of the arrangement and performance contain elements at the core of the culture that the music represents. On 18 December 1993 an Applied Practice and Outcomes Conference was hosted by the Division of Teacher Education, Western New Mexico University under the direction of Dr. Bob Rapp, Counselor Education. Notes from the conference were so closely aligned to our objectives in singing these songs in the schools, that short examples are included in this volume to support the teaching ideas. We appreciate the contributions of Adornos Mariana for the majority of the art work in this volume. The cut plastic figures are made by artisans of Mexico City.
Every second language learning situation is different, demanding a different kind of teaching.
The premise of Cantos Para Todos Volume III is that music and stories can enhance any method for any age of learner. The learning of a second language can be enhanced by writing stories and the lyrics for songs. Students participate actively, either by writing or dictating the stories. Stories written by students are linguistically, emotionally, experientially and developmentally appropriate for the student because they contain their own words based on their personal experiences. Such stories are used to encourage active learning about and synthesis of the environment, and to provide a literary base for reading practice and instruction.