NewsUpper SchoolPre-K to 8AcademicsFine Arts
Performance provides many lessons
Mar 20, 2003 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
Lights, cameras, action! Or, more appropriate, “Attempt a straight line; See if you can chant and march simultaneously.” These may be some of the sounds and challenges kindergarten and pre-first teachers are experiencing as their students prepare to hit the stage in April to present “MASH 2003.” The play, written by Janice Cox, kindergarten and pre-first teacher, tells the story of a mobile army surgical hospital. The soldiers and staff are ready to fulfill their duties, but there is a problem; they are afraid. The play focuses on their search for ways to overcome fear. “The play was written to calm children’s fears about war,” Cox said. “We are teaching them Bible verses and biblical principles about courage and strength.”
While teaching the children about performances and preparing them for their presentation, Cox and Patricia Ayer, kindergarten teacher, took the children to a live performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at Rome’s Forum in March.
After the performance, the students began practicing for their play. They are learning to march in formation, which, at that age, is not an easy task. “We have learned an Army chant that we will use as we march. At this age, they can chant and they can march but not necessarily at the same time,” Cox said. “Even more difficult is learning right and left. Of course, when we [Ayer and Cox] turn around to face the troops during practice, the children tell us we are on the wrong foot. They just struggle with positioning.”
There are other obstacles. “The absence of teeth and those small child-sized lips make speech and delivery a little difficult,” Ayer said. “We definitely have one thing in our favor; they are all so darn cute. Anything they do or say is precious.”
Performances are scheduled at the Lower School on April 1 and at the Upper School on April 2. “Our best audience is always the Upper School students. They seem to love to see the children perform,” Cox said. “Patricia and I love doing these plays. We believe this is an extension of our curriculum and is as valuable a teaching tool as many others that we employ. The children love it, too.”
While teaching the children about performances and preparing them for their presentation, Cox and Patricia Ayer, kindergarten teacher, took the children to a live performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at Rome’s Forum in March.
After the performance, the students began practicing for their play. They are learning to march in formation, which, at that age, is not an easy task. “We have learned an Army chant that we will use as we march. At this age, they can chant and they can march but not necessarily at the same time,” Cox said. “Even more difficult is learning right and left. Of course, when we [Ayer and Cox] turn around to face the troops during practice, the children tell us we are on the wrong foot. They just struggle with positioning.”
There are other obstacles. “The absence of teeth and those small child-sized lips make speech and delivery a little difficult,” Ayer said. “We definitely have one thing in our favor; they are all so darn cute. Anything they do or say is precious.”
Performances are scheduled at the Lower School on April 1 and at the Upper School on April 2. “Our best audience is always the Upper School students. They seem to love to see the children perform,” Cox said. “Patricia and I love doing these plays. We believe this is an extension of our curriculum and is as valuable a teaching tool as many others that we employ. The children love it, too.”
