The School-age 2 children were looking at the monthly calendar with the educators when we discovered that March 27th is World Theater Day. Stephanie mentioned how it would be fun to present a play for the Preschool children.
“That would be so much fun! My sister would love to watch that!” Brielle exclaimed.
“What play would we present?” Elora questioned.
The children discussed the different plays they know based on story books from when they were younger. Some children wanted to create a play about the Three Little Pigs, some wanted to do Dogman, and some wanted to present a story about princesses. In the end, we discussed about the ins and outs, for example, which story would have the best dialogue, which would be the easiest to create props and a setting for, and which would the Preschool children like the most. Eventually, we chose to present Little Red Riding Hood to the Preschool children.
“We need a script!” Riggins insisted! “Maybe Stephanie can print us a script so we can practice!”
Stephanie did indeed print a script for the children. First, we focused on what characters each child wanted to present.
“I want to be Little Red Riding Hood, but so does Elora.” Kyrielle said.
“Why don’t we both be Little Red Riding Hood? We can share the lines!” Elora responded.
“What a great idea! We can all pick a part that we want to play, and share the job with whoever else also wants that part!” Emerson said.
After the children discussed among each other, we created a chart with each character and the names of the children that want to play that part. Stephanie printed off scripts and highlighted each child’s part, so only their lines were highlighted. We then spent some time running through the lines and ensuring everyone understood their part and when it was their turn to speak. Afterwards, we created a chart of all the materials that were needed.
“We should make a wolf mask!” Autumn explained.
So we did just that. The children each had a chance to colour and decorate a mask of their choosing. Each child playing the part of wolf decorated their own mask. The grandmother decorated her mask, and even the woodsmen decorated a mask for themselves. After looking at the chart of materials and props needed, a couple of the children went to the storage room with an educator to find some items.
“Look at this red table cloth! I wonder if we can shape this into a cloak with a hood?” Elora questioned.
“Maybe we can use these fake flowers to pick?” Emerson questioned.
“I think the narrators should have microphones!” Riggins said.
“I have a mini karaoke machine that I can bring in for the play!” Stephanie mentioned.
“I think I have one at home too!” Brielle responded.
Once we collected the props and materials, we began to discuss how we want the play to look. Where people should stand, where the props should go, what goes where, etc. The children took the lead with this and discussed amongst each other where, whe
n, and what should be done.
Throughout this process, it was amazing to observe all the children coming together to work as a team. The community within our classroom grew stronger and more welcoming as they embarked on this journey together. The way they listened to each other, took the time to help the younger children read their lines, and showed patience to each other. Listening to the children laugh together, sit silently while someone read their lines, or giving their input and being heard, all moments that will be remembered.
Although creating a play for the Preschool children took a lot of time, energy, and thought, the School Age 2 team truly showed their powers this month and their ability to work together. These children truly showed the framework from “How Does Learning Happen” something to talk about. These children created a sense of community and belonging with how they interacted with one another, cheered each other on, and created a sense of security for the children to truly feel comfortable and confident to be themselves and make mistakes. They clearly developed impressive engagement and expression skills as they worked together, having discussions on what materials are needed, how they wanted to present the play, and guiding each other through the process.
On March 27th School Age 2 children will be presenting The Little Red Riding Hood after school! We are all so excited to have our hard work put into practice!
