From the Superintendent’s Seat

Give Them a Chance to Shine
By Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs

Three words that are certain to bring back memories for all of us are: The Class Play. As superintendent, I’m not sure which is more fun to watch. Is it the children on stage doing their best to give a Tony-winning performance, or is it the faces of the parents in awe of their own children, mouthing each word lest there be a lapse in memory on the actor’s part?

As the school year progresses, I encourage classroom teachers to consider including a play for the class to perform as part of their students’ curriculum. In contrast to the larger, school-wide productions put on by the drama club, the class play should give every member of the class an opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight. The teacher/director need not choose the most outgoing students for the featured roles. The class play provides a perfect opportunity to let some of the quieter children take the leads and display heretofore hidden talents. I’ve seen some real transformations in children who are given the chance to shine by intuitive teachers. Playing “Zeus” gives even the smallest boy a feeling of power as he wields a lightning rod; and being “Dorothy Gale” gives even the shyest girl the opportunity to be charming and clever.

The class play can come from any subject area. It could be part of music, social studies, science, math, or language–whatever the choice, the benefits children receive from performing in a play are unparalleled in any other classroom activity. Just consider all the skills that are used in classroom theater, even in the most modest production.

Reading and language skills: The students need to learn their scripts and understand the meaning of the words in order to give the appropriate interpretation of the lines. It’s also important to sharpen listening skills. If a fellow performer drops a line, or fails to give the right cue, students have to be able to figure out what to say to keep the performance going and the audience unaware of any errors.

Teamwork: Putting on a play is the ultimate lesson in teamwork. Everyone needs to work together, on stage, backstage, and off stage to ensure a show’s success. Along with a lesson in teamwork, students learn first hand the importance of following directions.

Communication: Playing a role gives children the opportunity to stretch their imaginations and to improve their ability to express themselves. As they perform their lines, they can be taught the impact of the tone in which they speak and the message sent by the movements they make. As they learn how to portray a character, they will also learn how others interpret their own actions and words.

Art and math: Designing scenery and costumes are great creative projects. Math skills are crucial when measuring sets and costumes, too.

The class play should not be considered an “extra” that can be sacrificed in favor of more structured academics. Teachers who extend the effort to put on a class play will find it well worthwhile; they will also deserve to take a bow.

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