This week, fourth graders at Cottage Lane Elementary School are taking the stage with productions of “The American Revolution” as part of the District’s theater enrichment program! Beginning in September, all fourth grade classes have been working with Stage Left Children’s Theater Artistic Director and Instructor Ayn Lauren to practice writing, performing and public speaking skills.
K-5 Instructional Literacy Coach Kristy Nadler said, ‘We love the Stage Left program! Performing the play about the American Revolution enhances engagement in Social Studies. We have also seen that the impact of fluency (fluent oral reading) learned through performing the play boosts and strengthens reading comprehension. We are very lucky to be able to partner with Stage Left.”
In the fall, Ayn first began working with students to practice writing their own scripts and acting out short scenes that coincided with their reading and writing units that focused on realistic fiction. In December, students began learning the script for “The American Revolution” play and spent several weeks getting into character to play prominent historical figures including Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and John Hancock. Students also created artwork inspired by the time period and they were displayed in the gym for families to view following their performances.
Second graders at William O. Schaefer Elementary School have also been working alongside Stage Left Children’s Theater and will be taking the stage next with performances of “Aladdin” next week!