Classroom lessons work much in the same way. To the casual observer, a teacher’s classroom lesson may seem to be about grammar or multiplication. But beyond the obvious curricular goals of an activity lie a host of equally important lessons. These are the lessons that can’t be found in a textbook; lessons that only experience can teach.

During a unit covering fairytales from around the world in Mrs. Eelman’s second grade class, Dr. Balamore (Shipley’s Assistant Head of Lower School and Director of Character Education) read Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India to the students. They were so enthusiastic about the story that they asked if they could produce a performance of it. So it was that Readers’ Theatre was born.

As students suggested new ideas, Dr. Balamore would revise the script. “They learned so much about how you can take a story and make it your own,” said Balamore. Mrs. Eelman introduced the concepts of responsibility and teamwork to her students as they embarked on play rehearsals and were assigned their various roles.

The second graders learned to follow the script, using punctuation to help determine their vocal expression. And the typically quiet students who had been assigned lead roles began to come out of their shells, developing more self confidence. Students also learned that teamwork is as much about completing individual duties as it is about working together.

Students donned real saris, bindi dots, and turbans and put on an amazing performance. “I was so moved by watching them,” said Balamore. And how did the students feel about the performance? Here are their impressions, in their own words:

“One rainy Friday something amazing happened, a play organized by Dr. Balamore. There were real Indian costumes and real dots. That day a lot of my classmates and I learned to project our voices and use expression. I felt really good about it.”  – Francis

“This play meant a lot to me. I really learned how to do my best, projecting my voice, to practice using expression, and facing the audience. I learned to take a risk.” – Annie

“The best time of my life was on Friday, April 27. I love the play. The costumes were amazing. The dots were so beautiful. Everything was beautiful. The play meant a lot to me.” – Annin

“I learned that if you’re part of a team you can’t make the other people laugh, and if you fool around it stands out. I felt so good after the play.” – Kate

“Something amazing happened on a Friday afternoon in April, an amazing production took place….I learned that when you practice more you are very confident.” – Ellie