Nurturing Creativity: A Grade 3 Theatrical Triumph
Kat Diez Canseco
Creativity and collaboration takes center stage in the Grade 3 theater class with Mrs. Julie Lachance. Each fall, these students engage in a collective brainstorming session, mapping out their hopes and dreams for the drama season. This year, the unanimous desire among the Grade 3 students was to write and bring to life their own plays.
Following ensemble work and team-building exercises, the students dove into the creative process of crafting their narratives. Small groups collaborated to explore plotlines and characters, while the larger collective worked together page by page, weaving their stories into scripts. The entire venture, from brainstorming to script completion, spanned several months of hard work and dedication. As April nears, the students look forward to showing off their hard work with live performances of their original plays. What sets this project apart is not only the writing aspect but also the hands-on involvement in every production element. Students take charge of designing their own costumes, sets, props, and lights, adding a layer of ownership and responsibility to their creative pieces.
The logistical aspects of set and costume design are approached with thoughtful organization. Students are divided into crews, each assigned a specific role such as costumes, props, set design, poster creation, and lights and sound. Through this division of labor, the students learn valuable teamwork, decision-making, and budgeting skills.
Mrs. Lachance, the teacher overseeing this creative venture, was astonished by the students' prowess. The plot ideas presented by the students exceeded expectations, showing a level of creativity typically associated with older students. Whenever the process seemed to hit a roadblock, the students brainstormed innovative and unexpected solutions.
Beyond gaining acting experience, Grade 3 has taken ownership of every aspect of their productions. The collaborative and creative process has not only prepared them for potential future roles in the theater but has also equipped them with skills that transcend the stage.
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.