After the opera premiere, the company reflected in writing.
The members of Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company reached the summit of the mountain and wanted to convey their innermost thoughts about feelings about their accomplishments.
A Lesson from Joseph
The day of the opera, a fifth grade colleague asked his students, my former opera students, to reflect on the opera experience. After writing their reflections, they came to our classroom to read aloud what they were thinking and feeling. Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company listened attentively as members of Water Droplets Kids Opera Company shared their memories, thoughts and feelings. And then Joseph began to speak. He, like the others, started to read what he had written. But then, he looked up from his paper, made eye contact with me across the circle and said, “Thank you for helping me. You helped me when I got upset, to control my temper. Now I am more mature and I control my anger.” His lip began to quiver as he read. He became emotional. Through his tears I could see clearly our purpose for this process of creating an original opera.
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Overcoming Setbacks (Video)
In order to reach the summit of the mountain, to cross the finish line, to ring the bell, we must endure setbacks. The manner in which we approach the obstacles we encounter is essential in fostering the life long skills of commitment, resilience and perseverance.
My students are learning these critical lessons as they move toward their May 7 premiere of the opera. From the first week of school, Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company has been singing a Congolese fishing song called O lé lé, which serves as a metaphor representing the determination to face challenges in life and to never give up. Row! Row! Over the last few months the students and I have had many opportunities to put the mantra from this metaphor into practice as we have experienced many setbacks.
Parent Participation: Integral to Learning Process
Every classroom culture is unique. If we invite parents to step inside and take a closer look, they will better understand and be able to participate actively in the learning process of their children throughout the year.
I believe that when parents experience situations similar to the experiences of their children in class, they can understand more profoundly how and what is expected of students on a daily basis. They can empathize and offer guidance with greater insight and perception.
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The Walk of Confidence: Growing Empathy Through Vulnerability
If you were to lose your eyesight, imagine what life would be like. If your friend could not see, and you were his guide, imagine that. My students responded in writing to these powerful situations. Then, they took a partner and a blindfold and participated in an experience they will never forget. With eyes covered, partners toured the school. Down the stairs, up the stairs and through the hallways they walked, putting one foot in front of the other, holding on tightly to their assigned guides. Many were fearful, some stumbled and lost footing and some were delighted by the adventure. After fifteen minutes, partners changed roles, giving each student the opportunity to lead and to be led.
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Back on Track
What’s in a title that makes you want to pick up a book, see a movie or go out to the theater?
Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company will tell you that the title must be catchy, engage the audience and refer in some way to the deeper meaning of the story. Through alliteration, rhyme, paradox, metaphor or play on words, the students find a way to express what their opera is REALLY about. By asking what a story, song or poem is REALLY about, we access a thinking process that enables students to go beneath the surface of the text to uncover the author’s intended message, unique perspective or personal interpretation. We then ask the same about our own story.