Entry 29: "The Final Curtain Call"

As I reflect on my senior year, I am overwhelmed with all of the valuable lessons I have learned through my triumphs and my trials throughout the course of this year. God has been faithful from day 1, even through the tearful stage of choosing a project. I remember choosing a project was so difficult for me and I felt as if I would never complete that stage. I spent my whole summer fretting about the ordeal. However, by God’s grace, I was directed in pursuing a project that involved two of my passions: Drama and children. I remember thinking it was too good to be true.  The project proposal time came, and I made the board members act as trees, and then the ball started rolling. At first the kids were timid, but I could tell by the gleam in their eyes they would grow to love Drama.  As the semester continued we explored concentration, theatre etiquette, props,  projection, staying in character, and we all had fun in the process. As December grew closer, I knew that I was not ready to say goodbye to the kids and decided to focus on refining the kids’ drama skills. The process of directing the play was stressful, but one of the greatest experiences I have had throughout my Oakbrook career. I had no control over the kids’ performances because they were the ones to memorize their lines, gather their costumes, and develop their character. All I could do was encourage them in their process and in the discovery. It was a very rewarding experience and I thank God for the opportunity He granted me to work with such wonderful kids, and teachers, despite the roadblocks of snow days, scheduling problems, and sickness. The kids exceeded expectations and I am very proud of what they accomplished and I hope that teachers will be able to continue using drama to explore the wonderful world of the arts and learn more about themselves and their own passions.

Entry 28: "Memory- I can smile at the old days..."

It has been so weird adjusting to this week! Last week already seems so far away as I look back on scrambling to get the kids ready for their performances, and waited with anxious jitters for their shows to be complete. I miss the project part of my Senior Project so much!! Now I have to start putting my portfolio together and start thinking about presentation day. I have a lot to do in a short amount of time! I really want to start playing around with movie maker/power point in hopes of creating a very nice slide show for my Senior Project. I hope all goes well!!! Other than that, I am anxiously awaiting Saturday because we leave for Nicaragua!!! I pray that God will use us in whatever way he deems best--I can hardly stand my excitement!!! :D
(By the way, my title alludes to the famous song "Memory" from the musical CATS, in case you didn't know!)

Entry 27: Costumes, Cameras, ACTION!!!!

As all of the performances draw to a close I cannot even begin to express how proud I am of my kids. In all honesty, these kids have truly developed into actors/actresses! They all worked so hard to memorize their lines, and they all collaborated when it came to encouraging others to stay in character, project, and not be nervous about the performances. God is so good! I was so impressed with my kids on Monday when one expressed, "I'm nervous about doing this in front of people..." and then one of my other students responded, "We've already done this in front of people, you're going to be fine!" I have to admit, those kind of moments bring a smile to my face. After the performance today all the kids told me they wanted to do another play and wished they could continue drama. On Tuesday when the kids started realizing that drama was coming to a close, their faces dropped and were astonished with the realization that they wouldn't have drama anymore. It broke my heart and yet warmed it at the same time. I hope to go down and visit them even when my Senior Project is over! I love these kids! There were a couple times I almost cried when they gave me flowers, or just hugged me to tell me thank you. It has been such a wonderful experience, and I can't believe there's only one more to go! More pictures are coming if these don't seem like enough! :)

Entry 24: "The Show Must Go On"

With less than a week away from my kids' first performance I am beginning to understand the thrilling/terrifying experience that Mr. Tinkler (and all other Drama teachers) have to endure everytime before productions! The amazing thing is you can only tell the kids so much, but it is ultimately up to them to showcase what they have learned. This week was called "dress rehearsal," but unfrotunately not all students have had their costumes...however, I instructed them to bring them in by Friday and I have been observing all of them. My class today was the most successful yet with the abiliy to try on their costumes and practice diligently in them. They did a fantastic job and THEY ARE ADORABLE! The kids are so cute there's a chance no one will be able to concentrate on their lines! However, that would be a shame because the kids have worked very, very hard on memorizing. I have been pleasantly surprised with the diligence of the kids. I understand the 1st and 2nd grade mind is very high wired and energetic, but I am so thankful they are learning how to harness their energy and put it into something productive! Unforunately a child has been missing from every single class (due to sickness), but I am praying they will be able to be there (with costumes!) for the performance!!! I am very tempted to have the students perform the play twice so the parents could possibly observe what they have been learning...however I have not decided yet. My biggest class is moving to the gym tomorrow, and I am anxious to see how it all works out! God is good, and I am so excited for what He has in store for me and my kids!

Entry 25: Put on A Happy Face!

This week I finally learned hwo to upload pictures! These are from the past, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless!

We have 2 weeks until our first performance...and I think we'll be able to get it all done! I still have to block my Friday class for their play, but all the kids are learning their lines, and the parents are getting costumes together. I think they are going to be wonderful shows! If you would like to attend. There will be performances in the Oakbrook Gym on:
Monday- March 7 at 12:30                           Thursday- March 10 at 12:30
Tuesday- March 8 at 12:30                           Friday- March 11 at 12:30
I hope everyone can come, I think they are going to be enjoyable performances! :)

Entry 23: "Be Prepared!" (from the Lion King)

This year is flying by, and as the day of the performance approaches I become more and more nervous about it all. I think that two of my classes are in good shape, but I am not sure they are ready to perform quite yet. Two of my classes already have all their lines memorized, and they are SO cute, but it's hard to hold their attention for a long period of time...and the concept of "staying in character" is a foreign concept to them. I explain to them how when on stage, they are an animal the whole time, and cannot change in the middle of the performance. I review the concept with them, and they understand it, but it is still difficult for them to put it into practice. However, this is a battle with young (or old) actors everyhwere. For some reason it is so difficult to process! Sometimes my classes forget about the acting portion and jump to set design, costumes, and start talking about having a curtain, and each day I have to remind them that in order to build a house, you have to have a floor (foundation) first! I think that really helped them understand what we have to focus on, but it's stil hard putting it into practice. A conflict has risen up in my scheduling though for my Friday class. Last Friday I missed my Friday class (which happens to be the biggest, and least prepared) because of a school program and this week I am most likely going to miss my lesson because of basket-ball. I am going to email Mrs. Putnam and ask her if I can change the lesson to the morning, but I do not know if I will be able to. The alternative is scheduling extra practices on Wednesday...but we will see what the Lord has in store!
I met with Mr. Tinkler this week and he is on board with everything I m doing, and even has extra cardboard I can use for sets, and I'm very excited about starting the sets! We will see what will happen in the future...and I hope that all will work out in the end!

Entry 22: The good, the bad, and the ugly!

On my last post I was instructed to share the hard part of my Senior Project and bring myself back to reality. This week we started blocking the show...there is something about standing up that make kids so excited! For one class, we didn't even get to finish blocking! For today (and tomorrow's) lessons I have mapped out everything (blocking, sets, props, etcetera) in hopes of blocking everyone by the end of the lesson. I am nervous because I have my biggest classes on Thursday and Friday. Also, I have to start getting the cardboard soon so I can start preparing the sets. The kids are SO excited about the set and their costumes they forget to actually practice the play! I think half of the lesson is spent asking questions, and the other half me answering them! I love working with them and I know the majority of their questions are meaningful, but it is still hard to practice when they are constantly asking questions!  The majority of them are working on their lines, and some have already memorized them! On the other hand, there are some who are constantly giving me a hard time claiming, "I can't do that, it's too long" or, "I can't read this it's too embarrassing." It's interesting though because the kids with the biggest personalities are, for the majority, the ones who are too shy to say their line. It fascinates me and nearly drives me crazy at the same time because I know they can do it, they just have to work on conquering stage fright. We have been working on that ever since I've given them the play. However, the kids are having a blast and I am so excited I have been blessed to work with them, I'm beginning to truly understand how much work goes into teaching and how teachers must feel all day...THANK YOU TEACHERS! :)

Entry 21: Gettin' Ready for the Show!

It's already February and in regards to my Senior Project, everything is coming along smoothly! I sent out my letters to the parents in Thursday folders, I met with Mr. Tinkler, the kids are learning their parts, and now we're moving to costuming and set design! Well, we still have to work on character analysis, but I think they are really catching on! Some kids already have their lines memorized and whenever they see me, they run up and start reciting them! :) It makes me very happy! Each child has one line (because they all wanted one!) and I am doing two different shows, "Rumble in the Jungle" and Cock-A-Doodle-Doo! Barnyard Hullabaloo!" They are both so much fun and the kids are really enjoying it! "Rumble in the Jungle" is set in the jungle and incoroporates the famous jungle animals such as chimpanzees, elephants, snakes, gorillas, tigers, lions, and leopards, etc. The kids are really enjoying it! :)
"Barnyard Hullabaloo" incorporates farm animals such as a cow, a rooster, chickens, geese, a donkey, a horse, a sheep, a goat, etc. It is so much fun watching them learn their parts, and actually enjoy them! They alll are working diligently on their lines and are very excited about getting into costumes. Some of them have bombarded me with suggestions for the set and even blocking! It is wonderful! :) I am looking forward to March 7-11 and I know it will creep up a lot faster than I can ever imagine! As a result, I am enjoying each and every moment of this process! : D

Entry 20: There's No Business Like Show Business!

This week has been for exciting in regards to my senior project! I was nervous that the snow week would miss everything up, but, Lord willing, everything will be able to work out! :) This week I introduced the performance pieces to the kids. My first class was more excited than I had anticipated--which was awesome! There were some kids I was nervous about, but they wanted to say their own lines and were all very excited about their parts! On Tuesday (my second class) the kids, again, were all very excited, but one of my students was not happy with his part, and broke down to tears! I was surprised, but I explained to the kids about casting a show and playing their role to the best of their ability while being respectful to the director because the actor cannot control which part he/she plays. I emailed his mom and she explained to me that there were underlying factors for his behavior, which I had expected, and it should be smooth sailing from here on out. As I was giving the other parts out while I read the story, of course all the children would openly voice their excitement and claim which part they wanted etc. One of my students asked one of the kids if he received the part he wanted. His answer made my heart melt because he sweetly responded: "I wanted to be any part that Nicole gave me." :) Aw man, I wanted to hug him right then and there. All the kids are excited about the shows and are giving me ideas about make-up, costumes, sets, and even blocking! I am so excited about the process and it is obvious the students are excited about it as well! :D

Entry 19: Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow, SNOOWWW

What a week! It has been quite relaxing frolicking in our beautiful winter wonderland. I hadn't expected a break from school this early in the year, so close to our Christmas break, but it has been wonderful! I feel sorry for teachers though...I am beginning to learn how they feel! It seems like I will never finish everything that I want to finish, but I know that God is in control. I am not, and I just have to be prepared for whatever comes my way! Resort to plan B! :) For me, plan B is to cut out this lesson weak of somewhat review and just review as we begin working on the performances! I have written my addendum during our 4 day vacation, and I am going to inform all the teachers with my Senior Project aspirations via email before Friday. It's been a lovely vacation, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have found that with my Senior year, I have to enjoy every minute because I cannot afford to lose an opportunity to make memories. Time is so precious and I am trying to make the best of it by glorifying God through my relationship with Him and my relationships with other people. :)
p.s.- My blog title is a song from "White Christmas." :)

Entry 18: I Gotta Lot of Livin' To do!

Well, Christmas vacation is long gone and we are beginning to get back into the school groove. Last half of Senior year...already! As I completed my timeline, I quickly came to realize just exactly how fast this half of the year is going to pass. To be honest, I am a little nervous about my timeline because I have very important dates to complete in a very short amount of time! 2 months may seem like a lot of time...but it really isn't! I still have to write my addendum for my project because I have decided to pursue teaching Drama instead of performing my own show. I met with my mentor this Wednesday and we brainstormed about alternatives and he encouraged me to pursue the drama teaching. For this last 2 months of lessons, the students will be preparing their own performances that will be performed for the parents the week of March 7. I am very, very, very excited about the rest of the year, and I am excited about the challenge of directing that lies before me. In some ways I may not know what I am getting into...but I am very excited about te adventure! I love meeting with the kids, and have defintiely missed them over this Christmas break! However, next week I will begin meeting with them again and I will have their plays picked out in which I will play the role as the narrator as they act out the story. The whole month of February I plan on meeting with the classes every week instead of alternating weeks because this performance will take more than just a couple of weeks. I am very excited about the future, although I know it will be very busy, and I am ready to teach my kids!