School News
5th Grade Bilingual Plays
On Friday, March 17, the 5th graders’ study of drama will culminate in a presentation of two bilingual plays: Sarah and Cordenia's class will present A Gift for Pachacuti Inca while Natalie and Amoramenkum's class will perform El Molinero Honesto. These productions allow students to apply their Spanish speaking skills and to explore the nuances and inflections of both English and Spanish in an artistic medium.
While performing, 5th graders learn to question the motives and objectives of their characters, uncover subtext in dialogue, and explore the richness of silence. One of the challenges of introducing students to drama is teaching them to live and focus “in the moment.” This requires asking them to step away from the multi-sensory, overloaded 21st-century world, says Charmaine. Students stretch their skills as they connect their bodies, minds, and emotions to be fully present on stage.
Putting on a bilingual play requires 5th graders to simultaneously assert mindfulness and multi-tasking skills to succeed. Students must memorize lines in two languages and be mindful of stage movement and direction while onstage. In addition, students explore the complexities of stage management, costuming, scenery design, to make-up, sound, and lighting through authentic experiential learning. "Project-based learning and cooperative collaboration are embedded throughout these theatrical productions," says Music and Drama Teacher Charmaine Hamann.
As much as each 5th grader needs to learn and contribute, the play’s success is ultimately a team effort. Many life lessons emerge as students build productive, working relationships and learn to trust and depend on one another both onstage and behind the scenes.
1640 Kalmia Road NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-577-2000
202-577-2000
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Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.
