Not all kids enjoy concerts, neither do all parents
It's that time of year when children and teachers are consolidating the year's skills, and seeing the incredible amount of things children can learn in the space of a school year. Traditionally, the best way that this can be put across to parents has been in a concert.
In my many years as a teacher, I started to question the benefits of the end of year concert. Seeing children having to perform, sing, dance and be on show is a wonderful opportunity for some children — those who have these talents and enjoy showcasing them. However, there are children who have these talents but have no interest in putting them on display. And those whose talents are in other areas and having to sing, dance and perform is a daunting and stressful experience.
I remember a parent imploring the principal of the school where I worked not to have a concert. She hated them. For her, it was an overt display of her child's difficulties. Her child struggled to do what the other children were doing, how they were doing it and in the time they did it. Their struggle and discomfort were on display for everyone to see and it mortified her.
So I started to question how else could we show parents what their children have learned in a way that is unthreatening and enjoyable for everyone. My aim is to involve parents and provide an opportunity to share in their child's day and see their unique talents at play, without the pressure of comparison.
While I know that taking time off work is never easy and at this time of year parents have many commitments to fulfill, we have arranged interactive intramural times for you and your children to enjoy together. This is not a concert, there are no productions or set program. It’s simply a short time where you can come and see your child being him or herself and enjoy the moment together.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness”