Stage Shows at school, Or Curtain Call for Life Skills?

As a mother watching my son Ravish grow through his journey at Avalon Heights International School, I've seen the annual day show as more than a spectacle; it's a crucible of learning and growth. I remember my school days, the thrill of being on stage, but for Ravish and his peers, it's a different ball game.

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From Tiny Dancer to Thespian: Building Confidence 

Through the years, I've seen Ravish evolve from being a tiny part of the dance crowd to speaking his first lines on stage. It's fascinating how the school ensures every child, regardless of the role's size, contributes to the show. This inclusivity teaches them an invaluable lesson about life: every role matters, and every contribution counts. Just as a needle has its unique purpose distinct from a sword, each child, in their role, is essential to the fabric of the show.

Beyond the Costumes: The Bigger Picture of Every Role

Until pre-primary, all these roles, big or small, excited Ravish and his friends. The joy of donning costumes, learning a step or two, or reciting lines, even if they're not the lead characters, was immense.

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Fun Fact: Annual days aren't just quaint school plays anymore, but grand musical dramas and a kaleidoscope of light, sound, and action, where children play roles that seem larger than life.

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But this year, in his fourth grade, he came home crying saying ‘I’ve got this very insignificant role of becoming a Vanara in the Vanara sena of Ram in Ramayana. I’m feeling foolish to play a monkey, jump on stage, and not say a word.’ I sat him down to explain that each small part is pivotal to the story's success. This mirrors life, where our everyday roles, seemingly insignificant, are part of a larger narrative. I had to make him understand his role in the grand scheme of things. ‘Not every role can be the lead, and that's a reflection of life itself. We don't always get to choose our parts, but we learn to embrace and excel in what we're given. It's a lesson in humility and acceptance, in finding joy in what we have rather than what we don't’, I said.

This is so similar to how we live our lives, little do we realize as we engage ourselves with our little parts and roles in everyday existence, that we are a part of a bigger story, a larger drama, being directed by God.

The Unsung Heroes: Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, it's not just about the actors. The real magic makers are the writers, directors, and the entire crew who work tirelessly to bring the story to life. ‘Just trust and follow your teacher. She is doing the best for you.’ My words calmed Ravish down, and he learned to appreciate these unsung heroes, understanding that recognition often lies beyond the limelight.

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Warning: Sometimes I find that some parents fail to give a proper perspective to the child, and get swarmed with the thought of highlighting the child and making him feel important. This turns the show experience and leaves a bitter flavor with the child. 

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In these shows, I've seen my son, and his friends, learn the importance of following directions, of being part of a team. They've learned that to truly excel, whether in a play or life, one must listen, adapt, and collaborate. This has instilled in them a sense of discipline and respect for authority figures – teachers, directors, and elders.

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Teamwork, Discipline, and Self-Discovery: Valuable Lessons Learned

School plays offer a platform for children to learn essential life skills, such as:

• Following directions
• Being part of a team
• Listening and adapting
• Collaborating with others
• Respecting authority figures

The most vital lesson that I think Ravish has learned here has been self-awareness. Playing different characters has led him to introspect and understand his emotions and thoughts, which mirrors the journey we all undertake in life. This self-discovery is crucial in shaping an identity and path in life.

When humanity learns to focus on the bigger narrative, it will perhaps make very different choices on the personal front too. When one learns to rejoice in the collective victory, it will not be natural for them to remain narrow or selfish anymore.

As parents, we play a pivotal role in this journey. Our reactions to their successes and failures, our guidance in moments of doubt and joy, shape their perceptions and attitudes. It is a delicate balance, nurturing their dreams without imposing our expectations.

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Life’s Stage 

In essence, these annual shows at the school are not just about the applause or the accolades. They're about molding our children into confident, empathetic, and aware individuals, ready to take on life's stage. 

It's a journey of collective triumphs and personal discoveries, a journey where each step, each role, each performance, is a step towards a life well-lived. 

As Ravish takes on each role, year after year, I see not just a character on stage but a young individual blooming in the garden of life, ready for whatever role the future holds.