It’s a hassle. It’s bad timing. It’s even frustrating at times. But when it’s all said and done, it’s always worth it in the end.
You know what I mean? The big projects, the big performances, the big events that you might do year after year. When you are in the thick of it, you may wonder, “Why am I doing this?” However, after it’s done, you realize why.
That was my experience last night at our school’s Wax Museum. It was a lot of work and a lot of prodding, a lot of running around and extra time taken out of our normal routine.
But then the evening performance came and there stood nearly 100 students frozen in the pose of a famous figure in history. And as parents and families walked through the halls of the museum-school pressing buttons, each one came alive and recited their own speech telling about their life and accomplishments.
I often write about process, exclaiming that IT is what is truly important in learning, and it IS. However, in this case, I almost feel like the final product really overshadows the process.
Maybe it’s the smiles on the kids faces when they realize they can do something really great – stand in front of groups of people and deliver a speech – in character, in costume and by memory.
Maybe it’s the other teachers’ comments that they are so proud of their former student for being able to memorize a speech. “They’ve come so far!”
Maybe it’s the parents’ gratitude for providing such an amazing event for their child to work hard and shine.
Maybe it’s knowing that it is these types of projects and performances that allow others to see the students in a new light, proving that learning is much more than sitting at a desk and taking a test.
Ya, I’ll linger on that one for a moment…
It’s always nice to think that this huge undertaking has come to an end. (I’ll enjoy cleaning up my room today and asking students to carefully take home their posters.) However, it’s good to remember that it’s THESE types of projects that really bring school alive for students and parents. These are the things that make all the hard work worth it, give students a sense of accomplishment and a source of pride in their work.
Ya, it really is worth it in the in end.
~EMP
Elizabeth,
LOVE IT! The photo of your little actors is so precious.
The ‘frustration’ is part of the fun!! The director diva
love-hate scenario is again, part of the total fun.
Yes, the effort is worth it! Keep providing wonderful outlets
for your students!!!
Thanks, Denise. The effort IS all worth it. I am grateful for your loyal readership!
I LOVE this! It really is all worth it, and the stress is almost necessary to truly value the outcome. These sorts of projects and productions are the things kids remember when looking back. They don’t remember that worksheet or game. They remember the stuff that they worked hard to accomplish. They remember those things that they were able to put themselves into and share their creativity with. They also remember how good it felt to be able to accomplish such a feat as well as all of the praise that they heard from teachers, friends, and families. I really do believe that performances and big projects are showing learning through the process. Students learn so much along the way about themselves and their work. They learn through the mistakes that they make. It is totally worth all of the time and changes in routine when students are able to showcase their learning in such a different and great way.
Amber, you are right! These are the things kids remember and the process is so worth it. Sounds like your approach and understanding of the process is right up my alley! Students learn so much about themselves as learner when they are allowed to go through it and reflect along the way! You should guest post here…