June Play
The June Play is one of the most special aspects of life at The Child School. Students in Middle School and Elementary are given a character role that is created and sculpted to meet the psycho-social, academic, neurological and performance needs of that student. Much more than a play -- it is the synthesis of each child’s needs into creative form, a concrete approach to dealing with problems, academic needs, and neurological deficits -- and offers to the child, and his parents, an alternative perspective on their day-to-day challenges.
Multiple objectives are fulfilled:
- Serves as a therapeutic tool, integrating a psychological interpretation of each child and a concrete means of therapeutic intervention
- Interfaces with the School’s program for diagnostic-prescriptive teaching by remediating neurological deficits underlying specific academic difficulties
- Provides additional classroom opportunities for speech and language remediation (conducted by teaching staff, supervised by the Speech and Language Therapist)
- Identifies and develops abilities in talented students (music, drama, dance)
- Strengthens staff and students by providing them with an intense but “freer” environment in which to get to know each other from a different perspective, an opportunity to develop individual strengths and talents, and a means of developing patterns of communicating.
The June Play is the culminating event of the year, crystallizing the work they have done and the relationships they have formed.
The Process
- Once the theme of the play is determined, extensive discussion of the social, emotional, academic and neurological functioning (as well as performance strengths) of each student is conducted to determine therapeutic and academic objectives for each child. A role or “character” is then developed for each student that best combines his needs with his talents, interests and fantasies.
- In May, when the staff presents the play to the children, June Play fever hits the School. After a thorough introduction of the theme and plot, children are grouped into “mini” rehearsal groups organized according to “storyline.” With the assistance of staff, the children begin work on lines, cues and movements. While certain staff members work directly on performance and staging aspects of the play, others focus on linking the academic curricula of the classroom to the content of the Play.
- The Play, while exciting for our children, is an intensive experience that requires discipline and perseverance as they struggle to meet their objectives. Children are asked to demonstrate their commitment at the outset of the Play by signing a Play Contract. The Contract specifies the child’s responsibilities. Since parental support is essential, parents are asked to sign a Consent Form.
- Academics continue during the play rehearsal season. Students and teachers continue new class work (both written and oral) including classroom participation in the areas of math, reading, speech and language. For youngsters who are hyperactive, music provides an outlet, forming a context in which they can develop inner controls. For language-delayed children, music provides an alternative mode of expression.
We have been told that our June Play surpasses many school productions in its meaning, precision and artistic quality. That our “special” kids are capable of such an effort is phenomenal and a character builder of inestimable value to the kids themselves. It is remarkable to watch their poise and confidence grow on a daily basis. The effort that goes into the play is impossible to measure; the results speak for themselves.
We invite you to a performance. Check the calendar for detailed information.
