Book Description
This oversize anthology, includes three plays that young children will delight in reading and acting.
The vibrant and delightful illustrations complement the story of the plays while also offer suggestions on how they can be staged and represented. The three plays included are:
In the English Book
Marguerite
In the Spanish book
Margarita
a dramatization of Rubén Darío famous poem
The Rainbow’s Nap
La siesta del arco iris
an original play by F. Isabel Campoy
Puss in Boots
a dramatic retelling, of the traditional tale by Alma Flor Ada
Author’s Note
Theatre has been a joyful passion in my life. I was part of every play my school put together during my elementary years, and later in High School, I also begun writing. One of my plays The Museum, was chosen to be performed at the important theatrical event of our class graduation. Theatre was a way of life for me that accompanied me to College.
Because of my experience with theatre, and how important it was in giving me a voice, breaking the barriers of shyness, and encouraging me to speak in public; ensuring that children have access to read and act in plays has always been one of my basic goals. Even if it is done with great simplicity, acting in a play can have very positive results.
I am convinced that one is better able to teach something one has enjoyed doing. And just as Alma Flor Ada and I emphasize, in our courses in Authors in the Classroom, that teachers who create their own books will be better able to get their students to become authors, I believe that encouraging teachers to do theatre and experiencing the richness of the process would better allow them to incorporate plays in their regular teaching.
For a delightful anecdote that shows the magic of theatre click here: Let’s Raise the Curtain! The Benefit of Theatre in the School.
About the Use of Theatre in the School
The values of the use of involving children with theatre are multiple. Plays can be an excellent tool for promoting the ability to speak in front of a group, which is a leadership skill. Since they offer children the opportunity to utilize words and language registries they may not have other opportunity to use, plays can be strong vehicle for vocabulary and language development.
When used for choral reading plays can strengthen reading skills. In addition, acting on a play enhances children’s self-confidence and self-esteem while providing opportunities to learn about one’s self and others. Most importantly, putting on a play, no matter how simple, promotes the values of collaboration and solidarity.