The arts are integral to Aurora’s academic program— we value all the richness they bring to our classrooms, and the many ways students are able to express their understanding of their academic subjects by demonstrating them as artists. One way we integrate the arts into our classrooms is by asking each classroom to write, design, and perform an annual stage performance for the entire school community to enjoy. Each student has a speaking part and is a costume designer, and everyone works together on set design. Typically, the older students in the class—in this case the first-graders—fulfill the more demanding roles, while the younger students—the kindergartners—assume the apprentice roles. The kindergartners learn by the example of their older, more experienced classmates what it means to put on a show.

When it was time to assign roles for their annual production, the teachers asked each student in the class to write down how they saw themselves participating. One extremely timid first-grader who struggled with self confidence and hadn’t yet mastered reading, told them he wanted play the role of lead narrator. Both teachers were floored at his choice— they were quite certain he’d ask for a smaller, quieter role. It seemed unlikely that he would be successful as lead narrator given his level of reading proficiency and his struggle with confidence.

The teacher phoned his parents and told them about his choice. When his mom asked him about it, he said without missing a beat, “Mom, it’s my responsibility as a first-grader.”

As partners, the teachers and parents agreed that if he was willing to put himself out there, and put in the time needed to pull it off, he should be given the chance. He took a big gulp when he learned he got the part but never looked back. In the following months he rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly, pushing himself to read and learn his lines and project his voice. He did it with the support of his classmates, his teachers, and his parents, but he was the one who made it happen.

This is one example of the many ways Aurora students practice to lead, because the responsibility to do so falls on everyone. It’s also the wonder of a multi-age classroom that sets up opportunities like these for students, every single day of their elementary school years.

Read the first story: Can I Play?