By: Melissa De Los Santos
Winter recital season is upon us! But aside from showing off their talents, what else do our Montessori children learn from recitals?
Knowledge, of course!
When children practice for their performances, they learn different genres of dance, music, and literature. Whether they are in primary or elementary, they can learn about ballet, tap, and modern dance while also learning about poems, plays, and speeches.
Public speaking skills!
Performing to an audience can be nerve-wracking, but the more your child does it, the more comfortable they will be in front of a large group of people. At Arborland, children as young as toddlers get up on stage and perform. This opportunity encourages them to be confident, even in front of so many new faces. Recitals help children get used to speaking in public — a valuable skill to have at any age.
Tone of voice!
While practicing for any kind of performance, the children are taught to say words in a certain tone. This way, they get to understand that how things are said, which can add meaning to what they want to say. For example, saying an upbeat “Hello!” can indicate that the speaker is confident, while “Hello?” suggests apprehension. Children learn that the sound of their voice also affects the words they say.
Foreign languages!
With our primary dual-language immersion programs and elementary foreign language programs, the children learn Spanish and Mandarin multiple times a week. But for the recital, the children have the opportunity to share the language skills they have learned to a greater audience. If the children can ensure that members of the audience can understand their songs, poems or skits in a foreign language, then they know their language skills are improving.
Beyond the Surface
More than anything, primary and elementary children alike can learn important life lessons through their recitals. Each program shares a message, like the importance of friendship, the value of family, and many others. The children get to live out these lessons as they rehearse. They may not be aware of it, but they are learning values like acceptance, respect, and teamwork as they are having fun practicing for their performance.
Children learn not only as they practice their own shows, but also while watching others. They absorb these lessons naturally because the programs are entertaining and appealing on an emotional level. That is what art does: it excites the intellect and stirs the emotions. This combination makes a deeper impression on the child, which helps them remember and embody the many lessons they learn during their recitals.