Second Graders Sparkle at Ridgefield's Prospector Theater

New Canaan Country School second graders visited the unique and inspirational Prospector Theater in Ridgefield Jan. 15 as part of their social studies unit on identity. Known for providing meaningful employment to people with disabilities, theater employees or “Prospects” (as the theater refers to them) met with the students, provided a tour of the unique space and discussed their work.

“Before we went to the theater, we talked about why a person with a disability would want a job,” said second grade teacher Emily Anglund-Nellen. “We discussed the importance of dignity, sharing passions and a desire for independence that all people have regardless of their ability.”

Over the course of their second grade experience, the Country School students have delved into each of the eight social identifiers: race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, religion, socio-economic status and family structure. During their study of ability, students discussed the difference between a physical disability and a mental disability. They learned about the lives of blind and deaf people by reading stories such as Buddy: The First Seeing Eye Dog, and through a series of books about a deaf boy named Moses by Isaac Millman.

“At the theater, I learned that you can’t always see a disability,” said second grader Kate Regan.

Prospects spoke to the students about their passions and the many ways they contribute to the theater and “find their sparkle” including being movie announcers and ushers, making PSA videos which screen before the movies, creating the artwork that covers the theater, embroidering names on uniforms, creating costumes, and even rapping before a movie.

“Your sparkle is doing what you really love,” said second grader Dylan Berkeley. “The prospects feel like they have sparkle.”

The lesson, a continuation of a year-long study begun in first grade called “Self and Others,” is designed to help the students better understand themselves, those around them and their relationships with family, friends, members of the school community and local community.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent, day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located on a 75-acre campus in New Canaan, the school provides transportation for families living throughout the region. For more information about the school, please visit www.countryschool.net.