Bringing Literature To Life At Dows Lane Elementary School

IRVINGTON, NY — Second-graders at Dows Lane Elementary School, who have been reading folktales and discovering the world of literature in their classes, wrote their own versions of traditional fairy tales and acted them out before an audience of peers, teachers and parents March 31.

As part of a “Bringing Literature to Life” enrichment program, which was funded through a grant from the Irvington Education Foundation, the students worked with theater educator Peter Royston for 12 weeks, according to district spokesman.

The students learned about the various tools that actors use to tell a compelling story, such as gestures, facial expressions, body language and words.

“This is a different way of learning that allows everyone to be successful,” said second-grade teacher Krystal Mitchell, who arranged Royston’s annual theater residency at the school.

“It’s learning through discovery, discovering yourself and discovering different parts of literature. The students’ creativity was at its peak as they created their own scripts,” she said.

The second-graders acted out seven fractured fairy tales — or stories told from a different perspective — that included “The Fisherman and His Wife”; “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”; “Cinderelly a Tale of New York City”; “Schmoe White and the Seven Dorfs”; “The Wolf Who Cried Kid”; “The True Story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Rough-Face Girl.

“There is no better tool than theater to help teach young people confidence and creativity,” Royston said. “The second-grade teachers at Dows Lane work so hard to inspire their students and get them ready to perform. It is such a nurturing atmosphere; the students can't help but succeed.”

Mitchell said the learning experience allowed students to express their creativity through acting, playwriting and creating a set design.

“Each second grade class performed the plays for their families on March 31,” Principal Deborah Mariniello said. “With standing ovations and cheers, all students and teachers should feel very proud of their work ‘bringing literature to life.’ ”

Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.