First graders bring fairy tales to life
by Marty Kennedy, first grade teacher & Susan Casey, Lower School administrative assistant
Young writers become thespians in this unit designed to teach problem-solving and public speaking skills while fostering creativity.
Young writers become thespians in this unit designed to teach problem-solving and public speaking skills while fostering creativity.
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” –Aristotle, from the Nicomachean Ethics
The fairy tale productions crafted, directed and produced by Marty Kennedy have been on stage for almost 20 years in Lower School. The opportunity to perform provides first-grade students with diverse, experience-based learning opportunities.
“A primary goal has always been to help students learn to read, but there is so much more learning that takes place,” conveys Kennedy.
Students read and learn their lines requiring time, practice, and preparation. Working together cooperatively with a spirit of “we” rather than “me” fosters constructive conversations and problem-solving. The young actors learn to manage excitement which fosters self-control, enhance their sense of responsibility by following directions, and gain confidence with public speaking.
Creativity flows endlessly as students discuss and select their roles with Kennedy.
“I give them the opportunity to consider what type of character they want to portray,” states Kennedy. “Some students want to be funny, some want to be the mischievous character, and some want to be a heroine. Giving them choice encourages critical thinking and decision making.”
Six plays are performed allowing all 18 class members a starring role. This year's production includes: "Paper Bag Princess," "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," "Handful and Dreadful," "The Three Blairs, " "Sport," and "The Diva's New Wig."
Students’ utilize their visual artistic talents to create stage scenery. Once again the opportunity presents for students to practice offering constructive thoughts and ideas rather than stating demands or stipulations as they craft and work together to build their scenery.
Fairytale plays offer students the opportunity to learn thru experience, creativity, and self-expression culminating in a wonderful production for the Lower School community. Bravo.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More -
Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.Read More
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Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.