After the opera production, when the authentic purpose for collaboration to accomplish the collective goal no longer exists, students sometimes struggle to re-establish their connection as a group and refocus their attention. They need to be reminded that it is the group effort that brought them to this point on the track. Each contributed to the whole in a unique and personal way, but the interdependence of the process enabled them to arrive at the station, their intended goal.

To bring students back together as a company, we present them with new challenges, exercises in which they must apply the skills they have acquired throughout the opera process to work as a team to achieve a common objective.

[Read more…] about Reconnecting . . . Back on Track

Now that we have achieved our ultimate goal of creating and performing an original opera, where do we go from here? What do we do? These are questions the students ask as they enter the classroom “the day after” the final performance. After striking the set, depression sets in.

All of this intense work . . . and now it’s over. No set. No lights. No music. No costumes.

An empty stage . . . so it seems. What the students come to realize is that the stage is now set.

[Read more…] about An Empty Stage (Videos)

As I closed the classroom door in frustration, a mirror fell and shattered into a thousand pieces. My students quickly came to my aid, offering comfort and consolation. They understand that a teacher is human and experiences the same emotions as they do. We all feel frustration and must learn how to manage it. My students have empathy. For that, I am grateful. The broken mirror serves as a powerful metaphor for all of us. [Read more…] about The Broken Mirror (Videos)

After the opera premiere, the company reflected in writing.

The members of Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company reached the summit of the mountain and wanted to convey their innermost thoughts about feelings about their accomplishments.

[Read more…] about Post Opera Reflections

The day of the opera, a fifth grade colleague asked his students, my former opera students, to reflect on the opera experience. After writing their reflections, they came to our classroom to read aloud what they were thinking and feeling. Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company listened attentively as members of Water Droplets Kids Opera Company shared their memories, thoughts and feelings. And then Joseph began to speak. He, like the others, started to read what he had written. But then, he looked up from his paper, made eye contact with me across the circle and said, “Thank you for helping me. You helped me when I got upset, to control my temper. Now I am more mature and I control my anger.” His lip began to quiver as he read. He became emotional. Through his tears I could see clearly our purpose for this process of creating an original opera.
[Read more…] about A Lesson from Joseph

In order to reach the summit of the mountain, to cross the finish line, to ring the bell, we must endure setbacks. The manner in which we approach the obstacles we encounter is essential in fostering the life long skills of commitment, resilience and perseverance.

My students are learning these critical lessons as they move toward their May 7 premiere of the opera. From the first week of school, Lightning Strike Kids Opera Company has been singing a Congolese fishing song called O lé lé, which serves as a metaphor representing the determination to face challenges in life and to never give up. Row! Row! Over the last few months the students and I have had many opportunities to put the mantra from this metaphor into practice as we have experienced many setbacks.

[Read more…] about Overcoming Setbacks (Video)