This week at Lake Tahoe School, a vibrant energy filled the air as our Kindergarten through Seventh Grade students took center stage for our annual Declamation program. This cherished tradition is more than just memorization; it’s a powerful exercise in building confidence, honing public speaking skills, and developing a love of performing. Each grade level embraces a unique theme, showcasing their cumulative learning and creativity throughout the school year.
Our young learners in Kindergarten blossomed into budding naturalists! Each child became an expert on a local Tahoe plant, animal, or insect, sharing their fascinating findings with enthusiasm. The sweet sounds of “I Love the Sierras” further charmed the audience, a delightful testament to their growing understanding of our beautiful surroundings. A memorable moment was when Adelaide presented about chickadees, and the whole class behind her chimed in with a chirping, “Cheeseburger!”
The First Grade transported us to the heartwarming world of E.B. White with a delightful reader’s theater rendition of Charlotte’s Web. Their expressive voices brought Wilbur, Charlotte, and their barnyard friends to life. Following their theatrical debut, they sang a touching song celebrating the central theme of friendship, a valuable lesson beautifully conveyed. Some tears may or may not have been shed by the audience!
Second Grade students demonstrated their critical thinking and empathy through original opinion writing, tackling tricky social situations with the wisdom of a “responsible Bobcat” – a presentation that made its way to the lower grades as well, giving second-graders the opportunity to mentor their younger peers on navigating these situations! They then impressed us with their confident recitation of Susan Verde’s empowering book, I Am Courage. The grand finale was a heartwarming version of John Denver’s “Country Roads,” with lyrics thoughtfully adapted to reflect our close-knit Tahoe community and the special bond within Ms. Diana’s class family.
The Third Grade took us on a journey through history with their engaging “Biography in a Bag” presentations. Students thoughtfully curated items that symbolized the significant impact their chosen historical figures made on the world. Their passion for their subjects was evident as they shared these meaningful objects. Their song, “Together We Can Change the World,” resonated deeply with the audience. Their historical figures’ accompanying posters, created with Ms. Silver’s guidance, provided a fascinating visual timeline of each individual’s life.
The Fourth Grade brought the excitement and drama of the California Gold Rush to our stage with their lively musical, Gold Dust or Bust. Their energetic performance, complete with backdrops beautifully crafted in art class, had everyone tapping their feet. Ms. Barb led them in a spirited rendition of the 19th-century folk song, “Ho For California,” adding an authentic touch to their captivating production.
Inspired by their pond studies at NatureBridge, the Fifth Grade delved into the intricate world of insects through the vibrant poetry of Paul Fleischman’s Joyful Noise, Poems for Two Voices. The students’ artistic talents were also on full display with their stunning acrylic paintings of insects. Their performance culminated in a xylophone rendition of “Flight of the Bumblebee,” a perfect blend of artistic and poetic expression.
Our Sixth Grade students showcased their individual literary tastes and memorization skills by reciting poems or series of poems of their choosing. The diverse selections and confident deliveries highlighted their growing appreciation for language arts.
The Seventh Grade brought the house down with their hilarious performances of popular comedy sketches. Their impeccable timing, character portrayals, and collaborative spirit had the audience in stitches. It was a fantastic display of their ability to work together and bring joy to others through performance.
This week’s Declamation program was a resounding success, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our students and teachers. It was a joy to witness the growth in their confidence and their ability to articulate and perform with such poise.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the next milestone for our older students: the Eighth Grade Exhibition. This significant research project will see our graduating class delve into business ventures or other topics of personal significance, culminating in presentations later this month. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting capstone of their middle school journey!
