The following is a press-release from the Lynwood Unified School District:
Students from five Lynwood elementary schools recently entertained audiences by acting in their own original short plays through “Language in Play,” an after-school program that provides extended learning opportunities through the performing arts.
The very first performances took place on May 28 at Lugo Elementary School, where students kicked off the event with a shortened version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The play was followed by performances of students’ original works that sought to teach various morals and social issues. While one play centered on the stereotypes some families face after immigrating to the United States, another told the moral of not judging your peers based on their popularity.
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“This was so fun and exciting,” said sixth-grade Lugo Elementary student Eugenio Navarro. “It has really helped me to open up and even just to speak louder.”
Between the short plays, the students also participated in various improvisational activities. In one titled “Gibberish,” three students sat in chairs at the front of the room. The student in the middle translated for two other students speaking completely different gibberish languages.
The culminating performance at Lugo was followed by those at Abbott, Lincoln and Lindbergh elementary schools, with the last one taking place June 4 at Rosa Parks Elementary.
“After-school programs like this one provide enhanced learning opportunities that our students might not get in the regular classroom experience,” said LUSD Board of Education President Maria G. Lopez. “They’re gaining confidence while developing vital English and literacy skills through activities that are fun and engaging.”
The program is coordinated through the East L.A. Classic Theatre and aims to address social and academic challenges that at-risk youths and English language learners may face.
“I would like to extend a big thank you to East L.A. Classic Theatre for the quality services they are providing for students, not only in Lynwood, but throughout the greater Los Angeles area,” LUSD Superintendent Edward Velasquez said.
Between the short plays, the students also participated in various improvisational activities. In one titled “Gibberish,” three students sat in chairs at the front of the room. The student in the middle translated for two other students speaking completely different gibberish languages.
The culminating performance at Lugo was followed by those at Abbott, Lincoln and Lindbergh elementary schools, with the last one taking place June 4 at Rosa Parks Elementary.
“After-school programs like this one provide enhanced learning opportunities that our students might not get in the regular classroom experience,” said LUSD Board of Education President Maria G. Lopez. “They’re gaining confidence while developing vital English and literacy skills through activities that are fun and engaging.”
The program is coordinated through the East L.A. Classic Theatre and aims to address social and academic challenges that at-risk youths and English language learners may face.
“I would like to extend a big thank you to East L.A. Classic Theatre for the quality services they are providing for students, not only in Lynwood, but throughout the greater Los Angeles area,” LUSD Superintendent Edward Velasquez said.
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