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Education

Teacher said dd is too quiet for school play

13 replies

lars · 18/03/2005 17:32

My dd has come home from school today and said she hasn't got a part in school play once again.

Although i'm not really worried I am concerned that she told my dd that she can't read out the poem in the school play as she has a quiet voice.

The fact dd is her last year at school and every year she doesn't get a part. She puts up her hand but is never given a part. She is quiet and not a loud child but she is willing to take part. She is also a very good reader and the other children given the parts are not ( same old kids again). I am furious as this has just knocked her self confidence. Is the teacher really thick surely this just what she needs and now dd is upset by this.

Ive had some problems with ds at school, long story but i sometimes think this is personal.
What should I do let it go or have a word. larsxx

OP posts:

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lars · 19/03/2005 07:57

Hello is anyone there????? advice much needed. thanks. larsxx

OP posts:

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Xena · 19/03/2005 08:00

I would complain and if you get no where with the class teacher I would talk to the head. All children regardless of abilty etc deserve the same treatment.

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wordgirl · 19/03/2005 08:03

I agree, all children should be given a chance. If she's willing to participate but her voice is a bit quiet the school should be encouraging her to speak in a loud voice - in a way it's their problem, not hers!
I would let the teacher know how disappointed she is, particularly as this is her last chance.

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blessima · 19/03/2005 08:04

I would definately be having a word Lars.
At dds school the kids use a microphone and they all have to pass it along. Tbh, some little ones are even quiet whilst using that but no-one minds. Think it's well out of order to knock her confidence like that, especially when she's so willing to have a go.

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misdee · 19/03/2005 08:05

i was never given major reading parts in school plays/shows as i also was very quiet when reading aloud or in front of people. Is there not a group part she could be in? (singing) or could she help backstage?

can you work on helojg your dd project her voice for future plays?

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tigermoth · 19/03/2005 08:17

I think you should have a word with the teacher. If your dd is quiet, do you know if she has ever told the teacher that she would really like a speaking part? does the teacher just assume she's not interested?

Before you talk to the teacher, can you find out from your dd if she has ever told the teacher she wants to do more speaking on stage? If she has then ask the teacher about this, as well.

Even if the play has already been chosen and the parts allocated, it may not too late for your dd to have more of a speaking part. The teacher can add lines to some parts (or take lines away)- IME my son's teachers do lots of tinkering around with play scripts to fit in with the children's needs and abilities.

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lockets · 19/03/2005 08:19

This reply has been deleted

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JoolsToo · 19/03/2005 09:30

you're title reminds me of a story - if I may.

When I was 7 (!!!) we were doing the Nativity play and a certain blonde, pretty girl got to be Mary, but her voice was very quiet so the teacher said 'Let's see, who has a loud voice? - ah! JoolsToo you will be Mary' so on this occasion an ugly kid who had no hope of becoming the lead was catapulted to stardom

I hope your dd gets a part - there's room for everyone.

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Hulababy · 19/03/2005 09:31

Why can't they provide her with a clip on microphone? They are not expensive and it may come in useful for other year's plays too.

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LeahE · 19/03/2005 17:59

Can she talk loudly/project when necessary? I had the same problem -- my normal speaking voice is very quiet and I never got picked to do anything in primary school plays/entertainment. Outside school I was actually doing a lot of stuff with Brownies or Sunday School and had become the defualt narrator/big spoken part player for both of them because I was an advanced reader and they had found out (by actually bothering to try, unlike the school) that in a "performance" situation I could easily project and fill the room. I remember finding this very frustrating. Anyway, if she can project when necessary I would definitely take the issue up with the school again and point out that a normal spoken voice is not a good guide. If not then maybe get her involved in a local junior drama group so she can develop her skills and gain in confidence that she can do it?

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kate100 · 19/03/2005 18:07

I'm a teacher and I firmly believe that plays are for everyone, especially those who are keen to take part. Has she been given an opportunity to do anything else in the play, dancing etc? If not, I would definitely speak to the teacher and ask if there are any opportunites for her to do so.

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donnie · 19/03/2005 18:43

I would have a word and point out it isn't the first time and that she should be given the chance like other kids.Say you could do a bit of 'loud voice coaching' at home with her if need be.

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lars · 20/03/2005 13:44

Thanks for all your replies. DD has said that they do use a microphones and the teacher knows she is an advanced reader and this should help.So she feels rather let down by the teacher.

DD said some parts will be given out tomorrow and she said that she is going to speak to the teacher herself if she still doesn't get a part - bless her!

Lets see what happens? larsxx