To wonder why so many teachers take the school Christmas concert so seriously?

[GlitteryRollers]

I'm doing supply at the moment in a school that is taking its Christmas concert so seriously you'd swear they are putting a show in the West End.

Today the head teacher, whom I've already got pegged as a bit of a narcissist, ranted and raved at the whole school during a run through because of the way the way they were getting fidgety (they'd been standing for well over an hour at this point), they didn't have their hands by their sides and they weren't looking happy enough.

It's just seems a bit much really. I've sat through a couple of run throughs already and its completle dirge, which is not the kids fault because they didn't write it. The parents just want to see their kids singing on the stage. They won't care who's not standing on straight, or who's fidgeting, or smiling. They will be focussing on their own DC's.

The difference between this school and the one I was in last xmas is insane. They were much more laid back last year, and as a result it was a better show. I can't help but thinking its all about the teachers and their egos more than anything else. I'm right arent I?

No, you're not right. Your attitude is pretty awful - have you ever had a permanent contract? It makes a difference.
Do you think children shouldn't be challenged to do the best they can in all fields?

I think school are judged on this kind of thing along with class assemblies. Naturally, the staff want it to reflect well on the school. You should be supporting them not undermining. Chn should be discouraged from fidgeting, even reception chn can sit still.

I have just been to my dc show. The HT says practice for two weeks max, don't let it interfer with learning and keep it fun. It wasn't great but the kids had fun. However, I think it would also be reasonable to aspire to slightly more because some things need to be worked for and are better for doing so and the kids can taken greater pride in their efforts. A balance needs to be struck.

Yanbu if the script is poor.

Of course they should be challenged. But honestly, the kids were obviously bored shitless. It's lots of standing around for long periods of time. All im saying is that it doesn't need to be so serious. Surely it should be fun for the kids?

What an unpleasant post cardi

I agree with you OP. Surely part of the fun of small children performing is that it always goes wrong?

Winterswan at one of my childhood xmas concerts a pantomime cow fell off the stage. I think the headteacher of this school would have a heart attack if something like this happened at his concert

I love the monotone of little Lancashire accents announcing THURR IS NAW RUM AT T'INN

When DD2 was 5 the best part of her school nativity was watching her and her friend squabbling and bashing into each other's angel wings and halos.

DD1 had the starring role in her version and it was properly stressful watching and wondering if she would remember all her lines.

DD3 was off sick last week and came home upset on Monday as she didn't know all the words. I had to be wipey Mum and get a practise sheet only to have her sing all 8 songs to me note and word perfect. Fully expecting her to get stage fright and not sing a word on the day like she did last year.

I agree with you Op

Also have absolutely no problem with anyone's troublesome younger sibling coming along to watch.

I'm not a teacher but agree with OP. Standing for long periods of time when you are 4 is a challenge at the best of times. I expect the Christmas concert to be a bit rubbish - but love it all the same. It shouldn't be a military display.

But I'm clearly not in tune with most of the posters, and am glad my DC's school are laid back about it.

The best bits in school shows are where the children's personalities come through, when you spot a pair of friends holding hands, or the child who really goes for the boogying during the musical interlude, or the one who has managed to climb inside their costume like a tortoise (looks severely at DS).

OP

cardi I think most younger kids are challenged to do their best in the creative arts when they are having fun and are part of the creative process, not when standing around bored witless and rehearsing ad infinitum.

In Reception my DD had a speaking part (I forget what). One of the other Mums sitting behind me kept catching DDs eye and making her laugh.
After the concert the HT brought out a big tin of biscuits, offered them to every child on the stage except my DD because she had ruined it for everyone.
So yes, I do think that some Teachers in some schools take the whole thing too seriously.

I worked at a school where the head teacher used to berate the children after their dress rehearsal every year.

Luckily, I've never experienced anything like it since so maybe it's a one off and you're at the same school I used to work at! I doubt it

Wonder if the school in the OP is my older DCs former primary school! Drama teacher came from a family of performing 'artistes'. You would have thought the school production was a Broadway show. There were auditions, rehearsals after school, we all had to order costumes from the school (no option to make own) for at least £15 a pop, teacher shouting at fidgeters etc. She always chose the same kids for the lead roles - kids who attended her family performing arts school . There used to be around 6 'performances'.

The thought of giving less confident kids a chance to shine was a no no. Many parents complained but nothing was done.

Just awful.

I was amazed at the difference between primary Christmas plays and secondary (OK so I've been to 1 secondary school one) but the kids at the secondary school one had more say in what they did, took pride in what they were doing as they chose what to do AND it was held at the local auditorium so there was a bar for the parents, there should ALWAYS be a bar when forced to watch kids perform, the thing is, because it was very much run by the kids they worked hard and the performances were genuinely very good. Primary schools need to stop 'forcing' these things, make it fun, give the kids some say in what they do. I don't imagine any child wants to do it badly and its pretty scary getting up in front of people so you are absolutely right OP, it should be fun - this is afterall teaching them confidence in public speaking and performing NOT the music/drama teachers opportunity to shine

It might depend on whether or not parents have to pay to watch. We do (but we're in Australia) so it's more important that the production is relatively good (although when it goes wrong it adds to the general hilarity, so I'm never bothered).

But this year, apparently it took up too much time. So they're "reconsidering" doing the school play now, which I've already objected to, as I think it's an important thing for children to do (the whole school takes part). Taking the attitude that "it shouldn't interfere with LEARNING in CLASSROOMS" sucks more than trying to make a decent performance.

I know what you mean op

the show should be a sign of all their joy and their personalities. whether Mary cries behind the donkey or the angels stand backwards on one leg. I want to see what the kids have done. not what some head teacher has instilled in them. through fear.

am. hour is too long the kids will fidget. just part of it

OMG momb that head sounds like an absolute cunt of the highest order. Please tell me you marched down to the school and tore a strip off him?

Obviously I'm not going to give too much information away, but I've had to gag myself to prevent myself from laughing at the sheer wankery of the whole thing. The head is actually standing at the front "conducting" the kids singing like they are peforming at the Royal Albert Hall. It's hilarious. What a fucking pretentious prick.

I think it's a tricky situation for teacher's. On one hand it doesn't really matter what the concert is like as long as the children are doing their bit and parent's get to come and long and feel proud of their Dc. On the other hand though, the children are a reflection of the teacher's input, and with a few hundred expectant adults all watching the DCs it's no wonder they feel pressured. I think most school's try to strike a balance. The kids feel proud when they have done their best and learn more from the experience when the emphasis is put on performing to your best. There's not much point in doing it without some expectations. However, teacher's need to be realistic about how long is appropriate for practicing and have some perspective!

Take it you won't be applying for any jobs coming up there OP?

Well I agree and disagree.
I do believe children should be taught and expected to stand still and smile during a performance as this is part of what performing is.
However I think this is much easier if it's made an enjoyable experience and they are engaged in the show itself.

As a parent I couldn't care less if my child keeps still. I was more annoyed the year he was kept out of view because his asd meant music would induce some bouncing and flapping. I was gutted the school felt he would be a let down to their image.

Something that annoyed me today was how the whole front row had "reserved" notices on it for selected people it would seem. Couldn't see how they all were connected except two that are parents of one of the teachers who has a child at the school. I wouldn't mind apart from having stood for forty five minutes in the rain to make sure we got a seat rather than peeping from the back like last year.