Nativity disappointment why do teachers do it

[Bucketheadbucketbum]

Want to key stage 2 nativity today. It was 1 hour long! Approx 40 kids in it. Some children had multiple lines throughout the hour, on the stage for the bulk of the time, solo songs the works. Others had just one line and spent the rest of the time sitting to the side apart from group songs where they all stood up. I understand all parts cant be equal and it must be a nightmare to try and be fair but this was shockingly poorly distrubuted. Why would you do this as a teacher? So disappointing for the children and parents unless you happen to be one of the "stars" of the show.

We've been practising our Christmas show today- no acting but all classes singing a song each, reading poems, playing instruments etc. etc. Front row today was five year 6 boys- none of them singing or joining in, smirking at each other, hands in pockets... you get the picture. We'll be hiding them at the back for sure for the actual performance where nobody can see them- I wonder if their parents will be on here complaining their child never gets a main part and is always sitting where they can't see them???

After over 20 years of teaching, I’ve been involved in a lot of plays! Children have always been asked what sort of role they want and quiet ones encouraged to give it a go. Everyone got on the stage at one point, either to dance or say a line. I do think that’s nice for the children and the family.

If a girl was Mary in year 1, she wouldn’t be given that part in year 2 etc.

Auditions always took place in Year 6 for the main parts. One memorable year, a parent came in and demanded to see the the notes and scores from the auditions, as he couldn’t believe his child hadn’t got a main part. Eyes we’re rolling aplenty about that prat 🙄

If a girl was Mary in year 1, she wouldn’t be given that part in year 2 etc.

That is exactly the sort of thing that is easy to do and would make a difference. I have wondered if a teacher in say year 3 realises that James and Kate have had the lead parts in reception, year 1 and year 2 so it would be appropriate to let someone else do it this year.

100%

I'm the parent of a professional dancer, probably the most successful performer to ever come out of her primary and secondary school, and yet she was overlooked every year in favour of the super-confident show-offs.

I've also been a chaperone for child performers in both amateur and professional theatre performances, and once went on a training course for directors at the ROH. I've also done theatrical make-up, and numerous amateur performances myself. Not only that, I have watched numerous junior auditions for professional productions, and have got to know what is required.

I also once judged a talent contest.

I don't want to be a school teacher. If someone asked me to help them with casting, them I would happily oblige. What I would like is for (certain) teachers to stop having favourites, stop overlooking what is under their nose, and give those kids a chance to prove themselves. If teachers can't bring themselves to do that, then they are in the wrong job.

I'm the parent of a professional dancer, probably the most successful performer to ever come out of her primary and secondary school, and yet she was overlooked every year in favour of the super-confident show-offs

But how does being a professional dancer make her right for the lead in a school play- that's where you need a confident show off!

I watched my DD’s last ever nativity last night (year 6) and she stood at the back with a massive grump on looking like she’d rather be anywhere else. I took videos because it’s really funny and it will be hilarious to look back on when she’s older. There’s a group of children in front of her really getting into it, dancing with huge grins on their faces and she looks like someone just told her Santa died.

Some kids really don’t want to be star of the show or even in the show at all, my DD hated it.

And it is fine not to want to join in, it isn't fine to never get the chance if you want it.

This I agree with this. Some kids just need some encouragement but it’s far easier for the organisers of these shows to pick an already confident kid. It’s a shame as it makes the less confident ones believe they aren’t good enough. It’s an incredibly easy and lazy excuse to say they are too quiet etc. My kids to be told they can do it before they start believing in themselves. There was a time their hands would shoot up to he chosen but when repeatedly passed over, tell themselves they are no good.

If the group organisers are unable to give everyone at least one speaking line, then they shouldn’t bother doing them at all. Parents attend to support their own children, not just a few select kids.

Teachers have been horribly maligned on this thread by some posters. If we were lazy we’d be doing another job and we certainly wouldn’t be arsed putting on Christmas plays. And you have no idea what you’re talking about if you think teachers favour the loud confident kids. I taught for many years and my ‘favourites’ were usually the neglected children who were never going to get a big part because of behaviour issues or because weren’t able to remember lines or had really poor attendance. The Nativity play is a massive amount of work for teachers and in these entitled times it seems to please very few parents so why schools continue to bother I don’t know.

What ever happened to parents just enjoying seeing their child dressed up?
Get a grip.

@Dottymug I do not think teachers are lazy. But neither do all schools or teachers do as you suggest.

It isn’t possible to please every parent. It just isn’t. The only thing that would make some parents happy would be if their child was doing a monologue in the spotlight throughout. Just go along, clap enthusiastically and praise your child, whether they were the star or the donkey’s backside. Almost invariably the children will be delighted with themselves if you are.

I didn't think my dc's teacher was lazy either - I think she could have done with a chill pill - she behaved like it was a Broadway musical - the stress on the kids was unbearable - they all let her down - frequently and didn't she let them know it!

My GCs nativity the other day was inclusive, parents were all happy, children were all happy. I was there saw the parents crowding round teachers and it was all positive. There weren't any stars, all kids were included. It wasn't perfect in the sense that the performances were worthy of an Oscar, kids fluffed lines, missed cues etc but it was perfect in that everyone enjoyed it.

I think the only reason parents might want a monologue from their child is if they've sat through the monologues from the favourites for years.

It isn't true that children will invariably be delighted with themselves if the parents praise them. I've heard children replying that it was rubbish and they did nothing.

Your school might not go for the epic performance with the tried and trusted few but schools do it and children do get upset. I've seen both types of schools and performances and the difference is stark. It isn't all schools, it isn't all teachers but for the children who constantly feel left out it is painful.

Well said @ancientgran - proof that it can be done in a way that prioritises a happy and inclusive event, rather than focusing on the 'quality' of the performance.

Absolutely - it’s focusing on the quality of the performance that seems to be the source of the issue.