quiet child

[nonalphamummy]

My son is fairly quiet in class and a bit body self conscious prob due to been much taller and bigger than classmates. He is extremely distressed as the teacher organising the annual xmas play has told him no choice he is taking a leading role. This isn't the first time this has happened where instead of a smaller part he has been thrust into a lead role. The time before I just told them straight give him something else or I won't let him do the play. Trouble is what do I say to horrible teacher who I had a ding dong with previously!????

I am a teacher of Drama in several primary schools and I am currently working on five separate Christmas shows. In one school I was instructed by the headteacher that every pupil in a particular yeargroup all had to have a main role in the production. I understood why she wanted this, but I disagreed with it.

I do not believe that children should be forced into something like a school show. For most pupils it is a really exciting and valuable experience - but it is not for everybody. When I started to allocate parts to pupils, I asked them who would like a big part, small part or non-speaking part. This really helped me in deciding who would be best and everyone involved is happy with the role they have been given.

I would approach your son's teacher and explain that you are concerned for two reasons. One, your son does not wish to have a large role and this may knock his confidence further. Two, if he is not enthusiastic about the role he has been given it may spoil the play as a whole. This second point will determine if the teacher is concerned more about the play's success or your son's feelings.

If you still are not satisfied, you should write a letter to the headteacher with your concerns and see what happens then.

I think Raalix has very sensible suggestions.
I was quiet and self conscious as a DC and being forced into that position isn't helpful. Confidence comes slowly over time.
There was a thread the other day with mothers upset because their DC didn't have a lead role-but you wonder who wanted it-mummy or the DC!! A lot of DCs want to be on the back line of the chorus!
If the teacher wants to be really helpful she needs gentle persuasion at a very slow pace.

Thank you all for giving me some idea of what to say to my sons teacher rather than blurt out "he just doesn't want to do it"!!