First Grade Performs
      Play “Whose Garden is it?” 

December 8, 2010

Quick question: Where can you see first grade students dressed up like seeds, animals, soil, veggies and plants?

That’s easy. At the Mayfield Elementary School production of “Whose Garden is it?” at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 in the cafeteria.

After finishing a unit on plants, the first grade teachers decided to use a form of cross curricular instruction, or a blending of music, science, art and public speaking, to create a play about plants and life cycle. The first grade team worked with both the music and art department on the play. Art teacher Josette Pastore designed the costumes, while music instructor Luke Horst wrote an original song for the children to sing.

The play centers on a woman named Mrs. McGee who asks who the garden belongs to. The gardener says it belongs to him. But the woodchuck insists it's his. And so do the rabbit, the butterfly, the bumblebee, and the little squash bug. Even the tiny seeds and the whistling wind stake their claim.

First grade teacher Mary Swart said all the students have lines and they’re excited about performing for the first time.

“This is an opportunity for each of them to get up there and be the star for a minute,” she said. “The kids are excited and it’s an opportunity for them to get hands-on experience.”

Although the play features music and colorful visuals, the educational value plays an important part to the children said Lindsay Morris. The students are not only learning about plants, but the life cycle and how things co-exist.

“It’s a fun way to combine everything,” she said.