This week we were helping with a talent show. On Monday and Tuesday, we met with a student council and went over expectations and duties. Some of the students were responsible for music, others were emcees and the others took care of the decorations. I had to help individual students adapt the scrip, as there were some changes, and download music for the performances.

On Wednesday morning, we got to school early to do a final rehearsal and set up the gym for the Talent Show. That was the day we finally saw all the participants. There were so many talented students who wanted to share their skills with everyone. They practiced walking on the stage, doing their performance and walking off the stage. The student council people were also practicing their speeches and doing other important duties. Everything was ready for the special event.

When the Talent Show started, the gym was crowded with people – everyone wanted to see the little starts! There were lots of singers, dancers, piano and air guitar players among the participants. The audience was also impressed with artists, gymnasts, puppeteers, and magicians! So many talents – you name it!

These are some of the things I have learned from this experience and would want to incorporate in my future teaching practice:

• Start auditions as early as possible to give everyone enough time to prepare for the event.
• Include everyone! No one wants to be left out. Allow students a lot of time to practice.
• If there are many students who want to participate in a Talent Show, organize two events that are time-wise.
• Every student that is part of a student council should have a job. Choose an M.C., a DJ and those who will help students get on and off the stage. You will also need someone to help set up the gym and clean it up after the event.
• It is better to ask students that are singing to bring a phonogram either on a memory stick or a CD ahead of time so that all the songs are on the same laptop. If that is impossible, you can also download the songs from YouTube. In that case, you will have to make sure the version of the song you have found online is the same the performer wants.
• Organize a rehearsal and go over expectations. This is the time to practice, practice, practice… At this point, help as much as needed.
• Ask students to handmake brochures for the event – a very nice touch that will be greatly appreciated by all.
• Let students run the show – they will be super happy and proud of themselves in the end. Help ONLY when difficulties occur.

Thank you to Student Council and Begbie Elementary for such an unforgettable experience!

P.S. Next week we are attending Grade 7 Graduation Ceremony and going on a boat ride. Stay tuned!

Follow