Tales by grade school actors

"Eat it or wear it"

The famous line every third and fourth-grader has learned for many generations was the inspiration this month for the first large-scale dramatic production by students at Cobblestone Elementary.

"Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," the famous children's novel by Judy Blume, is familiar to many young students as a reading requirement in early elementary school.

"We like to try incorporating curriculum as much as possible with extracurricular activities," said Sarah Irvine, fourth-grade teacher at Cobblestone Elementary.

In an effort to continually offer students ways of learning outside the classroom, Cobblestone Elementary felt a play was a perfect way of providing this learning experience. For "Tales," the school had open tryouts and cast 12 main characters. But a dozen individuals were not all it took to pull off this performance. In total, the play offered 35 kids the opportunity to be a part of the production. If a student didn't play a direct part they had the option of working on the all-important props and backdrops.

The students were excited about the play and many who participated were able to easily identify with the theme due to their familiarity with the book.

"I liked being in the play because I got to be with all my friends and it was a fun experience," said Savannah Borem, a fourth-grader who played the part of the mom to Peter and Fudge.

The play, which took the students two months to learn, was performed April 10 to a crowd full of parents, community members and peers..

"I was happy with the turnout," said Irvine.

Irvine, who worked with the students to put the production together, hopes to use this first experience as a launching point to do more productions each year, with a goal of completing three large plays throughout the school year. Based on the reaction and participation from students, she isn't the only one looking forward to another opportunity to shine.

"I think the more I can be in plays the better people will get to know me and I think it is really fun when you have to act like a different person," said Aryanna Brown, a fourth-grader who played the part of the narrator.

As the students put a wrap on their first drama production, plans are already taking shape for the future when these kids can highlight their talent.

"I would love to continue to see the children's creativity and imagination expanded through theater," said Irvine.

Contact Plumas Lake correspondent Michele Perrault at 483-3664 or mperrault@plumaslakelife.com.