“Lucas will play the part of a wise man, please can you send in a black cloak and help him rehearse his lines.”
We received a note from school for the Christmas nativity play.
Practice practice practice
The week leading up to the play, Lucas practiced his lines for homework. There were a couple of words he struggled to pronounce but by the end of the week, he had managed to get them right.
The day of the play was filled with excitement and nerves. We joined other families in the small church and there we watched as the children, dressed in wonderful costumes, retold the age-old story of Jesus’ birth.
Stepping up to the microphone
Lucas’ moment arrived. Dressed in a gold trimmed cloak and a golden crown, he delivered his presents to the family. As they gave the microphone to him, his voice was so soft, we couldn’t hear him as he mouthed the words. We were so proud, even if we didn’t hear a word, for his bravery to stand and deliver them.
Post-performance, a conversation with the headteacher revealed the deeper purpose of the play. “It’s a chance for the kids to shine” she said. In a mainstream setting, the spotlight often goes to the boldest. Here, every child, regardless of their usual classroom presence, was given a starring role. This was their moment to shine.
Moral of the Story
Every child is unique and given the opportunity, they can bring light to the world in ways we never anticipated.
The nativity play wasn’t just a performance; it was a reminder that when we create spaces where all children can lead, we encourage a world where every voice has a chance to be heard.
What opportunities can we create to give every child a chance to shine?
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