Recitations

Junior School Syndicate, 23 April, 2012.

Dear Parents,


 * The Junior School Recitations will be held in Room 5/6 at 9:10a.m.on Thursday, 21 June (Week 9). ** Parents, grandparents and other interested parties are invited to attend. Over the next eight weeks, the children will select and learn a poem of their choice by heart. On Recitation Day, the children will deliver their chosen poems in a dramatic manner, using props or costumes as appropriate.

As a guide, a poem of one or two verses is probably most suitable for Room 6 children. Most Room 5 children should choose a poem of between three to five verses. Room 2 children should generally be looking for longer, more interesting poems. Please help your child look for a poem of quality. This is “dramatic” recitation. We are looking for well-delivered, entertaining performances. (Selected poems must be first approved by the class teacher.) This is an ideal opportunity for you and your child to share a variety of poems before they settle on one to recite to an audience.

Recitation day is a highlight of the term and is most enjoyable when well prepared for. A timeline has been devised to assist children with their preparation. (See below). While some time will be given towards preparation in class, the learning and practising of the poem is primarily a home activity. The more practice and help the children get at home the easier and more enjoyable it is for them on the day.

Yours sincerely, Fran McFall, Sue Acton, Pamela Hughes

Recite to others. Remember the “drama”! || Recitations will take place over four sessions. If you wish us to try and accommodate your choice of time, please indicate your first, second and third choice and we will endeavour to place your child/children in that session, or as close to it as possible. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 * Wk 2 30/4 – 4/5 || Begin reading a selection of poems. ||
 * Wk 3 7/5 – 11/5 || Choose a poem to learn. **Give your teacher a copy by Wednesday 9 May.** Practise reading. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 4 14/5 – 18/5 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Read aloud with expression, take your time and develop a steady, audible, paced voice. Begin to learn by heart. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 5 21/5 – 25/5 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Continue learning and practising. Be prepared to practise in pairs in class. You should know your poem by the end of the week. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 6 28/5 – 1/6 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Think about props and costumes. (Masks should preferably cover only the top half of your face.) Continue practising. Practise in front of a mirror. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 7 4/6 – 8/6 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">You should be confident reciting your poem now. Points to look for:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Clear enunciation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Appropriate hand gestures
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Comfortable stance
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Head up
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Eye contact. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 8 11/5 – 15/5 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Work on polishing your delivery (pace, expression, actions etc.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Wk 9 18/5 || **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Recitation Day – Thursday, 21 June **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">, 9:10 in Room 5/6 ||

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Name: ______________________________________________________ Room: ____________________


 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Session || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Approximate Time || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Indicate preferred choice E.g. 1,2,3,4 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Session 1 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">9:10 – 9:55 ||  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Session 2 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">10:10 – 10:55 ||  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Session 3 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">11:10 – 11:55 ||  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Session 4 || <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">12:10 – 12:55 ||  ||