Crane Country Day School Established 1928

Crane School Blog: Focus on Learning

Featuring articles written by Crane Staffulty

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A Spotlight on Spotlight
A Spotlight on Spotlight
Konrad Kono

Every Friday at Crane, there is excitement and joy on campus.  It is not because it’s Friday and the weekend is near, but because everyone knows that Friday is the Spotlight assembly!

The Spotlight performance is a chance for anyone in the school community to get up and perform for a large and appreciative crowd. It is a great, safe place for students to sing songs, tell jokes, play an instrument, or perform a dance piece, and to be adored for their talents by a cheering audience!

What makes Spotlight so special is that it teaches students important lessons on so many levels. The Spotlight assembly truly is experiential learning.

The performer learns to overcome the fear of being on stage under the bright lights.  The performer also learns to overcome the fear of public speaking, which is a great fear of many adults.  It teaches one to prepare and deliver the goods, and creates wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.  

It teaches responsibility and respect. 

Spotlight also teaches the audience. The audience learns to be respectful and supportive.  It teaches empathy.  It also inspires many audience members to want to do a Spotlight performance.  I have had the great pleasure of students rushing up to me after a Spotlight assembly wanting to sign up to do their own.

It is truly amazing how a simple morning assembly can change and empower students of all ages and, in the process, build an engaged and nurturing community.

Konrad Kono

Music Teacher 

 

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