Readers' Theatre (The Little Red Hen)

Some time ago, I started a reading club with a bunch of overworked but still very enthusiastic mummies. We made big plans and wanted to carry out meaningful activities for our little ones. But for the longest time, we did not know how to get it going and we procrastinated. So when Auntie Pei Ee suggested doing a Readers’ Theatre with her book, I almost fell to my knees and thank God for the timely intervention.

However, we got so busy with our Sydney trip that I did not have any time to work on it at all. Fortunately, everyone chipped in and helped to make the session work. Auntie Cindy and Auntie Jessy dealt with the food and I concentrated on getting the script ready and the art materials needed for the masks. Auntie Pei Ee was in charge of directing the rehearsals and Auntie Annie was to conduct the circle time with storytelling.

Honestly, I did the preparation only last night. I quickly typed and colour coded the dialogue before printing them out. Then I gathered all the file folders and art materials after I did a mental rehearsal of what we needed to do for the session. By the time I was done, it was past midnight but I was too overwhelmed by excitement and anticipation to sleep.

10 am – the time we were to meet. I took Sophie and Alfee to the function room with my helper. To my horror, the usual yoga group was there. I quickly checked with the security guard who assured me that they would finish soon after 10am. They left at 10.15am. Hot and not too pleased, I started rearranging the furniture. Fortunately, Auntie Cindy soon arrived with Uncle Damian, Clare and Isaiah. By 10.45am, everyone was there except Auntie Annie, Phoebe and Reuben, who were stuck at home because their locks were faulty.

Auntie Pei Ee started the session with storytelling of The little Red Hen and explained to the children what we would be doing fo the day. Then I took over the session and facilitated the group in making the animal masks. All the mummies and daddies got the chance to exercise their creativity as well, assisting the children with their masks.

Aunite Annie was still on her way after we had finished the masks, so we broke for snacks even though our pizza and McDonalds were not there yet. Fortunately, Auntie Jessy cooked some pasta for the children so they were happily wolving down everything together. It was quite a pleasant sight to see Sophie eating without me screaming by her side.

Finally, Auntie Annie came. We gathered the children and did a demo session for them to see what exactly they were in for. The mummies tok the roles of their own children so that they could model after them. It has been a long while since I last did a Readers' Theatre for any audience. It was quite refreshing. I must mention that Auntie Annie made a good hen!



Our Demo RT – Little Red Hen

Next we broke into groups and rehearse with the children. We had to shorten the lines so that our little ones could do it better. Given more time, I was sure they would remember their lines better. Finally, we t te children do it with just one take.

Our Children’s RT – Little Red Hen (One Take)

Not the best, but it was good enough for first timers. The children, especially Sophie, were tired already even befoe that, so they tried their best. After their performance, we did a song for closure.

Old MacDonald Has A Farm (Closure)

It was after that that I managed to feel more relaxed and sit around for chit chat. It was quite enjoyable to run such activities for our children. In fact, we thought about doing this more often in he furture. Of course, we need to have better management of time and we must be more organised. Also, we need to teach the children to be good audience and the right protocol for performing.