“Dig It” The Musical

I am thrilled to share my experience of working on the production of “Dig It” alongside Music Specialist Mr. Winslow and Associate Teacher Ms. Alarcon. We are bringing plays back to Post Oak! The students came up with this wonderful idea; they took ownership of the creative processes. We only empowered them by encouraging their creativity and self-expression. This opportunity helped our students develop leadership skills and a sense of independence while also fostering a greater sense of community within the classroom. 

As a teacher, I am always looking for ways to make learning more engaging and interactive for my students, and the opportunity to weave a play into our curriculum was an exciting prospect. From the outset, it was clear that this would be a collaborative effort involving not just the students but also other teachers and specialists. We worked together to ensure that the production did not interfere with our regular classwork, which required careful planning and time management. But the effort was well worth it.

As we dove into the production of “Dig It,” I was struck by how much the students learned about organization, production, singing in harmony, regaining control of their singing voices, collaboration, and time management. These are skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, and I was proud to see them develop these abilities through their participation in the play.

The benefits of the play extended beyond just these skills. As we studied ancient civilizations throughout the year, “Dig It” provided a perfect opportunity to deepen our understanding of archaeology and history. The students were able to apply what they had learned in the classroom to a real-world context, and in the process, they developed a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Music is an essential part of Montessori education. Music is considered a valuable tool for holistic development in a Montessori environment. The approach recognizes that music can profoundly impact a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development; therefore, it is incorporated it into the curriculum in various ways. Musical theater is not just about putting on plays or musicals, it is also about using drama as a tool for learning. Theater can help students to engage with literature, history, science, and other subjects in a more immersive and interactive way. For example, students may use drama to act out scenes from a book they have read or to simulate a scientific experiment. Through these activities, students are able to deepen their understanding of the subject matter and develop a range of skills, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

For me, the experience of working on “Dig It” was a powerful reminder of the value of integrating the arts into the curriculum. Musical theater is a big part of Montessori education and is viewed as a part of cosmic education. Through visual arts and musical theater, we can help students connect with the wider world, develop a sense of wonder and awe, and learn in new and exciting ways.

Overall, the production of “Dig It” was a wonderful experience for all involved, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.

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