When I was a little girl at PS 233, we had assemblies every Friday morning. We all had to wear a white blouse or a white shirt, a red scarf or tie and navy blue skirts or slacks. We vied for the coveted job of flag bearer, where you got to wear a really uncomfortable harness that helped you carry and steady the large American Flag on a heavy wooden pole as you marched down the center aisle of the auditorium, the envy of all the students. When I started working here seven years ago, I was sad to learn that there were no longer weekly assemblies, and in fact, very few assemblies throughout the year. Students no longer had a regular opportunity to practice their listening skills as an atttentive audience, or to share their talents on stage with their classmates.

Happily, assemblies have made a comeback at PS 233. Every other week, two classes get to “strut their stuff” in talent shows–one assembly is for the “littles” in grades Pre-K to 2 and the other is for the big kids in grades 3-5. I think it’s a great way for the students to feel some ownership and sense of community in the school, and it’s a wonderful way for teachers to see their students in a different light.

Here’s a short video of Room 415’s presentation. There’ll be more to follow, so stay tuned to the blog.

Room 415 Talent Show, October 2007