Second graders bring Charlotte's Web to life in Reader's Theater performance
Theodore Roosevelt School’s cafeteria was transformed into a theater on April 23 as second graders from Ms. Rotbart's and Ms. Lubin's classes stepped into the spotlight for a Reader's Theater production of “Charlotte's Web” – delighting an audience of families and staff with E.B. White's beloved tale of friendship and loyalty.
The performance was the culmination of nearly a month of preparation, part of a school-wide tradition in which each second-grade class selects a book, dives deep into the story and ultimately presents a staged reading complete with character roles, props and a live audience.
Students arrived on stage ready: scripts in hand and handcrafted necklaces featuring illustrated portraits of their characters. A large, hand-painted banner inspired by the book's original cover art set the scene overhead, a detail that drew admiring looks from the crowd before a single line was spoken.
From there, the students delivered. Taking turns at the microphone, they read with confidence and expression – solo moments woven together with ensemble readings that gave the whole class a chance to shine. The production wrapped up with a lively song-and-dance number, prepared with the help of music teacher Brenda Murphy. The character necklaces and the banner were the creative handiwork of art teacher Meredith Brustman, who worked with students throughout the process.
True to the Reader's Theater model, the experience extends beyond the stage. In keeping with the spirit of “Charlotte's Web,” the class has chosen a community service component rooted in kindness – they'll be partnering with Pre-K students to create a kindness chain together.
After the final bow, families lingered for refreshments, sharing in the celebration of a morning that was, much like the story itself, one worth remembering.
