Be a Star!

Do remember dreaming of what you would become when you grew up?  Most young boys dream of being a fireman, police officer, or some other exciting job.  Little girls might often play at house, or school and can imagine one day being a mommy or teacher!

It is a bit embarrassing to admit what I dreamed of being – but after making the list I did find a common element.  There was a time that I truly believed I could be an actress. Later on (because my grandmother told me I had the most beautiful voice) I just knew I had to be a singer!  This list does continue, but I found that all these careers could be categorized as an entertainer.  In truth I just really wanted to be a star!

It is ironic to think that I now have the opportunity, albeit on a small scale, to entertain various groups of young people on a daily basis.  And as most high school teacher can affirm, this can be one of the toughest crowds!

I want to challenge you not only to be a star entertainer in your classroom but also to train your students to be entertainers themselves.  Not to be and train just for entertainment’s sake, but for the purpose of delivering a message – to educate.

Here are five points to help you become a star and to help you train stars:

1. Increase your volume!

Do not mumble yourself, and don’t allow them to mumble.

1. Fluctuate your tone.

If you have seen any of the famous Charles Schulz’s Peanuts television programs, the children are taught by a teacher who is never seen, but is only depicted by her voice.  A non-descript, “Wa wa, wa wa, wa wa…”  Don’t be the kind of teacher who because the “white noise” in the background of your students’ minds.  And don’t allow them to communicate to you in that manner either.  Even if a child is shy, does not excuse them from enunciating and expressing themselves with passion.  If you need to model the correct speaking pattern for them, do it!  And make sure they do mimic you accurately.  There are time I have an impromptu “Test” in class.  I will give each student a sentence in a paragraph which we will read together.  I will first read each sentence for the student, and they will repeat it just as I have.  Sometimes I make sure it is way over the top, and I make them shout it or whisper it in just the same way I did.

1. Be believable

Especially when reading literature or selections for drama class, make sure you understand the characters in your story and make sure your students also understand.  Many times students do not know how to “be the character” because they do not understand the selection, and it is evident when they do not understand that they cannot perform. Treat each read-aloud as a performance.  After all, they do have an audience.  Many times I will stop the reading by saying, “I’m sorry, Bobby, you are just not entertaining me. Could you please try again?”  After a few attempts, I will help jump in and show him how he should be reading/performing, or I will give him background information on the scene.  Simply because adults have had more life experience, we can more readily empathize with what the character might be feeling.  We then must clue in the student to those thoughts.

1. Be uncomfortable.

To “break out of your shell” is essential in becoming a star.  When we stay in our comfort zone, it is very difficult to entertain to the best of your ability.  If you feel a little silly mimicking an old man’s voice, this is exactly what will entertain your students!  Teach them to know that feeling as well.  I often ask, “Does this make you feel silly?”  Most of the time they will say yes, and then I know that they are performing just as they should.

1. Make eye contact.

It is important to read your selections prior to performing them in class for your students.  Many times I will find a suspenseful sentence, and purposely place “The Dramatic Pause” at this point.  This gives me the opportunity to make eye contact with my audience.  As a side note, you will also catch those students who are not following along in the text.  This is an easy non-verbal cue to discipline your students.

Remember, there are five points on a star; and there are five points to be a star.