Timber Ridge students' plays emphasize respect
On Thursday, June 2, the fifth- and sixth-grade students, in Maggie Johanson's class at Timber Ridge Therapeutic Day School in Arlington Heights, enjoyed performing two plays to an appreciative audience of students, parents and staff.
The plays, "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Ugly Woodpecker," focused on knowing who you are, accepting yourself and always treating those who may be different from you with courtesy, understanding and respect.
The class welcomed to the cast, Timber Ridge Principal Brian Weems, staff member Megan Cordes, and classroom teacher Maggie Johanson, who like the students, played multiple character roles.
Most importantly, Julian Schreiber, a senior volunteer at Timber Ridge, worked closely with the students for months practicing their lines. Working so closely with Schreiber helped the students with their fluency, intonation, tone and rate. After months of practice and perfecting their lines, the students performed for all to see.
Timber Ridge Therapeutic Day School is one of the programs within the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization. Timber Ridge, kindergarten through eighth grade, has an ongoing emphasis on enhancing the educational and social opportunities for students with significant social and emotional needs. Timber Ridge staff, students, and parents partner to create and maintain a comfortable and engaging learning environment so that each student can achieve his or her maximum potential.
"The plays were an excellent opportunity for our students and staff to work as a team, " said Johanson. "Together, we made the plays a fun, engaging way to learn for all of us. Not only did the students participate in an activity that they would not normally do, but they were able to see the fruits of their hard work. The students overcame feelings of nervousness on the day of and put on an awesome performance."
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