Homeschool Academy improves literacy though theater

Editor's note: This story has been updated.

SANDPOINT — Oh, the thinks you can think if you’re willing to try.

In the case of the Homeschool Academy, like those lyrics found in one of the songs from "Seussical Jr.", it may be more the things you can learn when you're having fun. But in the case of the play being presented by the school's students, the audience gets to come along.

The play is directed by Courtney Roberts. A very immersive project, Monday marked the production’s first big rehearsal. Before they had mostly worked on blocking so the big lesson of the day was student focus.

“I'm so impressed by the student’s dedication,” said Roberts.

Thirty-four students are included in the play with two acting as stage managers. Roberts said that the musical is a good way for students to learn communication and confidence all while having fun.

It is not just students behind the play, but parents are involved with building the stage and as well as help during rehearsals. Parents Tawny Mcdonald and Chloe Davis assist the directory corralling the students and keeping them on task as well as providing assistance. Mcdonald heads up the costume and prop department and Davis is musical support.

Melinda Rossman, head teacher and principal at the Homeschool Academy said that the school had received a Panhandle Alliance for Education grant and used the funds for “literacy through theater.”

The play is not just to get students on stage, said Rossman, but to have students practice their literacy through word comprehension and acting using their new vocabulary. She said that through theater, students expand their vocabulary faster than if they were just reading.

Mcdonald and Davis agreed. They said that prior to auditions, some of the students were hesitant to participate in the play since they felt they “were not good readers.”

“Now those students are the main cast,” said Mcdonald.

It is not just reading skills that the students are learning though they play, but leadership, working together and confidence.

With the age mixing from first to eighth, said Mcdonald, the older students are taking the younger kids under their wings and mentoring them. They are stepping up and developing leadership skills.

“Earlier [the older students} were a little bossy, but they have developed their leadership skills,” Mcdonald added.

Davis said that students have gained confidence over the past month of rehearsals. Before they would look up at the ceiling at rehearsal and whisper their lines. Now they are projecting proudly looking ahead to where the crowd would be.

“I can hear quiet Augustine from my office,” said Rossman.

The Homeschool Academy has partnered with the Sandpoint Music Conservatory, which is how they have gotten in touch with Roberts and past directors. The “Seussical Jr.” is the third play that the school has put on with hopes of many more productions and to continue to use theater to progress student literacy.

One student, Summer Birch said that she enjoys being part of the play because of all of the mixing of fantasies that Dr. Seuss did in his stories. She also liked learning new fun words that are so Seuss-tastic. Aila Tilford also enjoyed how the play combined all of Dr. Seuss’ stories to create a magical world.

Ollie Mckitrick and Avery Chandline said they enjoy the family dynamic of the company. Elka Heuser said she is happy to have the opportunity to come to school and participate in a play. Vanessa Hood said that she really enjoys the story behind the play and how the writers tied in all of Dr. Seuss stories together.

“And the characters really match the [actors] personalities,” said Vanessa.

Liesel Heuser said she is enjoying all the fun that comes with singing, dancing and working with Ms. Courntey as the director.

The “Seussical Jr.” will be at the Panida Theater, thanks to a generous anonymous donation. Doors open 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 for a 6:30 p.m. performance at 6 p.m.. The Dec. 3 show is invitation only for parents, friends and family.

Saturday, Dec. 4, is the community show, doors open at 11:30 a.m. for the noon showing. All performances are free.