Continued from cover

Based on the real-life tradition of the Hotel Peabody Ducks in Memphis, Tennessee, the story is about a boy named Edward who raised his pet duck from a baby and now follows him everywhere—even to the fancy hotel where he works with his father. Everyone at the hotel loves the duck and his little tricks, including waddling up and down to a John Philip Sousa march, so Edward names him John Philip. When John Philip is caught swimming in the hotel fountain, the owner is annoyed. However, Edward comes up with the idea to train some ducks to march behind John Philip so the ducks can swim in the fountain during the day and then march out every evening. The owner guarantees Edward and his ducks a permanent place at the Peabody if Edward can make his idea work.

Students used expressive voices, animated gestures and a few simple props to bring the story to life as they read their parts, which are hallmarks of readers’ theater presentations. According to Principal Ms. Tami McElwee, “Readers’ Theater is not to memorize lines or wear elaborate costumes, but rather to focus on reading the text with expressive voices and gestures.”

With a presentation like this, there could only be one song to close their performance—The Stars and Stripes Forever March by John Philip Sousa, of course. Students waved American flags and marched around the room, and ended back on stage.

Literacy Coach Ms. Chris Bartell and Library Media Specialist Ms. Roseann Davidson coordinated the performance in collaboration with art teacher Ms. Meredith Brustman, who designed a mural featuring the book selection, and music teacher Ms. Brenda Murphy, who led the students in a closing song.  Many thanks to the PTA for providing refreshments for the student to enjoy after the performance.

Ms. Kolb's Readers' Theater Slide Show

John Philip Sousa March

Roosevelt Elementary School second graders in Ms. Kristina Kolb’s class performed a Readers’ Theater on Patricia Polacco’s John Philip Duck.

Students approach the microphones and take turns reading portions of the book.

John Philip Sousa marches to the "fountain" at the Peabody Hotel.

Edward becomes the "duck master" of the Peabody Hotel for successfully training the ducks.