Special needs and the Christmas School Play

It's that time of year when the classroom routine turns it's focus to the all-important Christmas play. Be it the Nativity or another, teachers everywhere are hoping that it goes well - without tears, injury or disaster!
For parents who have children with special needs, it is a time to see how their child is getting on independently and (as all us parents notice...) in comparisson to their peers.

It's not an easy time for all. There are many kids who do not enjoy school play preparation. This could be because:

• It's out of the routine
• It's too noisy and confusing
• It's not fun or interesting for them
• They don't want to do it and feel they have no option

Some kids are without the ability to interpret or voice their feelings, and will undoubtedly display problem behaviour - such as interrupting the rehearsals in whatever way they can, or showing their ususal behaviours that signal a need to escape or gain attention.

The stress that some children feel is difficult for us to comprehend. We want so much for them to take part and share the pride of their achievements - but for some kids, we must ask ourselves as parents and teachers - 'Is it really that important?'

If your child or student is having difficulty, consider offering a choice:

1. You don't have to take part in the play.
2. You can say your poem, song or line just by yourself and leave the stage.
3. You take part if you want to, but you must not disrupt the other children.

Personally, I think choice 2 is the best of both worlds - especially for a child who has ASD. They get to take part and have a chance to read their peom or line, but in their own space, and without too many distractions.

I know I'm the first to encourage kids with special needs to integrate and take part and learn new social skills, but some things just will not matter in ten years time if they did/did not take part. Life could be a lot simpler if some kids, given a choice, did not have to.

So - if they do want to, and when you go to watch the school Christmas play, please bear these
questions in mind:

How many kids (non-diagnosed kids) are crying and don't want to take part ?
How many others arn't singing all the songs or doing all the actions?
How many others don't want to wear the hat, crown or costume?
Is it you or your child who is actually bothered they weren't picked to be Joseph?

Enjoy! and Happy Christmas to you all,

Claire.