Ms. Howeth’s students wrote their reflections about their first semester in the English/Drama block.  Read and be inspired:

On learning about being part of a group:

“Being in this drama class has taught me how to work with a group. I grew up an only child and although it may seem like that wouldn’t affect you socially, it really made me spoiled and hard to work with people because I’m so used to getting everything I want. Drama is helping me become a better person in that sense because working with others is a fundamental part of life. Drama is helping me open up to an audience and not be so nervous about being put on the spot.”

“I love my classmates! I made so many great bonds, which gives me a head start in high school.”

“I learned about being a leader and encouraging others to participate. I also learned that I really like acting.”

“I was never that into working with groups since I usually do a lot of the work but I trust my group here and they came through.”

“I never actually talked to some students, nor could I tolerate their random moments. But in the end, they actually memorized their lines and pulled it together. It [the showcase performance] taught me not to judge a book by its cover. I also shouldn’t underestimate a person’s worth or capability.”

“I also learned that I have a lot in common with a lot of other students in my class… Overall, I think, in fact, that coming to 2/3 [English/drama] period is what makes my day, everyday.”

“I have learned how to get along with others in the class, and to have less attitude and to have more fun.”

“If you are weak then you have to step up, but if you have a lot of strength, then you have to give it to the weak people or step back a little bit.”

On persistence and hard work:

“My favorite was the showcase because that’s really the first time I’ve actually worked hard to make something perfect. I was really proud of myself.”

“I felt really proud of myself that day we did the drama performance. I felt very good about myself and also my group because I felt like we really did very good. We did a lot of hard work on that drama performance.”

On confidence:

“This class has taught me to speak up when I feel I need to talk, no matter who the audience is.”

“I have also learned that I am capable of a lot of stuff, such as performing in front of many people although I was very nervous. I’ve also learned how to include my group members in things because before I was pretty much a ‘do it myself’ girl… Also, how to be a good audience member to others.”

“Since I’ve been in your drama class, my shyness is kind of going away and I am becoming okay with the idea of performing.”

“When Ms. Howeth first told us we were performing a play, I didn’t think our class could handle it. But they proved me wrong.”

On engagement with learning:

“Reading is fun. I remembered I wouldn’t read much but now I’m always reading some book.”

“[I have learned] that with just a little imagination you can bring a play to life and that Shakespeare can be pretty cool.”

“At the beginning of the year, I could not read a book. And then one day, you came to me and said ‘read’ and then I thought to myself if I don’t like it then I won’t read. Then I liked to read and I’ve been reading ever since that day, thank you.”

“You taught me that with passion I could do anything. I am growing and can bravely ask questions about anything.”

“I can’t wait to learn new things in the future. Performing in this class would have to be my favorite thing that we did.”

“Over the course of the semester, I have learned that reading a book can be very fun. I read so many fun and funny books.”

Congratulations to Ms. Howeth and her students!