For Upper Grades: A Collection of Performance Ideas for School Arts and Learning Presentations That Inspire Tears and Laughter
Upper elementary school students are at an age where they can independently showcase the results of their daily learning at school arts festivals and presentations.
Not only music and choir, but also new performances that highlight each class’s unique character are gaining attention.
Here, we introduce ideas that upper graders can enjoy working on together.
There are plenty of options that make use of expressive skills, such as dance, acrobatics, and acting.
Value the ideas discussed in your class and come up with a unique performance.
Work together creatively and make wonderful, unforgettable memories!
For Upper Grades: A Collection of Performance Ideas for School Arts and Learning Presentations That Inspire Tears and Laughter (1–10)
samurai period drama
I don’t think many elementary school kids watch period dramas, but a “period drama” production seems like an idea that would go over very well with grandparents’ generation.
In period dramas, good and evil are clearly defined, so the stories are surprisingly easy for children to follow.
It’s also amusing to see kids play the stereotypical crooked magistrate because of the fun contrast, and they’d probably be thrilled to practice the classic sword-fighting scenes.
Period dramas can be a great chance to learn about history and Japanese culture, so if a regular play isn’t generating much excitement, definitely consider making this your project.
hula danceNEW!
Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance.
It’s popular outside Hawaii as well, and there are many hula classes in Japan.
Because dancers are encouraged to smile while performing, their expressions naturally brighten, and by dancing with an awareness of nature’s blessings, they can refresh both body and mind.
It’s different from the J-POP and K-POP dances we usually see, but it can spark an interest in nature and strengthen the core, making it a great dance for children, too.
Why not plan it as a performance for a school arts festival?
CupsNEW!
Cups is a game where you make sounds by tapping a cup on a table and combine it with clapping to create rhythms.
It’s popular as a personal pastime, but it’s also often performed as a showcase.
If elementary schoolers are putting on a performance, it might be great to keep time to a popular song.
Everyone can play the same rhythm, or they could slightly offset their rhythms, or intentionally play different patterns and enjoy the back-and-forth—that could be fun, too.
If you get the audience to join in, it seems like everyone could have a lively time together!
fashion showNEW!
Elementary school kids usually wear clothes that are easy to move in, right? Even if there are stylish outfits you want to wear, sometimes they’re not suitable for school.
There are probably kids who want to go all-out with fashion at school, too! That’s why we recommend a fashion show! Put on outfits you can’t usually wear and walk the runway.
First, decide on a theme, then use the clothes everyone brings to create your own unique coordination.
Including makeup, pay attention to every detail and express your individuality.
Minion danceNEW!
The Minions are popular characters from the Despicable Me film series distributed by Universal Studios! This is an upbeat dance song featuring the Minions dancing.
The choreography is simple enough for children, so why not all become Minions and dance together? With a yellow T-shirt and overalls, you can instantly transform into a Minion! Wear matching outfits with everyone, dance, and create wonderful memories.
The largest painting in the worldNEW!
If you’re thinking about creating something together, how about drawing a large picture? You can all work on a single design collaboratively, or decide on a theme, come up with several designs, split up the work, and connect them at the end to finish as one piece.
It may be a time-consuming idea, but the time spent making it will likely become a one-of-a-kind memory.
We also recommend gathering around the finished artwork to take a group photo.
Give it a try if you’d like!
The Mice’s SumoNEW!
An old man saw a fat mouse and a skinny mouse wrestling.
Feeling sorry for the skinny mouse, who kept losing, he fed it rice cakes.
Then the skinny mouse became able to fight the fat mouse.
The fat mouse asked the skinny mouse why, and when it heard about the rice cakes, it asked to have some too.
After both mice kindly received rice cakes, they wrestled in front of the old man to thank him and made him happy.
Though there is a gap between the two in wealth, the way they nurture their friendship without minding it and help each other grow really warms the heart.