Teach Primary Issue 18.7

Nothing says ‘Christmas is here’ quite like a school nativity. You also know the festive period is approaching when you see the ‘rabbit in headlights’ look of the staff charged with staging the nativity... Writing and producing an engaging, relevant and contemporary version of the nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ is a huge responsibility and no easy task. Well, not unless you are part of the Out of the Ark stable of talent that is, as they have got nativity productions down to a fine art. They are so good at creating a polished and professional production with original writing, marvellous music and scintillating songs, there is simply no reason to hit the panic button, go all DIY and frantically cobble a production together single-handedly. Out of the Ark have a stable full of nativities ready to stage, so it’s easy-peasy, nativity squeezy. Their latest offering, Simply the Nativity, combines comic elements, puns and some bad jokes with the traditional story of Christmas through a clever script fit for a king. The theme is a familiar one, and this version is a lively, fast-moving and original retelling. There’s a fabulous teacher’s book that contains the script, ideas for rehearsing, costumes, staging and props along with the music score and song lyric sheets for eight songs (piano music score, melody and chords). An editable script is available if you buy a package that includes an eSongbook. If you aren’t musical, fear not – the resource comes with an audio CD with all the vocal tracks superbly sung by children, there are professional backing tracks and transition tracks too. You can also purchase rehearsal CDs and these are available in packs of five, ten or 20. How will you teach the songs? Easy, there’s a Words on Screen™ version of songs so that you can show the song lyrics on a whiteboard, computer screen, TV or interactive touchscreen. All you have to do is press play and the words synchronise with the music, so it really is user-friendly and simple to implement. Punctuating the script are eight exciting songs that fizz with fun and thoughtfulness. These include a finger-clicking travelling song with a leg-kicking can-can, a reflective ballad, a cheeky song with suggested dance choreography, a high-energy bells and whistle number and something more low-key and worshipful. The songs are all top-notch canticles with a modern twist and enable children to encapsulate and express the joy, devotion and awe-inspiring scenes of the nativity as well as have lots of fun in an appropriately uplifting and celebratory style. There is plenty of encore material here! There are speaking parts for 30 children and some essential non-speaking parts too, so participation for all guaranteed. Parts can be edited according to how many children will be in your production, so don’t worry, you won’t have to borrow some children from another year group! A recorded version of the script is available on a CD and in an eSongbook for enjoyment and rehearsal. The school nativity is a religious, cultural and community ‘box office’ event that gives children the opportunity to really experience and get to know the story of the first Christmas. Simply the Nativity cleverly weaves this story into a contemporary context and helps children to understand that Christmas is not all about material presents but the present of life. At the heart of this resource you’ll find inspiration, innovation, collaboration, respect and inclusion. Out of the Ark understand that nativities are about communities and bringing people together, and this musical will certainly do just that. A practical and comprehensive addition to your teaching arsenal AT A GLANCE RE , DRAMA , MUS I C A ready-made nativity full of festive fun A traditional retelling with a modern twist Teacher’s book Audio CD Available withWords on Screen™ eSongbook For prices and options, see tinyurl.com/tp-SimplyNativity An easy-going retelling of the nativity story A nativity for all children to excel Spreads happiness, warmth and fun Promotes joyful celebration Allows children to explore effective communication and performance Enhances learning, engagement and wellbeing You are looking for a high-energy and all-inclusive nativity story instilled with positive values throughout that is guaranteed to end with an ear-splitting curtain call. VERD I CT UPGRADE I F . . . REVIEWED BY: JOHN DABELL Simply the Nativity www.teachwire.net | 81 RE V I EWS