01/19/2023

Lessons to be Learned From a Unisaurus Rex

I walked into the gym this week to find large numbers of dinosaurs had taken over the stage, including a curious one with sequins and a satin horn. It turns out that particular glitter-loving creature was actually a dinocorn (the offspring of a unicorn and dinosaur). Grade 1 was busy rehearsing Roxy: The Last Unisaurus Rex (based on the book of the same title by Eva Chen) to perform in front of their parents and the rest of the school tomorrow. 

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, we are incredibly excited to bring back these annual grade-level performances that begin in Kindergarten. These 20-minute shows are full productions featuring costumes, a live audience, and a little bit of song and dance. 

They are one of the many ways in which we build confidence and public-speaking skills in our students. Most are original productions written by our teachers based on books with age-appropriate lessons.

As I watched a dress rehearsal for Friday, I realized sometimes the best lessons come in the form of a little glitter, a sparkling mane, and a toothy smile. 

Here are three lessons we can all learn from Roxy:

1. It’s OK to be different. 

At the beginning of the story, Roxy is sad because she feels lonely. All of the other dinosaurs at school stick together according to their “kind.” But Roxy is the only Unisauraus Rex. It takes a different type of dinocorn to help her accept herself. 

At WES, we work very hard to help our students to discover their strengths and develop pride in the unique attributes that make them who they are. We believe differences should be celebrated and not just tolerated. 

2. We’re not as alone as we feel sometimes. 

Roxy thought she was all alone. However, she makes a new friend who is a little bit like her and a little bit different. When we really get to know someone, we will discover our similarities as well as our differences. 

3. People deserve second chances.  

In a nice addition added by our Grade 1 teachers, Roxy and her new friend invite everyone to play a game with them. The other dinosaurs join in and have a lot of fun. They realize it doesn’t matter if someone is different from you; they can still be a great friend. Roxy is excited to play with the dinosaurs who previously excluded her. 

As we cultivate a culture of kindness and attempt to live out our motto “Be kind,” sometimes our students may stumble. But our students can learn from their mistakes and continue to become more inclusive. 

This is a powerful performance with a lot of punch – I look forward to seeing our other Dragons across grade levels take to the stage in the months to come. 

 

Danny Vogelman
Head of School