The Grand Old Duke of York

This afternoon Landin's First Grade Class put on a special performance at school. The show was held in the gymnasium, and all the parents were invited to come. Also in attendance were the Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classes from the school.

The kids each performed a nursery rhyme solo that they picked out, and then the whole class participated in several group rhymes. Even Landin's teacher got involved, playing the old woman in the shoe.

For his nursery rhyme, Landin selected The Grand Old Duke Of York.

The kids were asked to work on their nursery rhyme at home, and prepare props to go with it.

Landin and I researched who the Duke of York was, and then wrote up a simple summary, which he read to the audience during his performance. We also printed out extra copies of the mini-history lesson along with the words to The Grand Old Duke Of York, wrapped them like scrolls, tied them with red ribbon, and Landin handed these out to all of the kids.

Landin's prop was a set of paper dolls he had made to represent the Duke of York's 10,000 men. When he started all you could see was the "Duke of York" (which was the front doll), but when he got to the part "he had 10,000 men," Landin opened up the paper dolls to revel a long line of men. Landin colored the paper dolls to look like Beefeaters with red coats and big black hats. It turned out really cute. He wore a costume too!

The cutest part of Landin's whole performance was when he introduced himself to the audience. He walked up to the microphone and said, "Hi, My name is Landin Dean Filippini, and I will be reciting The Grand Old Duke Of York." We were so proud!