the cost of christmas school concert.

getmore4less

Xmas plays got some coverage on BBC breakfast this morning.

talktalktobt

Personally, I do think that if you wish to have your child in a school production a contribution should be made to the costumes. I believe that this should be through effort over cost, which has not happened in this case.

When my kids were in school (20 years ago!), a group of us parents would go into school on a few afternoons taking in old clothes, fabrics etc. and sit and make the costumes. A lot was donated by those who couldn't come in, and the local fabric shop donated off-cuts. It was great to help out, and sitting around for an afternoon stitching and drinking coffee with other mums was great.

I do think times have changed, and not for the better - Unrealistic 'costume demands', a lack of old-fashioned school engagement, and teachers who believe that the current activity should take priority financially.

We were able to cloth 30 kids, set-dress and do other bits for a total of £0! It is sad that things have changed. Not for the parents or teachers - but for the children.

kingfisherblue

talktalktobt wrote: »

Personally, I do think that if you wish to have your child in a school production a contribution should be made to the costumes.

In my children's schools, here has never been a choice - all of the children had to join in, whether they wanted to or not. My youngest has always hated assemblies and productions, as he hates having any attention on him. Now that he is in secondary school, he doesn't have to participate. My other son, who has Down's Syndrome, also hated joining in, until his teacher in Year 3 realised that he loved dancing. She dressed him as a Christmas tree and let him dance around to 'Rocking around the Christmas tree' at the Christmas production. It went down a storm and he has enjoyed performing ever since.


When I was at primary school, we didn't have to join in anything other than the choir, but these days, many schools have children participating in a speaking part even when they don't want to.

Tire

My son has just had his schools Christmas play, the school sorted everyone's costume out. I don't see why you, the parent should have to do any of the legwork. The school wants to put on a production, the school should cover the costs.

talktalktobt

Tire wrote: »

My son has just had his schools Christmas play, the school sorted everyone's costume out. I don't see why you, the parent should have to do any of the legwork. The school wants to put on a production, the school should cover the costs.

Because they are your child.

I take exception to this argument. This may come across as rude, however, I will state it anyway. You could quite easily use this argument stating you will not provide a school lunch for your child as it is the school that wants them to go. Perhaps the school should supply pencils etc. As it is the school that wants them to learn. Perhaps the school should provide your child's school uniform too, how about potty training your child?

You are the parent. If you want your child to participate and learn, YOU need to put in a little effort. Otherwise, should you really have had your children?

alwaysskint96

i remember being in a school production at about 10 years old- during arts and crafts lesson we made wings for fairy costumes- attached by elastic to our pe leotards

Others made hats crown eyc and used bits of materials dontaed by the parents to the school

After we had done the play the bits we made went into a box for future production


Dont see why this cant be done nowadays either- lesson for the kids in preparing for the play they will learn far more than having an harrassed parent having to cough up at short notice for a costume thats never used again - ie sewing painting decoratng the costumes, also a lesson in saving money and recycling stuff

heartbreak_star

talktalktobt wrote: »

Personally, I do think that if you wish to have your child in a school production a contribution should be made to the costumes. I believe that this should be through effort over cost, which has not happened in this case.

When my kids were in school (20 years ago!), a group of us parents would go into school on a few afternoons taking in old clothes, fabrics etc. and sit and make the costumes. A lot was donated by those who couldn't come in, and the local fabric shop donated off-cuts. It was great to help out, and sitting around for an afternoon stitching and drinking coffee with other mums was great.

I do think times have changed, and not for the better - Unrealistic 'costume demands', a lack of old-fashioned school engagement, and teachers who believe that the current activity should take priority financially.

We were able to cloth 30 kids, set-dress and do other bits for a total of £0! It is sad that things have changed. Not for the parents or teachers - but for the children.

My mum used to do this with my old dance school

However - it's a lot more difficult now as you have more families where both parents work full-time...

HBS x