Ideas for an end of year preschool concert.?

Question

I've started work in a preschool which primarily consists of disadvantaged children. It's my job this year to arrange the concert. The concerts in the past have not been very well organised. Most children at the preschool have never seen a live peformance let alone performed in one. I would love it to be an exciting and enjoyable accomplishment for the children.

I would also like it to be well done so that the parents will enjoy it and be impressed with what their children can achieve.

I've never done anything like this before but really hope we can improve on the dismal disorganised concerts that have been done in the past. About 50 children would be performing, ages range from 2 - 6. I want to incorporate the childrens craft and art, as well as have them singing about 5-6 songs. I have no idea how to stage something with children who have limited memory and small attention spans

Does anyone have suggestions about guides, books or sites that I can visit? Thanks

Answer 1

And end of the year concert is for the parents - it is not for the children.  Concerts are not age appropriate and that's probably why it hasn't worked in the past!  When I first started teaching preschool many moons ago(!) we did things like that and the first thing I did away with when I was in charge was that program! Now we have an end of the year picnic where all the familes get together. I have pictures laying out of things we have done during the year - scrapbooks we have made - and the children play.  So far, it has always worked - everyone is happy, especially the children.  Try to rethink what you are doing.  Perhaps each age group could sing one very simple song but I would not go beyond that.   Good luck.

Answer 2

the most important thing that i leaned is if someone wants to do a speech do it before the kids get on stage because you will loos them and make it short ans sweet

Answer 3

Hmmm... how about a spring theme? Maybe you could have each child draw a flower and show it off to everyone. (haha, kids love that :P).  And as for the singing, you could go with basics like; Mary had a Little Lamb and Old Mcdonald. They're usually easy to remember.

You could also try googling it! That's what I do. =)

Good Luck!

Answer 4

The reason that it has not worked in the past is because young children really do not have the capabilities to do what is asked of them in performing a concert! It is ridiculous to try to train them to do such a thing. All the parents need to see is the children singing the songs and fingerplays they have been doing all year long. Let the children do this is as a natural setting as possible, such as in their circle in their classroom. If a stage is a must, then please be gentle with them and make it as fun as possible.

Answer 5

because you are working with children of varying ages keep it simple.have them sing songs that they have sung throughout the year that way they are not trying to learn a bunch of new songs. Have the children make props and hold them up during the performance. for example if you do the octopus song have them hold up a fish, octopus, shark, etc. You can also use the kids art for decorations or centerpieces. from experience dont expect your 2y.o. to go willingly on stage. good luck