Third Grade Welcomes Guests to ‘Egyptian Play’ Jeopardy!

By: Anne Babcock, Third Grade Teacher

“Let’s have another Egyptian Cheer!” For many years, this phrase has echoed across Shore as third graders perform their annual Egyptian Play. This production, which highlights elements of the third grades study of ancient cultures, has been an important Lower School tradition since the 1980s. Each year, third grade teachers work to draft a new script that presents important topics in Egyptology and forges connections to the modern world. Sometimes, the plot line of the play hinges on a recent archaeological discovery or exhibit that has just arrived at the MFA. Other times, it centers around current events or pop culture. Recent plays have evolved into musicals and past performances have featured songs by iconic musicians such as Queen, Abba, and even Taylor Swift!

 

There are so many reasons why dramatic performances are an important part of student development. They include public speaking, organization, teamwork, time management, risk-taking, and much more. All these aspects of coming together as a group to put on a play make it a unique and memorable experience.

 

As teachers, we love to see students discover things about themselves that they hadn’t previously known. Some kids think, “I’m not good at acting” or “I can’t sing or dance.” While putting together the play each year, kids realize they can do ALL of these things and more. Additionally, some students learn that they truly LOVE being on stage and go on to seek out additional theatrical opportunities. The experience of putting on a play builds community and allows children to shine outside of the academic and sports arenas so often celebrated in their day-to-day lives. Additionally, third grade graduates truly look forward to the play and finding out the script’s theme each year. Starting in September, you’ll hear students throughout the school asking, “What is this year’s play going to be about?”

 

This year’s performance, a spoof on the popular game show, Jeopardy, featured third graders playing the roles of contestants Amber Bock, Mark Lehner, and Taylor Swift. As they answered questions about Egyptian history, they often selected the “Sing Along” category where their peers belted out songs accompanied by choreographed dance moves. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi was the answer to a question about the importance of the afterlife to Egyptians and “Workin’ 9-5” by Dolly Parton was the clue to a question about the grueling process of building the pyramids at Giza. Mrs. Bock blew away her competition, afterward declaring she’d donate her winnings to the Shore Annual Fund.

 

Students remember their Egyptian Play experience for many years, often sharing how vividly they recall their role when we encounter them as Upper School students or alumni. Frequently they launch into the Egyptian Cheer to punctuate their comments.  Having lasted for decades, we hope this important ritual lives on for a long time to come.