Kindergarten Circus Develops Skills for Life

A beloved tradition at Pinecrest Academy is Kindergarten Circus, a lively performance which has taken place each spring since 1993. Students are transformed into lions, tigers, clowns, dancers, gymnasts, and ringmasters, and then take the stage to perform live in front of parents, grandparents, siblings, students, faculty and staff.
Kindergartners have fun performing circus acts together,  without realizing they are actually learning several important life skills, including:

  • Development of motor skills
  • Leadership
  • Following directions
  • Performing live in front of an audience
  • Memorizing lines and roles
  • Teamwork

These and many other vital skills are being developed during an activity that seems to be play for the children. What these young performers don’t realize is that this one activity fits in well with our mission of forming Christian leaders who will transform society. It also “sets the stage” for other performing and public speaking opportunities that will come their way, as they progress through Lower School, and then to Middle and High School.

As students prepare for Kindergarten Circus, they experience excitement, anticipation, wonder, ownership, and sometimes, worry about what might seem like a daunting project. These eager five- and six-year-olds always rise up to the challenge, and though some are shy at first, their confidence grows and their performance improves through diligent practice, determination, and dedication.

When teachers ask the children what they learned from Kindergarten Circus after their performance, they provide very telling answers, like:

“You can always try your best.”
“You don’t have to be scared when on the stage.”  
““It’s okay to make a mistake.”
“Trust in yourself.”
“Have fun and work your best.”

The lessons and skills learned through this fun and creative activity will help the students in so many ways, and prepares them for future performing arts opportunities that will come their way.

This year’s 25th annual Kindergarten Circus takes place on Thursday, March 21 (dress rehearsal) and Friday, March 22, at 9:30am in the Lower School Gym. This event is free and open to the public. There is no need to RSVP, but come early to save your ring-side seat!