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Luverne Elementary School students learned about “Angry Lizards” and “Bullseye” during a daylong CLIMB Theater presentation Sept. 29.
Six actor-educators from Inver Grove Heights performed plays in the performing arts center and met with each of the 25 classrooms to discuss character.
The kindergarten through second-graders watched “Angry Lizards,” which focused on self-control.
“I want the students to learn that it is OK to have feelings,” said school counselor Marie Atkinson-Smeins. “It is important to use self-control to express feelings in a positive way that doesn’t hurt yourself, others and things.”
The “Angry Lizards” featured Dr. Kramer who is tired of being called a mad scientist. He designs an experiment to teach people all about emotions using dinosaurs.
Older elementary students learned about “Bullseye,” a brave bull who sneaks away from the arena and hides in a nearby park.
The youngest sibling of a bullfighter stumbles across Alberto, and together they define bullying and resiliency.
“I wanted the children to learn what bullying is,” Atkinson-Smeins said.
“I also wanted the children to learn how to stand up to bullying and that bystanders have a lot of power to take action.”
The new daylong format with six actors for the CLIMB productions and follow-up lessons replaced the previous weeklong format with two actor-educators.
Last year, due to the pandemic, CLIMB Theater conducted virtual presentations for the K-5 students.
“The students love the interactive presentations,” Atkinson-Smeins said. “We have had CLIMB Theatre come to our school for many years — they always do a great job.”