The cast and crew of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” performed by BICO’s Preschool Developmental Learning Program in Mansfield. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
MANSFIELD — Students and staff in Bi-County Collaborative’s (BICO) Preschool Developmental Learning Program recently worked together to plan a stage production of Eric Carle’s classic children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
“The joyful, interactive performance showcased colorful costume changes, thoughtfully designed props and backdrops, and rich use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), highlighting creativity, communication and teamwork every step of the way,” said Program Director Sara Gustafson.
Students cast ballots to choose which book to reenact. They overwhelmingly selected Carle’s 1969 picture book that follows a starving caterpillar as it consumes a long list of groceries before entering its cocoon and emerging as a butterfly.
The story introduces key components of early childhood education, including numbers and counting, the days of the week, rudimentary entomology and the importance of making healthy food choices.
The story begins: “In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.” The egg hatches, and the caterpillar emerges. It roams through the book, snacking along the way, leaving holes in the pages.
The BICO cast and crew, led by Preschool Developmental Learning Program Teacher Allie Greve, had to find a way to act out the caterpillar’s journey. BICO staff worked with students for weeks, creating props and costumes for the play.
Some students took on the role of the very hungry caterpillar, while others dressed as the caterpillar’s meals.
In the classroom, the youngsters brought the story alive, with the help of the program’s devoted educators. Some students utilized communication devices to read their lines. Each actor received assistance from a staff member as they entered the stage and played their parts.
“So much knowledge can be gained from an experience like this,” said BICO Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan. “Our students are learning from the moment they first crack open the book. They’re learning as they craft the costumes and props and plan the production. The lesson continues all the way to the end of the performance, when they hear the audience respond to all their hard work. I’m very proud of our Preschool Developmental Learning Program staff and students, who really pulled off an amazing production.”
About the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO)
BICO is a multi-purpose educational collaborative formed under the provisions of Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40, section 4E. It is a public entity, governed by a Board of Directors, with each school committee appointing a representative to the Board. The Operating Committee, which acts in an advisory capacity, consists of each member district’s designated Special Education Administrator. BICO’s mission is to provide high-quality educational programming, making it possible for all students to become responsible and contributing members of society. Bi-County provides specialized educational programs for students ages 3-22.
BICO programs address the needs of students with Autism, Communication, Emotional, Health, Intellectual, Neurological, Physical Impairments, and Specific Learning Disabilities. Bi-County Collaborative consists of 20 member school districts in Bristol, Norfolk, and Worcester counties.
###
Bianca Baez Pena, a Bi-County Collaborative student, uses her step-by-step device to read her line in the play. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
Paraprofessional Mike Widrow helps student Austin Walls read his line during the performance. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
Paraprofessional Gennessy Ramirez helps a student enter the stage. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
Paraprofessional Katie Giuffrida assists a student with her step-by-step switch during the performance. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
Staff and students worked on creating their props for the play throughout the weeks leading up to the performance. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
BICO student Immanuel Colon as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.