Everything Nac

The Children’s Performing Arts Series at Stephen F. Austin State University will present two performances of “The Little Mermaid” Tuesday, March 7, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The classic tale of the Little Mermaid is brought to the stage in a brand new production by the internationally acclaimed Panto Company. Following sell-out tours of China and the U.K., The Panto Company brings its award-winning adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s story to the U.S. and Turner stage, according to Diane J. Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series.

The show follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Of course, there’s a handsome prince, an evil witch and boatloads of adventures and laughs along the way.

“With stunning scenery, eye-catching costumes, original songs plus current, top charting hits and lots of audience participation, this show provides families and educators alike with the perfect theatre experience,” Peterson said.

Performances of this nationally touring show are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.

The final show of this season’s Children’s Performing Arts Series is Super Scientific Circus on Thursday, May 11.

To order tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Visit the CPAS website at www.cpas.sfasu.edu for additional information.

With two tarantulas, a tree frog, Bess beetles, millipedes, a prairie dog and a 175-gallon manmade wetland complete with red-eared turtles, crayfish and Gambusia fish, Dr. Alan Sowards’ classroom at Stephen F. Austin State University is anything but typical.

As an elementary education science professor at SFA, Sowards incorporates animals to make his lessons come alive — literally.

“I support including live animals in the classroom because observing and working with animals firsthand can spark students’ interest in science, as well as a general respect for life, while reinforcing key science concepts,” Sowards said.

In his science methods course, Sowards prepares the next generation of elementary science teachers.

Students learn the importance of safety when caring for live animals in the classroom and how to apply these safety guidelines in their own classrooms.

Sowards explained studies show the presence of animals tends to lessen tension in the classroom. He added a pet increases sensitivity and awareness of the feelings and needs of others — for both animals and humans. In addition to giving students exposure to animals, classroom pets help instill a sense of responsibility and respect for life.

“I have learned that having live animals in the classroom teaches students responsibility and can create curiosity about animals,” said Jessica Armstrong, senior early childhood through sixth grade education major from Mount Pleasant.

A recent project tasked students with raising Painted Lady Butterflies. Students researched the life cycle of the butterfly, kept a daily journal and constructed butterfly habitats.

“When students see something in person and experience a lesson, they tend to remember it better,” Armstrong said. “In Dr. Sowards’ class, we are getting hands-on experience and learning how to apply similar teaching methods in our future classrooms.”

Stephen F. Austin State University students and faculty members and a community member recently participated in the National African-American Read-In at Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School in Nacogdoches.

Dr. Lauren Burrow, assistant professor in SFA’s Department of Elementary Education, organized the event in celebration of Black History Month.

“The event’s goal is to bring awareness to and have students enjoy books authored by African-Americans,” Burrow said. “In regard to children’s books, there are not many authored by African-Americans or with positive African-American characters, so by exposing students to these types of books, they can realize there are so many more books for them to love.”

Throughout the event, volunteers visited the school to read selected books, poems and speeches written by African-American authors to students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Featured readings included those authored by Langston Hughes, John Steptoe, Maya Angelou, Muriel Feelings and Atinuke. Elementary students also engaged in an activity related to the reading.

SFA Houston elementary education senior Kaelin Gray read Langston Hughes’ poem “Dreams” to first graders.

“It was really exciting because I’ve always wanted to make an impact on children, and I feel like this is an extra way I can do that,” Gray said.

During the reading, Gray questioned students about their dreams and what the poem meant. Students then illustrated their “dream self” to demonstrate their dream such as becoming a firefighter, police officer or dog owner. Gray also read students “Anna Hibiscus’ Song” by Atinuke and Lauren Tobia.

“I commend the B.Q.J. students. They tackled some really complex poems,” Burrow said. “They were amazing listeners, engaged and asked good questions.”

During February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African-American Read-In, according to the National Council of Teachers of English website.