Elementary: Class Lessons

Clowning around, from left, are: Rachael Meyer, Derek Bell, Nate Chevalier, Jared Penton, Curtis Hartshorn, and Hailey Cunningham.

At Wahoo Elementary, Clowning Around Leads to Learning

Professional Clown Visits Mrs. Teetor's Fifth Graders

by Felicia Brazda

November 07, 2007

“What kinds of clowns are there?” “How long does it take to put the paint on?” “What does a clown do?”

These are some of the questions that fifth graders in Mrs. Nancy Teetor’s class asked during their study of clowns.

Clowning around, from left, are: Kody Pope, Bailee Schubauer, Chase Freidel, Tyler Ruzicka, and Steven Tiedeman.

After reading “Clowning Around”, retired professional clown Regina Leninger schooled students on the art of clowning around. Leninger helped students draw pictures and she explained the differences between the many types of clowns. She even taught them some “clown moves”.

“The children enjoyed having Mrs. Leninger in class and were very pleased with their clown pictures and posters,” said Teetor.

Clowning around, from left, are: Maddy Partridge, Keely Kavan, Kashe Hansen, Zack Wobker, and Jake Scheef.

Students showed off their newly acquired clowning skills and costumes when they wrote and performed skits for the first graders. Of course there was a lot of planned tripping, falling and a few other clumsy clowning around moves, which thoroughly entertained the younger students during the October 9 performance.

“The fifth graders were excited to perform and the first graders really seemed to enjoy it,” Teetor added.

Retired clown and guest speaker
Mrs. Leninger shows Mrs. Teetor's
fifth graders different types of clowns.