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The Gift Inside
(K-6)

The Gift Inside (K-6)

The Gift Inside is a pantomime and music presentation about a boy who could not talk, only a voice deep inside that would sing. He worked so hard to try and find his voice that he fell asleep for ten years. The performance begins in December as the boy is waking up from his long slumber. With no memory of what the holidays mean, he is guided by a voice on a journey to learn about the holidays.

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The journey brings him to a shopping mall where he meets a homeless family. He enters both a Christian and a Jewish home to see their traditions. The Gift Inside concludes when he realizes the homeless family needs more attention than the search for his voice or the journey to understand the holidays. His discovery of giving of himself turns out to be the final step to find his voice and learn the true meaning of the holidays.

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The program culminates with an interactive discussion. One of the activities included in the study guide for this show asks the children to make a list of gifts that would not cost them money. This will enhance the meaning of The Gift Inside.

(The Gift Inside – my holiday show) The glove Ann refers to is the glove I find dropped by the homeless family I meet in the show. I ask the kids to keep it to remind them of those less fortunate.

“Hi Scot, First off, THANK YOU for spreading such a wonderful message that is SOOOOO needed in this world that we live in. It is a message that truly is how I believe and try to live my life. I want you to know that my students (4th graders) were singing your praise the remainder of the afternoon. I have a student in my room whom is considered a bully(both verbal and physical) came up to me and said “Ms Bates,that was the BEST show we’ve ever had at Clinton”. I told him I agreed and he went out the door this afternoon saying “I’ve got my glove on Ms. Bates!!!” What a blessing you are. Thank you again!!!
p.s. You should warn the adults that they should bring tissues.”
Ann Bates, 4th grade, Clinton Elementary, Clinton, Maine.

“The Gift Inside” “…a heartfelt holiday commentary non-religious, non-commercial, but full of the Irw spirit of giving of one’s self.”
Janet Frye, Memorial School, Milford, MA

“Scot made everyone go “inside” themselves to find the meaning of the holidays. He was responsible for our first graders giving of themselves to earn money so that they could give presents to children not as fortunate as they.”
Helen Bragdon, Dame School, Medford, MA

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