Sixth graders are bringing Charles Dickens’ classic tale to life through a creative voice recording project of A Christmas Carol, combining literacy skills with performance and fun.

The project is led by sixth grade teachers Marianne Kent and Dennis St. Amour and focuses on building student fluency through repeated reading, character analysis and expressive voice work. Students spent approximately two weeks practicing their roles before recording, developing confidence and ownership along the way.

“This project was something my teammate, Dennis, used to do years ago. He had the idea to do it with our sixth graders this year to help build fluency, because that is something that is a goal for us. By them practicing and reading this complicated text, they are strengthening those fluency skills. Accuracy, rate, expression, and tone.” Said Kent.

Students began with a full read-through of the text before being introduced to each character. They then selected roles they felt best suited their strengths.

“We started by introducing all of the characters after a read-through of the story, and then they had the opportunity to pick which characters they thought they could portray the best,” Kent said. “That gave them a lot of ownership over the process.”

Sixth grader Grantley Grady, who voices Ebenezer Scrooge, said the project has been both challenging and exciting. “We’ve been practicing for about two weeks now. We have it mastered for the most part,” Grady said. He added that his favorite part is performing Scrooge’s signature sound, saying, “I enjoy doing the funny voice the most.”

Olivia Metler, who voices Mrs. Cratchitt, said she enjoys the upbeat nature of her character. “I like that my character is super joyful,” she said, while noting that “it is definitely challenging getting the voice right.” Metler hopes the finished recording resonates with listeners, adding, “I hope that they will enjoy it and feel the Christmas spirit.”

For Evelyn Peckham, who plays the second ghost, getting into character required vocal control and imagination. “The hardest part is getting in the right mindset and getting a good deep voice, since my character is supposed to be Santa,” Peckham said. She added, “I hope listeners can hear the words clearly and that they enjoy it.”

Maya Wegman, who voices Tiny Tim, said her favorite part of the project is the opportunity for creative expression. “My favorite part is being able to change my voice,” she said. Wegman also hopes the project sends a message about inclusivity. “I hope listeners know how much time it took us and that girls can be Tiny Tim too!”

Kent said the moments of laughter along the way have been just as meaningful as the academic growth. “The most memorable times are when there’s little hiccup moments, it gives everyone a good laugh.” she said. Ultimately, she hopes students take away a lasting lesson. “I hope our students gain knowledge from this story; it is a classic story with a good theme. But mostly, that reading can be fun. It doesn’t have to be just sit-down work.”

To listen to the story, please click here.