Each of the second graders in Anne Rego’s class at the John W. Decas Elementary school became actresses and actors at this year’s Readers’ Theatre presentation Tuesday afternoon.

The tiny classroom was crammed with families waiting to see the 22 kids perform “The Polar Express” in the annual Readers’ Theatre performance by Rego’s classroom. is a piece of text the students practice, and then perform in a stage-like setting, without having to memorize their lines.

Rego said she has been doing “The Polar Express” in Readers’ Theatre with her class for the past seven years. She said the reason she originally chose the story is because it isn’t specifically about Christmas as a religion; rather, it is a story about the spirit of Christmas.

“I didn’t want something that was just about Christmas,” Rego said. “I wanted something about spirit and giving and the whole holiday spirit.”

In preparing for the performance, Rego said she and the kids talked about the meaning behind the story. The performance itself, Rego said, is a good exercise for the children, because it helps with fluency, as well as self-esteem and public speaking.

“The kids practiced it over and over – they practiced it at home, they practiced it here,” Rego said.

She also said it was a good family gathering time for the students.

“It’s good for collaboration and engagement,” Rego said.

The students also performed “The Dreidel Song” and “Sing A Song of Kwanzaa.”