How did the turtle get its shell? Why does the spider always hang around in the corner? What part of the body is the most important—and what’s the most obnoxious?

These questions and more were answered this week by students in the fifth grade of Seth Boyden Elementary School. The answers came in rollicking performances of three West African folk tales. The performances, an afternoon assembly for first through fourth graders on Wednesday, followed by an evening showing for parents and friends, were the culmination of three months of study with resident artist and storyteller Gha’il Rhodes Benjamin. Benjamin’s residency was sponsored by the New Jersey Council of the Arts, which every year awards competitive grants to schools throughout the state.

Benjamin is an ardent supporter of African folktales, and her love for the continent and its culture permeated the performances. Professional drummer and visiting artist Rudy Bird accompanied the children on their storytelling journey. The stories are familiar, but each class helped Benjamin shape and edit the story, putting their mark on them.

Each piece included a group dance segment, as well as feature performances for particularly gifted dancers. But there were opportunities for all the children. Some spoke lines, some mimed, some got laughs, one played the guitar; all moved rhythmically to the steady beat. In many cases, Benjamin succeeded in getting breakout performances from students who had often been too shy or too quiet to put themselves forward.

In remarks after the show, fifth grade teacher Rhena Jasey said Benjamin seemed to have a particular gift of sensing children’s talents, even well-hidden ones, and bringing them forth for all to see.

The performances were the highlight, but far from the only activity connected to the residency. In February, thanks to discounted tickets from Disney, the entire fifth grade class went to see the Broadway production of The Lion King, which is, based on a West African folktale. The dances, movements and rhythms in that show helped inspire the student’s work.

Judy Elman, the school’s art teacher, connected the students’ study of folktales to African visual arts. She eventually designed African art projects for every class in the school, from elephant masks in kindergarten to African cloth, weaving and drums in the higher grades.

There is a long-standing tradition for the fifth grade class at Seth Boyden to leave a legacy gift for the younger classes. With the help of several parent-builders and Elman’s instruction and inspiration, this year’s fifth graders will also decorate and leave behind three large African animals to stand guard (and be played on) in the Seth Boyden playground.