(Pre-K to 4) The Art of Storytelling

Use Personification! Some of the best storytelling is done using stories with animals!

Did you know? Some of the earliest origins of storytelling were written on clay tablets? The Epic of Gilgamesh –Ancient writings! The Sumerian Kingdom The Egyptians recorded stories on Papyrus- the son of Cheops (pyramind builder entertained his father with stories!

THE HISTORY OF STORYTELLING Storytelling has been around since the days of Homer, the Blind Poet who used “Oral Tradition.” Oral tradition runs in families and vital for genealogical research.

The Possibilities are Enormous Storytelling Fairytales Plays Fiction Tactile Picture Books Folktales Epics Non-Fiction Math Stories Anecdotes Fables Parables Historical Stories

Can I join a storytelling club? Yes! BEASTSTORYTELLERS.COM

Can I join a public speaking club? Yes! Join the nearest (SELF-ACTUALIZATOIN IS THE BEST THING!) Toastmaster Club! The Pacers Toastmaster Club is located at 550 Madison Avenue, New York, New York This is a special group of people who practice their public speaking skills!

Don’t forget…. to use technology for storytelling : Let the web read the story for you Listen to fairy tales read on the internet Listen to the following clip from YouTube The Victorian Classroom Listen to poems read on the Internet

Quotes by the Experts: Children want to do what the grownups do. Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school. -Beverly Cleary

Make your storytelling fun! A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men. -Roald DahlRoald Dahl Make your stories fun Use background music Use personification Finger puppets Raise and lower your voice for special effects Use facial expressions Insert some onomatopoeia

Should seating be a factor?

What are the benefits of the story tell? Increased attention span Improvement in literacy Better rapport with the teacher Improves self-esteem Stimulates curiosity

What techniques are used? Audio Visual Kinesthetic Tactile Interactive

Humor is the best medicine Smile Be happy Laugh Be engaging Be interested

Why are props important? Enhancement of the story Good for ESOL children to help with Comprehension Invite children to share in the puppetry! Props can allow the teacher to make the story interactive!

What types of props can be used? Using puppetry is great Puppet Stage Use masks Use drawings Use a microphone for large group Share some manipulatives Use a story apron! They now have Small props that velcro/matching books!

Interesting Note: Storytelling sessions and Workshops are held at many places: The Statue of Hans Christian Andersen- 75 th street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park, New York City contact Diane Wolkstein From June 2- September 30 Rain or shine

Website for more info: Teachers get college credits for reading and writing! (Get professional development credits, too.)

Can the storytelling work for older middle childhood? Yes, update the story Have the children write their own Story tell Use masks Allow children to act out their play/story Use drama workshop and model a story

Can my computer be the storyteller? The internet is a wealth of information There are sites that actually have audio Files to read Fairy Tales for you! There are sites that read poems Aloud for you! This gives the student a diverse blend Of voices that retain the interest in the Story!

Storytelling improves retention: Did you know that you remember only 10%of what you read? If you add audio-visual enhancement.. it become 20% Demonstrating 30% Discussing 50% Practicing 75% By teaching others 90% Amazing facts! Storytelling is an eclectic resource!

Across the Curriculum Storytelling works great in math! Read, tally, and draw the math!