A Story To Tell?

Some talented tale-spinners!

UPDATE: Sadly, I deleted a bunch of pictures on the blog and I can't seem to find these again.  I'll do my best but just imagine the magic of kids telling stories. 

One of my favorite things about being a teacher is I have an amazing opportunity to teach a class all about storytelling.  Sorry, we do not read any books in storytelling.  This class is all about the art of traditional oral storytelling.  Kids come to me and I show them how to project their voices, how to use facial expressions, a bit of acting, and their natural enthusiasm for telling a story and, voilá, we have storytellers.

How did I get to be so lucky?  Well, it started way back in Bellingham, Washington when I was a student at Western Washington University.  I took a class with Rosemary Vohs on storytelling.  My life was changed in that class.  I learned all about the art and tradition wrapped up in this shared experience.  We learned how to tell a story, why stories have always been told, and how to keep our audience engaged.  We also learned cool facts, such as there are about a bajillion versions of Cinderella!  Well, not really that many, but most cultures have their own version.  That is so amazing!

When I started teaching, I decided to incorporate storytelling into what I do.  Eight years ago, it was just a simple unit I incorporated at the end of every year, when everyone is ready to jump ship for summer vacation.  Last year, my principal told me I had an opportunity to teach an elective and asked if I could teach any class what it would be.  I didn't have to think very long at all...storytelling.  Just so you know, not many people teach this class so I have had the joy of making it mostly up myself.  For those of you who know me, I tend to "honor" a lot of people's ideas rather than create my own.  Teaching is a shared art, right?

Some last minute coaching before our performance

In the past two years, I have had 150 storytelling students.  Last year's fourth graders returned this year for an advanced storytelling class.  I have now had 50 advanced storytelling students. Students usually tell traditional folktales, although the advanced students can tell a family story, a folktale, or a "tale with a twist," which usually includes a partner or props. After 8 weeks of learning, playing, and practicing, they perform their stories either for their class, or in front of our entire school at the school assembly.  That gives each student an audience of 149 students, and any parents who decide to show up.  Can you imagine the courage of these young students?  Standing up in front of so many of their peers, taking a risk to let it happen?  Every week I am blown away by their talent and their fearlessness.

Back in March I posted that ten of my storytellers had an opportunity to tell their stories at a local bookstore, which just happens to be my favorite local bookstore.  It was one of those dream come true moments.  I received permission from the parents, and one parent/photographer, to share the photos with you.  Here they are, and many, many thanks to Danette Mitchell for sharing these pictures with me. (If you would like to purchase any of these, please contact me!)

I hope you are all well!  Have a spectacular night...and tell someone a story!

Cinderella dances with her prince at the ball...

An evil plan is hatched...

A poor fisherman begs a fish to give his
wife a bigger house...

Jack hears those fateful words, "Fee Fie Fo Fum!"

The tortoise, proving once again, slow and steady...

We all join in singing, "Abiyoyo, abiyoyo!"