Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Art of Storytelling!

After a visit to the local library and witnessing a story hour put on by a small group of librarians, I realized what a thrilling experience storytelling without books can be for children. Although, the ultimate goal is to develop literacy, working on imagination and creativity and developing a thirst for more stories and information happens during bookless story time.

Stories can be absorbed through narration with props like puppets or an easel with a marker or paint.
Stories can be experienced through songs, rhymes, or chants.
Stories can be shared with body language, eye contact, and voice inflection.

All of these things and more were occuring during the library's story time and the leaders were sure that the children were staying engaged through question asking and movement instruction. The idea that these stories came from books, had the children rushing to the stage at the end of the hour to snatch the books on display so they could take them home to read.

Any of these variations of storytelling can be done at home also! Pick a prop from anywhere in your home and transform it into something magical from a story book. Your child will see a popcorn bowl as a bubbling cauldon or a simple couch throw as the cape of a mysterious character when you make storytelling into something more than simply reading a book. This excitement that is created is the key to cultivating lifelong readers.

5 comments:

  1. I like how you present the idea for parents to do various activities at home. If parents put on a show and intrigue their children themselves, that will have a longer lasting effect on the students because they are experiencing the joys of reading through their parents. The kids end up learning and enjoying themselves which are two things most parents want for their children.

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  2. I really like how you were giving the parents advice about what worked on a field trip. It would be very fun for parents to try these types of reading strategies at home with their children. How fun would it be if parents would do rhymes and songs with their children about books? I really think that this is a great and insightful post!

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  3. Your post speaks of and even displays creativity. I really enjoyed your use of italics, bolding, and different colors to make a point and really have it stick out to the reader. The words, 'absorbed,' 'experienced', and 'shared' really stuck out to me. Also, developing a "thirst for more stories and information" is a great point. Well put!

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  4. I think dramatic play is a great way to involve reluctant readers who can show very little interest in dealing with books. Using a different medium to explore books is a great way to still get that literacy time in and even give them that little push that turns them into avid readers!

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  5. Many children are not as fortunate to experience all the wonders and joys of going to the library. The library is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and children. I like how you drew out the importance of story telling and how no matter where you are or the resources you have, you can retell a story in a meaningful and exciting way!

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