On Storytelling

 

Top ten tips for stunning storytelling:

 

Read these great tips from Danyah Miller (from an article in The Guardian.)

“1.Story telling is very important . . .  often leaving listeners with a sense of well being.

2. Different stories are appropriate for different ages. Young children . . . benefit from stories that . . . conclude in a safe, kind or happy way. Older ones like stories of good and evil; justice and fairness in battle, overcoming adversity; witches and warlocks; dragons, eagles and mythical creatures.

3. Our imaginations are like muscles that need exercise, . . . Stories stretch and exercise our imaginations.

4. Children benefit from and love repetition . . . have the same characters enjoying different journeys and adventures . . .

5. Fewer words are more powerful. Gestures work well . . .

6. Singing uses a different part of the brain from speaking. . . .

7. Action (bare bones) moves the story forwards; . . .

8. One of the best ways to become a confident storyteller is to become an observer. Take some time to sit still and observe nature. Out of this observation come many stories.

9. Stories are like meals, don’t give children too many main courses. Let them savour the words and language. Stories work deeply over time so don’t ask questions about the story immediately after it is told. . . .

10. Finally, really enjoy telling stories! The more you can see the pictures, the more these images will be transmitted to the children. Have fun; be authentic with your own story voice.

“We are all storytellers . . . telling stories all day, everyday to each other. …

Have fun with your stories today!”

Read the whole Guardian article  here.

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Look at this upcoming event:

 

“There is an endless stream of stories. They are everywhere. If we stop for a moment,

and trust, we will hear them, calling to us.” (Story Museum)

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Danyah Miller on twitter.