Storytelling Workshops in School

WHAT CAN A STORYTELLER DO FOR A SCHOOL?

Inviting people into school creates a special atmosphere whoever they are. Storytellers, authors, poets or illustrators all provide excitement and stimulation and are in great demand during National Storytelling Week in February, National Book Week and National Poetry Day in the autumn.

School Select have a number storytelling workshops providers who you can find here http://www.school-workshops.com/search_results.php?keyword=storytelling. They provide a comprehensive range of engaging and entertaining ecvents to keep pupils enthralled.

What is special about storytellers and storytelling?

* Storytelling supports and underpins literacy development across the curriculum. A storyteller can improve concentration, listening skills and help develop and enrich spoken and written language.

A storyteller can stimulate the imagination, contributing to Speaking and Listening as well as Creative Writing, Poetry, Drama, Music and Art.

* Hearing and retelling traditional tales can provide scaffolding for children’s own imaginative stories, giving the child a variety of frameworks to work from.

* Storytelling encourages a questioning attitude.

A storyteller can create excitement and enthusiasm for History, Geography and Religious Studies as well as English language, literature and Drama.

Some storytellers have stories which connect with the Maths and Science curriculum.

* A storyteller can widen the range of children’s emotional, cultural and moral responses.

Sensitive issues can be considered through the distancing frame of a story.

Storytelling builds bridges across and within communities. Some storytellers have been involved in organising projects linking a school with the rest of the community.

* A storyteller can teach storytelling skills to pupils, raising their self confidence. This has been proved especially effective with ‘low achievers’. Older children can tell to younger, benefiting both groups by building the self esteem of the older children and providing positive role models to the younger.

* Some storytellers can provide other types of workshop sessions. These can help inspire children’s creativity through a range of follow-up activities, building on the fundamental base of all language, the spoken word.

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING A STORYTELLER

With an ever-increasing variety of storytellers to choose from, how do you find those who will suit you? Whatever event you are planning, give yourself plenty of time. Many popular storytellers are booked up months in advance.

Have a clear idea of the sort of event you want:

• Is this to be a one-off event or a residency?
• Do you want a performance or a workshop? 
• What age groups will be involved?  Will the ages be mixed?
• Have any of them special needs the storyteller should be aware of?
• Are you looking for stories on a particular theme or from a specific culture?
• Will it be formal or relaxed, a performance in front of the whole school or working with smaller groups? 
• How many sessions will there be?
• How long do you want each session to be?
• How much audience participation do you want?
• What venue are you planning to use? 
• Do you require the storyteller to work outdoors?

When you have an idea of the sort of event you are aiming for:

• Look in the quick reference section of the Directory of Storytellers, note those who meet your requirements.
• Look in the County listing to see which storytellers are local to you.
• Look through the Directory and pick out storytellers who you like the sound of.
• Phone the storytellers on your short-list to discuss your needs, they may be able to give you more ideas about what you could do or help you modify your plans.
• Ask what they charge and if this includes travelling expenses.
• Expect to pay at least as much as you would for a supply teacher.
• Ask if they are available on the dates you want.
• Ask for a couple of references from people for whom they have done similar work.
• You do not have to make a firm booking at this stage.

When you have decided which Storyteller you want to book:

• Phone to confirm they are still free and are willing to come.
• Write to confirm date, time, place and fee.
• If you are sent a contract please complete and send it back in good time.
• Include a map and a timetable.
• If you have discussed a potential booking with a storyteller, and decided not no employ them, please contact them in good time so they can release the date for other bookings.

GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR STORYTELLER

Having any artist, writer, poet or storyteller come into school is an expense and you want your money’s worth. How do you ensure success on the day?

When you are planning the event:

• Choose a venue where the storyteller and audience will not be disturbed.
• Think about how you will set up the space so the audience can sit in comfort and see the storyteller clearly. If there is to be a workshop ask the storyteller how they want the room set out. Discuss with the storyteller how long each session is to be.

The week before:

• Phone the storyteller to ensure that they have received your confirmation, map, timetable etc. Ask if there is anything they will need you to provide on the day. Will they be requiring lunch and if so do they have any special dietary requirements? Confirm arrangements for payment.
• If they are coming by public transport check to see if they need collecting from the station and when their train arrives.
• Tell the children there will be a storyteller coming into school next week and start building a little excitement about the event.

On the day:

• Most schools now have the Reception clearly marked, but in a large school it might be an idea to have a pupil keep a lookout to escort the storyteller.
• When they arrive show them where they will be working, offer them a drink, ask if they need help carrying anything from their car.
• Before they start make sure they have a glass of water, know where the toilets and staff room are, check if there is anything else they need.
• Ensure you are ready to start on time, late starts mean less time for the stories.
• If you are introducing them check how they want to be introduced and how to pronounce their name, many storytellers are happy to introduce themselves.
• Show the children that you value the storyteller’s work by listening with them. Please do not use this time to do other work as children will use you as a role model for their behaviour in a performance setting.
• Do not leave the storyteller alone with the children, it is difficult to tell and supervise. This ensures you are complying with the Child Protection Act.
• Avoid interruptions during the session as this can spoil the magic.
• At break times, if the storyteller has joined you in the staff room, ensure they are included in the conversation.

Afterwards:

• Give the storyteller some feedback - what went well, any concerns.  The children might like to write, telling the storyteller which stories they liked.
• Ensure payment is sent promptly.