Fall Into Stories!

It is well documented that the use of storytelling promotes and enhances literacy. Through the use of storytelling and related activities offered in this class, students will improve the following literacy skills:
The ability to ask and answer questions about key details in a text (with prompting and support)
The ability to retell stories, including key details (with prompting and support)
The ability to  identify characters settings, and major events in a story
The ability to ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text 
The ability to recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral
The ability to describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges
The ability to describe how words and phrases supply rhythm and meaning in a story
The ability to compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories
The ability to use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events
The ability to compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories 

I have been an educator and storyteller for almost thirty years. I taught in the public school system for ten years, two of which were spent as a media specialist. I homeschooled my daughter through the eighth grade and during that time provided a Waldorf-style preschool at my home. I was a teaching artist for Penland School of Crafts for ten years going into all of the elementary schools in Mitchell County, NC and providing Effective Teacher Training for the other teaching artists. I have taught all ages from preschool through adult. I have also been a professional storyteller for almost twenty years and have performed at a wide variety of schools, libraries, festivals, and private functions. I bring all of my experience to my online teaching and always strive to provide the best experience possible for students. 

The stories I have selected have all been used in a variety of educational and entertainment settings and have been enjoyed without controversy. Though I haven't seen any complications with the stories I will be using for this class, I understand some children can feel unsettled by story events and may feel strongly about ideas presented. It is my practice to tune into students and make adjustments as needed, to gently guide discussions, being respectful of individual feelings and ideas, and, to the best of my abilities, make sure all students feel heard and have a positive experience.

Tell someone the story they heard!

Assessment will take place through participation.

45 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.