Workshops for Teachers and Parents
See also Schools Shows and Preschool Shows.
Just for Teachers: Storytelling in the Classroom
Our brains are hard-wired to receive information encoded in a story, which is why storytelling is one of our oldest teaching methods. Oral storytelling has been called ‘Theatre of the Imagination’. It sparks creativity. In the classroom, teachers can tell a story to pique interest in a particular topic. Once students feel emotionally and imaginatively engaged, lively discussions follow and learning on that topic feels easier and more pleasant. For students, storytelling provides an opportunity to express different sides of themselves, develop different intelligences (eg kinaesthetic), build feelings of community with peers and build confidence. Sometimes students who do not shine academically, do shine in the realm of spoken word, drama and movement. Storytelling combines all three. Jenni will guide participants through fun, creative processes that stimulate imagination and get stories flowing.
Jenni’s sister, Lynne Cargill, is a retired teacher who used storytelling in her classroom extensively. She says,
‘In the fullness of the school day, it can be tempting to think there is no time to ‘waste’ on stories and fun, or that it takes too much time to plan lessons to include storytelling. But it’s not about planning. It’s really about changing mindset. When students make an emotional connection with their learning, their recall will be far greater than if you rush on to the next activity. I have found stories can be a very powerful way to consolidate classroom learning.’
You will come away from this fun, interactive workshop, with valuable tools for your teaching toolkit.
WHO: For teachers and teaching assistants of preschools and primary schools
LENGTH: 3 hours
SIZE: 12- 20
PRICE: Please inquire via jenni@storytree.com.au
Story as Soul Food: a Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Sometimes in our busy lives, it can be hard to make the time to share stories, even when we know how nourishing and healing they can be. Simple family stories ground us in knowing who we are and where we come from. Good stories lovingly told, can strengthen our hearts and our ability to navigate the world. Lovingly told stories can rekindle joy and revitalise. Join Jenni to reconnect with the rich soul food stories can offer. A participative story experience for parents, caregivers and anyone interested in the art of storytelling.
WHO: Workshop for parents, grandparents or caregivers
LENGTH: 2-3 hours
ADULTS: 12 – 20
PRICE: Please inquire via jenni@storytree.com.au
Jenni visited our Steiner School in Armidale and shared her stories and deep knowledge of storytelling with parents, teachers and the children- both young and old. The wonderful effects just keep rippling through our school community! Jenni is a consummate storyteller and answered questions raised by teachers and parents alike with a deep understanding and sensitivity to the moment, to the question beneath the question in a sense.
Jenni was great with the children – very interactive. She was also a wonderful person to host at our school. I received lots of positive feedback from staff & students.
Jenni’s-school-show-backdrop
