Storytelling is defined as "…the art of using language, vocalization, and/or
physical movement and gesture to reveal the elements and images of a story to a
specific live audience." It also helps to develop and further verbal communication
skills, a child's imagination, and weighs the consequences of one's actions. Some
aims in telling stories include a contribution to the child's mental health.
While not a fundraising activity, a storytelling session provides a person the
opportunity to interact with the patients in the hospital. Visiting these patients
or telling them stories at the hospital shares the human touch to those who are in
need. It is this way that even for a little while, these children (or adults, for
that matter) can forget about their problems.
Stories can range from children's books to magazines, newspapers and even novels.
Two of the objectives of this activity is to be able to entertain the patients through
stories and to be able to act as a bedside companion for the patient. It gives the
bantay a chance to "rest" and take a break.
"There is nothing like a good story to lift up children's spirits, both the young and
the young at heart. A woman from Museo Pambata gave me a list of some tips two years ago
when we had our first Storytelling Session at PGH. I hope that this helps. Happy Storytelling!"
- Ana Narciso
Children are visual learners. Show illustrations when telling a story.
Connect with the group. There will always be restless among the group. Don't loose your cool, don't let them bother the session or prevent you from continuing.
Check if they are still following/listening. Ask questions, let them summarize what happened earlier in the story.
Mats are great during storytelling sessions. Make kids sit like indians on the mats.
Show the characters in the story by pointing them in the illustrations.
Use hats and crowns to make stoytelling more fun.
Children relate to short stopries with less characters.
The use of the overhead projector is helpful for bigger groups.
Tell stories with the use of a television box.
Story box. All sides have pictures that tell the story.
Volunteer to storytell in local communities. You'll get popular with all your young followers.
Enjoy, show them that you are happy to tell them stories.
Don't be scared with big groups. Have fun!
Clown around/enjoy. Kids would love to see hand or finger puppets during storytelling.
Try not to be self-conscious. Let loose, your goal is to make children enjoy the session and learn from the stories you told.
Change of facial expression is essential to storytelling.
Use puppets to make the session more lively. Kids relate to puppets.
Props like puppets and dioramas can make storytelling fun.
Use costumes and props that are related to the story for storytelling.
Kids get to be a character in the story.
Use a microphone for big groups.
Introductory song that relates to the story is a great way to start the session.
Storytellers can stand when its needed.
Action stories are fun. Storytellers can move better. The use of hand gestures can help tell the story.
Try to arrange your group. Small kids in front bigger ones and adults at the back.
Your Lolos and Lolas are great storytellers. Ask them to tell you stories of yesteryears.
Librarians are storytellers. Organize a pool of storytellers in your community to storytell in your public libraries.
Storytellers should always look children in the eye. Don't be shy. Don't worry children are not judgemental.
You tell stories about magic or just throw in a magic show for fun.
When you expect a big, big group use an overhead projecter to show illustration of the story.
Introduce the storyteller. Create excitement by telling them about the storyteller and the story for the day.
Invite speakers to talk about storytelling and have them share their storytelling experience.
Kids enjoy listening to fairy tales.
Bigger books for bigger groups.
Kids adore picture books. They see the story in the illustrations of the book.
