A story telling workshop was organised by Ms. Leena George and Dr. N. Dhanya for the post graduate students of Child Development, Department of Home Science on 0ctober 25th at 12: 30 pm by Ms .Anjali Manoj, a member of World Story telling Institute . Anjali Manoj is the coordinator of Read Right Centre in Trivandrum which is a centre for learning for school children. It aims to provide knowledge for children through Story telling. The theme of the workshop : “ Story telling –Creative Expression for PreSchool Education”.
The benefits of story telling like its role in improving language skills, Increasing memory, Opening out worlds that they haven’t seen or heard of, Teaching morals subtly, Creating awareness of culture and traditions through folk tales, Improving concentration and listening skills, helps them to face difficult situations, Encouraging creativity were discussed.
The parts of a good story for children should always has a clear beginning, middle and end were stressed. It should have a definite twist or climax.
Use of story cards, picture cards, puppets, masks, crafts, modelling clay, vocabulary charts, props, everyday objects and photos were emphatically discussed. The Do’s of a story teller like always Practice storytelling multiple times, attend storytelling sessions to learn from others, tell only stories that are relevant, only tell essential details, starting with a hook opening, making it relatable, making the story age appropriate and situation, use of appropriate props and tools including own body and voice, noticing the audience reaction and use of descriptions that kids can understand, use of movements, use dramatic pauses, use of music/dance, maintaining eye contact, keeping it simple and true, ending with strength, enticing all their senses, avoiding distractions or detours, having a logical sequence were explained through enacting stories with the help of the participants.