Ever want to mesmerize and keep the attention of a group of kids? Tell a story! But … there’s a lot more going on with the kids than just listening to the story. In a previous post, I wrote about storytelling with children from Kindergarten to grade 2. My...
Articles by ecravitz
Storytelling Session … Simply Sensational!
Recently I told stories to the day camp children at our local YMCA. The sessions were amazing, and the power of storytelling came through! I had two groups. The first group consisted of children from grades K -3. One of the stories I told is my personal...
Bringing History to Life
I recently told stories about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg to several fifth-grade classes. Telling stories brings history to life and gives students a feel for the human side of war. Not just battles and strategies. I like to tell a story about a dog who...
Swirling Snakes
My husband had emptied the dishwasher and put all the dishes and silverware away. Yay! I was grateful that he likes doing this chore. Later, when I opened the drawer … what? The phone charger cord, which is kept neatly coiled on the side of the tray, so we...
No Matter How Little You Are …
I love telling the story about the enormous turnip. It’s an old classic that kids enjoy. I enjoy making the story highly interactive, and the children love participating. Just in case you’re not familiar with the story, allow me to fill you in. A farmer, his family, and their...
Bad Luck Bird?
I like to decorate for Halloween which, of course, includes strategically placing some realistic-looking feathery birds about the house to stare at people. Just never know where you’re going to stumble across some crow gawking at you. Which reminds me … a few years back (okay a lot of years...
Kids: From Storytelling to “Published” Author!
We’ve all heard about writing prompts … so how about a storytelling prompt? How about finger puppets! Kids can listen to stories you tell using puppets. Make up your own or tell some classic stories that are in the public domain. Follow up by discussing the stories or have the...
Storytelling &Literacy: Retelling a Story
Just wanted to say a few words about children retelling after listening to stories. Retelling is also a strategy used after reading a story as well. Great connections between storytelling and literacy! When retelling, children need to organize their thoughts. In short, they have to think. They think...
Storytelling, Literacy, & Listening
Fun! Entertaining! And Powerful! Who doesn’t want to listen to a great story? But did you ever think of the connections between literacy and storytelling? There are plenty! Let’s start with listening. Listening is directly linked with speaking. And listening and speaking are connected to reading and writing. It’s...
Stories Are Magic
Wait till you hear this! I was playing with my two-year-old grandson on the floor with his little cars and trucks. He pretty much was entertaining himself at one point, and I started thinking about a storytelling performance that was soon coming up with YMCA day campers. I was...