Choosing Stories for Storytelling
Here are some hints of choosing stories for storytelling activities.
(1.) Choose only the best stories, stories which by virtue of
style, theme, and plot beg to be told. Children deserve the best which we
can give them. Second rate is not good enough. Choose stories from all
genres--legends, fantasy, biography, poetry and so on.
(2.) Investigate classic editions of works, rather than the
re-written watered down versions so currently popular in the
marketplace.
(3.) Choose a story which speaks to you personally. A story
you do
not love will not be worth the telling since your own emotional
involvement with the story is often a keynote to a successful
presentation. Also, your going to spend a lot of time with this
story!
(4.) Know your intended audience- age, interests, attention
span,
previous experience with stories. Trial and error may be your first guide
to matching story with audience to find out what works well for you and
the children. Do not be afraid to experiment, however.
(5.) Read widely within all areas of literature. Always be
on the look-out for the story which begs to be told. Develop a collection
of stories which fit your personal storytelling style and meet your
needs.
(6.) Locate books, cassettes/records/CDs, and othe forms of
media
devoted to storytelling. Choose good stories from these sources as
well.
(7.) Attend storytelling conferences and performances to
listen to stories done by master storytellers. With their permission,
often you can tape a story to learn later or buy a pre-made cassette or
CD.
(8.) Test your selections with the type of audience for which
you intend to use it. Try your story, refine where necessary, or discard
it if it does not meet your needs.
There are just so many books, tapes and CDs in the marketplace
on stories and storytelling. Go to your school or public library to see
what types of story collections, books on how to tell stories and other
materials are on hand. I'm sure you'll find a treasure trove at the
library.
Return to Handbook for
Storytellers
