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21st March |INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Storytelling
Workshop–2015
STORIES ARE THE BEST TEACHERS
To mark the spirit of World Storytelling Day, celebrated every year on 20th March,
Story Ghar in continuation of its quest to encourage integrated learning
conducted an interactive and collaborative workshop for principals, teachers and
educators on 21st March, 2015 in India International Center, New Delhi. The
workshop „Stories are the best teachers’ was designed to underline the
significance of stories and how to skillfully use storytelling in classrooms to
promote a child‟s cognitive development. Respectable resource persons Dr. Usha
Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Elementary Education, N.C.E.R.T. and
Ms. Jaishree Sethi, creative director of Story Ghar through their cognizance,
experience and exposition threw a light upon the usage and practice of
storytelling.
The workshop received an abounding
participation from teachers, educators and
academicians of around seventeen different
schools, in and around Delhi and soon the
auditorium was brimming with scintillating
faces of over eighty participants. To make a
start, storyteller, Ms. Jaishree Sethi conducted
a five minutes meditative exercise for the
audience to bring the ever active mind at
peace and at present. Vibhor Mathur‟s
enchanting flute piece helped the audience
achieve a tranquil mind. Addressing the
participants with a welcome note, Ms. Sethi
pointed out how stories are a very powerful
tool and have pedagogical relevance. “Stories
can connect, bring people together and can
impart education in an indirect manner in the
most fun and interactive style”, said Ms.
Jaishree.
Page 2 Storytelling Workshop–2015
Professor Usha Sharma, who made her mark
in the field of value education, educational
technology, early childhood care and
education, and with an experience of working
on ground with community and rural children,
delivered her session focusing on the
challenges and problems faced during
adopting storytelling as a tool as well as
discussed the importance of using stories as
educational resources.
“Kahani kehna ek kala hai”, said Dr.
Usha Sharma, “it requires a speaker and
a listener”. She then pointed out the
significance of „How‟ and „What‟ in a
story. How to tell a story incorporates
the art of voice modulation keeping in
mind the tone, pitch, pace and
expressions of a sentence or a dialogue.
On the other hand, what to tell through
a story might differ from audience to
audience.
The audience was further apprised of the
benefits of Storytelling; “Storytelling helps in
the mental, emotional, personality and
overall, a cognitive development of listeners.
It increases concentration level and listening
power while also resulting in language
development in children”, explained Prof.
Usha Sharma. In continuation of this, she
brought to light how stories can lead to
catharsis, help in self analysis and above all,
can entertain and enchant the audience. She
also emphasized upon the value of having
„Reading Corner‟ in classrooms as it gives
exposure to children and motivate them to
read and tell stories like story tellers.
Page 3 Storytelling Workshop–2015
The dynamic storytelling session set an
example for the participants for their
forthcoming group activity in which they
were to give a five minutes presentation of
a story. Different groups consisting of ten
participants each were formed and were
asked to pick up their story from the
collection of books that was provided to
them. To invigorate the participants, tea
and beverages were arranged and during
this interval they prepared their act and
made use of the given craft materials to
create their own props.
After the enlightening and edifying session,
the audience actively participated,
enquiring their queries and asking
interesting questions with the honorable
resource persons. The participants were
then led into an enrapturing storytelling
performance done by Ms. Jaishree Sethi.
The vivifying enactment of the story
Bheema Gadha, a pratham books‟
publication, tantalized and captivated
everyone among the audience. They
involved themselves in the performance,
mimicking along with MS. Jaishree, the
sounds of donkey, cow, crow, rooster and
dog, respectively.
The second half of the workshop was full of vigor and zest. All groups were geared up to present their stories. One by one, groups came, introduced themselves and started with their storytelling presentations. The stories ranged from cheenu‟s gift (kabadiwala), Pyasi Maina to Hansmukh Raakshas, The Princess and The Frog, etc. Participants made use of props and puppets and innovatively created costumes using drapes to get into the character. Some of the performers‟ astounding expressions and intonations added a flavor of fun and humor to their stories. All groups were as good as the other, yet were distinct from one another. Dr. Usha Sharma, after the group activity, gave her feedback and uplifted the audience by underscoring the positives and the shortcomings of every storytelling presentation. She broadly discussed the vital points to keep in mind while telling a story and how storytelling differs from a theatre act. Participants actively involved themselves in the discussion, sharing their knowledge & clearing their doubts.
The workshop summed up with a thank you note by Ms. Jaishree Sethi. A token of
appreciation was presented to Prof. Usha Sharma for her benevolence and readiness
to join Story Ghar in its pursuit. The presence, experience and wisdom of Ms. Jaishree
Sethi and Dr. Usha Shrama illuminated the audience and stirred an interest among
them to use storytelling in classrooms artistically.
PAGE 4
/Story Ghar
Official Address:
19, Kamayani Kunj, 69 I.P.
Extension, Patparganj,
Delhi-110092
Contact Us:
Phone: 7838243022
email: [email protected]
web:www.storyghar.com
Learning Through Storytelling
Initiatives: Story telling in schools
Story Performances
Workshops
Teachers Training
Corporate Training
NGO‟s
To watch the videos visit our YouTube Channel: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/hannelUCcSRZ3F65A7KficpqEd13A
