But I wasn’t telling stories then . . .

But I wasn’t telling stories then . . .

A former student found me online before it was common to search for people online.  He sent a surprise email of the kind that teachers cherish, but one phrase gave me pause, “I’ll always remember all the stories you told us.”

I didn’t think I was telling stories to classes then because I had bought into the notion that junior high (and later high school) students were “too old for stories.”  THEY ARE NOT!!

I realized that I had been slipping in anecdotes as subjects came up.  Instead of “once upon a time,” stories at the older grades begin, “That reminds me of,” and the power of story to capture attention and help learning “stick” is just as powerful.  Students would remember a story for months and sometimes repeat practically word for word.  Worksheets, not so much.  Thanks, Woody Sebastian, for letting me know 😉

More on classroom storytelling https://storytellermary.wordpress.com/programs-and-workshops/