Groups (online)

Bring LIVE storytelling to your classroom!

Suggestions for how to set up a successful Story Table session:

1. Good internet connection (Computer should be linked to a larger screen)

2. A camera/microphone should be attached to the screen

3. Kids sit on the floor/ground in an open space with room to dance. (Preferably without desks or chairs.)

4. For the dance, Nicholas will call on participants to mirror his dance. Then he will call on participants (by shirt color,) to change the dance and mirror them. (For regular events, its helpful when a staff person who knows the names can send them to Nicholas via the chat.)

4. For drawing, kids will need a pad of paper (or clip board with paper) and crayons to share.

5. Children should be able to approach the camera and show their drawing. Nicholas will spotlight the child so that everyone can see it on the screen.

Contact:

Contact Nicholas to book a session or ask questions!

Contact Nicholas

Story Table Format

All Story Table events are designed to capture the imagination of elementary aged children (6-12) while containing timeless lessons that people of all ages can appreciate.

Here's the format for the 90 minute session and what to expect from a Group Storytelling event:

Welcome/Opening: We greet each other and ask for ideas about what happens around tables? Nicholas then tells from where (and from whom) he learned this story. (5 min)
Storytelling: Kids engage with (and co-create) a story told by Nicholas (20 minutes)
Dancing: We dance to music selected by Nicholas and take turns leading and following each other's dance moves. This is done by Nicholas calling out children (and adults) by the color of their shirts. Nicholas will also ask everyone to find a partner and go around. Then, he'll ask everyone to change partners - several times! (15 minutes)
Drawing: Using provided paper/crayons/markers, everyone is invited to quietly draw: "what they heard in the story?" This happens right on the floor with shared crayons. (15 minutes)
Sharing: Participants are invited to approach the camera and show and tell about their drawing. We all listen to everyone taking turns. Nicholas shows his drawing last. (15 minutes)
Questions/Conversation: Participants are invited to ask questions and engage in a conversation about the story (10 minutes)
Closing/Thanks: Together we thank the story, the ancestor storytellers and each other - just the way we are by blowing a breath of thanks together. (2 minutes)

Multiple Intelligences

Because studies show that comprehension is greatly improved when all learning styles are engaged, Story Table Language Sessions are committed to incorporating Multiple Intelligence Theory. Through this embodied learning practice, (as described below), children more quickly develop and retain conversation skills!

How we learn

Embodied Listening

The Chinese character for listen - Ting, suggests that successful listening is a whole body experience! Because research supports the theory that 90% of communication is non-verbal, Story Table Language Sessions are grounded in the practice of listening with our eyes, ears, hands, feet and hearts!