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How it works!
The Story Table Method
Through Active Listening & Multiple Intelligence Theory (including dance, drawing, improvisation and conversation discussed below,) the Story Table Foundation promotes meaningful engagement with timeless themes like compassion, kindness and gratitude. Story Table Format listed at bottom of page.
See Us in Action
Click to see how children interact, dance, laugh and communicate 'round the Table!
Active Listening
The Chinese character to 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 sessions are grounded in the embodied practice of listening with our eyes, ears, hands, feet and hearts!
Multiple Intelligences
Because studies show that cognitive development and wellbeing is greatly improved when all learning styles are engaged, Story Table sessions are committed to incorporating Multiple Intelligence Theory. Through these learning methods, (as described below), children have experiences that align with their strengths!
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic
Story Table sessions are always active! With improvisation, we are always transforming things like blankets into wings and brooms into fishing poles! We also dance to world music! By taking turns leading and following each other's movements, we stimulate creative play and practice leadership!
Linguistic
Kinesthetic
Kinesthetic
Story Table sessions encourage children to communicate! Either in-person, or via Zoom, two-way conversations are prioritized. By asking questions, listening to one another and sharing their own ideas, children significantly contribute to the story and participate in real conversations!
Spatial
Kinesthetic
Spatial
After interacting at The Story Table, participants are asked to silently draw "what did you hear in the story?" This exercise in visual thinking not only aids in organizing and processing one's thoughts, but helps kids remember the story and connect with others by sharing what they've drawn!
Musical
Interpersonal
Spatial
With the use of high quality microphones, children are able to dance together to the best of world music! By taking turns leading and following each others movements, kids not only have fun engaging the whole body, but experience immediate successful communication! Dancing not only contributes to mental and emotional wellbeing, but builds a strong sense of community!
Interpersonal
Interpersonal
Interpersonal
Through LIVE and interactive sessions, participants learn to effectively communicate with others. By prioritizing both verbal and nonverbal communication, children increase their mental and emotional wellbeing by learning how to relate and effectively interact with others.
Logical
Interpersonal
Interpersonal
Whether it is finding ways of solving problems, or finding a story's country of origin, children are encouraged to think and communicate logically. These processes are explored both during the story, as well as discussed during the question and conversation time.
Intra-personal
Inter-generational
Intra-personal
By prioritizing 15 minutes of quiet drawing time, participants have opportunity to process comprehension by reflecting on the story. As both a collective and individual activity, this practice literally draws connections between complex ideas and their own inner lives!
Naturalistic
Inter-generational
Intra-personal
By bringing cats, dogs and other animals from home to the Story Table, children's natural excitement, energy and curiosity is dynamically channeled into effective learning and contribute to emotional and mental wellbeing!
Inter-generational
Inter-generational
Inter-generational
By presenting timeless tales and the best of world music, Story Table Language Sessions aspire to connect generations! By facilitating a safe, fun and welcoming space, children learn to associate mental and emotional wellness with building relationships at home and virtually with other kids and elders from around the world!
Special Guests
Where in the World?
Inter-generational
We are committed to making space for special guest storytellers! It is important that children not only have increased access and opportunities to learn from diverse cultures, but that they can also see educators who look like themselves.
Gratitude
Where in the World?
Where in the World?
With a grateful breath, we offer thanks to:
- The story
- The storytellers
- Each other
Though gratitude, we honor the oral history from where stories come from and everything that allowed us to be together for this moment.
Where in the World?
Where in the World?
Where in the World?
Through the use of long internet cables, many Story Table sessions are broadcast from outdoor locations across the world! These settings not only add beauty and LIVE excitement to sessions, but also explore the story's (and our own) relationship with landscapes.