Teacher & Parent Training

I offer sessions for groups interested in learning both how and why to tell stories in education and the family.  Parents and teachers benefit from the skill of telling rather than reading a story and being confident to improvise in the moment.  

Children crave stories that have meaning for them.  Traditional stories bring the ancient wisdom of how to deal with the strong feelings of fear, loneliness, hatred, jealousy, greed and transform them into courage, generosity, compassion and sharing. Storytelling is the oldest form of education. The classic fairytales bring us sociology, psychology and spirituality in a feast of images. Sessions include, gaining confidence to tell rather than read a story, what story to tell when and the ages and stages of child development. Contact me if you have a group that would like a storytelling workshop.

I am Steiner teacher trained (Plymouth 1995) and have worked at Wynstones School, Gloucester.

 

The Power of Story

What is the connection between the popular scientist Rupert Sheldrake and Irish priest and poet John O'Donohue?  Both recognise intention as a powerful force between people.  Rupert Sheldrake has investigated it in a scientific way, looking at peoples behaviour and concluding that the extended mind of each of us affects others: "Dogs who know when their owners are coming home", and "The Sense of being Stared At" are two of his books. John O'Donohue goes straight to the power of prayer;  if we concentrate with intention for the wellbeing for another, then it will be felt by the person prayed for.

When we are captivated by a story, poetry or music we slip into a semi-dream state.  In this state our heart and mind receive deep messages from what we hear: healing, resolution, inspiration for our growth, unconditional love, belonging, and so on. This is the power of story.   It is the oldest form of education and when we tire of technology, we will need it even more.