"Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees…" I always think of this song from the 1960’s when spring rolls around. Mother Nature brings us many things to be thankful for and in this issue I offer some stories and curriculum links to help you welcome the season, including fables to celebrate Aesop’s birthday and more.
On another note, I can’t recommend this resource book highly enough! Jackie Baldwin is known for her thorough, organized and inclusive work. She is also the 2006 National Storytelling Networks Oracle Award Recipient for her national service to storytelling so you just know this is going to be an amazing resource! For those of you working with the Summer Reading Program this year get ready to "Make a Splash!" this summer. A big one! In support of the CSLP (Collaborative Summer Library Program) 2010 summer theme, "Make a Splash!," Jackie’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere! Make a Splash!" is scheduled for release in mid-May.
There are 16 chapters that cover water in all its forms from atolls to glaciers to waterholes. Each thematic chapter contains book references and descriptions, a comprehensive reading list, excerpts from and links to full-text stories, fairy tales and folktales, links to extensive online information, and links to preschool and classroom activities. For more information, contact jackie@storyloversworld.com . To view a complete list of the chapters and a sample chapter, go to: http://www.story-lovers.com/watercycleoutline.html . With Jackie’s help, you will easily keep your head above water this summer!
If you are in the New England area I hope you will join us on May 15, 2010 for the Story Café at ArtWorks in New Bedford, MA featuring award-winning storyteller Joanne Piazzi. For all of the information go to http://tinyurl.com/y5abr3m . On June 26, 2010 the Story Café will offer another award-winning double feature, storytellers Eshu and Motoko for an evening that is sure to please!
Remember, if you’re seeking additional stories, crafts or curriculum connections for other holidays in May and June visit my newsletter archives. Rather than repeating previous links in this issue simply use the Google search bar at the main newsletter link here: http://tinyurl.com/36mfpg9 .
As always, I appreciate your questions, comments and suggestions. Please feel free to send me an email at storybug@aol.com; I would love to hear from you! Happy spring. I will see you in July!
Be well and happy,
Karen
http://www.storybug.net/
STORIES
Celebrate Aesop's birthday with his delightful stories from long ago.
TomsDomain.com – Interesting sight that offers the text of Aesop’s Fables combined with 1692 translations by Sir Roger L'Estrange. Also, the fables are organized by primary characters along with their specific morals. http://tomsdomain.com/aesop/aesopmain.htm
If you pay attention the stories, smells and sounds of spring are everywhere...
The Book of Nature Myths by Florence Holbrook, 1902. Read “The Story of the First Hummingbird” find out “Why the Dove is Timid” or “Why the Juniper Has Berries” and so much more. Fifty-four myths to last you through all of the four seasons. http://tinyurl.com/2wrzooy
The Bear and the Bees http://tinyurl.com/398k2k2
The Bee, The Harp, The Mouse and the Bum-Cock http://tinyurl.com/38w7w3b
The Queen Bee – Story from the Brothers Grimm http://www.thequeenbee.us/
Birds, Folklore and Facts – You can always count on Jackie Baldwin to have a fabulous compilation of stories on almost any subject; birds are no exception.
http://www.story-lovers.com/listsbirdstories.html
Bird Stories from Around the World – Fifteen stories collected for my website.
http://www.storybug.net/links/birdstories.html
Heron and the Hummingbird – Native American folktale from the Hitchiti tribe.
http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/ga3.html
How the King of the Birds Was Chosen: and Other Mayan Folktales
http://tinyurl.com/3ajf4zr
The King of the Birds - http://tinyurl.com/2uealkv
The Language of the Birds – From Folktales of the Russian http://tinyurl.com/32jj9xc
Why We Have Insects Bees and Birds – From The Magic Crocodile and other folktales of Indonesia by Alice M. Terada. http://tinyurl.com/2wyqus9
Flower Fables - From the gentle hand of Louisa May Alcott, nine lovely, short fables.
http://www.classicreader.com/book/3/
Nanabush and the Wild Roses – Canadian Legend http://tinyurl.com/263qsm9
The Tulip Bed – From English Fairy and Folktales http://tinyurl.com/29grakc
BOOKS
Make a Splash! If you missed the information in the newsletter introduction Jackie Baldwin’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere! Make a Splash!" is scheduled for release in mid-May. Just in time for you summer program. For information, contact jackie@storyloversworld.com . To view a complete list of the chapters and a sample chapter, go to: http://www.story-lovers.com/watercycleoutline.html
BLOGS
The Kiddosphere – This is the creation of Jennifer Schultz, services librarian and highlights her adventures with children’s and YA literature. http://tinyurl.com/24eo3hw
Story Route – The brainchild of former librarian, now storyteller and writer, Cathryn Wellner has an eclectic history that only adds to the interesting and fascinating tapestry of her work.
http://tinyurl.com/37w38ay
BUSINESS NOTES
Color Yourself Successful by Ken Peters – “Color communicates. When language fails color can offer valuable associations with people, places and things…Because color's impact is so profound, its role in branding your business is critical. When applied effectively, color can achieve extraordinary results”. http://tinyurl.com/252m8px
Virtual Press Release Faux Pas by Janet Attard – “Using email to send press releases to editors can save you considerable time and money. One click and your release can be on its way to dozens of editor but one click of the mouse is all it takes for each editor or writer on your mailing list to delete the release, often without opening your email at all.” http://tinyurl.com/2etev8u
Why Do People Write This Way? (And How You Can Avoid Doing the Same) by Ernest Nicastro – “Leverages a proprietary coaching framework...purposeful investments in human capital...aligning people and systems in pursuit of”...why do people write this way? http://tinyurl.com/28z4xgg
“Things need not have happened to be true. Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot.” ~ Neil Gaiman, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES
Fables Theme: Preschool Activities and Crafts - “Visit a theme to find activities that include easy instructions and a list of materials needed related to Aesop's and other fables. You will find crafts, printable activities, and related resources.” http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables.htm
Giant Tissue Paper Flowers – Decorate with this lovely flowers. No watering required. http://tinyurl.com/3438nvo
Handprint Lilies – Cute and easy craft for ages 5+. http://www.dltk-holidays.com/mom/mlilies.htm
Flower Coloring Pages – A garden of choices. http://flowercoloringpages.org/
Bath Salts for Mom – Easy and inexpensive craft. http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/mother7.shtml
Flower Doorstop for Mom – Just in time for Mother’s Day! http://tinyurl.com/32mrspl
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Aesop and Ananse: Animal Fables and Trickster Tales – Using these lesson plans students will “become familiar with fables and trickster tales from different cultural traditions and will see how stories change when transferred orally between generations and cultures.” http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=240
For the Birds – Science lesson plan on the characteristics of birds for K – 2.
http://www.arlingtonecho.org/pdf_files/forbirdsK.PDF
Collaborative Summer Library Program - “A consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children…." Includes the history of the organization, audio public service announcements, participating states, past and present themes, frequently asked questions, and more. Copyright 2005 http://lii.org http://www.cslpreads.org/
Flower Facts and Trivia – Add some interesting trivia about flowers to your storytelling on classroom lessosn plans. http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/pcd11.html
Honey Bees and Cultural Attitudes - Grades: 4-6 Essential Skills: Literature, Language Arts, Social Studies Students explore how honey bees are portrayed in art and literature. It also offers a comprehensive and age appropriate bibliography at the end. http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/ahb/lsn25.html
The Teacher’s Guide: Plants and Flowers - Lots of lesson plans and ideas to keep the ideas blloming! http://www.theteachersguide.com/plantsflowers.htm
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” ~ Rudyard Kipling
EDUCATION HIGHWAY
June 11 – 13, 2010 Harvard, Illinois - Workshop and writers workshop with storyteller and author Jim May. No experience necessary. For more information email: maystory@earthlink.net
June 13 -19, 2010 Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom - Stories for Health – Words for Well Being. For who would like to know and experience more to enhance their way of working and practice. Contact: Wendy Woolfson info@storiesforhealth.org http://www.storiesforhealth.org/
June 25 - June 27, 2010 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania- Lehigh Valley Story Festival. Three days of storytelling events, including a children’s show, workshop, concerts, and sacred stories. Contact: Charles Kiernan cjkiernan@toast.net http://www.lvstorytellers.org/
June 28 – July 1, 2010 Marblehead, Massachusetts Telling Stories to Children with Judith Black Educators, ministers, rabbis, business leaders, etc. have used this class as a springboard for integrating storytelling into their lives and work. Information: jb@storiesalive.com, 781-631-4417 or http://www.tellingstoriestochildren.com/
July 3-9, 2010 Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina - Storytellers Wild Week Working With Folktales with Mary Hamilton. For complete info and registration go to: http://www.diannehackworth.com/wildweek.php#top
July 8 – 10, 2010 Austin, Texas The Texas Storytelling Conference - Milbre Burch keynote theme "Story: A Path to Wholeness." http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/ .
July 18 - 22, 2010 Wallingford, Pennsylvania - The Teaching Power of Story with Bill Harley. Appropriate for all people who see themselves as teachers. CEU credits available Information: 800-742-3150 http://tinyurl.com/38ayyw9
July 23- 25, 2010 North Columbia, California Sierra Storytelling Festival
http://www.sierrastorytellingfestival.org/
July 23-25, 2010 Sydney, Australia NSW Storytelling Conference - Weaving Stories Together
Develop storytelling skills, enjoy performances and interact with others who have a love of Storytelling. Call for contributions are still open. Info: Christine Carlton http://www.storytellersnsw.org.au/ or nswstory@gmail.com
July 29 – August 1, 2010 Los Angeles, California National Storytelling Conference: Many Stories - One World. For information go to www.storynet.org/conference
August 6 – 8, 2010 Leyden, MA Summer Storytelling Institute Retreat with Rona Leventhal. Limited to 14 people. 20 PDP's for Massachusetts teachers. Information: http://www.ronatales.com/ or call
413-586-0624
2010 Summer Sessions’ of the Art of the Oral Tradition at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut
June 27 - July 2: Multicultural Storytelling – Carol Birch
July 12 - Jul 16: Storytelling and Social Change – Heather Forest
July 19 - July 23: Methods & Genres: Storytelling – Jeri Burns & Barry Marshall
July 26 - July 30: Introduction to Storytelling – Carol Birch
Aug 9 - Aug 13: Storytelling Art & Technique – Carol Birch
For information on each course and instructor, visit: www.storycrafters.com/AOT.html More information is also available by contacting Arlene Bielefield at lakeview01@comcast.net or http://www.southernct.edu/summersession/
MUSIC
KIDdiddles - Searching for songs, fingerplays and games to add to your storytelling? From Alouette to Wiggle in My Toes, this is the place jump, jiggle and jive!
http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/busy.html
KIDS CORNER
One of my very shy third grade storytelling students said, "I think you are a mind reader."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because you told me months ago that I would ask to tell my story. I can't believe I did it in front of the class today!"
"Well, I have been doing this for a while and I know how it works."
"Nope, I think you're a mind reader!"
STORYTELLING/SPOKEN WORD EVENTS
New Bedford, MA - The Story Café and Open Mic at ArtWorks. Adult storytelling venue and open mic once a month. For dates and featured performers through 2010 and complete information visit http://tinyurl.com/mjsrha . Free admission; pass the hat for the feature. Come listen, laugh and support the arts!
Rochester, NH - Storytelling in the Pantry - Catering to the Spoken Word at The Portable Pantry at 12 Hanson Street on the 2nd Friday of each month. Different theme; take part in the open mic, or just come to listen and enjoy! For information call 603-948-2035
Lynn, MA - SPEAK UP! At Tatiana’s Restaurante 70 Market Street. Spoken Word, Open Mike for Storytellers, Poets, Comedians, Activists and YOU! Every Wednesday beginning at 7:00 P.M. Featured Performer 8:30 PM. Contact Tony Toledo at ToledoGoat@aol.com 978-921-GOAT(4628) or
781-477-0700
SOMETHING EXTRA
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy
A Home In Haiti – You can ensure shelter for one family or more before the hurricane season strikes Haiti this month. Choose your tent, point, and click. What could be easier? Provide a temporary home for those in need. http://www.ahomeinhaiti.org/index.html
