Storyteller
TALES OF IMAGINATION & INSPIRATION
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Storytelling remains an effective tool for nurturing and teaching young people. Stories speak to the entire child - intellect, emotions and creativity. Powerful images are found in stories. They evoke sympathy, sorrow and joy while providing understanding and resolution of these feelings. Stories also allow a child to absorb details about other cultures and periods in history while the very act of listening enhances concentration and encourages a child to think symbolically. Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi has created the following storytelling programs for students in grades K-12.
Traveling Tales
Lorraine tours the school, sharing age appropriate stories as she visits individual classrooms. The classroom setting allows Lorraine to interact with children in a more personal way as she listens to student comments and answers questions inspired by the stories. Sessions range from 30-45 minutes (maximum 5 per day) and classes can be doubled up.
For Grades K-12.
Tales of Imagination and Inspiration
Lorraine combines myths and wonder tales into a thought-filled program that can be molded to meet the needs of specific grade level assemblies.
For Grades K-2, 3-6, or 7-8.
"When I listen to your stories, my brain goes on an adventure!"
A student at Glenham Elementary School
Children’s Voices
This is a seven day storytelling residency where children experience first hand the richness of the spoken word and claim it for their own by exploring folklore and learning to tell a story of their own choosing. Children will learn make the story come alive as they participate in classroom sessions as well as work in small groups to learn the tools of the trade.
For Grades 3 and up.
Tall Tales: A Storywriting Workshop
Tall Tales are a unique form of American Folklore. Vivid geographic settings, exaggerated characters and rich language provide children with wonderful images to stimulate their imagination. An investigation of tall tales provides students with an interesting opportunity to study the geography of the United States and creatively express their findings through the art of the short story.
For Grades 4 and up.
Elementals: Exploring Nature Through Story
Lorraine offers students an opportunity to connect with the wonder and mystery of nature through folklore. By listening to myths and folktales, students will learn how various cultures personify nature and expand the images found in these tales through visual art and writing. Working individually and in groups, children will develop a “shape poem” and make masks. These activities will provide the foundation for students to write and tell an original story. Students will learn storytelling fundamentals and have a chance to share their story with the class.
For Grades K-2, 3-6, 7-8, or high school.
"With Lorraine, a story is in the most capable of hands. She has a respect for the story and for the audience that makes her exceptional in her field. I was privileged enough to see her many years ago at an event geared to adults. I knew then, that I had to share her with my 6th grade students. For the past 8 years, she has put together a family program for Halloween. Each year we talk about the group of students and she tailors the program to their needs and interests. She couples research and knowledge about her field with a contagious enthusiasm and our school year would not be the same without her!"
Karin Armstrong, Haviland Middle School, Hyde Park, NY
"Our People As Reading Partners (PARP) program got off to wonderful start thanks to Lorraine. Her expressive style makes her tales come to life. She truly captivated our students, transporting them into the center of the action."
P.A.R.P. Committee, Alden Place Elementary and Elm Drive Elementary, Millbrook, NY