Jenn Burwell August 4, 2011 7:04

Thank you all for your posts on storytelling for this age group. It ended up being just 4 girls from K-4th but we had fun anyway. At first, they didn't want to read about boys who changed the world. But they came around. They were intertested in Henry's golden hair that matched the corn stalk's silk he was hiding in, and why were there butterflies on every page? Golden moment: When I explained the butterfly effect and how God made everyone of us to interact with others, these children quickly saw how they might be a girl who could change the world.

Miss Mackie (sp??): Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and long standing example that storytelling is still alive an well. I wanted to let you know that as she was leaving, one of the parents stopped and thanked me for telling her a story today!

As always, may God have all the glory! Thank you again and have a wonderfully blessed day!

Jenn

Maxine Johnson Bersch Lovern August 3, 2011 23:18

Don't worry that this age group will not sit still for a story! I have been telling stories for all age groups from babies right on through to seniors half a century or more, and I can say this--everyone loves a story! I wish I could show you the letters I have received from the students when I went to the schools! The third to fifth graders are one of the most responsive of all age groups! This is the ideal time to tell of the great heroes from our sacred and world literature. They have their favorites that they ask for again and again. The two books that I recommend for a resource to use from week to week in making your selections are The Book of Virtues (A Treasury of Great Moral Stories) William J. Bennett. Simon and Schuster.N.Y.c1993 and The Moral Compass (Stories for a life's Journey). NY. Simon and Schuster. c1995. I own these two books and have found many examples of great stories for children in the middle years. Bill Bennett who does the early morning talk show, Morning America, served as Secretary of Education and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities under President Reagan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, a doctorate in political philosophy from the University of Texas and a law degree from Harvard. He writes in his introduction to the second book, "Like The Book of Virtues, this book aims to aid in the task of the moral education of the young. The Book of Virtues identified and examined ten traits of character--self-discipline, compassion, responsibility, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty and faith. In this volume we find those same virtues, but this time we meet them in a different place: the stages of a life's journey." end quote I am not sure that these two books are still in print but well worth checking out for your fantastic meetings! How I envy you this experience! I recall when I was a novice at storytelling, my storytellers league asked me to go to the library of St Andrew's School in Richmond, Virginia, to tell stories to fourth grade boys. I wondered just what you did--Will fourth graders listen to a story? Ha! They were so attentive, and begged for more and the librarian said, "I promise to bring this teller back." I said, "If you have the time to spare I have other stories that I can tell." She looked at her watch and said, "We have a few more minutes." I flew into it and told them one from my West Virginia heritage, "Tom Fear No Man!" a giant story, and they were enthralled. So I went back to that school every Wednesday for two years and they got a new librarian with other ideas I suppose, but I was notified by the librarian who was retiring. She gave him my phone number, but I never heard from him. This was a most rewarding storytelling time for me, and I am sure you will be happily surprised at the way these children will respond to your stories! Thanks for giving me this chance to write on my favorite topic. Maxine Bersch-Lovern.

Rita Kirkland August 2, 2011 14:39

Hi, We have 6 yr old thru 6th grade in a storytime for 0ne and one-half hours. They do beautifully. We do a chapter book featuring a different chapter each week with questions afterward. The children have been very attentive and have been able to answer the questions. We feature a craft which has something to do with the story. Today was our last week as school begins the week after. We will be sorry to see them go, but it has been fun.

Rita Kirkland

First Baptist Church Euless, Texas.

Jenn Burwell > Rita Kirkland August 2, 2011 14:58

So what book did you just read to them?

Also, I only have just 55 minutes and want to do more than story since I only get them one time / summer.

Jenn Burwell July 29, 2011 18:26

Still would love to hear what others would suggest though.

Jenn Burwell July 29, 2011 18:25

Ok, I think I found it:

The Boy Who Changed the World

By: Andy Andrews

Q&A

good story time book for 3-5 graders

I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges, Sue Buchanan.

Then we went on a bear hunt. That didn't take long. We ended with snack and me asking what I could do to improve the library. They want puzzles, and books about animals, science and coloring books.

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The Boy Who Changed the World