In this professional development workshop, educators will explore oral storytelling performance techniques in order to create pumped up read-aloud experiences for young learners. Participants will play storytelling games that dive into topics such as stage presence, facial expression, gesture, voice technique, and pace and rhythm and will understand how these techniques are be brought into a read-aloud. Additionally, participants will be inspired to enrich read-alouds with interactive elements such as sound, gesture, call-and-response, and open-ended questions that encourage elaborative language.

In this professional development workshop educators will explore how the art of traditional oral storytelling builds literacy skills and ignites a lifelong love of reading and writing for students. During this interactive session, participants will examine how the spoken word bolsters page-based literacy skills in the classroom. Participants will leave with a set of stories to tell and the confidence to bring them to life out loud with their students.

The language of story is universal! In this workshop, educators will explore how traditional oral storytelling creates a safe space for English Language Learners to develop receptive and productive language, express culture, and build community. Through interactive exercises and small group work, educators will examine elements of oral storytelling that are beneficial to English Language Learners and will use these elements to craft an inclusive traditional tale telling. Additionally, librarians will learn storytelling games that build communication skills at any language level and are easily played in a group multi-lingual setting. Educators will leave with a portfolio of folk and fairy tales perfect for telling with English Language Learners, and the tools to create sustained English Language Learner storytelling experiences.