Date: Fri 15-Dec-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

schools-storyteller-food

Full Text:

WITH PHOTO: Tall Tales Of Food On The Run

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

If you were to spin a tale about a food that ran away, what would it be?

Students in Mrs McMahon's first grade class at Sandy Hook School chose

watermelon, a tuna fish sandwich, hot dog, pizza, cranberry sauce, carrots,

and chocolate cake.

The children were inspired to create their own versions, after hearing

storyteller Linda Marchisio describe the Johnnycake that ran away. Ms

Marchisio, who completed a two-day residency on December 8, explained the art

of storytelling and shared some basic sign language skills to complement it.

The professional story teller strives to develop an appreciation of language

and literature in children by bringing stories to life. "With young children

I'm very animated with my telling," she said. "So many children are used to

the television media, and being passive rather than active listeners."

Participation in this instance, was encouraged through the movement of

American Sign Language. "I want to empower the children to be storytellers -

managers and handlers of language in an expressive mode," she added.

One of the points she makes is that a story differs from just talking in that

it has a beginning, middle, and end. It is a two-way conversation, unlike many

other performing arts or reading aloud. The storyteller has eye contact with

the audience and adapts the story in response to what is happening with the

listeners.

The Johnnycake, similar to The Gingerbread Man, is Ms Marchisio's original

story. Many other countries also have a version of the tale. "I make a

parallel through cultural diversity of run-away-food stories all over the

world," she said. And sign language is one more exposure to a different

language or means of communication, she said.

After the storytelling, children were encouraged to ask questions. One little

girl wanted to know what happens if you don't have a favorite food or don't

want to tell a story.

Ms Marchisio was very reassuring. She said people love to hear stories. "I'll

tell you a secret," she said. "Grown-ups like to hear stories, too."