5)+Storytelling

= **STORYTELLING** =


 * //Oral storytelling is a mode of teaching and learning that requires the learner to listen, visualize, and imagine. Storytelling is a natural shared experience between the storyteller and the listener. It offers natural language experiences for all students and is a wonderful way to share and understand each other as cultural being (Libraries and Archives Canada).//**

For thousands of years before European settlers came to North America, Aboriginal peoples relied solely on oral language for passing information between generations. "In indigenous Aboriginal culture traditional stories, legends, songs, and many other forms of knowledge are passed on among generations by continual retelling (through stories) by elders and leaders who carry the knowledge of these spoken forms in their memories" (Kanu, 2002, p. 107). Having no form of written language created a rich oral tradition in which storytellers were the keepers of knowledge, tradition, culture, and history. While traditional Aboriginal storytellers had to earn the right to this important and highly respected role, stories are now told by elders and children, as well as through dance and music; "stories offer important ways for [all] individuals to express themselves safely" (Kanu, 2002. p. 107).

The stories that were told long ago, and are still told today, serve a variety of purposes; some are instructive and used as teaching tools, while others are purely a source of entertainment. Storytelling is not specific to Aboriginal culture, but it is important to understand the strong significance it has in Aboriginal traditions and ways of life. In Euro-Western cultures, literacy and storytelling are closely linked because many stories are told through print. In the perspective of Aboriginal peoples, literacy is not restricted to the written word; the true meaning of literacy is not confined to the page. Rather, literacy is rooted in inter-generational teachings and is active in everyday living, thus it is a living language (Paulsen, 2003. p. 23.)

Before moving one, please read this article, [|What is Aboriginal Storytelling?] from the Saskatchewan Library Association, which defines and gives some further information about Aboriginal storytelling.


 * The Oral Tradition of Storytelling: **

media type="youtube" key="BNY7L_RdObA" height="259" width="468" align="center"

As a final thought about using storytelling in your practice, please consider that the authors of [|When Aboriginal and Metis Teachers Use Storytelling as an Instructional Practice] suggest that storytelling can be used as an effective instructional strategy.


 * References **

Kanu, Y. (2002). In their own voice: First Nations students identify some cultural mediator of their learning in the formal school system. //Alberta Journal of Education Research, 48//(2), 98-121. Retrieved July 10, 2011, from CBCA Education. (Document ID: 347111701).

Library and Archives Canada. (2011). //Our Voices, Our Stories: First Nations, Metis and Inuit Stories//. Retrieved from: [|http:ww.lac-bac.gc.ca/stories/020020-4002-3.html]

Paulsen, R.L. (2003). Native literacy: A living language. //Canadian Journal of Native Education//. Edmonton. Vol. 27, Iss. 1, p 23.

Thunderbird, Shannon. (2011). //Art of Indigenous Storytelling, Music, Theatre, Dance//. Retrieved from: []



**__DISCUSSION QUESTION__ - How can you incorporate storytelling into your teaching practice? Use examples from your current curriculum if applicable.**

= **Optional Viewing** =

Here are some examples of storytelling presented by elders, children and through dance.

Stories told by an elder: media type="youtube" key="YxPlVmXAihE" height="315" width="420" align="center"

Stories told by children: media type="youtube" key="iBcTQF5qYFQ" height="315" width="560" align="center"

Stories told through dance: media type="youtube" key="IdUDa0Uq--o" height="346" width="462" align="center"