Monterey Children Enjoy First-Ever Interactive International Storytelling Event

April 9, 2009

Posted April 9, 2009

The Monterey Institute of International Studies today opened its doors – and the world – to more than 65 Monterey-area five- to eight-year-old children with its first-ever International Storytelling Event.

Students from the Walter Colton K-8 School and International School of Monterey learned about world cultures through folktales like “The Day It Snowed Tortillas” and other stories from countries like China, Armenia, Ireland and more.

The tales were told by 27 of the Institute’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages students in Dr. Peter Shaw’s Curriculum and Materials Design in English Language Education class.

Monterey Institute student and storyteller Thulile Ndaba said the best part about the event was sharing a piece of home.  “The story I told is well known to almost everyone who grew up back home, but not all of them ever got to hear Grandmother tell it,” she said. “I shared from Africa, but also from my own childhood, and that is an honor!”

To prepare for their roles and practice their skills, Dr. Shaw’s students participated in storytelling training from the Monterey Public Library.

“In class, we discuss ways in which we can make learning meaningful, engaging, and effective for our learners. The wonderful staff at the Monterey Public Library did a workshop on storytelling,” Institute student and storyteller Rachel Josephs said, “showing us ways that we can get young children to participate actively in the story and how to maintain their interest.”

The event was also open to children of Monterey Institute students and faculty, and included a Monterey Public Library display table, activities and nutritious snacks.

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