"I used to work as an engineer developing lunar roving vehicles. I remember, back in 1971, a team of astronauts came to our building at the Marshall Space Flight Center to look over the this LRV that went to the moon and was used by the crews of Apollo 15, 16 and 17. The LRV was used to get around the surface. I still keep this photo by my bed showing the astronauts waiting to test it out. It was an exciting day and made me feel very proud!"
The Value of Stories!
Not everyone can have as great a story as that! But here's the point. Lots of residents have fascinating experiences - and when any one tells a story, children listen! It may be recalling when you first watched TV, or how you rode a horse to school. It's all fascinating. The more animated or dramatic the storytelling - the greater the engagement!
Retirees have the advantage of living over a long period of time - through times past where things were done differently. They have wisdom born out of experiences. They have memories and interesting stories to share - often visualized in photos, books or videos.
It's a wonderful way process information, develop vocabulary to power reading and writing, AND with the added bonus of gaining insights and wisdom for life!
StoryWise Time occurs after a lot of fun, watching, singing, moving or dancing with children along to a Jazzles animated song, each of which has themes are designed to ignite curiosity and propel conversation.
StoryWise Time can take the form of:
- 1. Informal 'pair sharing' and discussion about a topic.
- 2. An interview by the child (sometimes videoing).
- 3. Sharing memories through photo/video images.
- 4. Research or shared information using books or the internet.
- 5. Group 'circle-sharing' song-related experiences.
- 6. Creating recipes and cooking.
- 7. Developing performances - role play, song and dance.
- 8. Co-constructed books - complete with illustrations or photos.
- 9. Collaborative, creative art/craft work, gardening, cooking, etc.
The Starting Point - A JazzleOKe Animation!
Share memories of man landing on the moon. (The alligator becomes an astronaut! Kids fall over laughing - they love it!) Discuss the appropriate time for anger. Sharing experiences of bullying and how to help someone who's being/been bullied. Any stories about alligators, ants or apples? Discuss and research where apples come from. Share your favorite childhood 'apple' recipes made by your mother.
Blue Bus Blues
Recall a memorable experience about a bus or a significant bus trip. Tell a story about when you lost/forgot something precious or important and how you felt. Describe a favorite toy or teddy bear and recall playful experiences with it. Discuss and make easy 'banana' recipes.
Interview: 'When you were a child, did you ever feel 'blue' or sad?' 'Why?' 'What helped you?'
Recall when you felt clever as a child. Talk about the best ways you learned new things. Tell memorable 'cat' stories. Any photos? What is the best way to help someone who is unhappy? Discuss what creative experiences you like most - coloring, painting, modeling, gardening, cooking, knitting etc. Discuss favorite 'c' food, drinks or recipes: chocolate, coffee, carrot, etc.
Don't Dig Dog!
Recall childhood memories of a special dog or pet. Any photos? Tell a story about a dog helping someone or up to mischief. Any 'dirty dog' stories?
Tell an 'extraordinary' story. Share 'Easter' childhood memories. Share special celebration stories. Discuss or research favorite creatures that hatch from eggs. Share any childhood memories of chickens and eggs. Any interesting 'elephant' stories?
Any interesting, true 'fishing' stories? Any photos? Share memories of a special picnic at the beach. Research and share information about favorite sea creatures. Can you prepare and cook fish to eat?
Interview: 'Do you remember having a special feast?' 'Why was it important to you?'
Share childhood recollections of farms. How do we get milk, bread, potato chips/fries? Etc. Any interesting 'goat' stories? Discuss or share memories about farming/ gardening. Recall fond stories about grandparents. Any photos? Any tales about farm animals getting up to mischief? Can you share any 'Country and Western' music or dancing?
Share an interesting 'horse' story. Share how you helped your mother/father as a child. Show photos and discuss the importance of helping one another in a family. Share memories of playing 'hide and seek', 'hopscotch' and other childhood games. Any hiking adventures?
Interview: 'What is your favorite experience about being helped?' 'How did you feel?'
- Lesley Beth
- CleverShow Corp DBA Jazzles
- 112 N Curry Street
- Carson City
- Nevada 89703-4934
- +1 530 687 6305
- Kevin Condon
- OSS Pty Ltd
- 68 Louisa Road,
- Birchgrove NSW 204A'H
- +61 2 9810 2784