Using Storytelling in Libraries and Schools
An Applied Storytelling Panel
On Sunday, November 15 from 3-4:30pm, Sherry Norfolk—educator, storyteller, and author—moderates a panel of professional educators and librarians who have successfully used storytelling to enhance learning. The following topics will be discussed, followed by breakout sessions for Q&A and for participants to brainstorm ideas for using storytelling in their communities.
Veronica Winley– “Developing Pre-literacy Skills and Strengthening Family Bonds through Storytelling”
Jane Stenson – “Enhancing Skills Across the Curriculum through Storytelling”
Judy Sima – “Adding Meaning and Building Confidence through Storytelling”
Linda Marchisio – “The Use of Storytelling in Preparing for College and Job Interviews”
Sherry Norfolk, an award-winning storyteller, author and teaching artist, performs and presents nationally and internationally. A Kennedy Center National Teaching Artist, Wolf Trap Teaching Artist, Young Audiences Teaching Artist, co-author of The Storytelling Classroom series of books on arts integration through storytelling, and former Adjunct Professor at Lesley University, Sherry is a recognized leader in arts integration.
Veronica Winley, born in New York City, started her life-long love affair with libraries while paging for the Columbia University Teachers’ College Library. Upon moving to Atlanta, GA in 1977, it was only natural that she ended up working in a library. During her 30 plus years at DeKalb County Public Library, she has worn many hats, including 10 years as a Branch Manager. However, the 25 years she spent as a Youth Services Librarian were the most rewarding and meaningful. She used creative programming, modeled literacy skills for parents, and introduced children to age-appropriate materials in an effort to "grow readers" and was totally compensated with the smiles of burgeoning new book lovers.
Jane Stenson is an experienced storyteller, producer and master teacher who instills world folktales and personal stories with images and metaphors crafted from her love of nature and belief in diversity. Thought-provoking, Jane's stories stimulate and inspire her listeners to think more humanistically about each other and their place in the world, never forgetting the importance of laughter. Encouraging a lifelong love of words and connections, Jane uses the energy and sensory aspects of storytelling to promote literacy, social studies, and math in the preschool, elementary and middle school classroom.
Judy Sima is a favorite Michigan storyteller who has been featured at conferences and festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada. A retired middle school librarian, Judy has been introducing others to the art of storytelling since 1983 and, for many years, coached a middle school student storytelling troupe. She co-authored the award-winning book, Raising Voices: Creating Youth Storytelling Groups and Troupes and is the recipient of two National Storytelling Network Oracle Awards for “Service and Leadership” as well as “Distinguished National Service.” Judy is the current president of the Detroit Story League, and the editor of “MI Story,” an electronic storytelling calendar listing virtual.
Linda Marchisio has been an educator for over 24 years. She has taught in the classroom and in the library media center working with a range of students from pre-kindergarten to high school seniors. Linda has taught elementary and high school students how to be storytellers. As a storyteller she is known for her movement assisted style. Her Master’s degree research was on Movement Assisted Storytelling as a Vehicle to Motivate Reading.