Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Stor E Telling July August 2007

Hare and Tortoise
by
Arthur Rackham, 1923

I have penned the Stor E Telling column since January of 2002 and the articles from 2002-2006 are the publications page of my website found here http://www.storybug.net/stor-e-telling.html; all you just have to point and click.

I will be adding the columns from 2007 to 2012 to that page as well, but I am in the process of checking what link URL's have changed or are now defunct. It is a time consuming process so I am taking the “slow and steady” approach via Aesop and will post the individual columns on my blog for now.

I will not be adding current columns until the following year, so if you want immediate access to the newest websites, consider becoming a member of the National Storytelling Network.

 

JULY AUGUST 2007

In keeping with the Oral History theme of this issue I offer some additional sites for the journey.

Do History

From Harvard University, a virtual how to on piecing together fragments of the past using primary resources; step-by-step guidelines are also provided.
http://dohistory.org/home.html
 
Dying Tongues
“The language and the culture, you can't have one without the other. It's like trying to have life without water or life without air. It just can't be done.” The people of the Manda, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes of North Dakota have joined together to save their heritage and language from extinction. Learn about their culture through interviews, photos and early recordings. 
http://legacy.inforum.com/specials/DyingTongues/
     
History Matters
Designed for high school and college teachers, and students it serves as a gateway to web resources offering materials, first-person primary documents, and guides to analyzing historical evidence. An extra bonus is a host of resources to assist you in completing your own oral history project. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/oral/online.html . For the main site go to: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/

Illinois Institute of Technology: Voices of the Holocaust (1939-1945)

Here you will find transcripts and interviews with survivors of the Jewish Holocaust as part of the Voices of the Holocaust resource.
http://voices.iit.edu/

Oral History Resources

My personal collection of websites gathered over the years.
http://www.storybug.net/links/oralhistory.html

Youth Source

A resource for heritage-related learning, providing materials and examples of heritage learning for teachers and students. 
http://www.youthsource.ab.ca/default.htm

Some sites to help your summer storytelling sizzle!

Flying Pigs Campfire Songbook
This cyber songbook will have your campers and scouts swinging and swaying between stories. http://www.flyingpigs.org.uk/songa.shtml
 
September is around the corner. Here are some remarkable sites to help your students start the school year off on the right foot.

Race Bridges

“Racebridges seeks to build "bridges" with stories and activities between racial and ethnic groups that allow us to walk in another's shoes, so that the stranger will become a friend.” The artists associated with this organization are accomplishing amazing work while offering free lesson plans and resources here http://www.racebridges.net/cor_temp_page.htm so we can be a part of the mission in our corner of the globe.  Take a moment to cross the bridge at www.racebridges.net and envision a brighter world!
 

Stop Bullying Now

This site is full of resources to help address the problem of bullying. There are specific areas for teachers, administration, communities, parents and other professionals. This particular page link has an astonishing array of resource sheets you can download for free. http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov .  There are also games and webisodes for children to help them deal with the issue of bullying. Use this link to access the main page.

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov

 

Other sites of interest…

The Haunters and the Haunted

From Bartleby.com an extensive anthology of 57 ghost stories collected by Ernest Rhys published in 1921.
http://www.bartleby.com/166/

Myths and Ancient Stories

From China Peru and beyond, an array of tales featuring the fanciful fox!
http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/myths.html

 

PREVIOUS STOR E TELLING BLOGS

January February 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/06/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e.html

March April 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/06/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e_30.html

May June 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/07/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e.html

In the future, if you want to find these columns again insert Slow and Steady or Stor E Telling into the “Search This Blog” bar on the left side of this blog to find them quickly.  Make sure to scroll up to see the links as the most current blog article will still be displayed as well.

 

Karen Chace 2013 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Stor E Telling May June 2007

Hare and Tortoies
by
Arthur Rackham, 1912

I have penned the Stor E Telling column since January of 2002 and the articles from 2002-2006 are the publications page of my website found here http://www.storybug.net/stor-e-telling.html; all you just have to point and click.

I will be adding the columns from 2007 – 2012 to that page as well, but I am in the process of checking what link URL's have changed or are now defunct. It is a time consuming process so I am taking the “slow and steady” approach via Aesop and will post the individual columns on my blog for now.

If you interested you may want to subscribe to the blog so you will receive them as soon as they are up. I will not be adding current columns until the following year, so if you want immediate access to the newest websites, consider becoming a member of the National Storytelling Network.

Directions: In the future, if want to access these columns insert Slow and Steady, as I will begin each new addition with that title, OR Stor E Telling into the “Search This Blog” bar on the left side of this blog.  Make sure to scroll up to see the links as the most current blog article will still be displayed as well.

 

May June 2007

The sweet, succulent smell of spring is in the air! After the long, harsh winter many of us endured, what better way to celebrate the awakening of Mother Earth than with stories that celebrate the creation of the world.

Creation Myths from Different Countries and Civilizations

Stories from China, Inca, Hindi, Islam, Zulu and more.
http://www.crystalinks.com/creationcountries.html

The Germanic Myth of Creation

http://users.dickinson.edu/~eddyb/mythology/Creation-1.html

Additional creation myths from numerous cultures.

http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/oberon.htm
http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/cordelia.htm
http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/ophelia.htm
http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/miranda.htm
http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/umbriel.htm
http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/ariel.htm                                                   

America is not the only country to celebrate its independence each year in July. Canada Day is July 1 and Bastille Day, the national French holiday is July 14. I offer you some story sites from these three diverse lands to help you plan ahead so you can be ready to join in on the festivities!

American Folklore
I first shared this site in 2002 but it is well worth a second look. Take an armchair journey with folktales, myths, legends, Tall Tales and ghost stories from the 50 United States. Tales are clearly indexed so you won’t even need to ask for directions.

http://www.americanfolklore.net/

Talking Tall Tales
From the Calgary Public Library, an interactive site that will tell you some tall tales about Johnny Chinook and his wild adventures in the Canadian West! * This site is currently not working due to a flood, which compromised their data center. Check back at another time to see if the link is working. http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/tales/intro.html

Also from the American Folklore site, five links sharing stories from our friendly neighbors to the north. http://www.americanfolklore.net/canada.html

The Tales of Mother Goose by Charles Perrault
At the age of 67 Charles Perrault laid the foundation for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, when he published this book under the name of his 17 year old son.

http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/perrault.html

Perrault’s Fairy Tales - Eight of his best known fairy tales.
http://www.angelfire.com/nb/classillus/images/perrault/perra.html

The Fairy Tales of Marie-Catherine d´Aulony

Marie-Catherine lived in France during the time of Charles Perrault but her tales were shared in a more conversational style and usually featured a female protagonist. Many of her works were collected by Andrew Lang in his Fairy Books.
http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/authors/daulnoy.html
This page on Facebook did not exist in 2007 so I am adding in now. Thanks to Rob Vanderwildt of Belgium for starting this special group on Facebook  for those interested in the works of Marie-Catherine d’Aulony. https://www.facebook.com/groups/135330009942691/

 

Other Sites of Interest

EasyBib.com

Are you compiling research information for a workshop handout, book, or lesson plan? Here is an easy tool to help you automatically site and source your work in either ALA or MLA format. http://www.easybib.com/

The Key of Gold

Twenty-three Czech folktales by Josef Baudis, circa 1917.
http://volny.cz/enelen/baud/baudisf.html

Myths and Ancient Stories

From China to France, Lapland to Peru and beyond, tales featuring the fun and fanciful fox!
http://www.coyotes.org/kitsune/myths.html

Theoi Project: Guide to Greek Mythology

Persephone, the Greek Goddess of spring growth led me this wonderful site, “a comprehensive guide to the gods (theoi), spirits (daimones), fabulous creatures and monsters (theres) of ancient Greek mythology.”
http://www.theoi.com/index.html
 

PREVIOUS STOR E TELLING BLOGS

January February 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/06/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e.html

March April 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/06/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e_30.html

 

Karen Chace 2013 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

 

 

 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Stor E Telling Column March April 2007

Tortoise and the Hare
bye
Arthur Rackham, 1912

I have penned the Stor E Telling column for Storytelling Magazine, a publication of the National Storytelling Network, since January of 2002 and the articles from 2002-2006 are the publications page of my website found here http://www.storybug.net/stor-e-telling.html; all you just have to point and click.

I will be adding the columns from 2007 – 2012 to that page as well, but I am in the process of checking what link URL's have changed or are now defunct. It is a time consuming process so I am taking the “slow and steady” approach via Aesop and will post the individual columns on my blog for now.

If you interested you may want to subscribe to the blog so you will receive them as soon as they are up. I will not be adding current columns until the following year, so if you want immediate access to the newest websites, consider becoming a member of the National Storytelling Network.

Directions: In the future, if want to access these columns insert Slow and Steady, as I will begin each new addition with that title, OR Stor E Telling into the “Search This Blog” bar on the left side of this blog.  Make sure to scroll up to see the links as the most current blog article will still be displayed as well.

MARCH APRIL 2007

A World of Difference Institute

A valuable site highlighting numerous bibliographies on multicultural and anti-bias books for children. Related links and resources are included.
http://www.adl.org/bibliography/default.asp

ASL University

Complement your stories using sign language. This site shares a hundred sign concepts frequently used between parents and their young children. For those who wish to investigate further, there are finger spelling and number lessons, materials about ASL, a dictionary of words with photos of f movements, and more.
http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/concepts.htm

Beyond Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Incorporate some musical rounds and add rhythm and fun to your storytelling.  This site offers thirty-two songs, dating back to the middle ages, complete with music, lyrics and sound files.
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~msmiller/rounds.html

Buddhist Tales for Young and Old

Fifty-Five stories, many of which indicate the character trait symbolized in the story.
http://www.buddhanet.net/bt_conts.htm

March is Women’s History Month. Searching for some exceptional stories of extraordinary women to portray or research? Well, look no further, these sites will serve you well not only in March but throughout the year.

300 Women Who Changed the World

Where they lived, what they did, timelines, multimedia archives and more.
http://search.eb.com/women

Distinguished Women of Past and Present

This is truly an amazing site! The stories and additional links offer new insights into the remarkable contributions women have made throughout history categorized by subject matter or name. You could spend a century here and not finish!
http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/index.html

The National Women’s History Project

An educational nonprofit organization founded in 1980. Their mission is to “recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs.” Search by category, state or discipline.
http://www.nwhp.org/

Notable Women Ancestors

From adventurers to witches the site offers a brief synopsis for each woman with a link to additional biographical information.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/index.html

Women of the Hall

The National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca, New York “is a shrine to some of the greatest women in the history of this country….” Search alphabetically or by last name.
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php

May 5 is Cinco de Mayo, the national festival of Mexico; here are a few sites to help you get ready to join in the celebration!

 
Mexican Folktales
An extensive bibliography of folktales to help you find just the right story to share
http://nancykeane.com/rl/682.htm

Magic Tales of Mexico

I shared this site in 2005 but it bears repeating; nine stories from the colorful culture of Mexico.
http://www.g-world.org/magictales/domingo.html

American Folklore: Mexican Folklore

Thirteen Ghost Stories, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends from Mexico.
http://www.americanfolklore.net/mexican-folklore.html#2

SEED (Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development)

Begun in 1998, SEED is a global non-profit education program serving students ages 10-18. The main site at http://www.planetseed.com/home is ripe with resources and provides access to “technological and knowledge resources for underserved students and teachers….These include a range of project-based activities provided through an extensive multilingual web site, hands-on science education workshops, and collaborative international projects.” If you swim a little deeper you will find discover an “Ocean of Stories” http://www.planetseed.com/ocean-of-stories from Algeria to Yemen, adapted and retold by renowned storyteller Laura Simms. There are also seven activities http://www.planetseed.com/node/22912 to complement the stories.

 

PREVIOUS STOR E TELLING BLOGS

 

January February 2007

http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/06/slow-and-steady-wins-race-stor-e.html

Karen Chace 2013 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Stor E Telling Column January February 2007

The Tortoise and the Hare
by
Arthur Rackham, 1912

If you are a member of the National Storytelling Network (and if not, why not?) and save the hard copies of their amazing Storytelling Magazine, you know it is always filled with insightful articles from talented storytellers and educators.

I have been blessed to pen the Stor E Telling column since January of 2002 and currently have 109 pages of Internet research on a wide variety of themes, holidays and subjects. Some of those sites have been categorized and used in my blog and newsletter, and I have all of the articles from 2002-2006 on the publications page of my website found here http://www.storybug.net/stor-e-telling.html; all you just have to point and click.

Eventually, I will be adding the columns from 2007 – 2012 to that page as well, but right now I am in the process of checking what link URL's have changed or disappeared into the Internet ether. Of course, it is a time consuming process so I decided I will take the “slow and steady” approach via Aesop and post the individual columns on my blog for the time being.

Beginning with this January February 2007 issue, I will post the articles on my blog, minus those sites that are no longer “live.” on a weekly basis. If you interested you may want to subscribe to the blog so you will receive them as soon as they are up. I will not be adding current columns until the following year, so if you want immediate access to the newest websites, consider becoming a member of the National Storytelling Network. Their magazine is only one of the benefits you receive as a member, then not only will you have the latest websites delivered right to your door, but access to the insight and wisdom of performers, librarians and educators around the world. The information shared in just one issue alone is worth an entire college semester studying at the feet of those who have walked the walk!

 

Directions: In the future, if you are reading a back issues of Storytelling Magazine and want to find my corresponding column, insert Slow and Steady, as I will begin each new addition with that title, OR Stor E Telling into the “Search This Blog” bar on the left side of this blog. The associated links to columns I have added will appear at the top of the page to the right. Make sure to scroll up to see the links as the most current blog article will still be displayed as well. Of course, right now only this one will appear but that will change as I continue to march merrily, and slowly, along.

And so we begin…

STOR E TELLING: JANUARY FEBRUARY 2007

“I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree...” National Arbor Day is April 27, 2007; here are three web sites to help you plan your programs around our beautiful trees.

 

Arbor Day.org
The official site with everything to help you support and share this important day.
http://www.arborday.org/

Spirit of Trees

I shared this site in 2003 but it certainly bears repeating. Cristy West’s growing website offers curricular resources, essays, organizational links, poetry and folktales from some of our leading storytellers and scholars. Rest in the cool shade of its branches and let the spirit of the trees nourish your soul.
http://www.spiritoftrees.org/

Trees for Life

“Award winning conservation charity dedicated to restoring the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands of Scotland.” From Alder to Yew, this site is offers an array of myths and folklore of the Caledonian Forest that will surely complement an Arbor Day storytelling program.
http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/index.html

Bus Songs

We all know that sometimes our audiences need to “get the wiggles out” and what better way than to have them sing along! Your toes will be tapping and your fingers snapping as you explore this fun site full of songs that just add some extra Zip A De Doo Dah to your storytelling programs.
http://www.bussongs.com/

Cambodian Folktales

A wonderful array of tales from Cambodia featuring folktales, and stories of the mountains and temples. http://gocambodia.com/Cambodian_folktales/index.asp

St. Patrick’s Day will be here before you can say Slainte! Here are three sites to help you connect with the Celts.

Celtic Fairy Tales

http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/fairytale/bl-collected.htm

Fairy Tales and Folktales of the Irish Peasantry

Edited by W. B. Yeats and published in 1888 the stories are here to enjoy, courtesy of Sacred Texts. Revel in tales of the Merrow, Changelings, Pookas, Fairies and Banshees, Saints, Priests, Giants and Devils, Kings, Queens, Earls and Robbers; Yeats covers them all!
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/yeats/fip/

The Welsh Fairy Book

Eighty-four stories published in 1907 by Jenkyn Thomas, along with a page of pronunciation notes.
http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/wjthomas/bl-wjthomas-welsh-complete.htm

Classroom Clip Art

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Free, fun animal clipart to spice up your storytelling brochures, library posters, classroom curriculum or web pages!
http://classroomclipart.com/clipart/Clipart/Animals.htm

The Golden Rod Fairy Book

“Fairyland is not on any map, and some people actually insist that there is no such country…” So begins the introduction to this delightful book, edited by Esther Singleton and published in 1903. Stories from England, France, Poland, Bohemia, Russia, India, China, Italy, Denmark, Ireland and Spain are contained between these cyber covers and include such authors as Perrault, Grimm and Anderson. In the words of Esther, “All you need is a comfortable chair and a bright fire…”
http://www.elfinspell.com/GoldenrodTitle.html

 

Karen Chace 2013 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

 

 

Delicately Dealing with Storytime Distractions

Storytellers often offer lapsit and story time program for children in the infant and toddler stage. While they are certainly fun and invigorating, they can also be challenging. Interestingly, it is usually not the children, but the parents and caregivers who can cause the most distractions. Of course moms and dads certainly need time to socialize, but storytime is designed for parents to interact with their children and it can be a magical time. 

 

During my sessions there is always time for parents to  talk with other adults before and after story time. However, sometimes during the story portion of the program adults engage in distracting behavior by conversing with another adult or by using their cell phones.

 

I always err on the side of tolerance the first few times a family is in attendance, but it is important that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their time together. I make an announcement at the beginning of story time and provide a handout so the adults can participate in the songs and fingerplays, but sometimes that is not enough. I asked members of a librarian’s listserv what methods they used to address difficult situations in their programs; they were very generous with their ideas and wisdom. Since many offered similar suggestions I have integrated and compiled their responses below.

 

USE POSITIVE COMMENTS

 

·        It is so wonderful that you parents faithfully attend these programs. Your babies are learning so much by modeling your actions.

·        It is great that you are making connections. Perhaps after class you two can further discuss your topic, but right now I would like everyone to focus on the babies.

·        Parents, we know you need time to visit so we will finish up a few minutes early so you can all visit and share your wonderful ideas!

·        Compliment the parents on their children's attention, participation, and what a great job they are doing as role models at the close of each program. Applaud and thank them for their parenting skills and for setting a good example.
 

  TOOLS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE PROGRAM

• Start every program with an activity that models the behavior you want your adults to exhibit and that forces them to participate immediately. Make it a physical activity rather than verbal (like a team scarf activity) so that you can say to everyone something along the lines of "Notice how your child watches you and copies what you do. You will find that your child can do things you didn't know he could when you help, so he gets more out of the program."
• Devise a handout with the "rules" of story time on them and give it to the parents at the beginning of story time.
• Hang a colorful cute poster, with positive language, just behind the shoulder of the story time leader that lists expected behaviors of both kids and adults in positive language. When the rules are ignored, gently put the book down and sit quietly to catch everyone's attention. If the 'offenders' don't catch the hint, quickly go through the poster's rules. and resume the story.
• Before you begin say, "now look at your neighbors and say 'I'll talk to you in 20 minutes'" generally this gets a smile and a gentle laugh and serves as a good reminder. 

EXAMPLES FOR ADDRESSING ADULTS BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• “Welcome to Story Time. My name is ______ and I am the children’s librarian here. We are going to have lots of fun today reading books, singing songs, and seeing some puppets. First, we ask that you turn off your cell phones and save your conversations until the program is over. Please show your children how to be good listeners during the stories and help us out with the songs, because I need all the help I can get. We have provided you with a song sheet so you can sing along, and you will see the words on our smart board, too. If your child gets restless or upset and you need to leave the room, you can exit through the same door where you came in. Thanks for coming and let’s have fun!”
• "I can see that the parents here today are just as excited to see other adults as the kids are excited to see other kids! Just a reminder, our toddlers learn best when we, as parents are fully engaged in activities with them. There will be time to chat together built in at the end of class, so please wait until then to catch up with your friends!"
• “Because we are teaching good audience skills as well as early literacy skills, we keep our talking [hands facing each other opening and closing], our treats [fingertips going to the lips and out again], our toys [cuddle and stroke your arm] and taking pictures [hold up a "camera" and click the shutter button] for after story time. Grownups, now's the time to turn off your cell phones or turn them to vibrate because WE'RE the ones making all the noise!" I find the pantomime gets the message across without sounding preachy.
• "Welcome. Today we will share books, songs, rhymes, and activities (or what you do). I would like everyone to participate as much as you can. You can follow along with me with by using the handouts. I know your children love to see participating. You are their first teacher.”

ADDRESSING NOISE LEVEL AFTER THE PROGRAM HAS BEGUN 

• When parents are talking and not participating, finish whatever rhyme or song and then say, smiling, "Parents' let's do this next one altogether." And wait. Silence gets patrons attention  quickly without confronting or embarrassing them.
• "Uh oh.  It's getting too noisy.  It's time to practice our shushing."  We all put our fingers to our lips and the parents quiet down.  I have had to say, "Oh it didn't work, let's try it again.
• Stop briefly and wait for them to become aware of the silence as well as the eyes of everyone turning to see what the problem is. Once they look up, we smile and make eye contact, bring them back into the group without saying anything, picking up where we left off.
• "Goodness, we're all chatty this morning. I will give you a minute to finish your stories." Wait about 30 seconds, and then counted backwards from 10, then put your finger to your lips. Be very pleasant and upbeat.
•  Three Chances Rule: 

1. The first week, if the family is disruptive, I deal with it as it happens.
2. The second week I speak privately with the adult after story time, reminding them that we make our expectations clear at the beginning of the program for their support and cooperation to help us provide a wonderful experience for all.
3. The third week in a row I speak privately to the adult suggesting that the program does not seem to be a good fit for their family at this time. I may suggest that they continue to come to the library but take a month or so off from story time until they are able to fully participate, or I may suggest an alternate program that I think they would find a better fit.

"Whenever the noise volume gets too high in story time, I tell this story. It works every time. You can fill in any main character according to your story time theme."

 

Cleaning House
(This activity helps children focus on their tongues and mouths, and stops their talking (adults, too.)

 

Once there was a little (boy, girl, monster, fish…fit your theme)

Who decided to clean house.

First, he cleaned the downstairs, like this.

(slide tongue side to side in between bottom teeth and bottom lip, pushing out bottom lip)

Next, he cleaned the upstairs, like this.

(slide tongue side to side in between top teeth and top lip, pushing out top lip)

Then he cleaned all the windows on this side of the house, like this.

(slide tongue up and down against the inside of cheek, pushing out one cheek)

Then he cleaned all the windows on this side of the house, like this.

(slide tongue up and down against the inside of the other cheek, pushing out that cheek)

When he was done, he took his mop outside and shook it out, like this.

(stick your tongue out and wiggle it up and down)

Then he took a walk around the block.

(stick out your tongue and circle around your lips several times)

When he was done, he went inside, (pull your tongue into your mouth)

And closed the door. (close your lips together dramatically)”

 

My sincere thanks to all of the seasoned librarians around the country who offered their expertise and suggestions. I hope they will help you with your program so everyone will be eager to return again and again!

On another note, if you are seeking some songs and fingerplays to add to your upcoming programs, here is another blog post with resources for a variety of lapsit themes:

Lapsit Program Themes from Apples to Zoos
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2018/12/27-lapsit-program-themes-from-apples-to.html 

 

 

Karen Chace 2013 ©

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission, please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

Tea for Two: The Stories and History of Tea



The Tea Kettle

by Warwick Goble, 1910

The History of Tea

 

Legend has it that tea was discovered in China in 2737 BC by the Emperor Shen Nung, when the leaves of a wild tea bush accidentally fell into a pot of boiling water. By the time of the Tang Dynasty tea had become China’s national drink.

 

Tea was first brought to Portugal and Holland by missionaries and sailors returning from China. By the early 17th century, as China slowly opened up to trade with the outside world, regular cargoes of tea began to arrive in Europe and eventually Britain.

 

At first, only royalty could afford to drink tea, then the nobility acquired a taste for it. Servants were introduced to tea by drinking the ’dregs’ – using leaves left over from their masters’ brew.

 

The first record of tea trading with Chinese merchants is dated 1644.

 

Tea became popular in refined British society during the reign of King Charles II, when his Portuguese wife, Catherine Braganza, introduced tea to the Court

 

Tea was first planted in Africa in 1687 but did not spread to East and Central Africa until the end of the 19th century. Today Africa is one of the world’s largest producers of tea.

 

It is believed that tea was first brought to the colony of New Amsterdam (which later became New York) by the Dutch around the middle of the 17th century.

 

Boston, Massachusetts  is also the site of the famed Tea Party in 1773, when angry colonists took a stand on English–imparted tea taxes.

 

Iced tea debuted in 1904 at the Louisiana State Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Mo. The temperature was soaring and the staff in the Far East Tea House couldn’t get any fair–goers to even look their way, let alone sample their tea. So they poured the hot tea over ice cubes and the drink quickly became the exposition’s most popular beverage.

 

For more information please visit http://theteaspot.com/tea-history.html

STORIES

The Accomplished and Lucky Tea-Kettle - Japan

http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/books/japan/freemanmitford/accomplishedteakettle.html

 

The Ancestor of Tea – Chinese Folktale

http://cracklemountain.blogspot.com/2006/06/ancestor-of-tea-chinese-folktale.html

Chinese Tea Stories

http://silverearringslov.hubpages.com/hub/Stories-and-Legends-of-5-Famous-Chinese-Tea

The Ghost’s Tea Kettle – Yupik
http://zeluna.net/yupik-folktales-ghoststeakettle.html

Learning to Act - India
http://www.pitara.com/talespin/folktales/online.asp?story=67

 

The Samurai and the Tea Master – Japan * You can listen to the audio or read the story at this link.

http://www.storynory.com/2011/03/27/the-samurai-and-the-tea-master/

 

The Tea-Kettle – Japan

http://www.worldoftales.com/Asian_folktales/Japanese_folktale_32.html

Verdant Tea – Legends associated with tea.
http://verdanttea.com/category/legends/

Story-Lovers.com
http://www.story-lovers.com/liststeapoems.html



From the great Irish Storyteller Eamon Kelly: The Tea Man

 

 POEM

A Cup of Christmas Tea by Thomas Hegg – This is an original poem so copyright is in effect. Please contact Mr. Hegg for permission to tell this poem.

http://community.qvc.com/forums/topic/251599/the-beautiful-poem-a-cup-of-christmas-tea-the-real-meaning-of-the-holiday.aspx

 

BACKGROUND ON SOME TEA LEGENDS

Dà Hóng Páo – Great Red Robe oolong teahttp://www.tealegends.com/da-hong-pao-great-red-robe-oolong/

In Pursuit of Tea: The Legend of Tieguanyin and The Legend of Bodhidharma
http://www.inpursuitoftea.com/category_s/34.htm

 

 

CRAFTS

I’m a Little Teapothttp://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/grandparents/mteapot.html Salt Dough Tea Set

http://www.sproutonline.com/crafts-and-recipes/crafts/salt-dough-tea-set

Tea Party Puppets

http://nurturestore.co.uk/kids-crafts-tea-party-puppets

 

CHILDREN'S RHYME

I'm a little teapot,
Short and stout,
Here is my handle (one hand on hip),
Here is my spout (other arm out with elbow and wrist bent).
When I get all steamed up,
Hear me shout,
Tip me over and pour me out! (lean over toward spout)

 

 

 

Karen Chace 2013 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.