The World of Storytelling

Storytelling is a universal activity, and even predates written history. Find out about storytelling around the world, and connect with others through telling stories.

CONNECT:

• Watch this introduction to storytelling: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar/storytelling/we-are-all-storytellers/v/storytelling-introb
•  Storytelling has been an important part of India for thousands of years: see some of their diverse traditions: https://penguin.co.in/thepenguindigest/storytelling-traditions-of-india-and-its-importance/
•  Chinese shadow puppetry is over 2000 years old. Learn about their history at https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/focus/shadow-puppetry.htm
•  Griots are West African storytellers. Hear them in action at https://greenglobaltravel.com/west-african-griot/

CREATE:

•  Watch Japanese kamishibai (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6URceEr_zc), and then make your own storycard drama by following these directions: http://www.sjsu.edu/education/docs/mcc/Everybody_Clapx.pdf
• Be a hula girl by dancing along this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpN1MQXxr5c
• Make your own shadow puppets following these directions: http://www.planet-science.com/categories/under-11s/our-world/2012/04/make-your-own-shadow-puppets.aspx

CARE:

• Learn the art of storytelling at https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/the-art-of-storytelling/. 
• Here’s how to change the world with the kindness of storytelling: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/blog/how-to-change-the-world-with-the-kindness-of-storytelling
• Make a digital story about your community; these middle schoolers tell how to produce it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5usc00wa40
• To record your story, here are some kid-friendly digital storytelling apps: https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2018/05/12-great-digital-storytelling-apps-for.html

CAREERS:

Do you like making up stories? It can pay off – as a career. Whether you write, draw, film, sing, dance or just talk, storytelling is a valuable and profitable skill. Just ask teachers, librarians, politicians, lawyers and Disney.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-career-paths-for-people-who-love-telling-stories

https://idealistcareers.org/jobs-roundup-jobs-in-storytelling/

https://ccskills.org.uk/careers/advice/article/a-career-in-storytelling

Life in the Funny Pages

Sometimes the best way to grin and bare it is with comics. Give your day a smile with these activities about comics and anime.

CONNECT:

• Comics are actually a 20^th century phenomenon. Read about their history at http://www.comic-art.com/history/history1.htm
• Her’s the Japanese counterpart history of anime: https://www.rightstufanime.com/anime-resources-global-history-of-anime
• Comics is a way to learn about culture, such as Hindi: https://www.untumble.com/blog/10-popular-hindi-cartoons-kids/
• Learn how to read manga at http://www.mangaforkids.com/howto.php

CREATE:

• Comics can be a family thing. Here’s how you can create a comic strip together: http://www.mykidsadventures.com/create-comic-strip-kids/
• Try some of these superhero crafts for kids: https://thejoysofboys.com/superhero-crafts-for-kids/
• Make your own comics with this online comic generator at http://gws.ala.org/content/makebeliefscomix
• Party with cartoons at https://tipjunkie.com/cartoon-characters/

CARE:

• Comics can be a fun way to read. Get your own free comics and promote free comics day on Free Comic Book Day: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/
• Comics need your help as its free expression continues to be threatened: http://cbldf.org/
• Comics can be an effective way to show inclusiveness, such as Archie’s new character with Autism: https://www.kveller.com/archie-comics-now-has-a-character-with-autism/
• Host a hunger heroes food drive play date: https://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/hunger-heroes-a-food-drive-play-date/

CAREERS:

Do you find yourself doodling in comics? Maybe there’s a career for you in that. Even if you don’t draw, you might find yourself in the comics industry: writing, manufacturing, selling,  reviewer, events planning, even librarianship.  No joke!

http://www.careersincomics.com/

https://www.commarts.com/columns/careers-in-comics

https://www.careeraddict.com/5-jobs-if-you-love-comics

http://time.com/money/5004439/how-much-you-can-earn-in-the-comic-book-industry-from-artist-to-ceo/

Note to parents: here is a parent’s guide to anime: http://www.abcb.com/parents/