Final+Storytelling+Project



Story map:

Tellings:


 * 1) July 29 - I practiced telling in front of the mirror. I was not happy with the story. It sounded too much like the Diakite version, instead of my own. I decided to rework the story map.
 * 2) August 2 - During a car trip, I told the tale to son (age 10), daughter (age 8), and niece (age 7). The audience enjoyed the story, especially the sound effects. They were receptive to a break from their videos.
 * 3) August 3 - I told the story to my daughter again (what a patient listener). Something was still not right. I decided to rework the story map again. This time I changed the main character to a girl and gave her the song. Also, I decided on a hat to use.
 * 4) August 4 - I practiced before my performance in front of mirror again, with the hat. It went much better. I noticed I change something in the story every time. This time, I added 30 hats plus one and 30 monkeys in the tree. I think numbers made me more comfortable.
 * 5) August 4 - Public Performance (view at this link []) I performed for an audience of 14 soon-to-be second graders and 2 adults. Both the adults offered positive comments such as "they were really engaged" and "you held their attention." The students were very positive. The story reminded them of other versions. They liked the monkeys best in the story and the way they threw down their hats. We discussed why I told the story instead of reading them the book. One of the students said that this way they could make the pictures "in their mind."
 * 6) August 6 - Partner telling. Heather gave me good feedback. I discussed the introduction and discussion I had with public performance, but I did not incorporate them into this telling.
 * 7) August 6 - Half Class telling. The feedback was positive. The most obvious area of improvement is the introduction. Next time I will incorporate the "3 Little Monkeys" rhyme. I also need to work on ways to include the audience in the telling. It may be necessary to teach them how to interact with the story.