More Cow Tail Switch

Yesterday, I started a weeklong storytelling visit with twelve St. Joseph Montessori primary students. I’m volunteering and the teachers were kind enough to set aside the time for me. Yesterday, for our first session, I knew that I wanted them to hear and begin to learn the Liberian story of the Cow Tail Switch, they are spending the year studying Africa, so we are learning an African tale. I also wanted them to explore the relationship through drama that Ogalusa, the dad, had with his children.

Even though I had been thinking about the activities we would do and what I wanted to happen for quite awhile, I didn’t sit down and write out the goals and objectives for my plans. I’m not sure if I didn’t do it because I was volunteering, but I didn’t do it. Things went well enough…we did do all the things I planned, but something was missing. We as a group weren’t creating the feeling of purpose and meaning that will lead to creative decisions. This morning, thanks to a snow day, I reread the Fine Arts Standards and the English Language Standards. I’m always impressed by all the little pieces that make up a skill. I especially value reading all the parts that are required to encourage participation and appreciation of the arts.

I sat down and wrote out my goals, objectives and procedures for the week, remembering that the tools of storytelling must be named and valued, but, I must say, something still is missing. I think it might be that the story and storytelling has no larger framework within the class culture. I feel like I am just showing up, and, for me, I need more of a connection to get my engines running. That’s where good teacher and artist planning come in. As a volunteer, I didn’t press to meet with the teachers, and, now, I regret it. I hope that in the little time that I am there that I can impart the role of an African storyteller to the children, so they feel the joy and importance of their story contribution.