|
“When you tell your stories I feel like I’m at the movies. I just sit back and watch the pictures!” – Larry, workshop participant, Writers & Books Leah Ruekberg has been telling stories and teaching others to do so since 1993. Her popular workshops, Story Creation and Using Stories to Teach the Standards, have been requested by schools, libraries, and writing centers in Rochester and the Genesee Valley. She also performs lively family stories in libraries, museums, churches, conferences, and private settings for family audiences.
|
 |
Leah offers
Each performance is tailored to the specific audience. In addition to telling tales of growing up in a Nazarene parsonage, she also tells the ancient folk tales, so full of wisdom.
“Miss Leah tells very funny stories. When she tells them, I feel like I’m in the story.” – Kate, grade 4
Workshops: Using stories to teach the standards – and beyond!
Storytelling naturally engages students and actively involves them in
· Critical thinking and imagination: addressing current issues through story drama
· Speaking and listening: encouraging children to listen to each other, respond and build on their collective responses
· Reading and writing: helping children see themselves as creators of stories
“I like these stories. They make me think about my life.” – Brandon, grade 6
Residencies: From storytelling to story text
Leah uses picture-telling to improve student writing. She models storytelling, story mapping and being a helpful listener. Students work in groups to help each other really “tell the pictures.” Editing occurs naturally through speaking and listening as they all work towards publication.
“You make kids glad to write. They automatically write a good story.” Audie, grade 4
Personal Coaching: Listening deeply for the story that wants to be told.
“Miss Leah helps kids let out what they have inside them that they haven’t let out by themselves yet.” – Branden, grade 4