HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
(excerpts
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Query: High school girls.
I have been asked to tell a self esteem tale or two to high school girls. They are asking for participation and I do not see that happening easily as I am the first thing they will see that day. They will probably not even be too sure why they are there! Most of the self esteem tales I know are serious. I feel this calls for something light and if I can get them laughing, it will set up a relaxed atmosphere for whatever follows.
Cathryn F.
Response: How about Three Stong Women.... a tale from Japan?
Bob K.
Added comment to above: Rather, an original literary tale by a westerner, set in Japan. I asked Fujita-san about tall tales featuring strong women, and she knew a few, but (like the few I found in early 1900s collections) they are bawdy and anatomically detailed. Wonderful, but perhaps not appropriate for that venue.
Fran S.
Response: Dame Ragnell, Innkeeper's Wise Daughter, Sheherazade.
Mary G.
Response: I've found both girls and boys of that age love Tatterhood, a version of which can be found in the book by the same name, written by Ethel Phelps Johnston. It's a great story about being your own person, rather than bowing to popular convention, and the rewards thereof.
Gwyn C.
Response: Which reminds me, one of our social studies teachers had an extra-credit experiment with her students -- to examine how much externals like name-brand clothes and such influence perceptions of a person. For one week they avoided name-brand clothes and make-up ( a hard one for some of the young ladies). they had forms for teachers to sign each period (so no cheating) -- on Friday, I joined them with no makeup (I don't wear much anyway) . . . and the "in" brands don't exist in my closet. It was interesting to watch.
Mary G.
Response: And there is The Paper Bag Princess!
Mags S.
Query: Bored high school kids.
I'm volunteering for the Junior Achievement program at our local high school. My job is to go there for one class period a week for 8 weeks to teach the Jr Achievement curriculum about "success skills in the workplace." Those skills include communication skills, building rapport (I'm miserably failing with this group), influencing others, working in teams...
I do corporate diversity training, so am used to being in front of groups, and even in front of groups who aren't that friendly (since many times they are mandated to be there).
However, in all my 20 years of work, I've never encountered a more actively resistant group than this class. There are 26 students, some of whom sleep through the class, some of whom talk the entire time, and some of whom actively resist any kind of activity I put in front of them.
I wonder if there are any words of wisdom from this wise group about how to get them engaged...stories about success, about working...anything!
Patti D. 12/8/05
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Response: I work in a school with that age range and I know the potential problems.
My only way is to cock a snook at the school and BEGIN by telling them a tale they will not expect me to tell.
Subversive.
Rude.
Funny.
BUT that is only the beginning. When they realise that storytelling is for REAL, can mean something for them, I am able to open up the palette of tales and offer them stories which they can now listen to (whereas they probably would not have listened to before).
Of course, that depends on lot on on the situation of the school (parameters of acceptability of of what you personally feel comfortable telling).
You asked for words of wisdom.
No - just a bit of experience - which I know may not apply to your situation. Nonetheless, I hope it helps.
Richard M. Germany 12/8/05
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Response: I am pasting on the file I gathered when I was selecting stories to tell before our state MAP tests. These should engage their interest, and yours -- and face it, if we aren't happy with the material, we won't be able to
captivate others.
I also would like to encourage you to demand (expect, require) respect from the group. I show very little tolerance for students speaking when they should be listening -- their talking interferes with others' right to listen. I'm especially tough on them if they interrupt a story -- that would earn them a trip to the hall, to be invited back in only at the end of the story (and they usually only do it ONCE; in fact, no one else in the group is likely to act up, either, and they tease the offender about what he/she missed out on).
Good luck! Sometimes the toughest audiences become the most appreciative once they are engaged.
Mary G. 12/8/05
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File: In an attempt to soften the experience of the MAP (Missouri Assessment Plan) testing in my high school classroom, I asked my friends on an international storytelling e-mail list for suggestions of positive stories. I selected stories of hope and acceptance, working for one’s own reward, finding good in difficulties, and working carefully. I told a story a day to my juniors, beginning the week before and saving very short ones for the testing days, since I didn't want to cause anyone to run out of time. I think it did help to provide a positive focus and a chance to give gentle advice. If nothing else, it gave us a chance to relax just a bit, and we all think better when relaxed, and not one student had a melt-down, screamed, or argued as had happened the previous year.
Week before --
Debate in Sign Language -- I used Syd Lieberman’s telling on video. Trying to interpret the language of the test, and making the best guess you can.
A story/joke I learned long ago at Prudential (for a time the story I told when my husband said “tell your clean joke”), about a hunter who missed a short-range shot at a lion, which fortunately leapt too far and missed him. the next day he went out to practice short-range shooting, heard a noise in the brush, peeked through and saw the Lion -- practicing short-range leaping.
worry bundles -- my own version, incorporating bits of “St. Louis Blues” into it.
First day of testing -- try to savor some of the good things as you read Brahman/Tiger/Strawberry (a student interpreted it as “we’re going to die” but they didn’t.
Before the Terra-Nova Section -- work carefully a parallel is the Jukha story where he is taking 10 mules to sell, rides on one and forgets to count it. he runs back to find the missing one, and recounts when he returns to find them all. repeated several times til a bystander says there are 11 mules, counting Jukha.
Dvora Shurman following stories around the world
Before the writing portion -- you are creating for yourself -- A great and wise man once called one of his workmen to him saying, "Go into the far country and build for me a house. The decisions of planning and of actual construction will be yours, but remember, I shall come to accept your work for a very special friend of mine." . . My friend, you are the one I had you build it for. It is all yours."
If you are feeling pulled in too many directions, remember the boy, the man, and the donkey -- you can't please everyone, so listen to yourself.
They say that in Missouri,
The MAP is mighty fine.
One of my friends took it,
And nearly blew his mind.
Oh, I don’t want no more of
MAP test life,
Gee Mom, I want to go,
But they won’t let me go,
Gee Mom I want to go home.
What is MAP testing?
a. Miserable Antecedent Procedure
b. Misers' Accounting Process
c. Missouri Appitude Proficiency
d. None of the above
Cute! I think it's Missouri Assessment Plan (?) -- I'll check at school on Monday. It's all I can do to avoid my friend's rhyming phrase MAP Cr . . .
I only have one session of MAP testing to go -- and I did tell stories to my juniors beginning the week before, saving very short ones for the testing sessions, since I didn't want to cause anyone to run out of time. I think it did help to provide a positive focus and a chance to give optimisting advise (miscounting the donkeys -- work carefully and accurately) -- if nothing else, a chance to relax just a bit, and we all think better when relaxed. Thanks for helping me (and them) get through this week.
Before the writing portion -- you are creating for yourself -- Building
A great and wise man once called one of his workmen to him saying, "Go into the far country and build for me a house. The decisions of planning and of actual construction will be yours, but remember, I shall come to accept your work for a very special friend of mine."
And so the workman departed with a light heart for his field of labor. Material of all kinds was plentiful here, but the workman had a mind of his own. "Surely," he thought, "I know my business. I can use a bit of inferior materials here and cheat on my workmanship a little there, and still make the finished work look good. Only I
will know that what I have built has weaknesses." And so, at last the work was completed and the workman reported back to the great and wise man. "Very good," he said. "Now remember that I wanted you to use only the finest materials and craftsmanship in this house because I wanted to make present of it? My friend, you are the one I had you build it for. It is all yours." (one of my usually troublesome young ladies figured out the end halfway through and was proud to supply the moral at the end -- she also wrote a very good essay that day).
"Every spirit builds itself a house, and beyond its house a world, and beyond its world a heaven."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Pick up rocks -- become jewels
There is a story I remember from high school Spanish class -- the story of the broken fan. Several young ladies are discussing why each should be the one chosen by the prince -- one has beautiful gown, another gives orders to servants well. One very quiet girl spoke kindly to the servant who had just broken her favorite fan -- the prince chose her to be his bride, since above all, the future queen should be kind. I often choose girls from the audience to help act it out (our Robin especially loves to do it), and I have a broken fan and a good one to use as props, though not necessary.
Bundle of Sticks
Please do report back -- and if you are feeling pulled in too many directions, remember the boy, the man, and the donkey -- you can't please everyone, so listen to yourself.
Greetings to all
In regard to panic, i came across this story and thought you all may enjoy.
The Three Companions
Every year Cholera made a visit to the Holy City of Mecca. Her companions were always Death and Fear. One year Fear came before Death and Cholera and the gatekeeper, who did not know her, let her go into the city. The old watchmen called angrily at the other two when they arrived at the gate.
"
So, Cholera, you've come again to bring Death and misery. How many victims will you take this time?"
æNo more than 500 I'm sure this time," Cholera said.
Death said it would take only what Cholera gave her.
The gatekeeper let them by, warning not to take more than they promised.
Weeks later Death and Cholera called to the gatekeeper to open the gate. The gatekeeper asked how many Cholera took. Cholera swore it took only about 499, but Death said more than a thousand.
"But you said that you'd only take what Cholera gave you!" the gatekeeper cried.
"Yes," Death answered, "But most of those who died were taken by Fear, who came unnoticed through your gate. One day you will know, old man, that our sister Fear does more harm and causes more deaths than Cholera!"
I love that story - it's one of my favorites for teaching. Bare bones (at least in the version i know...)- king tells jews of a town they have to leave, unless someone can beat him in a debate. The town sends a "ringer" and he approaches the king, who holds out his spread hand. Other man holds out fist. *Wow,* the king says. He holds up two fingers and the man holds up one. Wow again. He brings out a piece of cheese and the jew brings out an egg. Wow again - the Jew has one and the town can survive.
People ask king how he did it "I showed him the jews were scattered, he showed me that they were one in the eyes of God. Then I told him there were two kings - one in heaven and one on earth - he said there was only one. I took out cheese to show how old the Jewish religion had become and he showed an egg to reveal that it was still fresh and new."
Back at the village - how did he do it? "I don't know. He made like he was going to slap me so I showed I'd hit him back. He tried to poke my eyes out so I blocked him. Then I guess he was OK because he took out his lunch, so I took out mine."
An excellent example of how one experience can lead to two separate truths (perfect for playground incidents.)
Mary,
The Three Questions might be a little long, but may be good for another situation. It's in Elisa Davy Pearmain's Doorways to the Soul, a treasure trove of short meaningful stories with an index of Themes.
Bones: King decides that if he knows the answers to three questions he will be the finest king ever to rule the land: Questions: Who are the most important people to be with? What is the most important thing to do? What is the best time to do each thing?
Decides to visit old hermit. Goes the last way alone. Asks hermit three questions. Hermit does not answer. King patiently helps hermit dig in his garden for several hours. Asks again - still no answer. King gets frustrated and decides to leave.
Just as he decides to go home, man runs up path, holding his abdomen, blood flowing from between his hands. King and hermit tend man's wounds. King watches over man all night long.
In the morning, man asks king's forgiveness, confesses he had come to kill the king because the king had earlier killed his brother and taken his land. Man promises to serve king rest of his days. King so happy to be reconciled with enemy that he restores man's land, sends him back to the castle to be cared for by the royal doctors.
King once more asks hermit the three questions. Hermit says he already has answers: If you hadn't helped me in the garden, you would have been killed by the man. Therefore the most important time was when you were digging in my garden bed, I was the most important person and the most important thing was to do good for me.
When the wounded man came, the most important thing was to bind his wounds - otherwise he would have died without making peace. Therefore the most important person was that man, and the right time was to do it when you were doing it.
"You see, the most important time is always the present moment. It is the only time that is important because it is the only time that we have control over. The past we can only look back on and wish that we had done differently. The future we can only imagine. The most important person is always the one you are with in the present moment, and the only important deed is the deed that does what is best for others."
From
Judy S.
Three Questions, A Short Story by Leo Tolstoy
"Live in the present." There's a timeworn phrase, if there ever was one. Luckily, Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, puts a fresh spin on what, exactly, that cliche means. In the following short story, Tolstoy, a master of the genre, takes three simple questions - When? Who? What? - and shows how our lives may depend on our answers. It once occurred to a certain king, that if he always knew the right time to begin everything; if he knew who were the right people to listen to, and whom to avoid, and, above all, if he always knew what was the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything he might undertake. And this thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to any one who would teach him what was the right time for every action, and who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do. And learned men came to the King, but they all answered his questions differently. In reply to the first question, some said that to know the right time for every action, one must draw up in advance, a table of days, months and years, and must live strictly according to it. Only thus, said they, could everything be done at its proper time. Others declared that it was impossible to decide beforehand the right time for every action; but that, not letting oneself be absorbed in idle pastimes, one should always attend to all that was going on, and then do what was most needful. Others, again, said that however attentive the King might be to what was going on, it was impossible for one man to decide correctly the right time for every action, but that he should have a Council of wise men, who would help him to fix the proper time for everything.
But then again others said there were some things which could not wait to be laid before a Council, but about which one had at once to decide whether to undertake them or not. But in order to decide that, one must know beforehand what was going to happen. It is only magicians who know that; and, therefore, in order to know the right time for every action, one must consult magicians.
Equally various were the answers to the second question. Some said, the people the King most needed were his councillors; others, the priests; others, the doctors; while some said the warriors were the most necessary. To the third question, as to what was the most important occupation: some replied that the most important thing in the world was science. Others said it was skill in warfare; and others, again, that it was religious worship. All the answers being different, the King agreed with none of them, and gave the reward to none. But still wishing to find the right answers to his questions, he decided to consult a hermit, widely renowned for his wisdom. The hermit lived in a wood which he never quitted, and he received none but common folk. So the King put on simple clothes, and before reaching the hermit's cell dismounted from his horse, and, leaving his bodyguard behind, went on alone.
When the King approached, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut. Seeing the King, he greeted him and went on digging. The hermit was frail and weak, and each time he stuck his spade into the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily. The King went up to him and said: "I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest? And, what affairs are the most important and need my first attention?" The hermit listened to the King, but answered nothing. He just spat on his hand and recommenced digging. "You are tired," said the King, "let me take the spade and work awhile for you."
"Thanks!" said the hermit, and, giving the spade to the King, he sat down on the ground. When he had dug two beds, the King stopped and repeated his questions. The hermit again gave no answer, but rose, stretched out his hand for the spade, and said:
"Now rest awhile - and let me work a bit."
But the King did not give him the spade, and continued to dig. One hour passed, and another. The sun began to sink behind the trees, and the King at last stuck the spade into the ground, and said: "I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me none, tell me so, and I will return home."
"Here comes some one running," said the hermit, "let us see who it is." The King turned round, and saw a bearded man come running out of the wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach, and blood was flowing from under them. When he reached the King, he fell fainting on the ground moaning feebly. The King and the hermit unfastened the man's clothing. There was a large wound in his stomach. The King washed it as best he could, and bandaged it with his handkerchief and with a towel the hermit had. But the blood would not stop flowing, and the King again and again removed the bandage soaked with warm blood, and washed and rebandaged the wound. When at last the blood ceased flowing, the man revived and asked for something to drink. The King brought fresh water and gave it to him.
Meanwhile the sun had set, and it had become cool. So the King, with the hermit's help, carried the wounded man into the hut and laid him on the bed. Lying on the bed the man closed his eyes and was quiet; but the King was so tired with his walk and with the work he had done, that he crouched down on the threshold, and also fell asleep - so soundly that he slept all through the short summer night. When he awoke in the morning, it was long before he could remember where he was, or who was the strange bearded man lying on the bed and gazing intently at him with shining eyes. "Forgive me!" said the bearded man in a weak voice, when he saw that the King was awake and was looking at him. "I do not know you, and have nothing to forgive you for," said the King. "You do not know me, but I know you. I am that enemy of yours who swore to revenge himself on you, because you executed his brother and seized his property. I knew you had gone alone to see the hermit, and I resolved to kill you on your way back. But the day passed and you did not return. So I came out from my ambush to find you, and I came upon your bodyguard, and they recognized me, and wounded me. I escaped from them, but should have bled to death had you not dressed my wound. I wished to kill you, and you have saved my life. Now, if I live, and if you wish it, I will serve you as your most faithful slave, and will bid my sons do the same. Forgive me!" The King was very glad to have made peace with his enemy so easily, and to have gained him for a friend, and he not only forgave him, but said he would send his servants and his own physician to attend him, and promised to restore his property.
Having taken leave of the wounded man, the King went out into the porch and looked around for the hermit. Before going away he wished once more to beg an answer to the questions he had put. The hermit was outside, on his knees, sowing seeds in the beds that had been dug the day before. The King approached him, and said: "For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man."
"You have already been answered!" said the hermit still crouching on his thin legs, and looking up at the King, who stood before him.
"How answered? What do you mean?" asked the King.
"Do you not see?" replied the hermit. "If you had not pitied my weakness yesterday, and had not dug these beds for me, but had gone your way, that man would have attacked you, and you would have repented of not having stayed with me. So the most important time was when you were digging the beds; and I was the most important man; and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards, when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business. Remember then: there is only one time that is important - Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with any one else: and the most important affair is, to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!" http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/ThreeQuestions.htm
QUIZ TIME
Take a moment or two and take these two short quizes. You won't need a pencil or paper. Just follow along in your mind...
QUIZ #1
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last four Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name five people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last four people who have won Oscars for Best Actor and Actress.
6. Name three people who have held the office of Secretary of State.
7. Name the whistleblowers who were selected as Time's Persons of the Year.
8. Name the past four teams who have won the World Series.
QUIZ #2
1. List the three teachers who made the biggest impact on your life.
2. Name a friend who has stood by you through thick or thin.
3. Name someone you can count on to help you in an emergency.
4. Name four friends or acqaintances who can make you smile or laugh.
5. If you ever owned a pet, which one was your favorite, and how did that pet make you feel?
6. Name one person who has made you feel appreciated.
7. Do you have chlidren? If so, what is a quality they possess that makes you proud to be a parent.
8. Name the relatives who have made sacrifices for you.
RESULTS ?
Obviously, Quiz #1 was much more difficult than Quiz #2. Why? Because after the applause fades for the rich and famous, their achievements are relegated to the almanacs and history books. However, you'll come to find out that even though some people may not have any money and may never get their name in the newspaper, they are the people who make the biggest difference in your life. No, the "important" people in this world haven't won any awards or accolades. Most of the time they lead very simple lives. Their work is unnoticed and taken for granted. But by helping and being of service to their neighbors, students, friends and loved ones, they have made us feel special. They inspire us to do the same. They may not be rich or famous, but they are more important to us than all the celebrities in the world.
Response: Read Frank McCourt's Teacher Man. He taught for 35 years at a vocational ed school in New York. One day he gathered his collection of sparkling and inspired fictional stories the students had written -- the excuse notes they had forged. He dittoed them -- this was back in the Middle Ages before Xerox -- and passed them out. "What's this, Mr McCourt?" He explained, praised their creativity, and then asked them to write excuse notes from Adam and Eve to God and other similar assignments. He asked them if any of them could write an excuse note for Hitler, and they demurred. The main thing is that he got them engaged and excited.
Read the book. If you liked Angela's Ashes and/or 'Tis you'll love it. If not, consider it career enrichment and read it anyway.
Richard M. Ireland 12/8/05
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Response: Maybe a few African dilemma stories would help get some discussion going. Especially ones with a harder edge, where the choices are incredibly serious. I usually preface them with a few lines about tribal societies where everyone has to give their opinion in case the tribes survival depends upon their solution.
For instance, the squirrel catcher who hasn't caught a thing all day. He hears a squirrel in a hollow tree trunk and tells his son to hit it as it is driven out. The son misses and dad hits him so hard he falls down and is left for dead. A rich merchant finds the boy and takes him home getting him the best of medical attention. He brings the boy up as if he is his own son. Years later the merchant and the boy are in a proccession. The father is in the crowd and claims the boy. The merchant says the boy must choose so the next the three of them go into the forest. The merchant hands the boy a sword and says he must choose who he will stay with but the other he must kill. Who should the boy choose? Running away and killing no one is not an option.
This can be great basis for a discussion on difficult choices where everyone is right and everyone is wrong.
John R. 12/9/05
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Response: I heartedly second John's suggestion about using dilemma tales. A good source is Yes and No Tales(Jablow?) I think there are some in Courlanders Treasury of AFrican Folklore. Variants of Boy Who Didn't Know Fear.... Man with No Story are good ones...
Bored....? I tell kids I have very little sympathy if they are bored... "It's you're own damn fault." The world is too vast and interesting... boredom=lack of imagination and initiative. Obsession with tv... video... celebraties... all other people's lives... get a life... etc....
Well... gotta go... don't want to miss Jerry Springer...
Bob K. 12/9/05
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(This
web page updated 12/10/05)
