My little sister went to see Julia
Donaldson performing a few of her books with her husband at Leicester
University. I was rather jealous that I couldn't go with her; alas they were
the days when I had a job to prevent such things. The idea of performing
a book is wonderful yet so rarely actualised. Apparently Mr.
Donaldson sang the Gruffalo song and
lots of children came up on stage to help tell the story.
I remember my first experience of a true story teller. I
was on holiday at Kelling Heath Camp-site in Norfolk and it must have
been Halloween, though why we were camping
in October I've no idea. It was a sodden night and dark as I can
remember a sky ever being.
I don’t know how old I was but I
remember disappointment at the story telling being moved inside because of the
rain. My disappointment soon faded when I saw the enchanted space that had been
created from a corner of the pub. The fire was lit along with thick half melted
candles. Material hung carelessly enfolding the story teller and her audience in
a magical place. I no longer remember the stories but I do remember the feel of
the objects she passed round and the soft slow voice that lulled us so easily
into a different world.
I’ve yet to find anyone who has
recaptured that first magic of storytelling. I’d like to try it myself one day
but the most I can muster is to read to a bunch of toddlers in a Library.
Granted when just the nightlight is on and I read aloud to my little sister I
sometimes feel that wonder but that’s the story not the telling.
Wishfully pursuing Waterstones yesterday
I picked up a leaflet entitled: Open a
world of wonder; sharing books they’ll love by Julia Donaldson. I smiled when I read it and also got a little bit
sad that I’m no longer have the pleasure of reading every night to my little
sister. She’s gone and grown up too fast. Still I do get the odd night.
Here’s a little extract:
People often
ask me, “is it important to read to your child?” Actually, I dislike that word “important”
because it implies that sharing books is a worthy duty whereas in fact it’s a
huge pleasure. To my mind, there’s nothing like chuckling or gasping together
over a good book...sometimes I think people get it the wrong way round: they
think that the stories are a mere key to being able to read. They are far more
than that – they are the whole point of it all!
Though for those who aren’t natural storytellers
she gives a few tips:
·
Set aside a
time when you know you won’t be rushed
·
Try using
different voices for each character
·
Follow the
story in the pictures-ask your child to explain what is happening
·
Encourage your
child to interact, for example turning the pages or following the words with their
finger
·
Encourage your
child to chant along with familiar phrases
·
Relax and
have fun
Besides the asking the child to
explain what’s happening I agree with these entirely. It’s good to know that
the Children’s Laureate is encouraging the love of reading and not its
importance.
