Asian Congress
of Storytellers
11 & 12 Sept, 8.45am – 5.00pm (Fri & Sat)
The Salon, Level 1, National Museum
A meeting of professional storytellers that nurtures and empowers through keynote addresses, workshops and performances that offer in-depth involvement in diverse areas of storytelling. Teachers, librarians, professionals, parents and aspiring storytellers will have the opportunity to share the insights of the storytelling experts coming to our shores.
Day 1 · 11 Sept ’09 (Fri)
| Time | Activity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am | — | 9.30am | Registration cum breakfast | |
| 9.30am | — | 9.45am | Welcome story by Ruth Kirkpatrick | |
| 9.45am | — | 10.15am | Presentation by Karuna Ramanathan The Science of Storytelling |
|
| 10.15am | — | 12.15pm | Concurrent Workshops 1 – 3 | |
| 12.15pm | — | 1.30pm | Lunch | |
| 1.30pm | — | 1.45pm | Story Time by Randel McGee | |
| 1.45pm | — | 2.30pm | Keynote 1 The Sheherazade Magic: How to be that Riveting Storyteller |
|
| 2.30pm | — | 3.30pm | Concurrent Workshops 4 – 6 | |
| 3.30pm | — | 4.00pm | Afternoon Tea | |
| 4.00pm | — | 5.00pm | Concurrent Workshops 4 – 6 (cont) |
Presentation
The Science of Storytelling by Karuna Ramanathan
It is very easy to appreciate storytelling as an art form. Most people in organisations however struggle with storytelling, and often they choose not to tell stories because they think it is too difficult. We all have it in us to tell stories. For organisations to get their people to tell stories, storytelling can be regarded as a science form, both in the telling as well as in the capturing. This short introductory session will share how a story can be crafted and told within 3 minutes.
Concurrent Workshops 1 – 3
1 Creative Storytelling with Young Children by Anna Jarrett
Learn to choose and adapt stories for children’s different needs and abilities, as well as captivating their attention using props, drama, musical instruments and puppets. Steps for planning a successful storytelling session for small and large groups will be outlined, along with suggestions for putting together your own storytelling treasure bag. Explore the differences between formal and informal storytelling, and the important role which storytelling plays in our family and community lives.
2 “Tell it like it feels” Storytelling for Emotional Literacy by Ruth Kirkpatrick
Develop skills in using ‘story’ in a consciously therapeutic way. You will have the chance to reflect on your use of story and focus on developing therapeutic intent. We will consider the function of stories to helping build resilience in individuals and communities, and to dealing with complex and painful experiences. Come learn a relevant story and to develop elements of Emotional Literacy in your telling.
3 Green Grows the Story by Eth-Noh-Tec
Uses storytelling to advocate, educate and activate awareness regarding global climate change. Learn strategies for working with stories as an accessible and flexible environmental education and interpretive tool.
Keynote 1
The Sheherazade Magic: How to be that Riveting Storyteller by Catherine Lim
Concurrent Workshops 4 – 6
4 The Use of Myths in Education by Valentina Ortiz
Stories are the bearers of myths. Many of us have lost our myths on the road of migration, of modern technology and ambitions. This workshop deals with the concept of Myth as a vital part of the building of strong personal and group identities. It offers several exercises, useful to children and adults, on how to recover our myths and particularly how to reinvent our modern day mythology and be in touch with it.
5 Characters Building Character by Randel McGee
Stories are full of characters that demonstrate personality traits and values, both admirable and shameful. These characters can motivate both children and adults to emulate good actions and avoid wrong behaviours. Randel will share examples of how stories can be used to promote positive behaviours.
6 Developing Imagination by Marien Tillet
By improvisations, collective games, body theatre and music, we will work on different ways to develop one’s imagination. Unlock your imagination and express yourself confidently through fun and creative exercises.
Day 2 · 12 Sept ’09 (Sat)
| Time | Activity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am | – | 9.15am | Registration | |
| 9.15am | – | 10.00am | Keynote 2 From Papyrus to Pixel — Making Stories, Mediating Meaning |
|
| 10.00am | – | 10.30am | Morning Tea | |
| 10.30am | – | 12.30pm | Concurrent Workshops 7 – 9 | |
| 12.30pm | – | 1.50pm | Lunch | |
| 1.50pm | – | 2.30pm | Story Time By Eth-Noh-Tec | |
| 2.30pm | – | 3.30pm | Concurrent Workshops 10 – 12 | |
| 3.30pm | – | 4.00pm | Afternoon Tea | |
| 4.00pm | – | 5.00pm | Concurrent Workshops 10 – 12 (cont) |
Keynote 2
From Papyrus to Pixel — Making Stories, Mediating Meaning by Joanne Teoh
Concurrent Workshops 7 – 9
7 Storytelling: A Power Tool for Brain-Based Education by Bobby & Sherry Norfolk
Librarians and teachers will learn how the precepts of brain-based educational research can be applied effectively through storytelling, thereby positively affecting test scores and competencies. Story-based instruction creates and extends meaningful locale systems which provide a matrix for learning and retaining information in all curriculum areas, and which is accessible to all learning styles and applicable to multiple intelligences. Learn techniques for applying these precepts and ways to use storytelling as an assessment tool for critical thinking skills.
8 Moving Communities through Storytelling by Eth-Noh-Tec
Storytelling can move well beyond mere entertainment. It is a powerful tool to move communities in awareness and action. This is an introduction of how storytelling can be used to for the social good in areas of peace and justice, fighting racism, bringing awareness to environment and other societal issues.
9 Poetry in Motion by Randel McGee
Movement, body language, and facial expressions in storytelling. Using the tales of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, Randel will demonstrate how to use your whole body and face to bring your stories to life.
Concurrent Workshops 10 – 12
10 Working with Stories by Anna Jarrett
There’s a special art to presenting meaningful and engaging public programs with cultural and environmental themes. Anna will help you to develop interactive, creative programs for people of all ages, working with stories as a foundation for all aspects of interpretive program planning and presentation. You will learn specific storytelling skills while being guided through the process of researching, writing and representing stories about people and places of significance.
11 The Most Wonderful Way of Engaging Children by Ruth Kirkpatrick
Discover how the power of stories can capture imaginations and provide a great tool for all working with children and parents. Learn about the appropriateness of stories for different ages, stages and how to source for materials. Explore a range of stories, songs and related activities which have proven to be successful in work with children. Develop skills in using stories for goals such as building self-esteem, transition and encouraging self expression. Understand how the use of traditional stories still shines with relevance for today.
12 Literacy Development in the Storytelling Classroom by Bobby & Sherry Norfolk
This interactive workshop will demonstrate a wide variety of innovative, practical and engaging PreK through 5th Grade lessons and activities that develop literacy in all domains while placing storytelling in the center of the classroom. Validating storytelling’s impact on the development of learners, lesson plans also intertwine academic domains such as Social Studies, Science, and Math in order to deepen and make personal curriculum content.
Fees
| Full Congress fee | S$420/person (normal rate) S$350/person (early bird registration by 31 July ’09) S$350/person (group registration of 3 persons or more) |
|---|---|
| One day fee | S$250/person |
| Half day fee | S$150/person (inclusive of lunch) |
All prices are in Singapore dollars and GST inclusive.
Register online now or view other registration methods.
Special Offers!
- Reader’s Digest Asia’s readers enjoy a 30% discount to the congress (not applicable on promotional rates)
- Scholastic Book Clubs members enjoy a 10% discount to the congress
Note Subcription/membership number necessary to enjoy the discounts.
International Storytellers Showcase
See these professional storytellers at work as they share stories from their diverse lives. Treat yourself to an evening of storytelling at the International Storytellers Showcase.
Special Treat for Congress participants
Sign up for the Asian Congress of Storytellers by 15 July 2009 and receive a free pass to the International Storytellers Showcase on 12 Sept!
Note:
- Passes are given on a first-come-first-serve basis. While stock lasts.
- Applicable to 2-day registrations only.
- Passes not exchangeable for another date/time or entry to other festival programmes.
