CHILDREN have been inspired to write by a renowned storyteller who led them on a journey of exploration around the globe.
Pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School spent the day enchanted by master storyteller John Row, a raconteur and poet with more than four decades of experience.
As well as hanging on his every word, the pupils, from Reception class to Year 6, recounted back the stories he had told them, tales of exotic places and characters, before making up their own tales.
Year 1 teacher Martine Chapman said: “As everyone’s lives become busier it is all too easy to stop listening to our children when the ability to listen and comprehend is so important to their development.
“John had an amazing ability to tell stories from around the world, emphasising that stories have a beginning, a middle and an end, while exploring villainous characters and tragedy.
“Pupils loved him – some thought he was a wizard – and we had messages from parents telling us that their children were absolutely buzzing. Some had gone home and written their own stories which they read to us the next day.
“It is so important to encourage children to read and tell stories. Oracy is becoming a lost skill and we have a real drive to encourage it, to give the children the ability to stand proud, make eye-contact and develop their presentation skills.
“Modern life, with its reliance on digital devices and homeworking, can be remote, insular and isolating. So it is vital to encourage the younger generation to continue to tell stories.”
Headmistress Laura Turner read to Years 2-6 in their own reading areas in their classrooms, while senior school headteacher Tony Jackson popped down to visit Reception and Year 1 pupils to share his favourite stories.
Children of all ages mixed to share moments of listening and to talk through their favourite stories.
In Forest School Years 5 and 6 heard a story about a little robin and then created their own stories.
Some used bow saws to make a story wood cookie, others created story sticks and some even recreated their stories through drama. Year 3 children were sent on a mission to find props to match traditional tales. Once they found an item they had to stop and tell a tale.
Children also heard the story of Hansel and Gretel in German as many traditional tales originate in Germany.