Country School Eighth Graders Practice the Art of Storytelling

For the last 20 years, master storyteller Laconia Therrio has been coming to New Canaan Country School to share his passion for the age-old art of storytelling with eighth graders, who in turn share stories with students across the Pre-K through grade 9 school.

Mr. Therrio started his career as a minister and continues to serve as a chaplain at Stamford Hospital. He has been a storyteller all his life, but in 1992, he started telling stories professionally. Before Mr. Therrio begins working with the eighth graders, they have spent time in English class reading 20 stories or more from a non-Western country, and have selected one or two to tell.

“Ok, everybody up! Gather in a circle,” Mr. Therrio begins. “Close your eyes and practice your story in your mind. When you are done, open your eyes.”

The students close their eyes, first cautiously with a fluttering eye opening to survey classmates, then their bodies relax. One mouth begins to twitch as the words are recited internally. Another begins to sway a bit from side to side. Slowly, one by one, the students open their eyes disengage from their stories and reengage with their peers.

The students then break into small groups spread out on the classroom floor and practice. Mr. Therrio has them tell their stories while walking, then only through hand gestures, then only through sounds. Their stories go from just words to full body expressions. They act out different parts of their stories: a fish swallowing an ocean, a small monster approaching, a jealous woman or a fearsome dog.

“It’s about learning their story, not memorizing it,” explained eighth grade teacher Elizabeth Carroll. “It’s about really internalizing it and then telling it in their own way and really passing on the oral tradition.”

The practice of storytelling begins at Country School in the Beginners program with children as young as age three through weekly gatherings and morning meetings. Students are invited to tell their friends and teachers what they observe and notice, or to bring in an artifact from their family’s culture. It is a thread that carries throughout the Country School journey as teachers consistently reinforce the notion that children’s voices are worthy of being shared. In sixth grade, students deliver formal speeches on topics that inspire them. By ninth grade, students are ready to give a “This I Believe” speech to an audience of peers on a deeply held personal belief.

“Public speaking is something they will have to do throughout their careers no matter what they do,” says eighth grade teacher Bart Fredo. “Human beings are natural storytellers and kids are engaged by them, so you can impart the confidence and public speaking through something they enjoy. All of them become more confident. All of them. It’s that confidence part that is so critical.”

The art of storytelling unit is more than just a practice in public speaking.

“We talk so much about cultural diffusion,” said eighth grade World Cultures teacher Will McDonough. “Our world relies a lot on technology, which is about saving time and this art of the oral tradition is all about savoring time. They learn about the value of the human experience. They develop an appreciation for the value of the wisdom of elders and the oral tradition. It reminds them that there are generations who have come before them who have wisdom to share.”

Mr. Therrio’s final parting advice to students: “Don’t just tell your story. Give your story away.”

New Canaan Country School is a coed, independent day school for student in Pre-K 9ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located in New Canaan, the school serves families living throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. For more information about the school, please visit www.countryschool.net.

PHOTO:

1. Eighth grade student Parakram Karnik of New Canaan practices the art of storytelling.