Digital Storytelling in the Elementary Classroom

This week I have been on a grand learning experience into the world of digital storytelling. Storytelling at its finest is as old as time and composes the threads that bind the fabric of our lives. Stories travel deep into our souls.  The Bible is full of stories that are bigger than the characters and broader than the events. When we read them we are drawn into a connecting relationship to the loving God and creator of the universe. Through the most amazing story of all time we are told of a God who loves us so much that He has given us the free-will to tell our own stories even though it cost Him His beloved Son, Jesus.

Jesus came to this earth to live out the story of God's love and He was an avid storyteller. Crowds flocked to Him. For what? What is it that draws our hearts into a good story? How is it that we are able to experience sadness when the storyteller tells us something sad? Or complete happiness when the hero saves the day?

Stories have power to make us feel. They have power to change our thinking and our choices. Companies know this. In today's digital world we are bombarded with advertisements that last only a few seconds, yet in those few seconds our senses take in images, music, and dialogue that is masterfully woven to grab our emotions.

Stories are more than powerful. They are also enjoyable. Ever since I was small I loved to be read to and when Grandma came to visit I begged her to "tell me another story, please!". Some of my earliest memories of great storytellers were missionaries. Eric B. Hare and Josephine Cunnington Edwards were both excellent authors and master storytellers. Their works had power over my young mind. At a young age I wanted to become a missionary where I knew there was excitement, adventure, and miracles.

But books of history, biography, adventure, and mystery are gathering more and more dust in the libraries. CDs and DVDs have joined them and yet the desire for stories is still alive. Twenty-first century students love stories and stories must be kept alive to continue the rich fabric of our existence.

This is where I am gathering courage. It is time for me to learn how to expand my skills and learn how to enhance learning and connecting in the classroom through modern forms of storytelling. A Power-Point presentation is much more appealing with audio and video. The shy storyteller who would never be comfortable in front of the class, can openly express themselves when recording their audio privately. All students develop a better sense of identity and voice through storytelling.

These video clips are for beginners like me who need just a little bit of encouragement and some good coaching to get these stories rolling!