The Giving Tree

Today I did my fourth Story Time with Megan. Since I had the day off I drove to the Port Orchard branch office, where I used to work. They had wanted to hear a story as well. I did an adaptation in flannel of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. I have posted the transcript to the right.

I know that this story is used to teach the importance of generosity. It shows kids that true happiness is found by giving, and by making others happy. But does it really? Ever since I was a little kid and first read the book I have thought that the boy was a creep. He takes and takes and never even thanks the tree. I almost feel that they story teaches kids to rip off those who look after them, and not express gratitude or care about what it costs others to help them. Still, it is a good story, and a modern classic. It is worth telling to children, but I would present it with a story that talks about being thankful/grateful for what we receive.

The performance went over well...although it was noted that this story was less of a warm fuzzy than the other stories I told. (Actually...one of my coworkers, Gail, was actually crying at the end. I didn't know whether to be pleased with the fact that I had moved her, or to feel bad because I made her cry...)

I need to thank my cousin Jake who is staying with me this weekend. He was my guinea pig audience several times when I practiced (pointing out mistakes and giving advice on wording), gave honest feedback on the flannel shapes, and then filmed the performance.

The Mitten

Today was the first "Storytime with Megan" at my work. I told my adaptation of Jan Brett's adaptation of The Mitten. The basic transcript is posted to the left. I followed her storyline, but the repetitive refrains that each animal uses are original to me.

I was very excited...I had knit two different sized mittens and cut all of the animals out of felt. It was a lot of prep work for an 8 minute story, but now I have the tools should I ever tell the tale again. (Although my sister, who just got her elementary ed degree seems to think she needs them...)

The work was worth it, because my coworkers were truly delighted. (And I like to think it was my storytelling, not the juice boxes and animal crackers that they loved.) They said that they had not expected me to do voices, and you can hear them chuckling in the background of the video. Afterwards several asked to look at the book, they wanted to get copies for their kids/grandkids.

Things I learned: Up-angles are not flattering! Grape is the most popular juice flavor! Wear a belt when telling this story, so that you have someplace to tuck the mittens!

Also, I need to thank Bill who filmed it for me. He was worried it would be shaky, but used a chair to prop the camera...maybe tomorrow I will take a tripod...

The video of the story is posted to the left!