National Storytelling Network. How Stories Change the Brain. Ben’s dying. That’s what Ben’s father says to the camera as we see Ben play in the background. Ben is two years old and doesn’t know that a brain tumor will take his life in a matter of months. Ben’s father tells us how difficult it is to be joyful around Ben because the father knows what is coming. But in the end he resolves to find the strength to be genuinely happy for Ben’s sake, right up to Ben’s last breath. Everyone can relate to this story. A recent analysis identifies this “hero’s journey” story as the foundation for more than half of the movies that come out of Hollywood, and countless books of fiction and nonfiction.
Why are we so attracted to stories? Why the brain loves stories The first part of the answer is that as social creatures who regularly affiliate with strangers, stories are an effective way to transmit important information and values from one individual or community to the next. Think of this as the “car accident effect.” What makes a story effective? Kid made STORYTELLING cards. Narrative Medicine: A Model for Empathy, Reflection, Profession, and Trust.
Formatted-Training-Guide-June-2012.pdf. Tech-training - Digital Storytelling. 5 free apps for digital storytelling and sharing kids’ ideas. Digital storytelling simply means using computer-based tools to tell stories. The 5 apps below are some of my favorites for allowing kids to create, illustrate, record, and share stories and ideas. Digital storytelling is easy to do with these apps, and can be done even if you don’t have access to much technology at school. If you or your students have a single iPhone or iPad in the classroom, you can do this! My app recommendations are targeted toward PreK-6, but some can be used in secondary classrooms, too. Puppet Pals What it is: Puppet Pals lets kids choose their characters and backdrops and drag them to the puppet show stage. How to use it: This is a great app for practicing dialogue. See it in action: Toontastic What it is: Toontastic uses a “story arc” with characters, setting, plot, and a conclusion, so it’s perfect for kids who are learning the elements of fiction, as well as older kids who are exploring exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Voicethread Show Me. 5 free apps for digital storytelling and sharing kids’ ideas. Talks about Storytelling | TED.com.