The
techniques taught in this workshop can be used in many ways. Stories are not the only kind of presentation that can be used
with the Apron. The largest appeal to students is the unique method of information delivery. It is unusual, primarily visual,
fun, and very low-tech. This is perhaps the best attention grabbing device you could use with children who have grown up with the sophistication of computers.
Anyone who has anything to do with children or teaching in any way will greatly benefit
from learning and using these techniques, especially
School Library Media Specialists
Teachers and Paraprofessionals of Pre-K though 6th Grade
Childrens' Librarians in Public Libraries
Art, Music, Computer, Foreign Language, and TESOL Teachers
Teachers of gifted children
Parents and Home Schoolers
Speech / Language
Pathologists
Click here for a letter from a Speech / Language Pathologist
Reading Teachers
Language Arts Consultants
Principals
of Elementary Schools
Click here for a letter from a principal
Special Education Teachers
Professional Development Coordinators
Day Care Providers and Teachers
Nursery School
Teachers and Sunday School Teachers
College Students,
Student Teachers, and Substitutes*
*Learn skills now that you will use during your entire career. This is
a great way to set yourself apart from the other candidates when you interview for your first position!
A Special
Note to Teachers of Grades 4-6
Click here for the full text of a letter from a grade 5 teacher
As a librarian of grades Pre-K through 6th, I tell
apron stories to all my students. The older kids enjoy them as much as the younger ones, and have come to request certain
ones every year (I'll tell you which ones at the workshop). Your students will most certainly enjoy stories
you do for them, but a wonderful activity for teachers of upper grade is to teach your own students how to prepare and
present these stories to the younger children. Students learn, among many other things, the sequencing of main events, The
importance of main characters, and how to choose an appropriate book for use with this project. It fosters creativity, encourages
cooperative learning and creates an appropriate outlet for those with dramatic talent. As students practice their stories
and presentation skills in front of the mirror, in front of their friends and in front of their families, they will see clearly
the value of practice. If you can help your students understand, really understand, with
a very real activity and a very real outcome, the value of practice you will
give them a lifelong advantage. This very important piece of wisdom can affect every part of our lives, but like most things
in life, one learns best from actual experience. If nothing else is gained, what you will have given to your students will greatly
surpass the small fee of this workshop.
Additionally, this is no better self-esteem
booster than when older students can successfully share these stories and poems with the younger ones. Many of the
teachers in my schools have used these techniques as one or two of their monthly book project assignments. I could go
on and on, but as part of your information packet you will receive a long list of ideas and activities that have worked well
with older students. Hope to see you there. ---Mary-Elin
