I attended the workshop "Cook Up a Story" given by Mary-Elin
Renzullo. The target group was prekindergarten through third grade teachers. I am currently a fifth grade teacher. I felt
this workshop might be of limited benefit for me and my present class.
I also went into this workshop with no intention of buying the apron that was advertised. Again, I felt there
was no immediate need for it in my present fifth grade class. After Mary-Elin told her first story using the apron, I was
greatly impressed and excited. I knew that I could use the apron to tell stories to my fifth graders, and with guidance, they,
too, could tell stories to the lower grades.
Mary-Elin
is a polished, professional storyteller who brought much knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor to her workshop. She shared
numerous stories, tips, ideas, and props with the attendees. The five hour workshop was well paced. She supplemented her staged
stories with many amusing anecdotes. She allowed the attendees to have time for questions, answers, and prop making during
the workshop. We left with finished stories, ready to use in the classroon the next day.
I bought the apron, made the props, and have practiced using the apron. The primary grade
teachers in my school have allowed me to tell stories to their classes. One teacher confessed that she now tells stories with
more animation and exuberance! She wants to take one of Mary-Elin's workshops to better learn how to use the apron.
Such excitement aand enthusiasm can only help nuture the students' love of reading,
books, and storytelling.
I would highly recommend this
workshop to any group of teachers, librarians, or storytellers. It can create a higher level of excitement for reading at
all ages.
Sincerely,
Susan Nichols
Stafford
School
