We're Booked on a Feeling!

Funded Mar 12, 2022

Driving down the highway a few years ago, I happened to hear a story on the radio about using storytelling in place of scolding. As a teacher, the piece about using stories to address discipline and changing behaviors resonated strongly with me. It helped me define a truth I understood, yet struggled to put into words, that children are wired to learn through hearing and sharing tales. Stories are an easy and effective way to teach.

And as the children in our classrooms come in with a variety of struggles--anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, etc. I have found stories to be a more compassionate, gentle, and compelling way to nurture children. Stories are interesting, and the best ones instruct and guide children in a way that bare statements cannot. By fulfilling my donors choose project, I was able to get high quality, interesting stories directly into the hands of my students.

The social emotional development books that are now in my classroom are helping children daily to learn to overcome obstacles, stand up for what they believe in, and become well-adjusted. Recently, we read one of those books, Trudy Ludwig's The Invisible Boy, a "gentle story that shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish." Hearing the children's discussion of what specifically characters in the book did to make the main character feel less invisible was powerful, but watching as the children began to take on tasks to make each other feel more valued and appreciated was tremendous, and that was made possible thanks to donations such as yours. Thank you so much for choosing to support children.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Tobin