Cindy  (Miss Story Hat) dynamically performs folklore with music, props, humor and song. She uses narration, games and theatrical improvisation too! The tales have themes in compassion, individuality or beauty of the human spirit. Stories are tailored to feature the rich, diverse cultures of LAUSD students to share their folklore: Mexico and Latin America, Africa, Asia and Native American.

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The children then get a chance to perform in story theater, embodying the journey of the characters and lessons. They repeat the rhymes, sequences, tone and gestures of the characters.  Fun, educational theater games and improvisation help the children act out the story and learn about theater. They also learn about parts of the stage, plot and beginning, middle and end.  Most importantly, they perform folklore from diverse cultures! ! They can even share tales they have heard from their family and ancestors, breathing life into the lost oral traditions of family and community.

Students in groups choose one story to enact:

1. Latino Folklore: “The Barking Mouse” (Cuba), “El Conejito” (Panamá) or “Domingo Siete” (México).

2. African Folklore: “Little Boy Frog and Little Boy Snake” (Nigeria) or “Anansi the Spider” (West Africa).

3. Asian Folklore: “The Big Man Drum” (China), “The Elephant and the Bees” (Thailand) or “The Two Frogs” (Japan).

4. Native-American Folklore: “Baby Rattlesnake’s First Rattle” (Pawnee) or “Dog Tails” (Iroquois).

ALL STORIES ARE ADJUSTED FOR ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL AGES.

Spanish/English stories can be included.

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The motto? "Be the Hero of Your Own Story!"

After story time, the children share how they relate to the various characters and themes of the stories.  By discussing and relating to the universal themes of the tales, they develop a sense of belonging that enhances self-esteem. This also creates a vivid and meaningful connection to stories and their lives.

View Cindy's other storytelling program, The Library Fairy.

View Cindy's bio and her extensive background with children.

View how Story Hat applies specific Theater Arts California content standards.

Stories and story theater are designed to engage the children’s senses where they learn and retain the most.  Through theatrical play they open up their imagination to endless possibilities, perspectives and self- expression.  Social roles, problem solving and teamwork are also highlighted. Cultural and community awareness naturally occurs as they take captivating adventures with fun characters from other lands. Drumming and background music are also included.

Five classroom workshops are included in the program for children to listen to, create and perform stories and folklore. They then have one final show in the school's auditorium where the students perform the tales they have rehearsed in class.  Children always love creating and being a part of a such a unique theatrical experience.

Also, up to three professional development sessions are available for teachers (30 minutes each or 90 minutes for all three in one session). These help teachers bolster any subject with the ' tricks of the trade' in storytelling and tips to enhance our program's benefits with lesson plans. The three topics available are: "How to Become a Better Storyteller,"  "Storytelling Creates Classroom Community," and "Discussions After the Story."

Children create masks or hats of the characters they create and perform.

Click here to view the research on the many positive effects in children who are exposed to the oral tradition of storytelling! 

Storytelling in its purity passes on powerful lessons, literacy and links to our history. In telling and performing these stories children gain language, social skills and confidence.  It also builds tolerance in introducing them to a wealth of cultures. Storytelling gives children a bridge: a powerful link to themselves and the world! Let's build it!

©Copyright 2006 by Cindy Conway. All rights reserved. No images on this page, may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, including photocopy, recording or any informational storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.