Storytelling in Schools

"If you want your children to be brilliant tell them stories. If you want them to be more brilliant, then tell them more stories." - Einstein

Tanya is available to visit schools both as a storyteller and children's author with programmes to suit all ages. To date she has been invited to perform is schools in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, UK, India and China.

As a collector,writer and teller of stories, Tanya delights in bridging the world between the written and spoken word, Her sessions draw on traditional tales from all over the world. Her retellings are lively and poignant, challenging children to consider the dilemmas facing the characters in the stories, different world views and the very nature of stories. Where do stories come from? Why do we tell them? Are stories true?

Tanya regularly performs with the talented musician Craig Denham. Craig's original music adds an audible texture to the stories, that draws from musical genres and flavours from around the world.

Programme of workshops and performances include but are not limited to:

The Fairytale Tree

Across the sea on an enchanted isle grows a tree. In its branches lies a nest filled with wondrous eggs. "If you take an egg and listen well, inside each egg is a story to tell." Based on an Eastern European folktale this programme presents a range folktales, myths and fairytales from all over the world.

Spoke'n Word

Discover the world of the traditional Japanese Kamishibai - paper theatre storytelling. Kamishibai provides a bridge between the spoken and written word. Children have a chance to hear Japanese folktales, learn about the history of Kamishibai as well as creating their own unique illustrated stories.

Programme is available both as a performance and a workshop.

Once upon "my time"

This programme explores how stories evolve and change, holding in their form both the specifics of the cultures where they are told and the universality of the human experience. Tanya will work with children to retell contemporary versions of traditional stories, identifying key elements in a story structure and characteristics specific to traditional story forms.

Tanya is available to create a programme to suit your specific needs.