STORY DETECTIVES
A WHY - DUNNIT WORKSHOP
Learning Empathy through Storytelling
About the Program
​​​Understanding the motivations of others is key to empathy. It is also central to stories—only by understanding WHY characters do what they do can we grow to care about them.
So, thinking about WHY the other person is doing what they're doing--just as if they were a character in a story--helps us care about them.
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This workshop helps 3rd – 5th graders develop empathy by showing them how to identify characters’ motives.
All while enjoying a rollicking storytelling show and playing some rip-roaring games!
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DESIGNED FOR COVID-19
I present multiple sessions of the program for small, socially distanced groups over the course of multiple days.
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Groups of 8 to 12 people interact with each other at a safe, pre-defined distance--the activities are designed for this purpose.
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I work with up to six groups per day for as many days as are needed to match patron interest.
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Workshops take place outside. We can discuss ideal venues once we make contact.
If need be, I can customize activities to your unique safety regulations.
Outcomes
This program helps kids...
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WRITE
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"Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using... clear event sequences.
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Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally."
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READ
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"Describe characters in a story (e.g. their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
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Recount stories including fables, folk tales, and myths from diverse cultures."
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SPEAK and LISTEN
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"Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions... with diverse partners on grade appropriate topics and texts, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly."
Meet Common Core standards in Language & Literature
SOURCE: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy
Let's face it: Schoolwork can sometimes be boring. Have you ever asked yourself, "How in the heck is this relevant?" or, "Couldn't they have found a slightly more interesting way to say this?"
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Through these activities, kids discover for themselves how stories underlie their own lives and the lives of others. And they have fun doing it!
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Kids leave the program feeling that story analysis is exciting, relevant, and deeply personal.
Develop interest in Story Analysis
Empathy is vital for healthy child development. Its effects include:
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Closeness
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Trust
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Higher performance evaluations in the workplace
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Lower levels of aggression, bullying, stereotyping, prejudice, and criminal behavior
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Better mental and physical health.
It is also a vital for healthy and productive conversation between opposing sides in a democracy.
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Kids leave equipped to heal relationships and approach conflict compassionately.
Grow as Community Members and as People
My STORY
I am an aspiring story psychologist with over a decade of performance experience.
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As a Theater for Young Audiences actor, I have performed for over six-thousand school-aged children.
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As a living history museum presenter, I have entertained over three thousand families from all over the world with stories from the past.
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As a researcher, I study with some of the premier psychologists and philosophers who are currently working to make research on character growth available to kids and teenagers.
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As a person, I have experienced firsthand the power of viewing growth as a story--and I am honored to have the opportunity to make this transformative power available to you.