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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2004-02-11, Page 7News Close to 40 teachers attend workshop on storytelling at Walton Little School By Sara CampbeN Expositor Staff Having enthusiasm and using creative styles are keys to being a successful storyteller. That was the message to about 40 early childhood education and kindergarten teachers from across the area who attended a storytelling workshop at Walton's Little School on Feb. 3. "As we recently marked Family Literacy Day we also recognize the importance of teaching children to read and write and the importance of reaching this stage early in life," said Shannon McGavin, kindergarten teacher at Grey Central Public School and owner of the Walton Little School. "We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of interest in the workshop," said McGavin. "This is our first workshop and what we hope will be one of many." The workshop was based on the book and activities of "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. Acting director of the school and teacher, Naomi Watt said storytelling is about being excited. "Get excited about the book, speak with enthusiasm or tease them if it's a scary part coming up next," she said. While reading to Kindergarten children, Watt said to point out pictures and details to keep the children involved in the story. "Do a walk-through of the book prior to reading, look at the cover, discuss the author and illustrator and talk about other related books," she said. "After reading the book, follow up to see if they comprehended what was happening and make the book available for children to look at on their own." Before storytelling to preschool children, teacher Tracy Schelken, said ground rules must be establish of when they can interact and move. "You want to ensure that the time at the story circle is well spent," she said. "How you read the story will have a huge impact on how well the children pay attention to you." Schelken also said to act excited, keep the children in suspense and adjust the volume of your voice. She added that taking on the roles of the characters can emphasis the events in the story. "By doing this, you can maintain their interest even if they already know what comes next," she said. As well, Schelken said to use picture books and let each child narrate a page. This encourages children to use their. imagination, listen to each other and sequence events, she said. "Children are always asking questions and experimenting with different styles. It's always good to try different learning styles so you're not losing anyone's interest," said Schelken. CAS. director disappointed in spanking ruling By Matt Shurrie Goderich Signal -Star Editor Huron -Perth Children's Aid Society executive director Tom Knight called a recent ruling by the Supreme Court upholding parents' right to spank a "disappointment." "I think we're one of the few countries that still allows for corporal punishment for physical discipline," Knight said. "You still have to ask the question why are we allowed to hit children when we can't hit each other - it makes no sense." While the court didn't pass judgement on spanking itself, it did offer guidance to help lower -court judges draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable spanking. It clarified that Section 43 allows only "minor corrective force of a transitory and trifling nature." It does now allow the use of paddles or whips, 'degrading punishment or blows to the head or face. Children under the age of two or over 12 should not be spanked, the court added. And teachers should not be permitted to strike children, though they can use force to restrain violent outbursts in the classroom. To criminalize minor "corrective" behaviour by adults that does not harm a child "would harm children more than help them," the court wrote. "I think eliminating the acceptance of the use of physical punishment of children will certainly reduce the incidence of child abuse," Knight said. "I think there are many, many different ways of providing correction or discipline that don't involve any form of corporal punishment. "I think what happened with the Supreme Court decision - while it was a disappointment - there were also benefits in that decision." Knight said he worried about the Supreme Court's decision because corporal punishment - through the form of spanking and other measures - can erode the parent-child relationship. "Corporal punishment doesn't offer any benefits in terms of raising children other than short-term compliance," Knight said. "There are significant risks to corporal punishmcnt depending upon how it's used and what tends to happen with a lot of people is they use corporal punishment at the last point when they're really at their wits' end. "They're angry themselves and that has a whole series of risks in it." Knight said he remains hopeful that the Supreme Court decision would go back to the federal legislature for review. Sara Campbell photo Tracy Schelken, a teacher at Walton Little School, demonstrates a pattern -matching game to accompany storytelling in the classroom. When reading stories to toddlers, teacher Debbie Budna said to choose stories children can relate to and create a relaxing atmosphere. "Introduce the story with enthusiasm even if you have read the story five times," she said. "Enhance the story with your own words and props and simplify the story lines." She said teachers should use creative voices with low tones, excited tones and drawn out words. She added to try to follow the text with a finger so the children can follow the words. Budna said teachers should follow up storytime with related activities or games. Participants to the workshop had the opportunity to create their own games with the theme of "The Mitten" including a mitten match file folder game to help visual discrimination by matching patterns. They also received a Mitten Literacy Kit of poems, songs and activities. "I wanted to get new ideas to bring hack to the centre and the workshop really helped." said Tammy Martene, of the Tuckcrsmith Day Nursery. Martene added that it was also nice to attend a workshop close to home and with many familiar people. Sherry Hugill, of the Seaforth Cooperative Children's Centre, agreed adding that she is looking forward to the next workshop. "(The workshop) has been very beneficial for my class, I got lots of different ideas and some great tips," she said. THE HURON EXPOSITOR; FEBRUARY 11, 2004-7 • 6t Auc ion Inc. Perfume & Cologne Now In Stock Valentine's Special 50% off Watches Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-4. Sun. 12-4 Bayfield Rd. Clinton 482-9364 McTaggart Wettlaufer INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 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