Storytelling camps to build communication skills

Chennai Storytellers, a group consisting of professional storytellers, will be organising summer camps in the city to impart training to children in the art of weaving stories.  According to Dr Eric Miller, a member of the group, “Storytelling can help improve communication skills in children. They will be able to organise their thoughts, give presentations and become better listeners. Storytelling will enable them to use both their logical mind and imagination. Students will be able to visualise, describe and act out characters and stories. They will become more articulate when describing situations and feelings. They will develop compassion and empathy for various characters -- see situations from different points of view.” 

In each camp, an instructor will start by narrating some stories. Then there will be a discussion about the stories, and later, children will also get the opportunity to tell one of their own. 

“Storytelling is a form of public speaking that may also involve acting at times. When acting out characters, the teller may use special ways of speaking and moving to fit that character and express his or her inner self. Storytellers and listeners also naturally think about and discuss the meanings of stories.  We look for and discuss the twists and turning points in stories,” adds Dr Miller, who holds a doctorate in Folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. His doctoral research involved studying the verbal arts of the Kani tribal people in Kanyakumari district. For more details, log on to: www.storytellinginstitute.org. 

Hansel Gretel Kids will be conducting summer camps for students to keep them occupied during school break. The activities that student will take part in include arts, crafts, singing, dance, games, puzzles, story time, dress up, public speaking, creative writing, dress up, brain teasers and fireless cooking. Students in the age groups between 3 and 10 years of age can enrol in the camp. The event will commence from April 11 onwards. For more information, contact: 9840431549.

Canopo, Illuminating Tiny Minds is organising exciting theme-based summer camps from April 4 to June 2 for children between 1.5 and 12 years. The exciting camps have seven different themes which are conceptualised to provide enriching learning all through the season. The camp will include interesting themes such as Movin N Groovin, Teddy Bear & Adventures, The Magic of Camp for kids, Greek Greatness and Super Heroes for children. Enrol at the earliest to be a part of Canopo’s summer camp by contacting 044 42124100/8754006262. 

Seventh sense is organising a summer camp on handmade terracotta jewellery for kids above 10 years of age. The camp will begin on April 4 and will be conducted at Ramachandra Aditanar Road, Gandhi Nagar Chennai – 600 020. For further details on enrolment contact: 044-24412476.