Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Storytelling and puppetry explored as a means of enhancing oral language, listening skills and creativity in young children. Examines stories from many cultures. Emphasizes the art of telling stories. Focuses on the methods, materials, and experiences needed to use storytelling and puppetry effectively with children. Hands-on involvement with practical application for teachers, teacher aides, librarians, therapists, recreation leaders, church and youth group leaders, artists, dramatists, and parents. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze how curious theoretical perspectives promote the development of young children through puppetry and storytelling experiences.
  • CSLO #2: Investigate the benefits of puppetry and storytelling experiences to the physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development of young children.
  • CSLO #3: Using developmentally appropriate practices, develop puppetry and storytelling lesson plans that support language and literacy skills for children from infancy to age eight in group settings.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Noncredit

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Analyze the effectiveness of the use of puppetry and storytelling in the classroom in affecting a child's physical, cognitive, and social development as well as in dispositions of learning.
2. Develop ways to use puppetry and storytelling in major curricular areas, as well as during transitions and as a tool for classroom management.
3. Develop inexpensive puppet making techniques.
4. Develop storytelling skills.
5. Develop uses for puppetry and storytelling for use by children.
6. Develop puppetry skills including supporting props, character development, and delivery.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Classroom Discussions
              • Example: Classroom discussions may include techniques for manipulating puppets, demonstrations of voice articulation, and character development of puppets.
            • Essay Examinations
              • Example: Explain the function and uses of oral storytelling and puppetry in the development of young children. Essay will be graded based upon criteria including organization and focus.
            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: Objective exams will consist of a description of cross-cultural and historical overviews of puppetry.
            • Projects
              • Example: Projects will include creating a lesson plan using puppetry for a specific age group. Grading will be based on rubric.
            • Skill Demonstrations
              • Example: Present an analysis of the developmental issues faced by heroes and heroines in two folktales from different cultures. Rubric Grading.

            Repeatable

            Yes

            Methods of Instruction

            • Lecture/Discussion

            Lecture:

            1. Instructor will lecture on the various aspects of puppetry and storytelling with practical application scenarios for students working with young children. Students are expected to participate in the lecture and provide example scenarios.
            2. Instructor will demonstrate how to make and manipulate puppets followed by the students making a puppet.
            3. Instructor will divide students into small discussion groups and facilitate ways to use each of the following stylistic devices in telling a story each group has selected: connotation, imagery, figurative language, hyperbole or understatement, and symbols.
            4. Instructor will provide developmentally appropriate examples of literature as a basis for developing storytelling and puppetry.
            5. Instructor will show footage of an experienced storyteller or puppeteer and then analyze the techniques that made the performance effective.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Read and discuss a variety of existing literature easily adapted for use with puppets or through storytelling. 2. Read and discuss the uses of storytelling and puppetry in developing and scaffolding development for young children in physical, cognitive, and social emotional domains.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Create a variety of puppets for use with young children including character, voice, and possible uses. Demonstrate proper manipulation of puppet in a simulated classroom role play. 2. Perform an adult written original story for the class as it would be used with young children.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            1. Research the link between literacy development and storytelling and puppetry for young children. 2. Perform a story or puppet show for a group of children. Document their reactions to the performance and make adjustments as needed. 3. Incorporate puppetry and storytelling into a lesson plan.

            Required Materials

            • A Show of Hands: Using Puppets with Young Children
              • Author: Crepeau, I. and Richards M.
              • Publisher: Redleaf Press
              • Publication Date: 2003
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Storytelling with Children
              • Author: Mellon, N.
              • Publisher: Hawthorn Press
              • Publication Date: 2013
              • Text Edition: 2nd
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • When Stories Come to School
              • Author: Cooper, P.
              • Publisher: Teachers and Writers Collaborative
              • Publication Date: 2003
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Puppets and Puppet Theatre
              • Author: Currell, D.
              • Publisher: Crowood Press
              • Publication Date: 2003
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • The Complete Book of Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Finger Plays, and Chants
              • Author: Schiller, Silberg
              • Publisher: Gryphon House
              • Publication Date: 2002
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.