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Archive Number 1005

Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2002 10:29:49 EST
From: Cristy West
Subject: Re: Books:Educational/therapeutic overlap(was:A question on Bob


Barton's Book..




Dear Leah et. al--

You bring up an important point, namely the fact that many books that are
geared toward so-called "educational" applications are also highly relevant
for therapeutic settings, too. I guess it's a matter of education in the
root sense of the word, as in edu-care, to draw forth --e.g., to draw forth
potential. Here are a few of my own favorites:

Creative Storytelling: Building Community, Changing Lives by Jack Zipes,
Routledge, 1995. This book grew out of a long term residency Zipes did
working with 3-4 grades and includes full text of tales along with specific
ideas for working them. However, the material is quite appropriate for a
much broader range of ages, too. For instance, that exercise Gail Rosen
referred to in her social work training workshop using Rumpelstiltskin comes
from this book.

The Power of Story: Teaching Through Storytelling by Rives Collins and Pamela
Cooper, published by Gorsuch Scarisbrick, 1997. This is very user-friendly
and includes some excellent basic material about storytelling plus nearly a
hundred pages of specific storytelling activities. Also, one thing about
this book I really like is that interspersed through the text are little
interviews called "Meet the Storyteller." Some of the tellers are big names
you might see on a stage at a big festival and others are everyday people,
including some kids. Good bibliography, too.

Beyond the Beanstalk: Interdisciplinary Learning Through Storytelling by Lynn
Rubright, published by Heineman, 1996. Again lots of very specific examples
for adapting stories through the use of music, dance, creative dramatics,
etc. Also chapters on such topics as Eldertel: Senior Citizens and Children
Tell Stories and Family Folklore and Creative Writing.


Cristy West
Washington, DC