Students from grades three through six at Volney Elementary School competed this week for the honor of representing their school at the upcoming Fulton City School District Storytelling Festival.
This was the second round of storytelling competitions at the school.
Students started with a classroom-level competition where winners from each class were selected to advance to grade-level competitions in the school’s library. The classroom winners performed their tales for their entire grade level as well as for family members and a panel of three independent judges.
The student with the highest score in each grade was presented a gold medal and will tell their tale for parents and community members in attendance at the upcoming district festival.
Second place storytellers received a silver medal and will serve as the alternate should the gold medalist be unable to attend the festival for any reason.
Many hours of practice went into not only memorizing each story, but also working on getting the pauses, facial expressions and gestures that brought them to life exactly right.
While working on their public speaking skills in a fun way, students learned first-hand how important their delivery is to help draw the listening audience in.
Participation in storytelling builds students’ self-esteem, helps students develop poise and confidence in speaking before a group, enhances students’ memorization skills, as well as strengthens students’ language and literacy skills.
Most importantly, according to Volney Librarian Sarah Fay, participation in storytelling helps to heighten each student’s appreciation of literature.
The public is invited to come and hear all of the wonderful storytelling representatives from each school weave their tales at the District Storytelling Festival on May 22 at 6 p.m. at the G. Ray Bodley High School auditorium.
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