UPDATE 1/19/2021: You can still use the lessons from Storytelling School (there are 32 total), but The Moth has a new project for 2021 that I describe in this post.)
The Moth is a program that promotes storytelling. You can listen to stories that have been curated from The Moth’s live shows on “The Moth Radio Hour”, and there are also a few books of story compilations that have been published.
Like many entities during this time of widespread distance learning, The Moth has decided to offer some activities that can be done at home. The stories and activities, offered bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, have been chosen specifically for school-age children, and include videos of the original storytellers.
The first “Storytelling School” assignment is “The Bad Haircut” by Alfonso Lacayo. This tale is probably quite relevant right now as many of us are questioning the best course of action for maintaining hair styles with most salons being closed.
In the second installment from “Storytelling School,” Aleeza Kazmi narrates her experience creating a self-portrait in first grade, and her eventual realizations about herself and others that came from that event.
“The Care Package” is the third assignment, and a welcome, feel-good story that demonstrates that distance can never truly separate those who love each other.
The most recent “Storytelling School” assignment is “Mushroom Turned Bear,” and it’s one that anyone can relate to if they have tried to follow a YouTube tutorial and it spectacularly failed. There are other accessible themes in the story that make it universally appealing as well.
So far, there are only the four assignments (the latest one was from today, 4/10/2020), but you can keep up with news of more by going to this link. Also, if you are a teacher, be sure to check out the education link on the top menu for other ways that you can bring The Moth into your classroom. For anyone who needs a laugh right now, which I suspect may be many of us, here is a link to their recent “Laugh Break” playlist. (Note: I haven’t listened to this yet, so definitely screen these before you share them with students.)
