Storytelling
Storytelling
We all love a good story. People have always told stories so that they can share their experiences and explore some of the puzzling or difficult aspects of human life.
These stories are all from Malawi and some of them have been sent to us by the linked schools. They tell us something about the culture and traditions in that country.
(Choose one to read and see what you can find out. Use the questions at the end of each story to help you.)
Why not choose one to read to your class? If you like, you can use the suggested questions to lead a class discussion afterwards and maybe take them into some follow up work using art, music, literature or drama. We would love to hear how you get on so please feel free to let us know!
As you read the story, ask yourself:
Who are the main characters in the story?
Does anyone show friendship to another in the story?
Does anyone act selfishly?
Does anyone act bravely?
Do you think any of the characters changed in the story? Why?
What do you like best about this story?
What can we learn from this story?
Can you think of a different ending?
What does the story tell you about the country in which it was written?
In addition to these, there are some questions that could be applied to stories to try and get children to consider the international dimension. Here teachers can choose stories that fit with a topic within their curriculum. Many teachers use stories from a range of cultures and traditions in their teaching. "World book days" etc. would be an ideal time to look at a story from a specific country or culture.
Please look at the 'key concepts of schools linking' and consider other questions which may be asked.
Here are some possibilities:
Social justice and equity
How was xxx treated? - Fairly or unfairly?
Is it right / wrong fair / unfair for xxx to happen to someone?
What choices did xxx make that affected what happened to him / her / others?
Are there any rules / guidelines in our school / family / community / country to ensure that people are treated fairly?
What can people do if these rules are broken?
Diversity
Have you ever been in a situation like xxx?
What would you have done in that situation?
How did what xxx do affect other people?
What similarities / differences between the characters / situations in the story are there compared with your own self / family circumstances?
How did the culture within which the story is set impact on the events / outcomes?
Peace and conflict
Did everyone in the story get on together?
What things did they have differences about?
Could they have got on?
What would xxx need to have done to get on with xxx?
What choices did xxx make that affected what happened to him / her / others?
Sustainable development / globalisation
How did xxx's actions have an effect upon the surrounding countryside / place he visited / where his things were taken?
Were any effects good / harmful?
Was the communication between each party affected by how they spoke to each other?
What changed as a result of the story?
Were things changed for the better for a long time?
Could things be put back to how they were before?
Stories from Malawi:
Community
THE VILLAGE HEAD AND HIS PEOPLE
WHY WOMEN ALWAYS CARRY BABIES ON THEIR BACKS
Sustainable Development
Social Justice
KAMBA THE TORTOISE AND KALULU THE HARE
Peace and Conflict
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A DUCK AND A DOVE
Importance of Education
Friendship
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A DUCK AND A DOVE
KAMBA THE TORTOISE AND KALULU THE HARE
Equity
KAMBA THE TORTOISE AND KALULU THE HARE
Importance of Working Hard
ONCE UPON ATIME IN KWACHA VILLAGE
THE ELDERLY ARE SOURCES OF WISDOM
Diversity
KAMBA THE TORTOISE AND KALULU THE HARE