The power of storytelling: Staffordshire homebuilder treats local students
To celebrate National Storytelling Week (January 31 to February 8), pupils at Tynsel Parkes Primary Academy in Uttoxeter were treated to a session with a professional storyteller.
The session was organised by Barratt Homes at its Poppy Fields development in Uttoxeter, and the storytelling event took place in one of the housebuilder’s show homes.
Experienced storyteller Mark Fraser took eight students, two representatives from each year group, on a journey beyond the pages through various tales to help promote the joy of reading and engaging with storytelling.
Jamie Baxter, Vice-Principal at Tynsel Parkes Primary Academy, said: “It is fantastic for children to experience storytelling in the wider community. The children were really excited about this opportunity, which will further embed their love of reading.”
National Storytelling Week was created by the Society for Storytelling as an annual event that celebrates the power of sharing stories.
It recognises the importance of oral storytelling, reading and writing for pleasure. At a time when young people’s writing and reading enjoyment levels are at their lowest, National Storytelling Week has never been more important.
Adrian Evans, Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “Events such as these allow us to make a difference in the communities in which we build and encourage skills such as reading, writing, listening and creativity amongst local children.
“We were pleased the children of Tynsel Parkes Primary Academy could join us at Poppy Fields for a fantastic storytelling session.”
Mark Fraser added: “It was a great privilege to be able to share these wonderful stories with the pupils at Tynsel Parkes Primary Academy. It always amazes me that children will engage, create and be enraptured by storytelling, and it’s wonderful to see large corporate businesses supporting and encouraging such creativity."
The children experienced firsthand how oral storytelling has allowed stories to survive and evolve over thousands of years and across continents.
More information about Mark Fraser’s work can be found at Society for Storytelling, or to find out more about the school, visit the website at Tynsel Parkes Primary Academy.
