Local students have the opportunity to learn about the state’s rich, oral storytelling tradition by attending West Virginia University Extension Service’s annual Storytelling Festival, Oct. 16 and 17, at WVU Jackson’s Mill in Weston.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily, and features other traditional elements like folk dance performances from the 4-H Dance Ambassadors and live music.

The event is open to school groups registering students in first through fifth grades. Registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 16. The cost is $3 per student. A location and time will be available for lunch, and each school is encouraged to make their own arrangements.

Alicia Cassels, WVU Extension Service’s curriculum specialist, says that oral storytelling is, “a gateway into children’s literacy,” often sparking interest and appreciation for reading and the arts.

Now in its 18th year, the goal of the Festival is to help children to begin to think and express themselves more creatively while preserving a time-honored tradition.

“In West Virginia, our sense of place is strong,” says Susanna “Granny Sue” Holstein, a professional storyteller who performs at the Festival. “Stories help develop that. They remind us of why we’re proud to be here. They remind us what we love about this place.”

Not only does Holstein believe that stories can help remind children of their roots and inspire a sense of community, she also believes in the practicality that stories can still have in today’s classroom.

Holstein says that stories translate into “being a better reader, and being a better reader translates into being a better writer, and all of those translate to a set of life skills we all need to be successful.”

The state’s most notorious liar, Adam Booth, a two-time winner of the West Virginia Liar’s Contest and noted author and musician says that festival provides a new outlet for children.

“Stories can inspire them (children) to use their creativity and their imagination” he says. “These are experiences that are important for creating children that have a well-rounded education.”

Holstein, Booth, acclaimed storyteller Ilene Evans, and West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman are all scheduled to return to the Festival this year.

In addition to hearing the stories, students will help craft a paper quilt that commemorates West Virginia’s 150th birthday that will be displayed at Jackson’s Mill.

For more information, please contact the WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program at 304-293-2694.

-WVU-

zl/09/10/13

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.