Alex Kanefsky

 

 

Oral Storytelling can be extremely beneficial in school settings. It supports the National Curriculum for English in the following areas:

 

• [pupils should] acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

 

• [pupils] are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate

 

English National Primary Curriculum 

 

I find it difficult to overstate the impact of storytelling in the classroom. Children have an innate ability to connect with narratives, and to understand complex themes and subjects through story. Storytelling can be used to help understand different cultures, historical time periods and even abstract concepts, in an exciting and engaging way.

 

Teachers have used my Interactive Storytelling sessions as creative introductions to new topics of study (such as Greeks, Romans, Egyptians), or end-of-topic summary activities . The sessions are interactive and dramatic, enthusing pupils about the subject through a compelling, accessible story. 

 

I have also developed Storytelling Workshops that use oracy and storytelling skills to support pupils' literacy development. These workshops concentrate on performance skills (particularly speaking and listening), narrative structure and vocabulary development. 

 

I have recently developed a literacy programme for KS3-4 in collaboration with the Hackney Learning Trust. After successful trials with a Hackney secondary school, Creative Curators: Pop Up Stories is ready to roll out across the borough and beyond. Follow the link for detailed info. 

 

I have led Storytelling in Schools INSET training for teachers, and at the English and Media Centre, London. I am available to book for further training sessions. 

 

I am able to develop bespoke sessions alongside any of the existing sessions listed here, appropriate to your school's need. Please click on the above links or the dropdown menu for further information. 

 

I hold up-to-date DBS and have PL Insurance. 

 

I am experienced in working with children with SEN and am able to adapt sessions to suit children's needs, both in special schools and inclusive settings. 

 

“Alex is a delightful storyteller. He has a warm, animated, approachable and physical approach to storytelling - perfect for all ages from early years to older children.”

Jo Rice, Head of Education, University of Oxford, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology