A beginning...and seeking ideas\advice.

[Astorymouse]

I have the opportunity to tell stories at a local childrens hospice, and I wondered if anyone else had had experience telling in such an environment?

I have a meeting with the play leader next week, and I am wondering where to start!

I obviously don't know yet what handicaps these children have, what age range or anything - and I would be interested to hear from anyone who has told stories in a hospice - particularly to children.

I imagine it might be stories of hope, warmth, and brightness ..and responses very gladly welcomed.

hugs
Steph

[Astorymouse]

Thanks for the response, I will think on't further!

hugs
steph

[V_Eske]

I've never been in that setting, but I would hope that the play leader can provide you some direction. I would ask if they are looking for anything specific, are you to be a diversion or a 'tool' for the children? Good luck!

[Lady Amuck Storyteller]

Hi Steph

I've told stories to children at Children's Hospital in Bethesda, MD, as well as in Singapore at Raffles Hotel at a benefit for leukemia.
What children enjoy the most in every environment...including the above...is giggling...fun stories and interactive tales which involve them in some capacity.
They just want you to treat them normally and believe me, you will go away feeling so wonderful about the entire experience.
So get them into a cracked fairy tale, or tell them a dopey story about a prince that craved to be a frog, etc.
Good luck!
Pam aka Lady Amuck

[Florencia]

Hello:
my experience is short but, I trate them like other children, I make fantasy and funny stories, and then I share with them some tricks of my puppets I use them mostly and when they laugh you made them forgotten her pains, that´s the key that your job is great, they don´t laugh so quickly but at last they dont want you to live, and ask more

[Michael Corley]

I relaise this is long after the fact, but all I wanted to add is I treat them just like other children, save I skip parts where I ask kids to jump up and down, ect. I still get them to yell ;)