What are your favorite moments with youth tellers?

[Rachel Hedman]

We know you have moments that need to be heard. Share some of your favorite moments with youth tellers.

Here is an excerpt of a newspaper article "BYU storytellers visit elementary schools" in the Brigham Young University's The Daily Universe on March 18, 1998 by Tonia Andrus--

Once upon a time, in a nearby kingdom, a group of students joined together to develop their talents and serve others.

They decided to form a club, not just any club, but a Storytellers Club. The club members would develop their storytelling skills and then go to the far ends of the kingdom to share stories with young children.

The BYU Storytellers Club is not a fairy tale, but it does seem on its way to happily ever after.

. . .

The club visits local elementary schools to tell stories and conducts a weekly storytelling workshop at Lindon Elementary School.

Sharon Hansen, president-elect of the PTA at Lindon Elementary, said she is very excited for BYU students to teach the storytelling workshop, which is offered as an after-school enrichment class for interested students in grades ones to six.

"The children love the excitement of the stories and the storytellers. It helps their interest in reading and writing. With a taste of different stories, the children become more enthused not only to read, but also to write their own stories," Hansen said.

"It's a good way to spend your time. The children really enjoy it; it's fun to watch their reactions," said Brigham Leavitt, 21, a freshman from Las Vegas majoring in communications.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

[Rachel Hedman]

To add to the above BYU Storytelling Club experience--

We would always begin and end our workshops at the elementary schools with a story. One time there was a boy who peaked his head into our room from the hallway. He listened to the ending story. Then he stepped inside with the other kids and asked, "Can I tell a story, too?" We were a couple minutes over time but everyone vigorously nodded their heads.

This boy proceeded to tell a story about a chicken who wanted to play football. He had the gestures, the expressions, and--above all--our attention. We clapped so loud that our hands hurt--but we didn't notice.

How many more youth are asking, "Can I tell a story, too?" All it takes is time and a listening ear.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

[Lisa Hicks]

Seeing the light shine in their eyes when they tell a story, feel competent at it and enjoy it.