RESIDENCIES
“Leanne is a true Storytelling Artist. She can inspire both children and adults to tap into their storytelling creativity in ways we have never seen before. Leanne has thoughtfully considered the Early Years Learning Framework, and it is demonstrated in each performance. Our children transfer what they have learnt with Leanne to enhance their learning environments. We feel so privileged to have her as our Storyteller-in-Residence.”
Anita Conte, Director & Educational Leader and Carlie, Educational Leader, Lismore Parish Centre Preschool
What is a residency?
Since 2022, I have offered Storytelling Residencies to early learning centres around the Northern Rivers of NSW. These residencies are a journey – a deep dive into our creative and imaginative worlds. They expand our understanding of the importance of oral storytelling and its many benefits, and they inspire us to see this age-old method of learning as a tool we can use in our contemporary settings.
A Residency involves the sharing of 10 original stories throughout the year – roughly one a month – together with the associated collaborative workshop. Children, educators and sometimes even parents participate in these monthly storytelling experiences. Children quickly build up an understanding of the process and eagerly await the next session. Recently a director said: “In the four weeks between your visits, the children ask almost every day: ‘Is Leanne coming today?’”
Educators, too, report being incredibly inspired by the flow of the story experiences, and the inspiration they take from them into their own pedagogical practice.
Michelle Stanley, Co-Director Evans Head Woodburn Preschools:
“Not only has Leanne been a wonderful inspiration for our children's imaginations and love of told stories, but she is now informing our educators whole year planning, and their own personal and professional development.”
Co-Director Cath Gillespie adds:
“We have had the absolute privilege of having Leanne as our resident storyteller for two years. Since her visits began, our children have developed a deep desire to engage in storytelling. We often have children share their own stories after creating beautiful small-world environments to complement their narratives. The resurgence of storytelling is essential in our profession; children have a right to a childhood filled with magic and imagination. Our educators have had the opportunity to have first-hand mentoring in this beautiful craft as they too engage in Leanne’s storytelling sessions - we have rekindled a love of sharing the spoken word within our centres.”
For more information regarding residencies, please contact Storytelling at your Service.
