In contemplating applying theory to practice, a module activity, I chose to explore the 2019 Fiji Study Visit.  I have been to Fiji, an eon ago, and remember the children’s faces as we drove through small villages.  The joy they exude reminds me when I read a story to children throughout my career. Story-telling was a visit session that particularly resonated with me.  No matter your background stories connect us with each other, no matter our background.  There is often a familiarity within the story that draws us in, the excitement of wanting to know what happens next or simply the escapism of the story are all shared experiences whether we read aloud together or alone – we connect with stories.  

In my previous unit, Resourcing the Curriculum (ETL503), my focus/inspiration was middle primary and story-telling featured in this annotated bibliography to give students the opportunity to connect with the content.  Since that unit I have also completed Literature across the Curriculum (ETL402) which instilled in me the value of picture books.  In ETL503 I was a Teacher in the Library of a Primary School and ETL402 I was in a 7-12 College, both requiring resourcing for very different curriculums. Resourcing both units,that inspired my respective assessments, I was sure to include not only picture books but graphic novels and stories sharing the topics being studied.  I have come to realise that selecting a story to match the curriculum is a wonderful way of connecting the student with the content.  Providing students, young and old, with a story that can help their understanding can bring a deeper level of learning. 

I can only imagine, for those who experienced the Fiji storytelling session, must have had a real sense of connection and love of what they do – children bring more joy to stories.  WHen they engage and react to the telling is what brings me joy.