why tell stories in schools?
I am available for school visits through: As a storyteller, my head is full of pictures, and my task is to help others create their own images. In our screen-dominant world, where we are faced with so many images, we are in danger of losing our imaginations. Now more than ever, children need stories, and stories need to be listened to, learned and passed on. I believe storytelling is a healing balm that awakens and nurtures imagination, wonder and possibilities. Oral storytelling is now part of the national school curriculum.
Background: I studied archaeology and botany at Glasgow University (BSc), have a certificate in Steiner early years education, am an alumni of the School of Storytelling at Emerson College, completed a 2 year apprenticeship in Plant Medicine, and trained as a practitioner of Sound Healing with the Voice. I have been a folklore collector, a puppeteer, magazine editor, director/tutor of teacher training and have been a creative writing tutor for many years. I am the author of three books (see Books), two of them collections of folk tales. I love plants, have a special interest in wild flowers and herbs. I love wool, and I enjoy the process of transforming raw fleece into a knitted garment. I have been a regular contributor to the Clare Museum's education programme for many years, and offer 'seasonal traditions' storytelling, folklore and craft sessions for schools Co Clare. I have Garda-vetting and insurance in place for work with schools, and I am happy to travel. |
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Through the HERITAGE IN SCHOOLS SCHEME I can offer your school a subsidised visit
Storytelling Sessions
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Talks & Workshops
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"The children loved the girls' eagle dance and the boys stamping the ground (for the story of Eagle Mother's Gift). "Ruth is a local treasure, an specialist in traditional and cultural practices. Her story telling skills are so compelling and engaging. Her presence at our school really enlivened and enriched the children's sense of Easter and Springtime." |
artists in schools:
Through this scheme, I offer storytelling workshops, along with creative writing, story-making and poetry workshops in schools in Co Clare.
From January to March 2017 I visited Bodyke NS, Co Clare on an arts residency, supported by the Clare Arts Office and the Arts Council. Our project, From Socks to Strings, was based around oral language, storytelling and puppetry.
From January to March 2017 I visited Bodyke NS, Co Clare on an arts residency, supported by the Clare Arts Office and the Arts Council. Our project, From Socks to Strings, was based around oral language, storytelling and puppetry.