Youth Teaching Stories & Activities for Classroom Learning

Teaching Stories and Activities for Youth is a storybook, but not completely. It is anactivity book, but not entirely. Rather, it is a combo: a combination of stories andactivities; of the inspirational and practical, of fantasy and reality.Here is a book of stories and lesson plans for teachers, group leaders, camp and schoolcounselors, and all who are entrusted with the welfare and growth of children, ages 8 to 18.Here is a storybook, with good questions for parents and their children.I am convinced that lessons are not taught; they are caught by those whoseminds and hearts have been opened by a good pitcher. With this conviction, I havedeveloped a format which begins with a high point of interest: the story. It continues withreinforcements: memorable takeaway taglines, catchy verses to grow by. Then there arefollow-up activities, discussion questions, and a suggestion for a memory gift. Here youhave all the needed pitching equipment to inspire your group and win your game.It is the use to which the leader puts this format that will determine the amount offun, learning, and success it will bring.The purpose of these stories is to help the listeners identify with the character andthe situation, to sense similar problems in their own lives and work toward possible solutions. Not all the stories have happy endings but all have important messages,worth knowing, discussing, and keeping.The book contains 24 activities, each specifically planned to examine the story, itssituations, and its lesson. These activities range from imaginative ideas to new andwell-known games and some crafts. Their intent is to encourage the participants to takethe lessons of the story from the page and bring it into their lives. Before the activity isexplained, its purpose and the needed materials are given.Teaching Stories and Activities for Youth provides stories about the many differentbumps we may have to climb, and it offers a variety of ways to maneuver through,around and over them. For the smooth paths, it encourages gratitude and giving back. Itis a tool for every formal and informal educator, as well as for parents. It is a literary lifecoach, encouraging introspection, character building, and good problem solving. Publicspeakers have used the stories to pepper their speeches. This book teaches compassionand good decision making, which ultimately leads to doing the right thing. Now that I have developed this process, I share it with you. Now that I know thesatisfaction and fulfillment of its use, I hope you will know it, too.Rabbi Emily Lipof