Elder Storytellers Help Raise Student Test Scores

Online, March 25, 2013 (Newswire.com) - [url:http://www.stagebridge.org]"After many years of developing this program, we are very excited to show that storytelling with elders really improves children's language arts skills, as well as develops important, life-changing relationships," says Stuart Kandell, Ph.D., Stagebridge Founder.

"Stories are the medium for passing on values from one generation to another. Opportunities to learn from elders are much fewer than in the past. We re-form this bridge between the generations. Having a human interaction with borrowed grandparents is the perfect condition for learning," says Grecian Goeke, former Director of Storybridge.

Participating Teacher Elizabeth Coles, in San Lorenzo, reports "What you find in a story are all the elements. And that translates into being able to read better and being able to become a writer." Principal of Cesar Chavez School in Richmond, Jeannette Ramirez reports, "For the teachers, students, parents, for the community - [Storybridge] really unites all our parts with a purpose."

The Storybridge program has developed a curriculum guide for teachers, a revised "Pass it On" Manual for community groups by Nina Serrano, and a seven-minute video that can be viewed on the Stagebridge website.

Stagebridge is the nation's oldest and most renowned theater company of older adults based in Oakland, California. Since 1978, the company's mission has been to build intergenerational bridges and promote healthy aging through the performing arts by offering classes, workshops, outreach programs and public performances. The participants range in age from 50 to 90+ years.
For more information, go to www.stagebridge.org; or contact Marge Betley, Artistic Director, [email protected].[/url]