Bill
Wood
119
Edgehill Ave.
West Grove,
PA 19390
(800)
786-7988
PROGRAMS |
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"A storyteller who knows his craft, appreciates his audience and enjoys his work!" The Quarryville Advertiser, PA |
| Bill shares personal stories and original creations, as well as myths, folk tales and legends from around the world that illustrate the values all cultures have in common. These tales, both ancient and new, pass on the universal
wisdom gained by thousands of years of human experience,
and celebrate the diversity of the human family.
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School assemblies Schools – Family nights Spooky stories (Halloween) programs |
"Through his skillful use of voice and gesture Bill Wood draws you into the story, creating the sense that you are watching it happen as he tells it . . .a dynamic interpreter of folktales and ghost stories." Barbara Baumgartner - Children’s Librarian, Free Library of Philadelphia |
"You tell stories better even than my dad!" 4 year old; Newark, DE |
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There is a special delight in sharing stories for the very young. The energy, enthusiasm and wide-eyed wonder of preschoolers is a constant inspiration for Bill. All preschool programs are a highly participatory blend of stories, songs, finger plays, and/or silly poems. All programs contain at least one story that uses some kind of visuals for the children to focus on. The programs typically contain stories about the current season or an upcoming holiday, but can often be tailored to fit a specific theme that you request. Appropriate age and audience size: Programs are most appropriate for ages 3 and up. 2 year olds are welcome so long as the number of children under 3 does not make up more than one-quarter of the total audience. Small groups are best for preschoolers up to a maximum of 60 children. Fees are set to encourage smaller group sizes. Length: Preschool programs average 35 minutes, with the rule being ‘quit while they are still having fun!’ Fees: Single program $175.00 plus travel expenses; $150.00 if I'm already in your area. Additional programs on same day $40.00. Back to Contents |
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"On such a nasty, rainy evening, you brought sunshine to us all. Our children are still talking about your wonderful program!" The Staff; St. James Nursery School – Downingtown, PA |
| "Consensus was that your storytelling was among the best assembly programs that we’ve hosted in a long time!" Patrick McAleer – Principal "You were dramatic, stimulating, funny, thought-provoking – even irreverent—everything one could wish for in a storyteller!" Ginny Chritensen – Head of School |
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School programs offer the opportunity to utilize the educational power of storytelling and the spoken word. A storytelling assembly offers a perfect blending of the arts with work in the classroom. It also encourages students to make cross-curricular connections. Additionally, much research has been done on the importance oral language (such as storytelling) in the educational development of young children, especially for building reading and writing skills. See Storytelling in Education. Fees for 2007-2008: Assembly programs are $315.00 for the first
plus $110.00 for each additional on the same day. You may add
an additional shorter program for just morning or afternoon kindergarten
for $65.00. Follow-up workshops or discussion session: 30 minutes - $65; 45 minutes - $100 |
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"Your stories gave the most fascinating pictures in my imagination. I felt as if I would not watch any more television because TV is boring!" 5th grader, La Canada Elementary, La Canada, CA |
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Gotta Get Along!
(Anti-bullying/conflilct resolution)
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World Folklore
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Back to Contents | Back to Calendar Available for: World Folklore (K-2,
3-5, 6-8): In this journey of the imagination we travel
around the world in story and discover just how much we have in
common with our global neighbors. Traditional folktales and legends
from various regions of the globe are interwoven with cultural
information on the regions the stories come from. No matter what
clothes we wear, what food we eat, what music we listen to, what
our skin color is, or what language we speak - on the inside we
are all humans and we love stories about the same kinds of things! Live From the Library
(K-2, 3-5): Getting children to read is not always easy,
but if they already know and enjoy a story they are more likely
to want to read it on their own. Specifically designed to encourage
students to read, this program consists entirely of stories that
can be found in children's books. The program comes with a bibliography
so that students can be directed to other related books. Tales from Japan (K-2,
3-5): The Japanese culture is one of the oldest and most
fascinating in the world. From Sumo to Samurai this collection
of myths, folktales and legends explores the traditions and expels
some of the stereotypes of these global neighbors. Story
Genres: These programs are specifically designed to augment
the study of various genres of folk and fairy tales. Each program
includes several examples of the story type along with information
about the structure and common elements of that type of story. American Indian Legends
(K-2, 3-5): By weaving together stories which reflect
the traditions, humor, and values of various tribes, the audience
is given a lens through which to share the unique world view of
the American Indian. The program emphasizes that the term "American
Indian" actually includes numerous distinct cultural groups.
Included are stories from several different geographic regions.
The stories are chosen to demonstrate both the differences and
the common cultural elements between the tribes, and also to dispel
some "Hollywood" stereotypes about Native Americans. Gotta Get Along!:
Stories of Peace and Cooperation (K-2, 3-5): Every time
you meet another person you have a choice about how to interact
with that person. Some choices foster friendship and cooperation,
others lead to conflict and struggle. These stories demonstrate
the consequences of various choices, both positive and negative,
and remind us that no matter what the other person may do, you
are always in charge of you. Peace begins with you. Folklore of Early
Americans (3-5): At the time of the revolution there
were people from three continents living in what was to become
the USA: Europeans, Africans and Native North Americans. Each
of these groups of people played a significant role in the formation
of our country. This program uses a combination of folklore and
historical fiction to demonstrate the unique character and contributions
of these early Americans. Davy Crockett: History
and Legend (Gr. 3-5): Davy Crockett was an actual historical
figure, but as is the case with many famous early Americans, many
of the stories told about him are either exaggerations or complete
fabrications. From his birth in the backwoods of Tennessee to
his death at the Alamo, hear factual stories about Davy’s
life. Also listen to some Crockett stories that are not-so-factual,
and learn why it is often difficult to separate the two. Learn
how this colorful frontiersman and politician, exemplified the
spirit of the times and became a larger than life folk hero during
his own lifetime. Family
Stories (All ages): Listen to stories about my childhood,
and be inspired to share your own family stories! A World of Giving: Tales
of the Winter Season (K-2, 3-5): A multi-cultural collection
of stories about various festivals and holidays that take place
at the start of winter; all of which celebrate the simple act
of giving. Each story focuses on the traditional food, music,
decorations and gift giving that accompany each holiday. While
the religious aspect of these celebrations is not ignored, the
stories are secular in nature. Environmental Stories (K-2,
3-5): This program explores the idea that the Earth is
bound together by a single web of life which we must respect and
care for. These stories vividly demonstrate the inter-connectedness
of all things, and remind us that one person can make a difference.
Program for the younger grades emphasizes love and respect for
the natural world. Program for the older grades also introduces
scientific concepts such as ecosystems, symbiosis, and natural
cycles. Spooky Stories (K-2, 3-5,
6-8): Spine tingling tales of the super-natural, frightening
stories of fearsome beasts, and some humorous accounts of the
things that make us shudder. Stories for younger grades are more
silly than scary, but "scare level" and, to some extent,
content can be adjusted to your group’s needs and sensitivities.
(See Scary Stories Programs below.) |
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"We enjoyed all the stories you told us. I especially liked the "Harry Man" story! When I went home I told my sisters the stories that you told me. Guess what? They loved it!" Hitomi Nakano, 5th grade |
SEPTEMBER – Set the tone
for a year emphasizing kindness and respect with Gotta
Get Along! |
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"One of the best ‘Family Night Out’ programs ever held at Tatem School. You were able to captivate the audience of many ages with your excellent voices, puppets and props. Everyone was asking for more, more, MORE!" Joseph A. Sambuco – Principal |
Decorate the gym. Project stars onto the wall or ceiling. Bring a sleeping bag or some blankets, snuggle around an electric "camp fire" and share an evening of enchanting stories with your family! Stories about the night sky, personal family stories, or perhaps a spooky story are only a few of the possibilities to make your next family night a memorable one! |
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| "Thank you for your fantastic program! You held the audience spellbound with your stories. Freddie the Frog was a big hit! Thank you for such an enjoyable evening." Sally Fiske – Librarian |
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Bill is a available for summer reading clubs or other special programs throughout the year. Live from the Library and World Folklore have been popular library programs in the past, or Bill can tailor a program to fit your specific theme. Nothing brings books to life like a dynamic, well told story! Fees: Programs start at $175.00 plus travel expenses. |
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"Thank you again for entertaining our camp children as only you can do!" Dan Panachayda – Youth Director |
Programs are available for both day and residential camps, as well as for preschool and child care settings. Refer to Preschool programs or School Assembly Topics above. Programs can always be tailored to fit your theme. |
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"Thank you so much for making our Halloween luncheon a success. It wouldn’t be the same without scary storytelling! Children and adults alike enjoyed every minute!" Dorothy Ray – Staff
Development Committee |
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Children and adults alike get a special, delicious delight out of being scared; so long as the fright occurs in a setting that they know is safe and secure! In fact it is precisely because they experience these fears in a safe environment that listening to age-appropriate scary stories is beneficial to the development of children. Listening to scary stories teaches children that fear is a natural human emotion. Children identify with the story characters who are confronted by scary situations, and they learn that their fears can be controlled and mastered. In this way children gain the confidence to face situations in their own lives that may at first seem scary, like, for example, the first day of school. Programs are available for ages 3 and up. Content and scare level are adjusted to the appropriate age and sensibilities of your group, from silly to down right bone-chilling! |
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| "I’ve never been so scared in my life!" Said with glee by a 6 year old girl |
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Older children and adults enjoy tales of horror and the supernatural because they help us come to grips with the fact that some events defy logic or understanding. In this way horror stories and miracle stories are opposite sides of the same phenomenon. Both types of stories involve forces beyond the realm of ordinary human experience. "A delightfully frightening evening!" Jill Kohles, Adult audience member |
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Bill is also available to present programs at many other locations including: Festivals |
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