Frequently a parent in the home, a teacher in the schoolroom, a minister, or other child-helper, in dealing with children, wishes to find a suitable story, at a moment’s notice, that may aptly and forcibly illustrate some ethical principle that he may wish to inculcate. Often a story, well selected and aptly told, will hold up “the mirror to nature” and, indirectly, by the law of suggestion, impress the mind and heart of the child far more successfully than a precept, command, or obtrusive moral. The Ethical Index, which will be found at the end of this book, on page 291, is for this purpose. By a moment’s reflection upon the moral principle desired to be impressed or suggested, a story illustrating it may be found. Of course, in many stories more than one ethical principle may be found, but no more than one, and that the strongest and most evident lesson, should be emphasized in one story. In this ethical use of a story great care must be taken not to overemphasize the moral lesson embedded in it, for that will be to lose it. In the use of this index the story-teller may well remember the prayer of Henry Van Dyke, “May I never tag a moral to a tale or tell a story without a meaning.”
World Stories Retold for Modern Boys and Girls / One Hundred and Eighty-seven Five-minute Classic Stories for Retelling in Home, Sunday School, Children's Services, Public School Grades and "The Story-hour" in Public Libraries
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About This Book
A practical collection of 187 brief retellings and guidance for oral storytelling aimed at parents, teachers, and librarians. The opening sections explain the value of stories, periods of interest, types of tales, practical techniques, games, and an ethical index; the main body offers condensed fairy tales, fables, folk stories, Bible narratives, historical and American tales, Christmas stories, profiles of peaceful heroes, and modern examples of useful young people. Illustrations, an alphabetical list, and pedagogical suggestions support quick selection and effective presentation. Emphasis is on concise language adapted for telling aloud, moral and educational uses, and methods to engage children of different ages.