Category: DaddyTeller
Story-Skilled Child Workshops
Unique Parent-Involvement Training!
Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Leaders: How about a parental workshop that adults actually like? How about a workshop full of knowledge and usable teaching for parents?
Our unusual workshops focus on the oral-storytelling tradition to help parents create homes full of language. Homes full of language are an essential building block of literacy. For our Title 1 Parent Involvement programs: When you book our “Story-Skilled Child” workshops, you’ll help parents engage with their children’s education while easily building literacy and math skills. Together with our team, you will create memorable parent-involvement training that will leave your parents wanting more. They will be eager (and ready) to apply the content to their families from the first workshop they attend.
Our workshops and training will mesh with any parental-involvement program, with or without the Title 1 options.
They Say:
“The Story-Skilled-Child workshop was extraordinarily insightful and meaningful for any parent or educator. The workshop was not only entertaining but gave both parents and educators a new set of skills that will most certainly reinforce and celebrate literacy at school and in the home.” – Brian W., Principal, Sunset Ridge School
A Sackful of Features:
Fun!
Parents interact and engage with each other in the presentations. This isn’t an hour-long lecture on the history of literacy.
Authentic!
Seasoned, professional authors and storytellers teach sessions with decades of professional experience in schools and with their own children. Our focus and training are firmly rooted in the “what works” practice of communications, not just dry theory.
Learning Focused!
There are no “projected slides”* or long lectures. One or two sessions per school allow parents to ask questions and receive focused attention to their needs.
Practical!
Parents learn to immediately use their natural skills rather than having to add “one more thing” to their already busy schedules. The skills we teach blend seamlessly into the lives of families of all types, affirming what they already do well while giving them new ways (not checklists and charts) to integrate and encourage language in their homes.
Resources Used:
In addition to direct, live teaching and interaction, we feature two books as part of the learning.
In session one, each family will receive a copy of the “DaddyTeller” book by Sean Buvala. Focusing on the “put the book down” approach to oral storytelling, DaddyTeller will provide parents with eight stories to learn and use with their kids, applying the techniques taught and practiced in the first session. While the title has the word “Daddy” in it, the content applies to all parents and caregivers.
In session two, the focus is on family-history-based storytelling and interactive techniques for reading a book with a child. Each family will receive one of the great books for kids from our team at The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group.
Let’s Talk. You could arrange a free demonstration workshop for your decision-making team. Please contact us at staff@smalltoothdog.com.
Notes:
*We don’t use “projected slides” for our workshops at most events except for large groups where some activities may require them.
**Presented in collaboration with The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group LLC.
Benefits of Reading Aloud With Your Child
“Why should I read with my kids?”
Reading is often considered a solitary activity, but when done together, it can provide several benefits, especially to children. Reading aloud with your child is an activity that may seem simple, but it packs a punch in terms of its benefits. Here’s why you should read aloud with your child as often as possible.
1. Enhances Vocabulary
When you read aloud to your child, you expose them to a wide range of words and phrases that they might not encounter in everyday conversations. This helps to expand their vocabulary and improve their language skills.
2. Develops Listening Skills
Listening to someone read aloud helps your child to develop their listening skills and attention span. They learn to focus on the story and understand the sequence of events, a crucial skill for their overall cognitive development.
3. Fosters Bonding
Reading together is an intimate activity that can help to strengthen your bond with your child. It gives you both a chance to spend quality time together, discuss the story, share thoughts, and create lasting memories.
4. Encourages Imagination
Books are a great source of stimulation for a child’s imagination. When you read aloud, you help to bring the story to life in your child’s mind, encouraging them to visualize the events and characters in their own unique way.
5. Instills a Love for Reading
By making reading a regular activity, your child is more likely to develop a love for books. This can set the foundation for a lifelong habit of reading, which can benefit them in countless ways as they grow older.
So, let’s get reading! 
Do the best you can. This isn’t a contest for “best parent.” Do what you can when you can. Reading aloud with your child is not just about passing the time or keeping them entertained. It’s a powerful tool that can contribute significantly to their overall development. So, take some time from your busy schedule and read aloud with your child as often as possible. You’ll be surprised at the positive impact it can have!
Pendergast School-District Kindergarten Event
Michelle and Sean were recently at the “Welcome to Kindergarten” for the Pendergast School District in Avondale, Arizona. 100 lucky families received a free copy of the DADDYTELLER book from Sean. PESD uses a bee as a mascot (“We BEE-lieve in You!”)…so Sean captured the moment in a photo. Thanks for hosting us, good PESD folks!
