
David Novak introduces the use of string figures in oral cultures including African, Native American, Polynesian, Asian, and European. Students participate in developing a story with shoestrings, requiring teamwork, experimentation, refining and presenting. The residency culminates in a public presentation of student work. CURRICULUM STANDARDS: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Information Skills competency 1.01 – Participate in read-aloud, storytelling, book talking, and silent and voluntary reading experiences. Information Skills competency 5.01 – Respond to reading, listening, viewing experiences orally, artistically, dramatically, through various formats. 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Speaking & Listening Skills competency: 1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when appropriate.
Both in-person and virtual (live and pre-recorded) options are available for this program.
Artist Background
A Telling Experience enriches learning, entertains imagination, engages emotion, and celebrates our common ground. Featuring storyteller and teaching artist, David Novak, A Telling Experience offers live storytelling and interactive learning experiences including workshops, residencies and professional development. Highly prized for his ability to bring ancient tales, classic myths, and original stories to life and enthrall audiences of all ages, international storyteller, David Novak, is in demand for his school presentations, stage plays, keynotes, and workshops. Smithsonian Magazine describes him as “a gifted teller who enhances his stories with a bag of tricks.” Novak is recipient of the Circle of Excellence for storytelling and the Aurand Harris Memorial Playwrighting Award for excellence in professional theatre for children. David’s 30+ year’s experience as a performing and teaching artist includes a stint as Master Storyteller for The Disney Company, tours for The Lincoln Center Institute, L.A. Music Center, and as a featured storyteller for the National Storytelling Festival. His international appearances include the Singapore StoryFest, Sydney International Storytelling Conference, Czech Children’s Theatre Festival, the Wroclaw Institute of Technology in Poland, and international school tours throughout China. David is an A+ Fellow for the NC Arts Council and a Wolf Trap Teaching Artist.
Search Criteria
- Program Type: Workshop/Residency
- Discipline: Storytelling
- Grade Level: Elementary, Middle
- Cultural Context: African, Asian, Australian, European, Native American, Pacific Islander
- Accepts bookings in Johnston County
- Virtual option available