For the Youngest Storytellers:
Tree and Forest Story Spinners!
The September Tree and Forest Course is Full
But add your name to the list below to join the next offering!
What your 7 - 10 year old storyteller will learn:
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Storytelling Skills: Our youngest storytellers will learn and practice some key tools of Restorative Storytelling including nonverbal communication, vocality, and story-listening (how to read the room and listen with presence.)
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How to Pay Attention: There are many different ways to pay attention: focused, peripherally, somatically and noticing subtle changes. These are often overlooked in most teaching environments, but celebrated here!
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Collaboration: We learn that trees are always a part of a forest, and a forest needs every single tree. Above ground we seem to be individuals, while under the surface we are entangled. We use storytelling to explore this reality.
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Botany: In developing characters based on the natural world, we will learn about trees and other plants common in a forest. We will explore what we learn through imagination and dialogue.
- Dialogue: Conversations and interactions are nuanced skills that bring confidence, attunement, and conscientiousness.
Community Development!
Every tree is a part of a forest and every forest counts its trees equally. Our new storytelling course will teach precious attention and listening skills as the foundation of effective storytelling.
Character Development
Each participant builds a character based on themselves. They identify strengths and challenges and build a tree and fairy character that will interact and learn from the experiences of the group.
Strengthen Life Skills
Each session focuses on a skill that comes through the characters: attunement, connection, flow, resilience and confidence are all practiced in community through storytelling.
You can learn the tools as well!
Restorative Storytelling Certification is what you've been seeking: learn custom storytelling strategies, become a master of reading the room, and transform your family and community through telling stories.
Learn more about CertificationCourses for Older Kids and Teens
We have two other courses (not to mention all the options for the grown-ups!) that you can consider for your children older than 10 years old.
Learn More Here
Shay G.
Freespinners has been such a wonderful opportunity for my 8-year old son to build confidence sharing, imagining and being silly with a group of peers while supported by David and Meredith, who are so attentive and joyful.
Heather Y.
My oldest son has grown up with David and Meredith. A writer at heart, he has thrived in this environment evolving his storytelling and character development skills along with leadership, encouragement, and problem solving. The maturity that R has shown in the subtle exploration and development of the characters in his stories--from a very young age--has consistently stunned me.
Rick L.
Aditya has been nothing but consistently enthusiastic about attending your program. It may be the only educational/social program that he has an unwavering appetite for over the years.
Jen S.
Freespinners has been a true highlight in my daughters week for the past two years. The teachers are simply the best. She learns so much and has such a magical experience with them. They bring out so much creativity and joy in the kids, it's a blast for my daughter and just as much fun for me when I hear her telling stories. It has been beautiful to watch her confidence grow as well and they have such a wonderful peer group. This is a must have class for us now in our weekly rhythm and will continue to be for as long as it's offered!
Amanda G.
Nurturing, collaborative, and FUN! My teen has found wonderful friendships and is full of joy and enthusiasm after each session. They have expanded in creativity and courage as a writer and as a human in the greater world. Teen Council is a significant and invaluable part of my teen’s life. As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful.
Amy B.
Even though Fenn is quieter than some students in your classes, he has done wonderfully in expanding his speaking, spontaneous processing and storytelling abilities. Most importantly, he feels safe and connected to your community of lively, storytelling students and adults. You two are magical mentors :) We look forward to him further stretching himself and growing in your classes :)
Jessica
Our daughter Caroline has been part of the Teen Council at Story Steps Education for the past 2 years. She started programs with David and Meredith during the spring of 2020 and has been blessed to be a part of this community of learners and explorers ever since. From pirate to podcaster and everything in between, Caroline has enjoyed the magic that David and Meredith continue to create in their small group online settings. The confidence, creativity and communication skills that they have helped to foster will last her a lifetime.
