Faculty of Arts & Science
Applied Studies

Since 1977, the University of Lethbridge Applied Studies Program and the Lethbridge Public Library have worked together to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Storytelling Program. Storytelling takes place in Lethbridge and area elementary schools (K–6), daycares and local community organizations.

The Library hopes that through exposure to storytelling, children will be encouraged to read and to use the Library.

Course Requirements

Storyteller’s Responsibilities:

• To attend 4–5 training sessions on storytelling
• To select and present appropriate stories
• To encourage children to read and use the Lethbridge Public Library

Qualifications and Pre-requisites:

• Minimum GPA 2.0
• Second-year standing (a minimum 30.0 successful credit hours)
• Mature, self-directed person
• Open to all majors. A background in drama education, children's literature, public speaking or experience working with children is preferred
• Definite commitment to the program's scheduling (see below)
• French storytelling positions are also available (up to grade 6 French Immersion)

Note: Participants are required to have at least 2 half days available for storytelling (Monday - Thursday)

Basic requirements for all Storytelling Applied Study courses:

• Students will be assigned storytelling sessions as their academic schedule allows
• To submit monthly reports to the Applied Studies Coordinator on due dates as outlined in the student’s Course Information Email (refer to report guidelines)
• Students will also submit Storytellers-at-Large Evaluation Forms on a monthly basis to their Applied Studies Coordinator. These forms are completed during the storytelling session by the classroom teacher. Forms are available from the Applied Studies Office or online
• The Applied Studies Coordinator and the Lethbridge Public Library Children’s Librarian will evaluate the storyteller’s performance by attending at least one session during the semester
• At the completion of the placement the Lethbridge Public Library Children’s Librarian will complete an evaluation assessing the student’s performance

Monthly Report Guidelines:

• 2-5 pages in length
• Summary of hours completed
• Reflection on progression of Learning Objectives
• Demonstrates analysis of skill development (provide examples)
• Makes connections between academic training and practical experience (demonstrate with examples)
• Reports should be edited for appropriate grammar and spelling

Applied Studies Course Options:

Applied Studies 2000:
Applied Studies 2000: Students wishing to take Applied Studies 2000 for the Storytelling program should consult the Applied Studies Field Experience course outline for requirements.

Applied Studies 2010:
Applied Studies 2010 may be taken concurrently or within one semester of the termination of the storytelling work completed for Applied Studies 2000.

The final report for Applied Studies 2010 is a portfolio of a minimum of 12 of the stories told throughout the semester and must be submitted by the due date specified in the student’s Course Information Email or up to 30 days following completion of storytelling. Students are encouraged to be creative with the portfolio format. The portfolio must include an evaluation of the following elements for each story:

• Literary elements including plot, theme, characterization and setting
• Discussion of story adaptations (including actions, intonations and song) and appropriateness for particular age groups
• Analysis (including use of secondary resource materials) of the historical and cultural significance of the story and why it is still relevant and interesting today

A complete list of stories told, sources and authors (works cited list).

Grading and Evaluation
Upon completion of Applied Studies 2010 students will be assigned a letter grade.
70%     Portfolio (assigned by Applied Studies Coordinator)
20%     Placement supervisor evaluation (assigned by Children’s Librarian)
10%     Monthly reports (assigned by Applied Studies Coordinator)

Grading Scale:

Note: Students must receive a passing Student Performance Evaluation, complete the minimum amount of Placement hours, and submit all the required reports/projects in order to receive a final grade. If course requirements are not fulfilled within the approved time frame, a grade of “F” will appear on the student’s transcript.

Disciplinary Credit:
Students wishing to take Disciplinary Credit for the Storytelling program should consult the Applied Studies–Disciplinary Credit outline for course requirements. The final paper should include consideration of a particular aspect of the storytelling experience within an academic context.