Storybridge

One of our longest running storytelling opportunities for Stagebridge students, Storybridge is a residency program designed to introduce storytelling to elementary school students to improve language learning skills, as defined by the California State Common Core Standards and to develop 21st Century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. Through Storybridge, Stagebridge teaching artists use storytelling to:

  1. Create a unique platform for learning language, engaging in inquiry, inspiring creativity, and developing social engagement for children and elders

  2. Promote culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices

  3. Provide students with an entry point for literacy development and culturally-responsive learning

  4. Support students’ positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures with storytelling

  5. Promote life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and positive self-expression through storytelling

  6. Cultivate intergenerational communication and inspire the next generation of storytellers

Storybridge gives children a chance to experience empowering intergenerational relationships while building their language skills and self confidence through creative self expression. When students interview their grandparents or community elders, they develop an appreciation for the narratives in their families and communities, and an understanding of themselves as the next generation of storytellers.  Additionally, our storytellers bring their wealth of experience, wisdom and nurturing to stories they share with children. 

“When you told stories, I felt like jumping and clapping.” - Matt S. from Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School