Do You Want Your Kid to be a Storyteller?

What is storytelling?

Storytelling  is the conveying of events in words, images and sounds, often by improvisation or embellishment. Stories or narratives have been shared in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation and in order to instill moral values. Crucial elements of stories and storytelling include plot, characters and narrative point of view. (wikipedia)

How do you become a storyteller?

To become a storyteller is to tell stories. Not only that we wanted to tell stories but we also wanted to become better storytellers, for us to achieve this we need to learn storytelling skills and explore different kinds of  storytelling and eventually develop your own storytelling techniques.

My kids as storytellers.

Last year, my kids joined a storyteller's club. Kid 1 is 5 years old and Kid 2 is 3 years old. We let them join for the sake of exposure and develop  people skills. We did not expect too much. We just let them enjoy.

Kids were taught how to put away their inhibitions through singing, dancing, games and exercises.

They were also taught how to write their own materials.

Aside from learning storytelling skills, they also gain new friends.

My kids enjoy being a member of the storyteller's club and they look forward every Saturday, because it means they will meet their new found friends again.

Last November 14, 2010, the kids together with other members/friends had their Storytelling Recital and Honoring Ceremony at The Event Centre SM City Davao. My kids tell the story about The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I am so proud and happy for my kids because at their very young age, they were able perform infront of the many people. 

On March 10-12,2011, some of the KNSC members will tell stories at the Bantay Bata 163 Children's Bazaar at Matina Town Square at 6 o'clock in the evening. If you are interested visit us there and listen them telling stories.

If you also want your kids to be a member of Knowledge Nook Storyteller's Club ( KNSC ) and explore the world of storytelling, KNSC is offering a summer workshop on April 4-15,2010 for 4-7 years old and April 25-May 6,2010 for 8-12 years old. 

For more details please visit Knowledge Nook Bookstore at Unit 202 Mc Pod Bldg. Matina, Davao City (besides Ateneo Grade School fronting McDonald) or you may leave a comment below or  inquire through (0933) 619-8500     

Thai Hot & Sour Soup, My Style!

I consider Hot & Sour Soup my comfort food. These past few weeks, I've been craving for hot & sour soup. I wanted to cook it myself but I do not know how. I remember a friend mentioned that I can prepare this soup using tom yum paste. I have been looking for tom yum paste in the groceries, but it's not available. So, I improvised with the help of black vinegar and chili powder. My craving's satisfied.

Here lemme share thai hot & sour soup, my style recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup black fungus ( wood ear )
• 1 cup mushrooms,  sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup black vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Hot red pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 ounces tofu, cut into small cubes
• 1 tsp. chilli powder

Directions:

1. Whisk together cornstarch and water; set aside. 
2. In a pot, warm chicken broth over medium heat. When stock begins to steam, add bamboo shoots, black fungus and mushrooms; cook for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in white pepper, black vinegar, salt and hot pepper to taste. Add cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring until mixture is thick and well-combined (at least 2 minutes -- taste to make sure there is no lingering cornstarch aftertaste before proceeding). Add beaten egg, stirring to make swirls of cooked egg in the soup, with tofu pieces.
4. Serve immediately.