AN EVENING WITH A STORYTELLER
by Deborah Fischgrabe
February 29, 2008
The students of Putnam County recently enjoyed an evening that many will be talking about for weeks to come. Mr. Will Stuck, Children’s Departmental Head at East Hills Library in St. Joseph, Missouri, shared his love of books through his stories that encouraged interaction with his audience. Will--as he prefers to be called--was brought to Putnam County by the S.O.A.R. Before and Afterschool Program to take part in a planned Parent Night Activity.
A hotdog supper was enjoyed by the S.O.A.R. families prior to the program which included a special “Dirt” dessert that was made by the students.
Mrs. Donna Altiser led the students in presenting the Pledge of Allegiance, the ABC’s, number counting from one to ten, and a sign language rhyme. S.O.A.R. students have been working with Mrs. Altiser on a weekly basis for some time and were eager to share what they have learned with their parents. The afterschool students concluded their part of the evening’s presentation with Mr. Reed Dent, S.O.A.R. Team Leader, accompanying the students on guitar as they shared “The Big Rig Song.”
If you happen to talk with any of the students that had the opportunity to experience Will’s energetic, enthusiastic, interactive storytelling style, you just might get the opportunity to have them retell some of the highlights that touched their imaginations.
