The Moral of the Story [Paperback]

Bobby Norfolk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 2005

Throughout history, traditional cultures have recognized the role of storytelling in teaching values to children. Yet existing curricula indicates most educators have not fully capitalized on the connection between storytelling, folktales, and character education. The Moral of the Story provides a user-friendly, hands-on approach to using storytelling and folktales in character education.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-Bobby and Sherry Norfolk believe that storytelling is an ideal vehicle for teaching character development. That's the focus of their book, The Moral of the Story, on which this recording is based. They actually tell the moral before the story, but they aren't heavy-handed. To keep it light but direct, they use up-to-date dialogue, and in one case hip-hop, for a modern rendition of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." Young audiences will find their storytelling style comfortable and appealing. Youngsters learn about courage from a West African tale about a brave rooster who risks his life to save his mate from a hungry hyena. In another story, Kantchil, Anansi's Burmese counterpart, shows how even a small creature can outwit a boar, a tiger, and an elephant just by being patient. There are seven traditional stories from around the globe, all linked to concepts such as respect, responsibility, and justice, though some are more obvious than others. This storytelling duo is most effective when they are speaking in character and making their own vocal sound effects. Instrumental interludes, which divide the stories, are not as polished as the rest of the recording, but songs sung within the stories are well-performed. This recording will be most useful in school libraries that support value education and public libraries where storytelling in audio formats is in demand.
Barbara S. Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Some dozen folktales, told in colloquial, informal, or rap style, are used as the starting point for exploring values with preschool children to high school-aged students, e.g., "Anansi and the Pot of Beans" to discuss honesty and respect; "Three Billy Goats Gruff Rap" to talk about problem solving, sharing, and cooperation; and "Kantchil Waits for the World to End" to teach the benefits of patience. Each telling is followed by authors' tips and directions for audience involvement along with a short list of other published versions of the tale. A chapter on "Storytelling as an Experiential Approach to Character Education," and another on "Making It Work" follow the stories. Of narrower scope, but livelier than William Bennett's collections, these selections and the discussion nonetheless march over the same well-trod ground.
Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: August House (December 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874835550
• ISBN-13: 978-0874835557
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed book, July 31, 2000

By 

Albert Dedicke - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Moral of the Story (Paperback)

This is an excellent book. As a storyteller I know the impact that stories can have on kids, and this book fills a need that many storytellers have for a thoughtful discussion of stories that teach moral principles. As a parent, I know the importance of a moral education for our children, and this book provides an example for any parent on how to use stories to discuss moral issues. The Norfolks provide stories that can be used in a character education program or read or told to your own child, an account of their experiences in using these stories in character education programs, and a discussion of storytelling's role in character education. Definitely worth buying!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent collection of interesting and helpful stories, April 5, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moral of the Story: Folktales for Character Development (Hardcover)

The Moral Of The Story by Bobby and Sherry Norfolk offers an insightful understanding of the meanings and intent of children's stories and their actual effects on children. Introducing the reader to an overall analysis and instructional use, The Moral Of The Story proceeds with stories drawing from many ancient sources, and the moral and intended message associated with each of them. The Moral Of The Story is an excellent collection of interesting and helpful stories, certain to become a children's favorite, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about life and its truths.

5.0 out of 5 stars relavant, March 27, 2009

By 

Susan M. Stodden (Thornton, CO) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Moral of the Story: Folktales for Character Development (Hardcover)

We need more books that speak to helping children feel better about themself. This is an example of doing just that.