Education and Inspiration through the ancient art of storytelling!
Dear Fox,
Thank you so much for all you did as a part of your week-long residency with Ardmore School. Our entire school community was revitalized through your stories. Although we "only" asked you to come for purposes of helping us to teach the children more about conflict resolution, you ended up helping us with conflict resolution of course, but also writing, communicating, drama, and content areas such as Native American traditions, Illinois History, science topics, and more.
We think we are speaking for all the teachers when we say "thanks" for revitalizing our writing program. Fox, thank you for sharing with us ways to bring back the excitement of teaching writing, and even teaching in general. Many of our teachers came up to us in the hallways to say thanks to us for writing the grant - the first grade teachers said that their children did the best writing of the year, and the old teachers were simply grateful for the infusion of enthusiasm and writing tips and confidence that you brought to their children.
The assemblies and family event night were outstanding. Our whole school began our Monday morning to the beat of the drum and to unpredictable, remarkable, believable, "right there" stories! Over 200 people showed up on a school night to learn how to share family stories! We thought that the way you were able to speak to both adults and children was ingenious - your presentations are just like a really good picture book - everyone enjoys a well-written, well-presented piece, regardless of age. Your classroom visits are also legendary. It will be wonderful to have our young storytellers running from room to room to share their stories, since you told different ones to everyone, and all the kids want to know each other's stories! The storytelling done by the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be passed down in our school's legends for years to come!
A special thanks to you for the way you also nurtured our faculty. Whether in your presentation at the faculty meeting, your lunches and dinners with us, or just encounters in the hallway, we were learning all the time. Your observations on education, children, history, family dynamics, social justice in America and the world, and your many acts of kindness towards us all were much appreciated. Fox, you have changed our school, you have changed our year. Because of your presentation, our children have a lot more going for them in ways we haven't even begun to realize yet!
Smiles and Hugs,
Cheryl Chapman, 2nd Grade Teacher
Cheryl Russo, 4th Grade Teacher
Ardmore School
Villa Park, Il
Dear Brian “Fox” Ellis,
Thank you for the incredible, educational performance last week. Your ability to relate to the audience while delivering an educational message is among the best I’ve ever seen.
The students loved the story of how the snow bunting lullaby was stolen by another bird. In fact, my students sang it off and on for the better portion of the day. Also, the students talked about the stories afterwards with such detail and precision that I know you helped them paint the pictures in their minds.
While I was not able to attend the second performance, for third – fifth graders, I heard from numerous teachers about how wonderful the performance was. Owl Moon was a favorite.
In addition to being entertaining, the performances all aligned nicely with the Illinois State Standards and our local science curriculum. Your visit was a breath of fresh air on a cold wintery day that hit numerous curriculum areas. There was not a disappointed teacher, student or parent in the audience.
Thanks for sharing your expertise, love of nature and charm with us. It is much appreciated. Hope to work more with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Bridget Maloney First Grade Teacher Leal School bmaloney (at) usd116
Brian,
Your visit was not only inspiring to our students, but to the teachers involved, too. Their fables written in science from your visit were really fun to read.
Currently, we are writing poetry in English. Today, I am using several of your haiku as examples. Students can certainly relate to you better than Basho! I would also like your permission to use your Chorus for "A Picture is Worth 1000 Words" for students to write their own version of the poem. I would ask them to bring in two or three pictures to write their own personal version of your poem. We will include your name in the "by line."
Diane Olson,
Geneseo Middle School
Geneseo, IL
Dear Brian,
A few months have passed since you visited Roundout School in Mettawa, Il and I wanted to let you know the lasting impact your work had on our kids.
The children continue to listen to your CD's, especially Prairie Fire. They love to share the stories with new friends. But even better, the kids are writing stories about their experiences this summer.
Thank you for such a successful week - and the ongoing gift of storytelling.
Susan Bush
Roundout School
Mettawa, Il
