Storytelling project

Reviewed

By Nigel Groom – Team Leader
Derby and Derbyshire Traveller Education Advisory & Support Team

These extremely well produced, quality materials provide schools with an important and rich resource suitable for use at all Key Stages. Stories are told by Travellers themselves and provide a multiplicity of opportunities for teachers to bring Traveller culture and history into the classroom.

Resource The pack is highly user-friendly and easy for teachers to find their way around. Stories stand-alone and can be used selectively, for example, in individual English or history, or music lessons, or to enrich the broader curriculum. It is possible to explore the breadth and wealth of Traveller cultures and traditions, or simply share with children a series of excellent stories. A real strength of this resource is its flexibility, providing a welcome opportunity to hear Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people sharing stories and giving an insight into their culture, history, and traditions.

The stories provide a salient reminder that the culture and heritage of Traveller communities is also very much part of our shared history, and as such, relevant to all schools irrespective of whether Traveller children are believed to be on roll or not. They also support inclusion and the undeniable fact that in spite of being placed on the margins, Traveller communities have for centuries been and are still an important part of our vibrant multi-ethnic society. Storytelling of this quality has the ability to enthuse children and young people and encourage their interest in telling and listening to stories. Whilst a key strength to this resource is the fact that the contributors are Travellers, above all, they are excellent storytellers with captivating stories to tell. The fact that the DVD features ‘real people’ rather than teachers is also likely to give the materials wider appeal and relevance to both Traveller as well as non-Traveller children and young people. Children write best when they have something to write about and as such ‘Open Road Open Minds Travellers Storytelling’ exemplifies important skills that are highly relevant to raising children’s attainment.

The pack itself is well written and keeps in mind the generic curriculum of schools. It uses professional language that will be very familiar to teachers and educationalists and in this regard is highly ‘teacher friendly’. The section ‘How To Use This Resource’ also poses questions for teachers and points the teacher to ways that the materials could be used to support various learning styles. A further bonus for the teacher is that once the pack has been purchased the texts can be photocopied for wider use.

In ‘Open Roads Open Minds Travellers’ Storytelling’ we learn something of the lives of the contributors who range from teenagers to more experienced and seasoned professional storytellers. All of the presentation styles are highly personalised and yet, without exception, when you play the DVD it seems as if each of the storytellers are addressing you, and you alone. First-class stories are supported by highly professional presentations, with good use of lighting and camera. Some of the stories and materials are rooted in the past but others are highly contemporary, for example, the plight of European Roma people endeavouring to make a life for themselves and their children free from institutionalised discrimination and racism.

In summary, I believe that these resources have the potential to support children’s formal learning, raise awareness in schools and settings of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and contribute to the process of inclusion.

For more information, clips and instructions on how to order the resource click here.

Get a copy

How to order

To order a copy/ies download a leaflet which gives more information on the Learning Resource with an order form to fill in on the last page.

Download form

Complete it and return it to:
Open Roads Open Minds,
Gypsy Roma Traveller Achievement Service,
West Park Centre,
Spen Lane,
Leeds LS16 5BE

Single copies cost £45 and £5 post and packing. Total cost £50.

10 or more copies £40 each and carriage at cost.

To find out more contact us on 0113 274 8050 or email.

Also read about

Travellers Storytelling Project on TV!

Teachers TV logo Teachers TV, a Freeview channel, broadcasting "Travellers in Education: Inclusion" that featured the Leeds storytelling project "Open Roads Open Minds". It originally went out on Jan 23rd 2007 but you can still watch the show and find out more on their website