TSA Youth Sub-Committee (TSAYS) is committed to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for youth to develop and tell stories throughout the state of Texas. The Youth Sub-committee performs a vital link in the success of Tejas Storytelling Association by developing a discerning audience, as well as, new storytellers.

Students
Why storytelling? It's fun! Storytelling is the way humans have communicated since they first made sound. Storytelling is an oral tradition, not reading, not reciting or memorizing, but just telling stories! You tell stories when you tell your friends about the TV show you watched or video game you played last night. Now improve how you tell it and feel better, even confident, in front of any audience. Use your inventive thinking and problem solving skills in storytelling. Now learn how to entertain your friends and family

Why storytelling? I can hear them now. "You don't have time for storytelling! You have to teach math and science and reading and social studies. You have to prepare for THE TEST. There is no time to just have FUN!" So, here are some arguments and justifications to help you cut to the chase:

• Storytelling is the oldest and most powerful teaching & learning method known.
• Storytelling is the way humans have communicated since they first made sound.
• Storytelling used to be a family custom (still is if you listen at family dinners).
• Storytelling promotes inventive thinking and problem solving skills.
• Storytelling utilizes all the language skills:
  • Listening
  • Response
  • Speaking
  • Pronunciation (enunciation, correct usage, projection)
  • Vocabulary enrichment
  • Writing skills (plot, characterization, setting, dialogue)
  • Imagination
  • Performing skills
  • Evaluation for self and others
• Storytelling increases self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Storytelling enhances self-expression.
• Storytelling can be used across the curriculum - math, science, social studies, etc.
• Storytelling motivates students to find out MORE.
• Storytelling introduces students to literature and folklore of all cultures.
• Storytelling promotes reading - for fun, not just another assignment.
• Storytelling promotes writing - the same skills are used for both.
• Storytelling provides environments for different learning styles.
• Storytelling modifies negative behavior patterns.
• Storytelling increases concentration.
• Storytelling generates interactive and cooperative learning.
• Storytelling uncovers hidden talents.
• Storytelling develops oral (and written) expression.
• Storytelling is inexpensive - no new texts, computers, or other tools needed.
• Storytelling is the oldest and most powerful teaching & learning method known. (Yes, we did begin with that same sentence. But it bears repeating!)