Lesson #22: AUDIENCE: "My Grandfather's Shoes"- Christian Garland
Here’s another Storytelling School with The Moth! We are in the midst of a difficult time that can feel hard to process, both for ourselves and for our young people. For this week’s blog, we’re taking a look at a story about how we admire and honor our loved ones.
This week’s Storytelling School story is:
“My Grandfather's Shoes” by Christian Garland
You can read the transcript of Christian’s story here.
1. Talk to each other about Christian’s story.
For each post, we’ll highlight a different crafting strategy for how to make your story compelling. For this post, we’ll focus on AUDIENCE. At The Moth, the stories are true and told live in front of an audience! When a storyteller can really respond to the energy of the crowd and allow the story to evolve in the moment, it makes for a very dynamic experience.
- What parts of this story do you think were brand new in this version, versus previous tellings?
- How do you think the audience reaction affected Christian's telling of the story?
- What do you think Christian is hoping to leave the audience thinking and feeling
2. Let’s Play “Have You Ever”
Raise your hand if …
You’ve ever had a family member who felt like your best friend
You’ve ever wanted to have the best version of a new thing
You’ve ever thought a certain style was cool because it reminded you of a friend or family member and what you admire about them
You’ve ever bragged about having something you didn’t actually have
You’ve ever enjoyed buying something you wanted but probably didn’t really need
You’ve ever asked someone to back you up in a lie
You’ve ever been in trouble with a family member
You’ve ever made a sacrifice for someone you love
You’ve ever repaid a debt
You’ve ever gotten a second chance to earn someone’s trust
Did you raise your hand? If you raised your hand even once, that’s a story you could tell! Find someone to tell it to and try out a draft!
3. Activity
- Have you ever wished for a new pair of sneakers, just like Christian? Design your own!
- Here is a worksheet to help you draw yours.
- Here is a website that outlines how to MAKE shoes using paper and other craft supplies.
4. Share this post with a friend!
And check back Tuesday for another story.
Be sure to check out All Together Now, Fridays with The Moth, wherever you listen to your podcasts, new every Friday!
We first met Christian Garland in 2013 when he was a student at The Dreamyard Preparatory School in the Bronx, NY. He went on to continue to participate in The Moth at his school and in other Moth events.
The Moth Education Program works with young people and educators to build community through storytelling workshops, performances and innovative resources. To learn more, visit themoth.org/education
The Moth Education Program is made possible by generous support from The Kresge Foundation, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the Kate Spade New York Foundation, and Alice Gottesman.
Additional program support is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the New York State Council on the Arts, ConEdison, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.