Timetable for a one hour oral history session

Introduction

This is a format which we have been working on for groups of children combined with groups of story-tellers. It has been developed by Miss Daniella Knowles and Dr Daniel Glaser, and we are trying it out in schools and community groups throughout the Bahamas.

You will need:

• A room: suitable for everyone to sit, and also enough space for up to 6 groups (could be next door)
• Some children (up to 30, junior high or high school)
• Some people with stories (could be older persons) at least one per 5 children
• A blackboard or flipchart, and chalk or pens
• A dozen sheets of paper and pens
• Release forms for recordings
• Some form of recording device
• Optionally: a camera or video for documentation
• Some refreshments

Here's what happens

• Introductions (who's who)
• Explanation of programme
• Brainstorm: What are things Bahamian? / what is the Bahamas?
  (A brainstorming session involves the audience shouting out words or phrases related to the question. ALL phrases are written down without comment or editing. Afterwards you can judge and sort and select. There is no such thing as a stupid suggestion in this context.)
• Small groups: we then place the children in groups with one of the storytellers. Each group has a spokesperson and a scribe.
• Each group is given one of the words, phrases or ideas to create a story from it. They can decide with the storyteller to change the theme if absolutely necessary.
• As they go along they form and write down questions that they would like to ask the storytellers pertaining to the theme they receive. This would allow the person to tell a story built around questions asked by the children. This also integrates of young people with the experienced people.
• Each group produces a piece of paper, with the phrase at the top, and the questions which generate stories listed underneath. At the end of this section, each group can choose one of the questions they think will generate the most interesting story.
• The groups reform into the big forum.
• In turn the spokesperson for each group is asked to read out the chosen question, and then the storyteller responds with a story (not necessarily a direct answer). This is recorded. It might be quite short, depending on available time.
• If there are more than a couple of storytellers, some kind of brainstorm or “what did you learn today?” type interaction can be dropped in between the stories, to stop the children getting restless.
• Thank you and good night.

Typical timings

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