It started as an idea to bridge the gap between old and young and has become a largely fulfilling and compelling community-based program. High Prairie Storytellers (HPS) is the local chapter of Spellbinders, a Colorado nonprofit launched in 1997 that provides the gift of oral storytelling, mostly to young students. HPS serves Douglas, Elbert and El Paso counties.

Jo Croall is the current president of HPS and Erin Potts is the group’s trainer. The two, as well as the group’s other volunteers, visit classrooms across the area to bring life to fiction and nonfiction stories from around the world. Volunteers are trained in the art of oral storytelling, which is different from simply reading aloud. The storytellers learn eye contact and accompanying gestures which helps the audience build imagination through improved listening skills, comprehension and language development.

For the 2024-2025 school year, HPS storytellers visited 28 schools, 116 classrooms, plus 21 other locations and special sessions (nursing homes, for example) and engaged with more than 21,000 listeners. Final impact numbers for this past school year are expected to be similar.

Jo says the audience is typically kindergarten through fourth graders; however, she would enjoy reaching older students as well. “We would love to encourage middle and high schools to consider ways to incorporate storytelling,” she shared.

Storytelling is a tremendous way to engage students with learning challenges or special needs in a very positive way. Stories connect curriculum with concepts. “It is a pathway to literacy in all its forms,” offered Jo.

As a former high school teacher and New Zealand expat, Jo became involved with HPS 15 years ago when she moved to Colorado. “Finding HPS was wonderful for me. I got to visit and share stories in the same elementary school my daughter was going to at the time,” she remarked.

For Erin, a retired teacher of 30 years, mostly at the third-grade level, Spellbinders and HPS are dear to her heart. It keeps her connected with kids, fills her heart for service and keeps her mentally sharp.

“My husband always comments that I am so happy and excited when I come home from storytelling or monthly chapter meetings. I’ve developed friendships and I think it makes the world a better place,” Erin shared.

Kelly Everitt, a 5-year HPS storyteller at DCS Montessori, loves to share the fictional tale, The Stars in the Cottonwood Trees with students. After the story, she shows them actual twigs from a cottonwood tree. Even though it’s a fictional story, the star shape can really be seen in the pith of the branch. “The kids get so excited when they get to see the stars for themselves,” Kelly added.

In addition to being out and about in the community, HPS volunteers meet once a month at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Rock to share experiences, discuss new stories and talk about successes and challenges. “I really appreciate the friendships and the way the members of HPS genuinely support each other,” said Jo.

HPS is always looking for individuals who are interested in making a commitment to learn the gift of storytelling and engaging with the community. Erin said the right candidates are excited to try, have a desire to connect, love stories and perhaps have the special ingredient of being a bit of a “ham” as well. She added that being involved in HPS is also a way to support and encourage a new generation of teachers.

The next training is planned for August 17-19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. There is no cost for the training, and a mandatory background check is required at the expense of each trainee. For more information, email erinkpotts3.14@gmail.com.

School or other community organizations interested in engaging with HPS can visit spellbinders.org, then select “Local Storyteller Organizations,” then select “High Prairie Storytellers.”

 

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Jo Croall