Rachel Pruitt: Folklorist, Storyteller, Teacher

Have you ever loved a story so much that its characters, its setting and its message stayed with you long after the final words are said? Have you ever gone to a movie or picked up a book that gives you the exact insight you need at the time?

These occurrences are not coincidence. They are part of the mysterious power of story to reach into our world and help us see and understand some of the greatest truths of our lives.

Folklorist, storyteller, and teacher Rachel Pruitt has developed a process in which 'real life' issues are transformed into personal 'life myths'. Using the ancient power of storytelling in combination with writing, drama, movement, music, and art, Rachel's students create original myths as unique as their own life stories. Myths for Our Time is pertinent today for students of all ages, and is an inspiring curriculum and a catalyst for personal growth.

As an educator and activist, Rachel also offers workshops for teachers, parents and other professionals that illustrate how storytelling can be used in the classroom and the larger community. Her offerings include:

Community Building Through Storytelling (K-12)
Folktales of the World (K-6)
Multicultural Mythology (4-12)
Dragons, Unicorns and Minotaurs (K-3)
What's Wrong With Them? Examining Prejudice Through Story (3-12)
Stories of the Earth: Ecology Through Storytelling (2-6)
Women Hold Up Half The Sky (3-12)
Storytelling: A Tool for Literacy and Teambuilding (1-8)
What Snow White Didn't Tell Us (for therapists and counselors)
Keepers of the Fire (stories of midlife)
Moonlight On The Path (personal mythology for adults)

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge,
That myth is more potent than history,
That dreams are more powerful than facts,
That hope always triumphs over experience,
That laughter is the only cure for grief,
And I believe that love is stronger than death.

--The Storyteller's Creed by Robert Fulghum

Finding a Voice by Rachael Pruitt

Read Rachael's article

in Yes! A Journal of Positive Futures

For more information, call

609-332-6802

Rachael's background as a teacher, storyteller, counselor, and children's program developer, enables her to bring a unique depth and diversity to her work.

As a storyteller, Rachel has performed in situations ranging from network television appearances to national teacher conferences to homeless shelters. As an artist, she has incorporated close to 20 years of performance and teaching experience with a rich multicultural focus and a commitment to reaching both mainstream and at-risk youth.

Rachael Pruitt has both the experience of being a fascinating storyteller and also a teacher familiar with

children and their developmental stages. I highly recommend her.

Gerry Seedyke, Capital Hill Day School, Washington, D. C.

You are magic!

Ninth-grade student

This program is not simply enrichment,

but is an example of the way we should be teaching our young people: integrating the social studies, language arts, and fine arts curricula

with critical thinking and writing skills,

and perhaps, most importantly,

with meaningful ties to students' lives.

Clare Cuddy, Director of Teacher Services, Smithsonian Institution