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Speaking
of Stories |
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WORD UP
What
Makes Word Up so great?
The
most rewarding results of the program occur in the intangible and subjective
areas. It is generally not an easy task for any person to stand in front of a
group of people and to read or speak aloud.
These students are asked to assume this responsibility.
Various skills are needed from the simple acts of standing up straight
and speaking clearly to competence requiring more finesse such as manipulation
of literary material with volume, rhythm, pitch, etc., to create meaning.
Watching the student’s journey from embarrassment to polished delivery
is extremely satisfying. Many of
the students begin by quietly mumbling their pieces.
Ultimately students stand up alone in front of rival gang members to
address their audience. Over the
course of the workshop, trust is eventually established in the room; individual
voices are heard, enthusiasm builds and responsibility is assumed.
Opinions, both divergent and similar, are stated, fleeting smiles
appear, encouragement to others is offered. The power of a few supportive and
nurturing words of validation is tangible in this setting.
Some students have asked to read their own work.
When appropriate these young, solitary troubled voices have been added
to the performance. It is clear
that delivering one’s own words and/or the words of published authors to a
diverse and at times, somewhat hostile audience, is an experience that changes
an individual; it is an accomplishment that sticks, it is the ground upon which
self-esteem can take root and it is one moment in time that will forever be a
reminder of achievement.
Communication
skills in at-risk populations are traditionally used to incite behaviors that
are problematic for both society and individuals.
The final component of the Word Up program, the performance, teaches
students to work as a community to deliver a polished performance to an
audience. All are equal on stage
and deserve respect while performing. All
performers have a responsibility to and for an audience.
After all rehearsals are finished and the curtain rises, the ultimate
act is to give as a community to others, to think of those in the audience.
This is a new experience in this population of young men.
The following, extracted from a
recent newspaper article about Word Up, describes the impact we hope to
continue to have in our community: “Speaking
of Stories is a big hit with the county's Juvenile Probation Department,
especially the kids who sign up. Pedro, 14, and Ryan, 16, from Los Prietos said
the program improved their self-esteem and helped them overcome shyness.
Sixteen-year-old Francisco says the program excelled his reading comprehension.
‘We read stories and learn how to pronounce more things,’ Francisco said.
‘We learn how to explain and better understand the stories.’
“Los Prietos Probation Institutions Supervisor Steve DeLira, applauds
the program for its positive influence on the kids. ‘It taps into their
potential and creativity,’ he said.
"‘Who wouldn't support literacy?’ Larry Chavez, senior
juvenile institutions officer asks. After
attending two sessions, Chavez has nothing but praise for Speaking of Stories.
The Word Up instructors are able to draw people out. They encourage
discovery as a group, sharing, hearing and being listened to for their mind and
opinion and being encouraged to think. It's nice to see people growing before
your eyes. There's a metamorphosis. They're going to take Speaking of Stories
with them when they go.’"
Maggie and the students on a well earned break before their performance at the Fe Bland Forum. Here are some reviews about our unique program:
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