NEWBERRY — Students in grades 3 through 5 at Newberry Elementary School hosted storyteller Tim Lowry in November.

Students practiced their reflective listening skills as they were regaled with tales based upon Lowry’s childhood experiences in Kentucky, such as his desire to travel to Disney World and the variety of calamities that postponed his trip again and again.

Eventually he visited Disney World — in college. Lowry continues the storytelling traditions of Southeastern Kentucky where he grew up. In the Appalachia region, he was impacted greatly by tales told to entertain, educate and inform. That oral history is part of what he seeks to maintain as a storyteller.

“The timing was perfect for our students’ opportunity to sit at this storyteller’s feet,” said Angie Lown, literacy coach at NES. “Having been immersed in storytelling their own personal narratives, student partners have been practicing telling a story bit by bit, describing events as if a movie were playing in their heads.

“Hearing Tim Lowry’s sound effects and embellished descriptions — things like the giant’s legs ‘as thick as tree trunks’ — brought students a new level of understanding of classroom writing instruction,” she added.

Lowry spoke as a way to connect life and art, inspiring students to listen to others’ stories, and also, to share their own stories. For over 15 years, he has shared folk tales as well as stories from American history.

Storyteller Tim Lowry visited Newberry Elementary School and used his gift of gab to educate students.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_author2.jpgStoryteller Tim Lowry visited Newberry Elementary School and used his gift of gab to educate students. Courtesy photos

Students used their reflective listening skills to learn from storyteller Tim Lowry.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_author6.jpgStudents used their reflective listening skills to learn from storyteller Tim Lowry. Courtesy photos

Staff Report