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Listen and learn from each other
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | November 29, 2008
In the Oregonian, and on the NPR website, I discovered that “a non- profit called StoryCorps http://www.storycorps.net/ is asking Americans to record conversations with people they care about – a sibling, a grandparent, a neighbor, even a stranger.” The idea is part of NPR’s National Day of Listening celebration, to offer a “more meaningful way to kick off the holiday season.”
For those of you who have not already discovered StoryCorps: (The Conversations of a Lifetime), the website is a treasure trove of conversations about our “experiences, our history, hopes, and humanity.” Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps, and their stories can be heard regularly on the radio, and on the website.
Since the goal of StoryCorps is to “Celebrate (and share) each other’s lives,” I recommend that you give yourself the gift of stories by taking the time to listen to some of the conversations. I promise you will go back again and again to hear more.
Then, plan a StoryCorps style project with your kids. What a better way to get to know them, their ideas and dreams and background, and, also, have them get to know you better, than by planning, conducting, recording and sharing an interview.
For more information on how to conduct and record interviews, go to www.nationaldayoflistening.org and download a do-it-yourself guide
The following tips to get you started are included in the Oregonian article
- Prepare five or 10 questions. (I have edited the questions to make them more suited to a kid audience, and to open up some conversational possibilities.) “What are some the most important lessons you have learned in life? Tell me about the best day of your life. What makes you happy? Who is the most important person in your life, and why? What would you like to be when you grow up, and how will you get there?”
- Find a tape recorder, video camera or computer and practice using it. Pick a quiet interview location.
- Start by introducing yourself and your interview subject.
- Listen carefully; ask follow-up questions.
- Distribute copies of the interview to family, friends, (share), and consider uploading it at www.nationaldayoflistening.org/#share and to OUR community blog.
It will be nice to hear from you.
Topics: How To's, Quality Time |
November 30th, 2008 at 2:50 am
[...] Listen and learn from each other For those of you who have not already discovered StoryCorps: (The Conversations of a Lifetime), the website is a treasure trove of conversations about our “experiences, our history, hopes, and humanity.” Since 2003, tens of thousands of … [...]