Kathy Jessup

Readings

Edmonton children’s writer/storyteller Kathy Jessup is now into her second decade of entertaining young people. Over the years she’s performed her original tales in schools, libraries and festivals across Canada, from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories to Halifax on the eastern coast. As an experienced performer, Kathy presents her stories in a relaxed humorous atmosphere, building an instant rapport with her audience. Her concerts are “interactive” with ample opportunity for listeners to participate.

Kathy’s stories come from her own imagination and experience. Some of her work has been published in various literary venues including the Canadian children’s magazine CHICKADEE. During concerts Kathy loves to share insights into the creative process, revealing how she starts with an idea then weaves in fact and fiction giving birth to a new story. The power of oral storytelling serves to reinforce important literacy goals. “If you can capture a child’s interest with a good story,” says Kathy, “you can encourage them to fire up their imagination and create their own stories.”

While Kathy does enjoy writing, her first love will always be storytelling. She likes connecting with children during a “live” performance and feeds off of their energy and enthusiasm. Her audience ranges from small-town to inner city, and from a handful of children to gymnasiums filled with hundreds of eager listeners.

Program length and story selection can be adapted as required.

Special Equipment:

A microphone is required for larger venues.

Workshops

WRITING WORKSHOPS:

1. TELL ME A STORY (Division One)
Kathy specializes in writing workshops at the elementary level. Using a story-board format, Kathy encourages young children to tell/draw/write their stories in a fun and creative way. During this workshop she will share some of her tips and strategies for improving students’ creative writing skills. This workshop is especially suited to ECS-Grade 2 students, but is also popular in ESL and Special Needs classrooms.

2. WRITE ON (Division Two)
Kathy specializes in writing workshops at the elementary level. Using creative analogies, she encourages young children to write better stories, while emphasizing the basics of a good story PLAN! During this workshop, Kathy will share some of her tips and strategies for improving students’ creative writing skills. The material in this session is especially suited to students in the Grade 3 to 6 range.

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP:

YOUR TURN (Grade 4 – 9)
Everyone is a born storyteller! Sometimes you just need a little creative encouragement so you can really “shine”. In this workshop, you’ll discover how to let loose and have fun telling tales! While you’re at it, you’ll learn the ingredients to shaping a good story, come up with your own story, and gather valuable performance tips.

Biography

Edmonton storyteller Kathy Jessup has spent the past fifteen years entertaining children with her original stories. She’s visited schools, libraries, concerts and festivals from Inuvik in Canada’s far north to Halifax on the Atlantic coast. Wherever her travels take her, Kathy loves connecting with children during a “live” performance and feeding off their energy and enthusiasm.

Over the years Kathy has performed for a wide variety of audiences. She’s told stories in a tent on the banks of the Yukon River, around a campfire in Fort McMurray, to children living in Regina’s inner city neighbourhoods, and for tourists wandering through Fort Edmonton Historic Park. No matter where she goes, Kathy keeps busy doing what she loves best: telling stories and listening for the greatest sound in the world… laughter.

Kathy’s original stories are included in the CD A Collection of T.A.L.E.S by The Alberta League Encouraging Storytelling, and in the book Under the Wide Blue Sky: Alberta Stories to Read and Tell.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I am available for Professional Development presentations or Teachers’ Conventions with the following programs:

1. TELL ME A STORY (Division One)
Kathy specializes in writing workshops at the elementary level. Using a story-board format, Kathy encourages young children to tell/draw/write their stories in a fun and creative way. During this workshop she will share some of her tips and strategies for improving students’ creative writing skills. This workshop is especially suited to ECS-Grade 2 students, but is also popular in ESL and Special Needs classrooms.

2. WRITE ON (Division Two)
Kathy specializes in writing workshops at the elementary level. Using creative analogies, she encourages young children to write better stories, while emphasizing the basics of a good story PLAN! During this workshop, Kathy will share some of her tips and strategies for improving students’ creative writing skills. The material in this session is especially suited to students in the Grade 3 to 6 range.