THE BOY WHO WOULD BE A HELICOPTER: The Uses of Storytelling in the Classroom

How does a teacher begin to appreciate and tap the rich creative resources of the fantasy world of children? What social functions do story playing and storytelling serve in the preschool classroom? And how can the child who is trapped in private fantasies be brought into the richly imaginative social play that surrounds him? The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter focuses on the challenge posed by the isolated child to teachers and classmates alike in the unique community of the classroom. It is the dramatic story of Jason-the loner and outsider-and of his ultimate triumph and homecoming into the society of his classmates. As we follow Jason's struggle, we see that the classroom is indeed the crucible within which the young discover themselves and learn to confront new problems in their daily experience. Vivian Paley recreates the stage upon which children emerge as natural and ingenious storytellers. She supplements these real-life vignettes with brilliant insights into the teaching process, offering detailed discussions about control, authority, and the misuse of punishment in the preschool classroom. She shows a more effective and natural dynamic of limit-setting that emerges in the control children exert over their own fantasies. And here for the first time the author introduces a triumvirate of teachers (Paley herself and two apprentices) who reflect on the meaning of events unfolding before them. The dramatic story of Jason--the loner and the outsider--and his struggle to be accepted into the society of his classmates, The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter shows that the classrom is indeed the crucible within which the young discover themselves and learn to confront new problems. "Anyone who was once a child, and especially those who were helicopters, will enjoy it."--David Perkins, Kansas City Star. Annotation How does a teacher begin to appreciate and tap the rich creative resources of the fantasy world of children? What social functions do story playing and storytelling serve in the preschool classroom? And how can the child who is trapped in private fantasies be brought into the richly imaginative social play that surrounds him? The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter focuses on the challenge posed by the isolated child to teachers and classmates alike in the unique community of the classroom. It is the dramatic story of Jason-the loner and outsider-and of his ultimate triumph and homecoming into the society of his classmates. As we follow Jason's struggle, we see that the classroom is indeed the crucible within which the young discover themselves and learn to confront new problems in their daily experience. Vivian Paley recreates the stage upon which children emerge as natural and ingenious storytellers. She supplements these real-life vignettes with brilliant insights into the teaching process, offering detailed discussions about control, authority, and the misuse of punishment in the preschool classroom. She shows a more effective and natural dynamic of limit-setting that emerges in the control children exert over their own fantasies. And here for the first time the author introduces a triumvirate of teachers (Paley herself and two apprentices) who reflect on the meaning of events unfolding before them. Documents A Child's Journey From Isolation To Connection And Safety In A Preschool Classroom. The Uses Of Storytelling In The Classroom -- Cover. This Book Focuses On The Challenge Posed By The Isolated Child To Teachers And Classmates Alike In The Unique Community Of The Classroom. It Is The Dramatic Story Of Jason -- The Loner And Outsider -- And Of His Ultimate Triumph And Homecoming Into The Society Of His Classmates. As We Follow Jason's Struggle, We See That The Classroom Is Indeed The Crucible Within Which The Young Discover Themselves And Learn To Confront New Problems In Their Daily Experience. Storytellers And Story Players. Teacher And Theory-maker. Jason's Story. New Questions. Vivian Gussin Paley. Contents ......Page 6 Foreword......Page 8 Preface......Page 12 Storytellers and Story Players......Page 14 Teacher and Theory-Maker......Page 26 Jason’s Story......Page 40 New Questions......Page 162 A 1989 MacArthur Award recipient and kindergarten teacher examines the role of stories and storytelling in teaching young children and addresses the development of culture in the classroom.