The power of storytelling

…and how to keep it strong.

Welcome to ‘Diary of a Teacher’. Here, you’ll learn what it’s really like being a teacher - but through a very delibrate lens of positivity. I approach this newsletter through my 3Gs - growth, giggles and gratitude - to rip up the online negativity around teaching and show the world how fortunate we are to be educators.

Educational strategies, life lessons, reasons to be grateful or a little laugh - there’s something here for everyone.

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” - Maya Angelou

This is a quote that means a lot to me because I come from a family of storytellers. I have long held a fascination with stories. I love songs that tell a full story in a few minutes. I still remember a children’s version of Aesops Fables I used to have. I’ve travelled and met people and always felt that storytelling was my party trick - whatever the conversation, I had something interesting to tell.

It’s also the quote I added to my first post, which you can read here.

Welcome to ‘Diary of A Teacher’ - so it begins!

This tells the world what I come from and feeds so much into what and why I write.

In school settings (and beyond)

My students benefit from my storytelling habits as well. Handwriting lessons are their least favourite so, while they write out the last few words, I tell a quick story about my life. It’s quickly become their favourite lesson of the week. They even ask for an extra lesson, just to get another story out of me.

Sometimes, though, I want to tell one in a particular moment but can’t remember the right one. Only later - too late - does it spring to mind.

But I’ve found the answer:

Keep a record of my stories.

I just do it on my phone in the ‘Notes’ app. Nothing fancy - it looks like this:

I can share a couple with you if you like. Comment below the name of a story and I’ll tell it in the comments.

Learning curve

This newsletter is my story - but I feel that, recently, I’ve missed the storytelling arch and it’s something I want to capture better.

But how?

I’ve been absolutely captivated by

Telling Their Tales

recently. Holly tells fictional stories about everyday people from the past, inspired by her own life. They’re beautifully written and breathe more life into the past than I’ve ever experienced. Whether your interests lie in history or personal tales - or you want some ideas for your own writing style - subscribing to her newsletter offers so much inspiration.

Telling Their Tales - What's it all about?

With her engaging style in mind, I went more storyteller on my last post, recalling the progress of one of my students, and enjoyed writing it more than I’ve enjoyed writing a post in a while. I think that comes across - it’s a post I’m really happy with. Read it by clicking below if you’re interested in finding out why.

Calmness personified

If you’re a fellow substacker, storytelling might not fit your newsletter but - if it does - go hard. I don’t think I’m alone in my fascination with stories.

Thank you Holly - whether you meant to or not, you’ve guided my style.

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