Students At Harbor Elementary Learn Japanese Art, Gain Confidence

SEAFORD, NY — With the use of Kamishibai, the art of Japanese storytelling, students at Seaford Harbor Elementary are taking important steps to build their confidence.

The technique lets the children become more comfortable presenting to each other, a skill they will need throughout their time in school and as an adult.

Kamishibai is a special wooden box used in Japanese storytelling, and the front flaps open up to reveal story cards. Social worker Sharon Klein was given one of the boxes when she interned more than 15 years ago. Now, she is using it as tool in the classroom, the Seaford School District said in a statement.

The process started with Klein reading an actual Kamishibai story to students. They then began work on their own "paper theater" by writing original stories and drawing illustrations on the large cards. Words that correspond to each illustration actually get written on the back of the previous card, so while the audience looks at the front of the box to see the picture, the writer is behind the box, telling the story.

Stories are flexible, based on topics they choose, so the children are also finding their creativity and imaginative inner-self.