Sonya, I love this! I write MG novels and for the launch of my most recent, Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm, I facilitated a story bead chain activity with a group of kids. We used a storyboard to plan the story out and then picked beads to represent each plot point, then we strung them and shared. My book touches on themes of censorship and silenced voice (trauma-induced). When the protagonist finally speaks her story, she likens it to adding a bead to a necklace. Each person's story strengthens the necklace and adds to its diversity, attracting others to share their own stories. I'm no artist but as a former 5th grade teacher, I infused the arts into most aspects of the curriculum--great way to hook the kids! Your article has inspired me to do some more serious beadwork on my own, so thanks for that. PS In my research about beads, I came upon this amazing website for the African Bead Museum which highlights how beads have been used for storytelling for a long time: https://www.mbad.org/#our-story
Wow. Never considered the connections between beading and writing! I’ve done both, tho my beading has mostly been malas, just natural wood. I did the wrist malas — chuzos? — for ATL Zen Center for a while, back when! I have a 108
-bead one that broke sitting by me here waiting to get restrung, so this is motivating me to do it! Thanks! Hope you’re doing well! Life is cra-zoo these days!
Love it. Have you read Jane Alison’s meander spiral explode? Mind if I quote you from this in my next (or next after next) CUT FOR THE DOG podcast?
Yes please do—and I love this book, mentioned it toward the very end of the post!
Sonya, I love this! I write MG novels and for the launch of my most recent, Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm, I facilitated a story bead chain activity with a group of kids. We used a storyboard to plan the story out and then picked beads to represent each plot point, then we strung them and shared. My book touches on themes of censorship and silenced voice (trauma-induced). When the protagonist finally speaks her story, she likens it to adding a bead to a necklace. Each person's story strengthens the necklace and adds to its diversity, attracting others to share their own stories. I'm no artist but as a former 5th grade teacher, I infused the arts into most aspects of the curriculum--great way to hook the kids! Your article has inspired me to do some more serious beadwork on my own, so thanks for that. PS In my research about beads, I came upon this amazing website for the African Bead Museum which highlights how beads have been used for storytelling for a long time: https://www.mbad.org/#our-story
Wow. Never considered the connections between beading and writing! I’ve done both, tho my beading has mostly been malas, just natural wood. I did the wrist malas — chuzos? — for ATL Zen Center for a while, back when! I have a 108
-bead one that broke sitting by me here waiting to get restrung, so this is motivating me to do it! Thanks! Hope you’re doing well! Life is cra-zoo these days!
Oh cool. I need to read all the way through. Thanks for letting me quote !