Australia Speaking Tour 2007

06:13 am - Canberra Australia

The one-day conference included the theological and Christian educational foundation of the Hospitable Pedagogy approach to teaching and learning. We had a bit of fun with the reader's theatre style of Encountering the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand.

ENCOUNTER THE STORY: Using readers' theater style from John 6:1-15 for the Feeding of the 5,000 story. Using head pieces is an easy way to get into the swing of Bible people.

ENGAGE THE STORY: Then the participants chose from a variety of learning experiences before we even began the storyboard art response.

They were invited to choose from:
Writing a letter to Jesus from the perspective of the child
Reflecting on poetry written by persons who are homeless in the issue called, "Big Issue"
Reflecting on the musical pieces entitled, "Come to the Feast" by Christopher Grunday and the piece "Calling all the Children Home, " by John McCutheon
Writing a prayer for children all around the world
Reading about the ministry of the Church World Service and discussing this with a partner
Reading about the debt relief of developing countries and discussing this with a partner
Reflecting on the four pages of quotes from authors and Scripture related to the theme of the Daily Table and the Lord's Supper

Writing prayers for children. Any prayers that were left in the circle I pick up and pray the prayers the next morning.

RESPOND TO THE STORY: As the group began their storyboard art response, some sat and reflected on what their creative process would be; or going to the "tactile table" and touching, imagining what might be exciting to include on the storyboard.

The ending of the storyboard experience is most importantly to tell to another person the story about the storyboard! The stories were all different and very meaningful to each creative artist!

Peace,
Rev. Cheri

Kippax Uniting Church in Canberra


Helping put on the headpiece always livened up the group!


Many hands already into the creative touch of the materials.