Teacher Workshops

Baba has a rare combination of many talents: storytelling, singing, acting, even a little dancing, excellent musicianship on several instruments, multilingual, and can find a teachable moment at the drop of a hat. Listening to him on Kora is mesmerizing. Add to that a delightful story which teaches us all something, whether we want to learn or not, and you’ve got a fascinating and polished presentation. I am repeatedly impressed by all that he does and can do!

Jan B. (Teacher LAUSD)

Baba’s workshops for educators typically occur during Teacher In-Service days. The workshop “Teachers as Tellers” is tailored to suit the needs of each individual school and may be offered in as short a time as 45 minutes up to 4 hours.

To initiate every workshop, Baba opens with music, song and tales in order to raise the level of comfort of his participants. A light humorous tale is shared while he plays his harp and introduces himself. Participants are put well at ease prior to beginning the task of unearthing their own creative geniuses within.

During the “Teachers as Tellers” workshop participants are introduced to the Ancient West African Storytelling Craft of  Jaliyaa and the role of the traditional storyteller as teacher in their society. Baba has created a handout, “21 Tips for the Tale Telling Teacher,” and gives demonstrations during the session of how they may be utilized in the classroom.

During extended sessions participants are guided through the creative process of writing their own fables and then presenting them before their peers prior to the ending of the workshop. The process is team oriented and has the added benefit of building a stronger sense of community among a school’s faculty.

There is no aspect of the workshop that Baba does not model for participants and during extended sessions when teachers are working in their own heads crafting their fables, Baba serenades them with the gentle tones of his 21 string West African Harp, the Kora.

In order to effectively meet your specific needs, it is suggested that each school contact Baba directly with the details of their In-Service. You may begin the process of securing Baba to host his workshop at your school by filling out our Booking Form. Once you have filled out, and submitted this form someone will be in touch with you promptly.