Making kamishibai
Young writers can also be young tellers by using this great Asian prop, described in Kamishibai. Kamishibai are sets of picture cards used to tell tales today in Japan, Singapore, Laos, and Vietnam. (Read Allen Say's Kamishibai Man for a beautiful look at the art.) They share folk tales and local legends as well as modern children's literature, true stories from the war, and stories about social and environmental concerns. Try making a set yourself, too - using a story you created, a family or folk tale - then use it to help you remember your story and to hold your audience.
Materials
- a story to share
- eight pieces of white cardboard, each 9” x 12” / 23 mm x 32 mm
- one large piece of plain newsprint or paper
- pencil, colored markers, or other colors
Instructions
1. Choose a story with strong visual images and enough action to divide into at least eight scenes.
2. Plan out the story's sequence, select the important scenes to illustrate, and decide how to draw the scenes in different ways. Consider:
- close-ups of characters or important story details,
- long shots showing setting,
- a partial view of a character (a hand reaching out, two huge feet),
- a view from the top, side, back, or front.
3. Play with these ideas, then make a rough draft. Fold newsprint into eight sections. Make eight quick sketches, sharing each important scene. Check that the scenes have visual variety, are large enough to see, and work well in sequence. You don't need to include every story detail visually, because you'll be telling the story, too.
4. When you have a good outline, start on the cards. Choose the best medium: markers work nicely, watercolors can be used carefully, crayons are all right but can smear, as can pastels. Make illustrations big and bold enough to be seen. Number the cards on the back but don’t write words down yet. Remember the story through pictures.
5. Once the cards are done and the story known, bring the tale to life. Use vivid description, sounds, pauses, character voices, and facial expressions. Tape record and listen to the story for more feedback. Then stand or sit with the cards held out chest high, directly facing your imaginary audience. Practice smoothly telling the tale, moving each card to the back as you continue the story. Keep the cards steady and try not to cover the pictures with your hands. Use your voice well — varying pitch, feeling, volume - and make sure that your eyes are on the audience, not on the cards.
6. When you’re ready, share your tale with a real audience. Try it out on different listeners. Finally, you can write the words you’ve been saying down if you like — either on one sheet of paper to keep for later review, or on the backs of the cards.
7. After you finish you set, start another. Or try an extension: varying size, using velcro for paste-ons, allowing space for drawing during telling, etc. You can also organize kamishibai festivals, exchanges, and so much more. Have fun!
