Learn More – LifeStories for Kids K-2
LifeStories for Kids K-2
One-year online subscription to LifeStories for Kids K-2, an evidence-based multimedia character education program that weaves together the best of psychological, artistic, and literary media.
This curriculum uniquely combines evidence-based practices for skill building with the art of storytelling.
LifeStories for Kids K-2 guides K-2 classrooms to explore character, emotions, and social skills while also building academic skills.
Brought to life by nationally acclaimed storyteller Willy Claflin and his puppet friends, LifeStories for Kids K-2 is an adventure in character education.
- Character education course to build social skills for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade
- Professional storytellers present lessons using fun puppet characters to teach positive character traits
- Aligns with Common Core State Standards
LifeStories for Kids K-2 addresses nine character traits through the following stories:
- Kindness – Little Freddie and his Whistle
- Self-discipline – I Am a Frog
- Responsibility – Ka-ulu the Strong
- Good judgment – Look What You’ve Done
- Togetherness – Wolf Under the Bed
- Courage – King’s New Suit
- Respect – Lion and Mousie
- Perseverance – Dancing Moose
- Integrity – The Woodsman and his Axe
Everything you need to deliver the program is available online, including:
- Online provider training (completion certificate available)
- Professional manual
- Administrative guidelines
- Session outlines with group discussion topics, art pages, role plays, worksheets, creative storytelling, and interactive games
- Supplemental reading lists for parents, children, and professionals
- Tips and resources to increase parent involvement
- Classroom Flipbooks with complete story text, fully illustrated, and filled with supplemental activities for classroom use
Product samples:
Common Core State Standards alignment:
DeRosier, M. E. & Mercer, S. H. (2007). The Effectiveness of a Storytelling-Based Character Education Program. Journal of Research in Character Education, 5(2), 131-148.
Abstract:
To assess the effectiveness of the program for improving children’s social behavior, 1,975 students in 4 elementary schools in central North Carolina participated in a program evaluation.
Using a quasi-experimental design with covariate adjustment for initial differences, schools were randomly assigned either to the intervention or control groups. In the intervention group, all regular education teachers implemented parallel versions of the program (for grades K-2 and 3-5) as part of the school curriculum.
Students participating in the intervention experienced statistically significant improvements in social behavior as compared to students in the control group:
- K-2 program: improved prosocial skills and decreased direct aggression
- 3-5 program: decreased direct aggression and immature-impulsive behavior
Discussion focuses on the effectiveness of LifeStories for Kids as a preventive, school-based character education program.
Willy Claflin is a master storyteller filled with a wealth of stories old and new, puppet monologues, and traditional and original songs. He is an international talent and winner of multiple awards, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and the American Library Association Notable Children’s Recording Award.
“Accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Maynard Moose, Willy Claflin has brought his unhinged comedy and musical surprises to stages across the country and beyond, from California to Cape Clear, Ireland.”
—National Storytelling Festival
To learn more, visit Willy Claflin’s website.