STORY RHYTHMS ~ Karen Czarnik, Storyteller

Read some recent newspaper articles about Karen!

Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider ~ August 13, 2008
(PDF format, 115KB)

Metro Times ~ November 11, 2007
(PDF format, 156KB)

The Detroit Free Press ~ November 4, 2006
(PDF format, 350KB)

The Oakland Press ~ February 7, 2006
(PDF format, 466KB)

As a storyteller, singer, songwriter and musician, Karen's unique performances combine music and tale to teach, engage, encourage and tickle the funny bone. Her collaboration of character and story reveal colorful images in the minds of listeners. From stage to elementary classrooms, campfires to coffee houses, Karen's music, voice and stories inspire audiences of all ages.

Karen Czarnik

Linking her music and theatrical work with the traditions of Storytelling, Karen incorporates physical animation, characters, and stories & songs both old and new. Accompanying herself on autoharp and mountain dulcimer, she creates an energetic experience of song & story. Karen also gets her audiences involved, with her unique collection of "call and response", "make some rhythm", and "follow the movement" songs.

Karen has been a Performing Artist since childhood, and has been involved in a variety of performance roles. In 1996, Karen discovered the world of storytelling, and has been mesmerized, enchanted and engaged in the art form ever since.

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About Storytelling and Song

Storytelling, the art of telling a tale from the heart, creates rich images in the minds of both listener and teller. Literature comes alive and audiences become immersed.
Storytelling and Song connect all of us in the most fundamental way. Stories and Song help us to figure out who we are and enable us to share wisdom through our experiences and our history.
Storytelling and Song are for everyone! Families, children and adults all enjoy great stories and music.
Storytelling and Song have the unique capability of letting audiences interact as both listeners and participants.
Storytelling and Song are wonderful tools to use in supplementing curriculum and character education.
Storytelling and Song programs promote literacy through listening, reading and comprehension building.

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Karen is available for assemblies and artist-in-residence programs, PTA meetings, child care centers, community education programs, bookstores, camps and campfires, community and neighborhood events, preschool programs, conferences, libraries, museums, parties, festivals and fairs, scouting programs, classrooms, nursing homes, coffee houses, weddings, block parties, parks and recreation programs, birthday parties, shopping malls, company picnics, church events, grand openings, family reunions ... and much more!

Karen's performance programs, workshops, classes and camps offer "edutainment" through the art of Stories and Music.

Contact Karen for prices and booking details.

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Please click HERE if you would like to be added to my email list to receive notices of upcoming performances, workshops, classes and summer camp programs!
— Karen

"As a storyteller, you catch us up in the moment. As a musician and songwriter, you know what will get us toe-tapping and swaying to the music. You have a heart for kids of all ages and know what we like. You certainly can tickle our funny bones!"
—Darlene Williams, Librarian, Walled Lake Library

"With your stories, you've taken my students to places they've never been! Through your expression and movement, the children are captured in the story 'til the end. Thank you also for your advice on how they can become storytellers, too!"
—Diane Mitchell, Teacher, Oakley Park Elementary

"Both times I hired Karen, she had the children engaged, singing, and also had them asking, 'Does she have to leave now?' She was the perfect entertainment for our neighborhood camp-out. The second event was a school function, where more than 150 children and adults participated. Karen had both the kids and adults captivated."
—Amy Strauss, Parent and Community and School Volunteer

"During Karen's storytelling class, I watched my son bloom. Karen captured the children's attention with her amazing storytelling and qualities of an exceptional teacher. At the end of the program there was a graduating performance, and my son—who often avoids talking to people—was in front of an audience, storytelling. He was relaxed, smiling, animated, and funny!"
—Carrie Schwinnen, Parent

"I'd just like to thank you for inspiring me again with something I've always known to be a rich teaching and learning tool. Because of your visit, a storytelling station now exists in our classroom. You should see the kids in action as they retell, create, and practice their reading skills."
—Megan Hintz, Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)

"Your songs, stories and lessons were beneficial to the teachers and students. It was one of the best presentations and most effective use of funds from our PTO that we have had in years! The hands-on, personal attention the students received made them grow in self confidence and in skills. Thank you!"
—Susan Nayback, Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)

"I just wanted to let you know that my son had a blast in class today. You are doing an amazing job with the boys and all the moms are super pleased. Thanks for all your hard work ... the boys are getting a lot out of it!"
—Molly Midgley, Parent

... and from Little Listeners ...

"You were lots and lots and lots of fun, 'cause those were very good stories."

"You are the best storyteller ever, even because I never saw one before."

"I liked it when you made those noises."

From Karen's Students ...

"Can you make your class longer next time?"

"Please come back and teach us again next year."

"I am always so excited to tell people the whale story I learned, and I am adding lots of my own ideas."

... and Workshop Attendees ...

"A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Storytellers Guild. You truly made a wonderful experience for everyone. Your workshop techniques were just what we needed to wrap up our orientation theme for the year. Your music was an inspiring delight."

"So many songs and laughs. I'm wide awake and enjoying myself. Excellent resources."

"Karen was inspiring and motivated me to pick up a musical instrument."

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How does storytelling work in the classroom and where does it fit into curriculum? Storytelling links Social Studies and Language Arts by combining language and human studies.

Reading and hearing stories from various and diverse cultures supports both curriculums.
Storytelling is an indispensable Social Studies tool for learning about and understanding other nations, cultures, eras, and values.
Storytelling supports Language Arts through the rich and never ending sources of literature.
Storytelling allows students to indulge and stimulate their imaginations.
Storytelling supports language development and writing and reading skills at all academic levels.

For more information on why to tell stories in schools, check out <http://clow.ipsd.org/lmc_storytellers_rationale.html>.

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