At story time this is how she arranges her audience:
Large, uneven
half circle
Everyone sits
Indian style. (she demonstrates first)
She talks quietly, so everyone listens
Repeating some parts, so small ears hear each word
The story always has a beginning and a middle
There are usually animals
Often there is magic
Somewhere between when she starts and
When time is up (snack time comes next)
She creates a predictable conclusion
Knowing that every expectant face is counting on a happy ending;
knowing real life has too few to offer them.
for a storyteller.