news - [nooz, nyooz] - 1382, plural of new (n.) "new thing," from new (adj.), q.v.; after Fr. nouvelles, used in Bible translations to render M.L. nova (neut. pl.) "news," lit. "new things." Sometimes still regarded as plural, 17c.-19c. Meaning "tidings" is 1423. - noun - 1. a report of a recent event; intelligence; information. 2. the presentation of a report on recent or new events in a newspaper or other periodical or on radio or television. 3. such reports taken collectively; information reported. 4. a person, thing, or event considered as a choice subject for journalistic treatment; newsworthy material.

Dr. Czaja's Notes

March 19 , 2010

Dear Families,

    As you may know I have been telling stories to your children every week for some time now. The word "story" comes from the ancient Greek word "histor" and means literally "a narration from a learned man." Since the beginnings of people living in villages, men and women who had survived life long enough to be old would share stories of wisdom to all who would gather around the fire and listen. I say these were “stories of wisdom” because, in the particular happenings they told about, the hero or heroine survives by not being foolish but by being wise.

    So a great story told is the sharing of a wisdom – a piece of common sense – a tale of selfless courage – a victory of the good. It is a narrative that can provide those who hear it the chance to share in a life experience in a way where words come alive and practical advice about living becomes personal and truly experiential. It is the revelation of truth and lies -- of beauty and chaos -- of the good and the evil -- of our deepest hopes and fears – and does so in a better way than words by themselves could ever relate. And this is precisely what my storytelling to your children is all about: it is a personal telling by an old man of the village that has the power to uncover the "heart of the matter" for those sitting around the circle listening.

    A story well told has the power to set imaginations aflame, to engage the listener’s feelings; my storytelling becomes a matter of life revealing life. What is magical about such storytelling is that the revelation of the story seems to be brand new news; it is suddenly seeing something that has been there around the listeners a long time without them coming to know about it really. Within such a listening, the children are deeply touched by witnessing some act of a person’s deciding and feel the decision was made for all mankind. Each listener in a secret, deep way lives the consequences of the hero’s choice and within the sacred place of their own conscience actually weeps or rejoices over it. Storytelling reveals the challenge, the truth, the meaning that lies hidden within life’s personal choices.

    If you have not as yet, I want you to join me in the telling of such wisdom stories to your children – stories you have gained from your own life decisions -- or stories once upon a time told to you. The profoundly personal sharing that is storytelling is the beginning of wisdom for children -- and is the wellspring of human compassion without which the knowledge gained in schools would be soulless and devoid of purpose. Without wisdom and human compassion, knowledge can be pernicious. Storytelling fulfills education.

    So join with me in telling your children these so human stories that are about whatever is true in life, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. Tell them especially about everything you have experienced in your life that is excellent, that is praiseworthy. Then, so nourished, they will grow and flourish in this personal life that is given to us all – they each will become worthy of being one of so many glories alive in this garden that is our blue/white planet – that is the most beautiful planet of our solar system – that is the wonder of our universe. Oh yes! May there always be storytellers in our village!

Peace,
Paul