The fellowship’s activities are as follows:
a. To obtain and pass on information on story-telling in the member countries:
- 1.famous story-tellers, past and present: a generalreview of the children’s literature which is currently enjoyed;
- 2.other story-telling traditions such as verbal and other means of communication: cartoons, musicals, theatre, film, etc.
b. Information obtained and passed on about storytelling in education in member countries:
- 1. the meaning of story-telling, measured in available time, related to other teaching areas;
- 2. the ways in which attention can be paid to storytelling. Certain traditions and special ( Iocal) activities. Attention for story-telling in a receptive way (reading, listening) and as a creative activity (writing and telling stories oneself) ;
- 3. attempts by other educational institutions to promote reading and storytelling in schools. The effects on education and pupil development;
- 4. attention for foreign children’s literature. The most important preferences for types and writers.
c. Systematic provision of information on the many ways to promote reading.
d. Systematic provision of information on the art of story-telling, aimed at teachers and pupils. Making a sort of instruction book on thinking up stories oneself, on writing technique and on verbal presentation.
e. Selected presentation in the fellowship’ s bulletin of notable proofs of talent in story-telling by children.
f. Asking for and provision of information on projects carried out and suggestions for new projects
g. Bringing to the attention not only the most famous but also the less well-known stories of Andersen. These are the starting point for many activities. Analysis of these stories with two aims: for adults, an intelligent literary ex pianation, and for children, in such a way that it is possible to show how a good story is put together. It would also be possible to give an analysis of Andersen’s whole oeuvre for adults, as seen through the eyes of Andersen enthusiasts from the various member countries.
Specific information on Andersen’s life and work can come from the Andersen museum or, if necessary, be authorised by the museum.
To show Andersen’s influence on others by having prominent or interested Europeans write about him.
BULLETIN
The fellowship’s bulletin (Andersen Bulletin), which appears a few times per annum, plays a key role. It is the main factor binding the member schools. Apart from this schools are free to link up with other member schools.
As a guarantee for the largest possible readership, it is desirable that the Andersen Bulletin appears in the language of the land of destination: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Danish or Dutch.
Ouality and appearance must be first class but production costs must be far below those of professional printwork. Good software can help.
In suitable cases articles from the journal could be formed into a book such as “The Art of Story-telling in the Countries of the European Community”, ” Storytelling in Education in a United Europel “, ” Handbook for Future Writers” (course for talented young writers), ” Andersen in the United Europe” .