Storytelling For Older Adults

[Goodsoulette]

I have been checking national awareness days to run in our home (general nursing and residential) I'm quite keen on the national story telling week, mainly because it's not necessarily something that solely evolves around food or traditional arts and crafts.

Obviously we can do the obvious collecting information on our residents favourite stories, I can invite schools in to tell stories, however what the staff and residents love more than anything is me making a bit of a fool of myself (my terrible performance two days ago as a genie in the lamp being ) ..... Which brings me to what I really need, I need a good short story ( I think ten minutes) that's appropriate for all ages, with a plot that is easy to follow, some comedy or a bit of "mild peril" would probably go down well. Any ideas?

[Chinajan]

Here's a list of PG Wodehouse short stories amongst which you might find something appropriate. Plenty of opportunity for funny accents and you could perhaps wear different hats for each character. [And wear the wrong one sometimes!]

http://www.readbookonline.net/stories/wodehouse/103/

[Mosaic]

What a great initiative Goodsoul
And it might become something that happens every month or so....so good for people of all ages.
Hints that you probably know already - storytelling isn't reading stuff out; one of the things that makes storytelling work is the repetition of short catchphrases; everyone's favourite subject is themselves and what they've experienced, which is great for your residents especially if you decide to make it a monthly spot.
This is a good one - as it's neutral (although aimed at kinds in the link, I've seen it work well with adults) - and you could dress it up with your own props - some old curtain , a waistcoat ('vest' in US English) etc
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dG0I00OuLIYC&pg=PA2&;lpg=PA2&dq=the+tailor%27s+button+storytelling&source=bl&ots=EKj0h7YijS&sig=0Jg-I9XQjuTQVfQXOxFeoGhZwnc&hl=en&;sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiniM7b1fHJAhVH7BQKHYS0AGEQ6AEIMDAE#v=onepage&q=the%20tailor%27s%20button%20storytelling&f=false

[Mosaic]

You do the last bit as a big reveal
...'and he looked closely and saw there was just enough left to make......

(hands open to audience and pause....)

A STORY!!

[Goodsoulette]

Thank you for those :) and than you very much for the tips. I'm pretty flamboyant and not shy with regards to public speaking so I'm hoping I too can be of entertainment!