Flannelgraph
From SPARK
A storyteller can bring added value to his story by using characters and scenery cut out of flannel. The flannel pieces stick on a board covered with flannel that is propped up for the audience to see. Characters are added and taken away as needed as the story is told. Also, characters can be moved about on the board to show action.
The material for both the board and the cut out pieces may be material other than flannel as long as the cut-outs can be made to stick to a vertical board. Heavy paper with an attaching material glued to it on the back may be used.
Flannelgraph kits may be bought which include various materials and scripts. Scripts may be in one or more major languages. The script should be translated into the vernacular and adapted to the culture of the local people group. However, use the oral form of the language, not the written form, when telling the story.
Considerations
See About Live Media for additional considerations in using this live media form.
Deciding Whether to Use Flannelgraph
Flannelgraph stories communicate well mainly because they are oral stories. But in addition, they are visual.
Is the visual literacy good enough that the people will understand the two-dimensional figures?
Will the audience need to be told there are no spirits in the figures?
If the figures are purchased, do any of the colors have a meaning that conflicts with the meaning of the figure in the story?
Are the forms for the figures appropriate for the culture? Would the people be more likely to accept Jesus if he had a darker skin?
The material is lightweight and easy to carry if you have a board already provided for you to cover with the background flannel. You may need to buy an easel or create something to prop up the board so the audience can see it.
Plan on a lot of time to cut out the figures if you order a flannelgraph set. They are not cut out for you.
Flannelgraph pieces need to be stored in such a way that they lie flat.
Presenting a Flannelgraph Program
Literate storytellers who need paper to remember key points should prepare by writing down the events of the story using key words or phrases. Line up or stack the flannelgraph figures in the order in which you will use them. It's best if the audience is not able to see the figures before you place them on the flannelgraph board.
Identify one purpose or truth to be learned from the flannelgraph story. People learn best when there is just one truth to learn at a time. Share the purpose in teaching the lesson at the end of the story.
It is easier for people to remember a story that is told than a story that is read to them. Keep your listeners in mind and try to have eye contact with them so they feel like you are directly communicating with them. It’s best to know the story well enough to minimize reading notes. Be responsive to their reactions.
You do not need to name the characters. You may want to use one figure for a different character in another story.
Keep talking when you are placing figures on the board. But it is not necessary to talk when you are changing a scene; the people will be interested in watching what you are doing.
Remember to place the board so all can see it and to face the audience during the lesson.
