In entering the arena of Journalism THE STORYTELLERS’ MAGAZINE invites
the support of all who love literature and youth. There are many
magazines today covering almost every field of activity, but not one
devoted to _the art of story telling_.
While it is true that most of the magazines publish stories, few of
them deal with the educational aspect of these stories—their most
important relation.
Story telling in the schools; at the home; on the playground; in the
Sunday schools; the children’s library rooms of the Public Library,
and among social organizations has become so popular and aroused
such widespread interest throughout the land that some medium of
communication which will represent and unify these interests—has
become almost a necessity.
THE STORYTELLERS’ MAGAZINE is founded upon a definite purpose. It
enters the field in the hope that it will merit the support of a large
number of general readers as well as teachers, parents and all who are
interested in the uplifting of the rising generation. It goes forth as
a missionary to acquaint its audience as far as it can with the vital
principles that underlie the whole movement of story telling. It,
therefore, invites the co-operation of all who believe in the story
telling idea, in the hope that great good may come through such a union
of interests.
The Editor of the MAGAZINE has devoted many years to the work of
story telling, and he earnestly hopes that through the columns of
the MAGAZINE greater opportunity may be afforded for direction and
organization, and thus make more permanent the whole story telling
movement.
There is a growing belief that in arranging the curriculum of studies
for the young the rights and interests of the child have received
but scant consideration. Mere drudgery has been translated to mean
development while hard labor with little thought to the tendencies and
attributes of the individual child has been accepted as education.
THE STORYTELLERS’ MAGAZINE offers itself as a champion of the rights
of the child in education, and it hopes with the co-operation of those
who know and believe in the efficacy of the story as a pleasing and
effective instrument of education to battle bravely for the rights and
liberties of the child, who has been aptly termed “the last serf of
civilization.”
* * * * *
Elsewhere in this issue will be found an “ANNOUNCEMENT” setting forth
in some detail the aims and ideals of the STORYTELLERS’ MAGAZINE.
The chief aim of this magazine is to serve the great cause of story
telling in a manner that will best satisfy the needs of _the greatest
number_ of those interested in the movement.
How shall this be accomplished? The answer to this question is
_Co-operation_.
The first issue of a magazine is something of an experiment. Its
make-up is open to criticism and discussion. Its friends can do it no
greater service than to disclose its shortcomings and point out the
road to improvement.
Criticism is usually divided into two schools, one constructive, the
other destructive; or better, let us say into friendly or unfriendly
criticism.
While we shall endeavor to turn all unfriendly comment into
constructive channels, we shall hope far more to profit by the
sympathetic assistance and helpful advice of friends and well-wishers.
The latch string is out to all, but a double welcome is assured to
those who “LEND A HAND.”