Users
OutoftheBox is being used by a wide range of people including teachers, therapists, chaplains, mentors, community workers, faith leaders, spiritual accompaniers and care workers for older people. Whatever their context, more and more people are discovering the value of OutoftheBox for themselves and those they work with. People’s experience of OutoftheBox is described further below, including the rich seam of learning gathered from our pilot work in schools and other contexts. Our seven types of Wisdom, History, Arts, Nature, STEM, Religions and Faith are used in different contexts.
Schools
Schools were one of the first contexts in which OutoftheBox demonstrated its value. Experiences and learning were gathered and shared, supported by a review of how OutoftheBox supports schools’ existing teaching and leadership priorities.
“It gave them a safe place to say what they really thought and felt through a non-judgmental environment with freedom to interpret the story for themselves.”
“All the children were engrossed, including those with SEND and those with English as an additional language.”
“There was lots of excitement and anticipation of what was in the box, and superb conversations about what might be happening in the story.”
“The children took the initiative to want to become storytellers themselves and they worked together to tell me their story.”
“OutoftheBox on the earth using natural found objects was ideally suited to our forest school.”
For more information please see:
Story and Play in OutoftheBox and its Benefits in UK schools - the findings of a year’s pilot
A strategic analysis of how OutoftheBox links to the National Curriculum and Ofsted and SIAMS Inspection Frameworks
OutoftheBox - a playful approach to storytelling to bring wellbeing to schools. Introduction, an OutoftheBox session and an interview with Jennie Fytche describing examples of the impact in schools.
Assistant Headteacher, Jen Bayley, shares the impact that OutoftheBox is having on her class.
Jenny shares how OutoftheBox can bring well being and transformation to children in schools
Care Homes
OutoftheBox offers relational spiritual care to older people, including those living with dementia. An OutoftheBox session can help an older person feel loved, cared for and have a greater sense of belonging in their community. Our stories can help people to find meaning in life.
“‘My heart is touched by the story’ was one participant’s first response.”
“Even the least involved person at the table had a smile on their face at the end.”
“One resident arrived shouting and angry but really got engaged with the story, the response time and the further talk over tea. They left saying it had been really meaningful and they would love to come again.”
For more information, please see additional quotes about the value of OutoftheBox for older people.
Erica Roberts describes her experiences of using OutoftheBox in a memory cafe.
Kristin Kemsley - an activity co-ordinator - shares how OutoftheBox is bringing wellbeing to people in a care home.
Susanne Methven shares her experience of how OutoftheBox is bringing wellbeing and transformation to older people living with dementia.
Communities
OutoftheBox is being used in a variety of community settings. It is being used with groups of home educating families, supporting work with with those disadvantaged by society, and helping strengthen relationships in community projects. In all contexts, the storyteller models how to be together in community.
“The story was easy to learn and set up and provoked a lot of discussions - we only needed one wondering question and that kept us going for 15 minutes, which is a long time for this group!”
“Every week I am surprised by the level of concentration the participants bring to the story and the calm atmosphere the sessions create both through the story but also in the art response afterwards. There's also always humour and curiosity.”
Churches
OutoftheBox is a way of sharing and exploring stories from the Christian tradition in different types of gatherings: intergenerational worship, small Bible study groups, Messy Church, children’s groups, team meetings and Forest Church.
“It gave them time to relax and think more openly and freely about the topic we were discussing later. One person even said it was the best meeting he had ever been to!”
“The group has had several stories from OutoftheBox, and eagerly anticipated this one.”
“It was challenging and reassuring to see how stories from such different traditions, such as these Buddhist koans, can echo with themes familiar to those of other faiths and none.”