Hi! I’m Anna Manuel.
I help people who work with children jazz up their programs with stories so children become happy and motivated learners.
Embracing my unique skill sets as an educator, writer and storyteller, I support teachers, librarians, artists and community workers use stories to deliver low-prep, high-engagement programs that tick off multiple goals.
I know that through stories well told, children are inspired to read, write and tell THEIR stories. With more lives represented in the stories we tell make us better, kinder and calmer human beings.
My job is to help you enrich your programs with stories and deliver greater engagement and value for children and the community.
I bet that you're too exhausted to think of creative ways around stories in your work.
And I totally get it. I used to work full time as a teacher. I saw many students and staff go through the very packed curriculum without much vigor and light.
It wasn’t until I stepped back and discovered the many ways stories can be told and used that I found how to put back light in everyone’s eyes again.
When I started telling stories in ways that enthralled children, I became a responsive educator and inspired children to be happy and motivated learners.
Growing up bilingual in the Philippines, working overseas for 10 years, and married into a culturally-diverse family, I’ve seen how diversity adds so much colour and flavour in our lives!
My mission is to help you enrich your
programs and deliver greater engagement and value for children and the community.
I’ve seen how stories support literacy and cultivate cultural curiosity that make children happier and motivated learners.
I know everyone has a unique story to tell which is rooted from one’s background, experiences and dreams.
I’d love to hear yours.
Tongan Language School
We learned so much from our storytelling workshop led by the amazing Anna Manuel. Thank you so much Anna, for inspiring us and giving us new and effective teaching strategies and ideas to help us look at and teach the way we tell stories. We can't wait to use them in class!
Reach out and let’s chat!
Get my freebie goodies
I’m sharing my 3 Steps to a Standout Storytelling Session + my print-and-go plan for the National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 + blank story plan template you can use for your own purpose.
Watch my videos on Youtube
I write all sorts of stories - and record them so you get an idea different ways we can tell them. See how kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre) stories can enthrall and engage. Watch my body percussion story, breathing song and chants, among others.
Ethics Statement
I believe that through the stories we create, we can show different lives represented so that that children we work with feel acknowledged and celebrated members of our multicultural society. The more lives represented in the stories we tell make us better, kinder and calmer human beings.
I’m committed to making this possible for all people who engage with me and amplify the voices that need the space to be heard. I strive to learn, advocate, act in solidarity with causes that support equality, justice, and acceptance for all.
YOU are welcome here: people of colour, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+. I strive to build a community where everyone feels empowered to speak their truth and share their authentic selves. I celebrate and honour stories, creativity and contributions of my clients, peers, and partners.
