As I ventured through various forms of creative writing, I discovered a form of art
that's been around for centuries… Storytelling. There's a great deal of history behind it and it's simply an area which you
can research. But more importantly, it's essential that storytelling is part of your language arts curriculum. It's an
effective tool that enhances students' oral and writing abilities. Let me explain!
During the month of January 2010, I sat with my third graders and shared a tale I
learned 40 years ago. It was told without props or scripts, using only gestures and words. I was amazed how each student
was attentive and focused on every word I spoke. At that moment, I knew my students were craving for this art form so I
decided to make it a weekly ritual!
Storytelling fosters many skills such as speaking, listening, vocabulary, writing,
imagination, creativity, and confidence. There is a strong correlation between storytelling and writing. Just think… as
students develop into creative thinkers and speakers, their creative writing begins to blossom. It's simple but true.
Note: I know there are exceptions to this. At times, children may have difficulty putting their creative
thoughts on paper due to weak fine motor/writing skills or lack of motivation.
At this point, my students are learning a well known folktale, myth, legend, or fairy
tale that will be told in front of peers. They are practicing how to make
eye contact, utilize gestures and words, exercise
voice mechanics, and include humor or suspense to keep their listeners' interest. I've listened to a few of my students
perform in class and it has sent chills up my spine.
If you are interested in storytelling and would like to begin a unit, read the ideas
below. Model before your students attempt it. Invite a storyteller to come in. Check the local library for resources in
your community. Good luck and have fun as you journey through storytelling!
Storytelling Ideas
1) Before you start, learn the
history of storytelling. Make sure you share the history with your class.
2)
Model storytelling! You can make this a daily or weekly activity. Make eye contact with every student in class. Include
facial and body gestures. Apply voice mechanics by enunciating clearly. Use expression!
Keep in mind… no props. Your voice
is your tool.
3) When ready, have students choose a simple
folktale, fairy tale, myth, or
legend. To learn it thoroughly, they should
read their story repeatedly to increase oral fluency.
4) Give students an
organizer to list key phrases from the story they chose. This will help them practice and remember the
important parts. Students who have difficulty writing can draw pictures. Pictures are valuable when learning to tell a tale.
Students can practice their storytelling in front of a peer, small group, family members, stuffed animal, or mirror.
5) Students can record their story on a
tape recorder. Then peers are welcomed to listen. If needed, students can make
adjustments. This works well for students who have a fear of performing in front of an audience.
6) To challenge your students, have them
compose a story and share it using storytelling techniques. Through this, students
acquire ownership.
7) As a
group project, have your students learn a tale. Then ask them to sit in a circle. Each child will add a sentence
as the story is told. This can be done when writing a story too!
Note: Remember, we frequently tell stories at home and work. Therefore, we are all storytellers.