Discussion task #1: Getting ready for storytelling

Discussion task #1: Getting ready for storytelling
 
Storytelling is a memorable moment in which learners establish strong connections with the language. What aspects are important in your opinion to take in consideration when planning a storytelling activity? How do they affect the moment in which we are with our students? 

I think creating anticipation is absolutely vital.
 Your voice, your tone, facial expressions, your level of interest, body language and the quietness and comfort of the classroom...and giving them a reason to listen. 
Having enough time, not rushing it.

Experience this week...

My 11-14 year olds (they are supposed to be 11-12... but our age categorisation is wonky and they age out by the end of the school year anyway) and I are talking about crime (pickpockets and such) and associated vocabulary at the moment - so we did that vocabulary last week and they all wrote stories for hw. 

Then we played 'remember, remember' where we all stood up and they had to match associated words and collocations and remember where they were placed by turning two large cards over at a timewith word or parts of phrases written on them like 'arrest' + 'a criminal' . 

Then - because they are too cool for story time per se (or feel they are!)- I played up to that and asked them about what their favourite stories were like 'when they were little' '5-6' and said it was now 'storytime' and to pretend they were little again :)

And I turned off the AC to have no noise ( and it would be cool enough for the short period of the story) and read in a quiet voice (but with expression when the characters spoke) and sat at the front of the class. And then had them try and remember the story and retell it to each other...it was all a (covert)vehicle for some grammar revision and presentation...but they didn't actually know that! They then each got a copy of the story and we went on to analyse the language etc.

Twas fun and I wouldn't have thought of using a story and the students had fun and the second class after rereading it a few times, one kid actually spontaneously asked to act it out and a few volunteered to the characters (which we are going to try and do in a couple of weeks - as it is Coptic Easter next week). Pretty good feeling for something I wrote at 11.30 pm at night - so thanks very much, Juan!

Comments

  1. Juan UribeApril 24, 2016 at 4:50 AM

    You are very welcome, Yasmin! 

    I can see you have just done what I suggested you in your other post. 

    You are very right when you mentioned that building anticipation is key. I could feel here in Toronto the coziness of your group together. Paying attention to details as turning off the air conditioner makes a big difference. 

    You have made it very emotional by getting them to remember their favourite stories of when they were younger. 

    Another point that I really enjoyed seeing was the working again with the story with students acting it out. Here they have certainly put a lot of their personality and have also made the language their own. 

    Must be great to be your student!

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