Week Three: Discussion Task #1


Week Three: Discussion Task #1

Getting Ready For Storytelling

Stories are the oldest tool of teaching, and still the most potent. For most of human existence, we have used stories to share information and educate our offspring about the world. It is no wonder our brains have evolved to process stories more effectively than other formats of information. In fact, stories do more than allowing information transfer only.
 
In other words, storytelling as a particular method to teach language is powerful. Storytelling is a great way in teaching language because language learning happens unconsciously. It happens naturally when students to a certain degree understand the language. The best way of establishing strong connections with the language is listening to stories or listening to audios with natural, real language that learners understand. And when they understand, they do not need to be focusing on the parts, they do not need to focus on grammar or think about it. They will naturally get a feeling for English grammar without studying the rules. That is why storytelling is so powerful and also why is so enjoyable.
 
I think that the best thing to do is to make a story live. In a group of learners a teacher can not only tell the story but ask questions, so the audience helps to create the story together with the teacher. For example, the teacher asks may ask: “What was the bear’s name?” Then the audience will shout suggestions, their guess and then the teacher will choose one of their answers, so they can make the story together. In a live storytelling there’s a lot of energy. When there is an authentic and spontaneous interaction students are shouting, jumping with joy and there is much fun in the activity. It will help students to learn very fast and they will not be thinking about vocabulary and grammar. They will be totally focused on this exciting experience.
 
In sum, making the story live is super effective, the best and most powerful English lesson I know of. It’s incredible, it is fun, and it is fun for the teacher, fun for our students. This affects the time in which we are with them by super high and positive energy. It’s great to do the story live.

Comments

  1. Carolina Brenes BurgosApril 28, 2016 at 9:45 AM

    Love the quote, so powerful! And your explanation is so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Witold ZukowskiApril 28, 2016 at 3:02 PM

    Thank you for a positive comment, Carolina. In fact, I truly believe that interaction with the audience is one of the critical factors for planing a successful storytelling experience.

    Although the quote comes from a bit different story, it is really empowering. Yes,you are right. Totally. That's why I like it!

    ReplyDelete

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