STORYTELLING

UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES OF

WORDS
 Value of Storytelling
 A sharing experience that leads to books
 Discovery of the way an author creates
mood, response and images
 Introduces books of quality
 Encourages the art of listening
 Introduces patterns of language and extends
vocabulary
 Keeps alive the cultural heritage of a people
 Pick the RIGHT story to tell!
 A single theme, clearly defined
 A well developed plot
 Style – vivid word pictures, pleasing
sounds, rhythm
 Characterization: believable, qualities such
as good and evil, beauty
 Dramatic appeal
 Appropriateness for the listener
A Story a Month – TLC -reserve
 If you give a pig a  The little mouse, the
pancake big hungry bear and
 Pumpkin pumpkin the red ripe strawberry
 Mouse paint  Are you my mother?
 The napping house  The carrot seed
 The snowy day  The very busy spider
 Hattie and the Fox  The kissing hand
 In the tall, tall grass  What a wonderful
world
 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Is the story selection appropriate for a

Storytelling activity? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Does the material adequately reflect the student

learning objective and appropriate grade level? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Does the material and lesson plan reflect time,

thought, and CREATIVITY in preparation? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Is the material and lesson plan developmentally

appropriate for early childhood education with
neat and legible handwriting? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Are student directions on or with the material

and clearly stated at the appropriate reading
level? Is material self-checking for students? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Is the material neat, attractive and free

from cultural or sexual stereotyping? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Does the lesson plan address use of material

in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate
way? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Does the material reinforce retelling

and story sequence? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Does the lesson include an appropriate

assessment for retelling? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Is the material durable and placed in an

appropriate container for center activities? 0 1 2 3 4 5
Comments:
 Guidelines for Storytelling
 Choose a story you are familiar with/like
 Read it two or three times
 Get the main order of the story in your mind
 Try telling the story to yourself
 Reread the story/mirror & tape
 Add facial and hand expressions/noises
 Use your voice for character traits and to
express suspense, surprise, joy, sorrow, etc
 More guidelines
 Keep your eyes moving over audience
 Use pauses wisely
 Write down specific rhymes on backs of
cards if you need a reminder
 Add poetry, songs, folklore
 Use props/materials to add to story
 Practice, practice, practice
 Good luck telling your stories