1,2,3,4,5.1 (A) determine the purpose(s) for listening such as to get information, to solve problems, and to enjoy and appreciate (K-3);
1,2,3.1 (C) participate in rhymes, songs, conversations, and discussions (K-3);
1,2,3.1D) listen critically to interpret and evaluate (K-3);
.1(E) listen responsively to stories and other texts read aloud, including selections from classic and contemporary works (K-3); and
1.1(F) identify the musical elements of literary language such as its rhymes or repeated sounds (K-1).
2,3.1(F) identify the musical elements of literary language such as its rhymes, repeated sounds, or instances of onomatopoeia (2-3).
4,5.2(A) interpret speakers' messages (both verbal and nonverbal), purposes, and perspectives (4-8);
1,2,3.2(B) compare language and oral traditions (family stories) that reflect customs, regions, and cultures (K-3).
4,5.2(C) distinguish between the speaker's opinion and verifiable fact (4-8); and
4,5.3(C) assess how language choice and delivery affect the tone of the message (4-5).
1,2,3.3(A) choose and adapt spoken language appropriate to the audience, purpose, and occasion, including use of appropriate volume and rate (K-3);
1,2,3.3(D) present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems, or plays (K-3); and
4,5.4(B) compare oral traditions across regions and cultures (4-8); and
1,2,3,.4(C) clarify and support spoken messages using appropriate props such as objects, pictures, and charts (K-3); and
1,2,3.4(D) retell a spoken message by summarizing or clarifying (K-3).
4,5.5(A) adapt spoken language such as word choice, diction, and usage to the audience, purpose, and occasion (4-8);
4,5.5(C) present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems, or plays to communicate (4-8);
4,5.5(D) use effective rate, volume, pitch, and tone for the audience and setting (4-8);
4,5.12(C) identify the purposes of different types of texts such as to inform, influence, express, or entertain (4-8);
1,2,3.12(C) retell or act out the order of important events in stories (K-3);
4,5.12(G) understand literary forms by recognizing and distinguishing among such types of text as stories, poems, myths, fables, tall tales, limericks, plays, biographies, and autobiographies (3-7);
4,5.12(H) analyze characters, including their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes they undergo (4-8);
4,5.12(I) recognize and analyze story plot, setting, and problem resolution (4-8); and
1.13(C) respond through talk, movement, music, art, drama, and writing to a variety of stories and poems in ways that reflect understanding and interpretation (K-1);
4,5.13(E) summarize and organize information from multiple sources by taking notes, outlining ideas, and making charts (4-8);
4,5.14(E) exhibit an identifiable voice in personal narratives and in stories (4-5);
1,2,3.14(G) analyze characters, including their traits, feelings, relationships, and changes (1-3);
1,2,3.14(H) identify the importance of the setting to a story's meaning (1-3); and
1,2,3,.14(I) recognize the story problem(s) or plot (1-3).
I. Developing Interest
Activities:
1. Tell the group a short story
1. Listen to a recording or tape of a short story
2. Each person gives the title of their favorite story
3. Categorize these stories into myths, folktales, fairy tales, legends, biography, original stories, family stories, modern or realistic stories.
4. Tell a humorous incident or a family story to group
II. Problem Focusing
Activities:
1. Each student will find a story
2. Play a short tape of a story and outline or map together as a group
3. Break into small groups and each person tells a part of the story from the map, embellishing and elaborating on ideas, characters, explains how a character feels, and speaks in character’s voice
4. Each student makes a map of the story he/she chooses, noting any chants, rhymes or repetitions
III. Developing Vocal Variety
Activities:
1. Use vocal warm-ups
2. Use the call and echo chant, “Chick-a Boom”
3. Explain the usefulness of changing pitch, rhythm, volume, inflection, and quality
4. Use BERT AND I recordings to encourage students to try vocal sound effects for objects, machines, and animals
5. Play Pass the Picture game to help students try on different character voices
6. Play Pass the Story using a stick or spoon
IV. Developing Movement Variety
Activities:
1. Use Body Warm-Ups or any dance/drama movements
2. Play Wave Craze
3. Play King of the Land theater game
V. Developing Mime and Music
Activities:
1. Teach students the mime techniques of walking, running, climbing, feeling a wall, and holding objects
2. Display percussion instruments. Explore their sound capabilities. Brainstorm possible uses for sound effects in stories
3. Chant the title of a story with a percussion instrument as a rhythmic accompaniment
4. Practice call and call echo chants and magic words
5. Take any simple song such as :I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and change the words to fit the story. Try singing the song using the character voice
VI. Developing Performance Techniques
Activities:
1. Discuss stage fright as a necessary ingredient for any public performance or speech
2. Novice storytellers may feel more comfortable knowing they can look over the heads of the audience and the audience will not know that they are not giving eye contact. This technique might be needed for a while to avoid being distracted.
3. Forgetting a part is not a crime. Simply say, “Oh, by the way” and add whatever was needed
4. Teach students to elaborate on what was just said if they forget where they are in a story or if their minds go blank
5. Have each student tell a story to 10 different people. These people are always asked what they liked and what was not clear. Small children enjoy having the listeners sign the back of their outlines
6. Have students practice the beginning and ending of their story in various positions: standing, sitting in a chair or stool, using movement, sitting on a magic carpet, lights low, using a chant or drum, etc.
7. Discuss costuming
8. Discuss props or other storytelling aids: Puppets, pairing, musical instruments, etc
