Using Language and videos to Tell Stories

Target:
What are the features of storytelling and how can we use those features as a guideline for performance?

Motivation: ( As bell ringer question)
Have you ever had an experience with storytelling? Has someone ever told you a story? Have you ever told someone a story?

Development: (Using English orally)
Discuss students' answers, then ask if there's a difference between telling a story and storytelling.

Introduce the five features of storytelling:
1. tells a story (beginning, middle, end)
2. Uses language
3. Incorporates vocals, gestures, movements
4. Interactive (teller & audience)
5. Audience is inspired/required to use imagination

Model:
Show video clip of a story telling performance.
What happened in the beginning of the story? The middle? The end?
When did the teller's voice change and what did it add to the story?
What gestures did you notice? Movements?
How did the teller get the audience to interact?
Did the story help you, the audience; create a picture in your mind?

Collaborative learning
Students are divided into groups of 3. Each group is assigned a fable.
After reading the fable, the group divides the story into 3 parts (beginning, middle, end) and each student in the group chooses one part.
One at a time, each group member takes a turn to read his/her part aloud, while the rest of the group listens as the audience.
After each member reads - vocals, gestures, and movements are decided upon by the group and added.
Groups practice their performances.

Groups take turns presenting their story telling performance to the whole class.

Performances are recorded (video, audio) as first drafts.
Each group is assigned a short story originating from a different region (i.e. African Trickster tales, Asian fables, etc.)
and a description of storytelling rituals specific to that region/culture (i.e. African griots, Asian Chuang)
Art:
Students can create props, costumes for their performances.

Extended learning:
Social Skills/Character:
Discuss reasons for story telling (tradition, education, bonding, community building)
and proper audience behaviors (patience, active listening, and eye contact) help students revise and improve final drafts/performances.
Podcast final performances for school viewing using our in-school "close-circuit" t.v program.