Telling Stories
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Whether you are a parent or a teacher, or both, you already know how much children like listening to stories. At times their imagination is fired by the story, at others they are desperately trying to predict what happens next, and sometimes they offer their own version of events or comment on the action or the illustrations. All this activity can be transferred to the foreign language. These notes on storytelling look at the processes involved in choosing, preparing and telling a story and at how a range of follow-up activities can provide links with many parts of the curriculum. The story and accompanying resources on this CD serve as examples of what can be done. It is hoped that teachers will be able to apply the same principle to the selection and adaptation of further stories.
There are many reasons for introducing story-telling to your foreign language programme: • No matter the stage that you are at in your foreign language learning, it is always easier to listen and understand than to speak. This is true for pupils too. • Listening to a story in the foreign language develops listening skills as pupils focus on words that are familiar and try to work out what is being said. Illustrations help that process of comprehension, especially for pupils who learn best when aural work is supported by visual stimuli. Pupils learn to make deductions through a combination of listening to the foreign language and looking at the illustrations. • Listening to correct pronunciation by native speakers is good in itself for pupils. • It is enjoyable, both for the pupils and for the teacher. The pupils find it relaxing and teachers enjoy the rapport of working with the whole group on a pleasurable activity.
These links will help with ideas:
