Stories

In primary education, stories should be widely used as a meaningful context for learning. They can often become a springboard for a whole unit of work and can easily be connected with other areas of the curriculum, such as science, art and music.

How to tell a story in English

  1. Generate expectation

  2. Build on previous knowledge

  3. Interact with the children - Active involvement not passive reception

  4. Follow up with an activity.

  5. Don't be afraid of retelling the same story again and again

IDEAS FOR WORKING WITH STORIES


  • Make mini books to take home to read.

  • Make a class book based on the original.

  • Play a game based on the book (I spy, Where’s the...? We’re going on a _____ hunt? Treasure hunt, Story bingo, pairs, snap)

  • Story sequencing and story sacks

  • Change the story (eg. The Very Hungry Tadpole) or the ending (good for traditional stories).

  • Act out the story with puppets or masks.

  • Do a role play based on the story

  • Make a class display.

  • Create a simple book review or BookTuber video.

  • Create a class library and reading corner.

  • Make a small world corner with cut outs, vocabulary from the story, realia or costumes and masks

  • Find (or make up) a song or dance about the story

  • Listen to audio or alternative versions

  • Do an Art and Craft activity or a science experiment related to the story (Polar Bear, Polar Bear, what do you hear?)

  • Find an online game to play