Storytelling 1 Lesson

Kristen Lewis

Topic: Storytelling
Specific objectives:

I.

Students will be able to tell a descriptive story about themselves that conveys
something meaningful about themselves

Required Materials: PowerPoint, worksheets with story guidelines (3 per page), slips of paper with
topics for activity

Lesson Sequence:
Business (~5 mins)
Small talk, take attendance as students walk in
Anticipatory set (Lead-In): How will you introduce your topic? (~10 mins)
To introduce the topic, I will present the students with this quote:
We are a culture built on storytelling. It is essential to the human experience.
I want the students to get together in pairs and answer three questions:
1. Do you agree with this quote?
2. Do you feel confident telling stories in English?
3. What do you think makes a good story?
Then, ask the students to share what they have found. Explain that today well be learning ways to
tell a good story in English in order to gain confidence and build relationships while speaking
English. Mention that it also helps to be able to express yourself in your new language!
Step-by-Step Procedures:

1.

Lecture (~10 mins)

Present the guidelines to the students.

2. Tell your own story (~5 mins)

Tell a personal story of your own, following all of the guidelines listed on the PowerPoint
slide/worksheet. It should be funny/uplifting. Nothing too serious.

3. Activity (~20 mins)

Print out the selection of topics Ive attached to the lesson plan. Were going to start the
activity with a White Elephant style exchange. Set the topics at the front of the classroom
and have everyone sit around them. One student will go first, choose a topic at random,
then read it aloud to the class. The next student can either steal a topic from another
student, or grab one from the pile. Continue until every student has a story topic. Give
them a few minutes with their topic alone to think of a story theyd like to tell! This isnt
easy even in your native language, so be mindful of this.
Then, put the students into pairs or groups of 3 depending on class size. If there is an
uneven number, assign your teacher partner to pair up with a student. They will be asked
to tell a story based on the topic they chose.
Closure: Comprehension Check (~5 mins)
How do you all feel about your stories and the stories you heard?
What is something interesting that you learned about your classmates?
When do you think being able to tell a story will be helpful in your life?
What part of storytelling was extra difficult for you?
How do you think this compares to the small talk weve been learning?
If it was really difficult, dont worry because well be practicing more on Monday!
Assessment Based on Objectives: How will you know if the student has learned anything?
Ill be walking around listening to the stories. Because the class is small, I wont have any troubles
keeping my attention on each pair/group, so I will be able to tell who is able to tell their story
confidently and who is struggling.

1. Tell a story about: an embarrassing moment in your life

2. Tell a story about: a time you were misunderstood

3. Tell a story about: your favorite trip

4. Tell a story about: your favorite teacher

5. Tell a story about: what you were like when you were 16

6. Tell a story about: an embarrassing moment in your life

7. Tell a story about: a time you were misunderstood

8. Tell a story about: your favorite trip

9. Tell a story about: your favorite teacher

10. Tell a story about: what you were like when you were 16

Ways to Frame a Story

1. Build the scene
1. Where does this story take place?
2. Who are you with?
2. Include your feelings, reactions, and inner thoughts
3. Talk about what is normal... And then explain why what happened isnt normal!
1. Typically when I walk to school, its beautiful and sunny, but today was so rainy and
windy that my umbrella went inside out!
4. Reflect on what happened

Ways to Frame a Story

1. Build the scene
1. Where does this story take place?
2. Who are you with?
2. Include your feelings, reactions, and inner thoughts
3. Talk about what is normal... And then explain why what happened isnt normal!
1. Typically when I walk to school, its beautiful and sunny, but today was so rainy and
windy that my umbrella went inside out!
4. Reflect on what happened

Ways to Frame a Story

1. Build the scene
1. Where does this story take place?
2. Who are you with?
2. Include your feelings, reactions, and inner thoughts
3. Talk about what is normal... And then explain why
what happened isnt normal!
1. Typically when I walk to school, its beautiful and sunny, but today was so rainy and
windy that my umbrella went inside out!
4. Reflect on what happened