1. Guiding Storytelling Experiences
Chapter 20
Guiding Storytelling Experiences

2. Did You Know…
The art of storytelling has delighted millions of children throughout the ages.

3. What was your favorite story?
What types of stories did you grow up reading?
What were some of your favorites?
Clifford
Dr. Seuss
Disney
Bernstein Bears
Corduroy

4. The Importance of Storytelling
Storytelling helps young children
understand other people
develop a positive attitude toward books
develop listening skills
build correct concepts of objects and form new ideas
increase their vocabulary

5. The Importance of Storytelling
associate written and spoken words
understand that printed words carry meanings
learn the difference between everyday conversation and written language
develop a desire to read
learn that people read from left to right across a page

6. Books as a Source of Stories
Picture books: books with single words or simple sentences and simple plots
Storybooks: books characterized as family life stories, animal stories, and fairy tales; these books contain pictures, but they have more words and a more complex plot then picture books

7. Story Books
Family life stories: stories that contain a theme of social understanding
Animal stories: stories with animals who have some human qualities
Fairy tales: stories that have a theme of achievement

8. Selecting Books for Children
Choose books with dramatic elements
Reviews help you find titles, authors, and publishers of books
Reviews: lists and descriptions of books

9. Illustrations Illustrations should be large and colorful
represent the written word
reflect actions
avoid unneeded detail
be realistically and attractively colored

10. Vocabulary
A good children’s book uses words that can be understood by most children of a certain age.
Only a few words should be introduced in a story.
Repetition will increase children’s enjoyment.

11. Durability Children should be allowed to carry books and turn pages.
Books should be durable.
Pages need to be sturdy.
Pages need to be dull and prevent glare.
Binding should open so the book lies flat.

12. Length Length differs with the age for which the book is appropriate.
Infants and toddlers: a few minutes
Two-year-olds: 5–8 minutes
Three-year-olds: 6–10 minutes
Four-year-olds: 8–12 minutes
Five-year-olds: 10–15 minutes

13. Selecting Books Based on Age

14. Selecting Books Based on Age

15. END PART 1

16. Avoiding Stories That Reinforce Stereotypes
Stereotypes: preset ideas about people based on one characteristic such as sex, culture, nationality, religion, or age
Sexism: any action, attitude, or outlook used to judge a person based only on the sex of that person

17. Reading Stories to Children
Three steps that need to be taken before reading to young children:
choose stories both you and the children will enjoy
become familiar with that story
decide how you will present the story

18. Preparing to Read Read the story several times so you know it well.
Build oral reading skills.
Decide whether you want to tell or read the story.
Ensure a comfortable setting for reading stories.
Make sure story groups are small.
Quiet the children down before story time.

19. Introducing the Story Begin by setting the mood
Props: any items that relate to the story and would attract children's attention
Explain any words the children might not know
Make the children feel that there is something special about to be shared

20. Reading the Story Read stories with pleasure and feeling.
Maintain eye contact with the children.
Pause before introducing a new idea.
Read the story in a normal speaking voice, but use variations when necessary.

21. Handling Interruptions
Interruptions are often questions. Pause and answer them.
Do not make an issue of wiggling children.
Encourage the children to sit quietly and listen.

22. Maintaining Interest
Read the children’s interest in their laughter, stillness, or expressions.
You may have to talk faster, skip some details, or end the story.

23. Ending Stories The ending should be clear.
Be prepared to read the story over and over if it works well.

24. Evaluating Your Performance
Children’s reactions are good feedback.
Note your strengths as well as weaknesses.
Build on strengths and eliminate weakness.

25. Teaching About Books What children learn about books as you read:
Books have front and back covers.
The front cover shows the book’s title and author’s name.
The illustrator prepares the drawings.
Books have a beginning and end
People read from left to right.

26. Achieving Variety in Storytelling
Decide whether you will read from a book or make up your own story.
Practice the story in front of a mirror using a tape recorder until you know the story well.
Young children will stay interested if you use several methods.

27. Puppets Puppets have always appealed to young children.
After telling the story, place the puppet in the library area.

28. Individual or Group Stories
Children can be clever storytellers when given the chance.
After any special event, have the children record their stories.

29. Flipcharts
Flipcharts: stories drawn on large tag board cards

30. Slide Stories
Often center around pictures taken on field trips or during classroom events like holiday parties
At the end of the year, the slide story can be told

31. Flannel Boards
Flannel board (or felt board): storytelling that uses characters and props cut out of felt and placed on a felt background

32. Retelling Stories
Reinforces children’s ability to receive and express information
Listening the first time, children develop vocabulary and a sense of story structure
Hearing retellings helps children reflect on and share their own life experiences

33. Displaying Books An important area of the classroom is the library.
The library should be located away from traffic.
The books in this area should be chosen carefully.
Developmental needs should be considered.

34. Objectives Explain the advantages of storytelling.
List the four types of children’s books.
Discuss the process of choosing children’s books.
Outline the steps to follow when reading aloud to children.
Explain a variety of storytelling methods.