Story telling for preschoolers

Story telling is one of the top demands of preschool

kids. Children love to listen to stories. Their brains are
stimulated with new words and vocabulary for their
language skill and their attention span is stretched as
they listen to interesting stories being told.
s.

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING STORIES

For 3 and 4 year olds:
Avoid stories with strong fear element. Therefore some fairy
tales with witches and death should be avoided in your story
until children can better separate fact from fantasy.
The stories should be realistic, short, simple linear plot and with
repetition.
Little kids prefer stories about animals, other children and
people.
For 5 and 6 year olds:
Children are able to distinguish fact from fantasy, therefore
stories can be more complicated.
Children prefer stories with surprise endings, adventure stories
and silly stories

MATERIALS / METHOD TO USE IN STORY

TELLING
A story can be told while using our own self and facial
expression as visual aids. Other visual aids that may be used
are :
1. Flip Charts
Illustrations or picture representing the story are put on
heavy paper and then attached with large size rings. You can
also purchase a flip chart easel board at the supplies store.
For each page, words are printed on the back of the following
page. This is for easy reading as the page is flipped over.
The teacher should retain eye-to-eye contact as the children
view the pictures during the story telling time.

MATERIALS / METHOD TO USE IN STORY TELLING

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2. Single object or picture

Example: doll, animal figure or puppet may be used for single
focus as the story is being told.
3. Flannel Board Stories
Use medium-weight Pellon colored with marking pens or
crayons
Traced the figures from the picture books or coloring books
A small piece of masking tape with a number is paste on the
back of each figure. This is to help the teacher to put the
figures in the story in correct sequence.
Rehearse and practice telling the story with using the pictures.

MATERIALS / METHOD TO USE IN STORY TELLING

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4. Record or record book.
5. Tape-recorded story that is presented with or without pictures
according to
the age of the kids.
6. Demonstrations
7. Dramatizations during or following the presentation.
8. Film, filmstrips, slides, ...etc
9. Movie-box stories
Put story illustrations on a long piece of butcher paper. Roll
the paper on
rollers. Show each illustration as it is unrolled
and viewed in a box with a
hold cut in it,resembling a TV
screen

MATERIALS / METHOD TO USE IN STORY

TELLING
10. Chalk-talk stories.
Use simple chalkboard illustrations to accompany a story.
11. Child involvement.Give each child a picture, object to hold
during a particular part of the story.
12. Overhead transparencies, powerpoint...etc

PREPARATION BEFORE STORY TELLING

Story should be well prepared before presenting
Careful preparation is needed to create a vivid experience for
children. Allow adequate time to learn the story thoroughly.
Outline in your mind the story events in their sequence. Recall
the characters, the names and where they fit into the sequence
of the events.
Practice telling the story, but do not try to memorize the
author's exact words.
If visual aids will accompany the story telling, practice using
them.
Practice the appropriate gesture, perhaps in front of a mirror.
Make a note of words or references the children might not
understand, so that you can make explanations before the story
telling begins, so the story can progress without interruptions.

GUIDELLINES TO STORY TELLING

1. Make sure all children are comfortable and able to see the story teller.
2. Use eye-to-eye contact in telling the story.
3. Keep a clear, natural and casual voice that reaches all children.
Change the pitch and tempo to add interest in your voice.
4. Use spontaneous, natural gestures and appropriate facial expression.
5. Keep the story telling session full of life, simple and direct.
6. Draw on your own experiences to add richness and meaning to the
story.
7. Do not hesitate to ask an occasional question or make an explanation.
8. Do not lose the flow and the feeling of the story.
9. Include the young children names in the story wherever possible.
They will enjoy more of it when they have become the characters in the
story.