This activity will expose children to multicultural storytelling - folk tales, fables, historical events, and family histories. Storytelling is an excellent way for students to learn about their heritage and the heritage of others. It will help the students understand the concepts of culture and ethnic diversity. In this lesson, students will practice telling stories and will demonstrate their skills to their peers.
Students write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Each group of students will choose one of the folk tales they have read and present it to the class. The teacher or some other storyteller should demonstrate storytelling. Prepare students for the experience by discussing the storyteller's art, and directing students to watch for such skills as eye contact, facial expressions, use of the voice, body movements and timing. Discuss listening skills and have students practice these during all the storytelling sessions. Debrief the storyteller experience, concentrating on the skills of oral communication listed above.