And They Learned Happily Ever After: Stories As Energizers in the Young

Learner Classroom.

Jos Luis Morales

Once upon a time a teacher wanted to galvanize the childrens interest in learning.

But he had a few concerns

So he read and read until he thought he had enough to persuade himselfand his coordinator.

and on hearing the scientific facts, the coordinator was finally persuaded.

And so Joe got ready to start building lessons around stories.

Whats a good story for language learning?

1. A story that you and your learners can

relate to.

2. A story written to captivate as well as teach something.

3. A story that has appealing illustrations that clarify meaning.

4. A story that follows the dramatic arc.

Exposition

Rising action

Climax

Falling action

Denoument

Gustav Freytags Dramatic Arc

Exposition

Rising Action

CLIMAX

Why use stories?

1. To introduce oral language patterns.

2. To integrate language skills.

3. To develop ability to interpret events.

4. To encourage a positive attitude to

reading.

5. To widen the childs world view.

Why use stories?

6. For cognitive development.

7. To enhance social & mental health.

8. To strengthen ethical value system.

9. To connect with other areas of learning.

10. To entertain and amuse.

References

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/

how_stories_change_brain retrieved 23/09/2014

Future of Storytelling: Paul Zak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHeqQAKHh3M retrieved 23/09/2014

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/219989/Gustav-Freytag retrieved 24/09/2014

Morales, J L, Wiltshier, J. 2012, Our Discovery Island, Students Book 6, Pearson, Harlow, UK.