Reading will set your students free

Resultado de imagen para literature for children

Have you ever wonder why reading stories to students is the most valuable tool to develop their critical thinking? Stories help us make sense of the world, stories help us develop empathy.

Why a story-based approach?
Children’s emotional & social growth

Stories help to link fantasy/imaginative world with real world, helping children make sense of their everyday life.
Listening to stories in class is a social experience and allows children to share emotions as a group and forge a deep connection with others.
Stories reflect cultural information (values, customs) which helps children understand and express‘ difference’ and develop intercultural awareness and understanding
Stories reflect universal themes, encouraging children to identify what they share in common with others.

Stories consist of 3 basic elements:
Characters – protagonist /antagonist
Plot – sequence of events that build tensions/ conflicts & resolve them
Setting – places (real or imaginary) where actions unfold

You can also work with different areas related to one story, for instance:
Cross-curricular dimension
Story books are recommended for cross-curricular teaching in primary and middle school
Stories can reinforce other subjects:
Maths (time & numbers)
Science (animals, nature, the body)
Art (drawing, collages, puppets)
Geography (maps, places, the environment)
History (chronology, identify)

Stories are motivating and enjoyable. They help develop a positive attitude toward the English language & culture.

Post storytelling stage is a great opportunity for language work
• benefits:
checking comprehension – recycling language (lexis and grammar) – interaction with text improves comprehension – promoting ‘noticing’ .

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Reading will set you free

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