INTRODUCTION
Reasons for choosing the topic
English serves as a vital international language, permeating various aspects of life, including education, economics, and politics It is taught across all educational levels, starting from Kindergarten through to university, making it an essential subject in schools Teaching English to young learners presents unique challenges, as their learning styles differ significantly from those of adults and teenagers Engaging children through storytelling not only motivates them but also fosters enthusiasm for the language, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of English Storytelling is a crucial element in children's literacy development, as it has long been recognized as an effective learning tradition that supports language acquisition.
A short story, defined as a fictional prose work shorter than a novel (Fatma, 2012), serves as an engaging medium that fosters students' interest in learning English These narratives are not only entertaining but also inspiring, encouraging positive attitudes and a desire for continued education By immersing themselves in stories, students can tap into their imagination and creativity while also gaining valuable moral lessons The emotional responses elicited by short stories—such as laughter, sorrow, and excitement—promote trust and contribute to social and emotional development, making them an effective tool for enhancing language learning.
At Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre, English is not only taught for language specialized students but also for young learners of all levels
Incorporating various methods into English language teaching has significantly enhanced the quality of learning for students studying English as a Foreign Language Storytelling, in particular, stands out for its effectiveness, as it encourages the use of more language through communicative activities, fostering student initiative and active participation This approach transforms traditional teaching methods, promoting a shift from a teacher-led classroom to a more student-centered learning environment.
Supplementary activities are embraced with enthusiasm by both teachers and students in my context However, they demand significant knowledge, preparation, and suitable physical conditions, along with a strong commitment and patience from educators.
I have been actively implementing various communicative activities that I designed and adapted, resulting in significant benefits for my students.
In this article, I aim to explore the use of storytelling as an effective method for teaching English, along with supplementary activities designed for English teachers By sharing experiences and fostering common ideas, I hope to inspire even small changes in the teaching and learning of English, despite the challenges involved Storytelling has proven beneficial for teaching vocabulary, language patterns, and enhancing overall language skills While I won’t categorize the activities, as many serve multiple purposes, some are adapted from existing resources, while others are my own original designs.
To enhance English learning effectiveness among students at the Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre, I have implemented various strategies to foster enthusiasm in teaching and learning By helping students master vocabulary and patterns through storytelling, they will find reading skills more accessible and enjoyable.
Above all, for teachers, the facilitators will help them be active, creative, feel responsible not only does he teach, moderate, but also inspire young learners
This article explores effective strategies for utilizing storytelling skills in teaching English to young learners, focusing on enhancing vocabulary and sentence patterns By incorporating storytelling techniques, educators can help children feel more at ease and boost their confidence in language learning.
Research Question
Having gone through some relevant literatures on teaching English skills, the researcher formulate the following two research questions
1 Does teaching short story develop the third , the fourth and the fifth grade student‟s English skills at Nghe An continuing Education Centre?
2 Do pupils think of using short story develop their English skills?
The Aim of this Study
The aim of this study is to know the fifth grade students ‟development on English skills through teaching short story at Nghe An continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre.
Scope of the study and significance of study
In this article, I will share valuable suggestions for using various short stories as effective tools to help young learners practice and enhance their English skills during lesson preparation.
The significances of this study were expected to provide some advantages for English teaching and learning process The significances of this study are:
1 For young learners as the subjects of the study, it was expected that they would take the advantages of the study They could learn how to improve their skills of speaking, reading, listening
2 For the teachers at Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre, it was expected that the teachers could improve their technique of teaching interestingly and effectively so that the pupils would enjoy the study.
CONTENT
Literature Review
Storytelling is the art of sharing narratives, including myths, legends, fables, and personal tales, primarily through oral tradition According to Shorrocks (1995), storytelling involves utilizing voice and body language to convey narratives directly between individuals It encompasses the full sequence of events in a fictional work, presented in the order they would naturally occur Leung (2004) emphasizes that storytelling organizes information meaningfully, evokes emotions, and fosters community In ESL learning, stories serve to teach language, entertain, and provide cultural insights Teachers must consider the significance of the story, its qualities, and its relevance to their students Effective storytelling requires careful technique, as noted by Wright (1995), who highlights the importance of delivery, including voice, language, and body language Incorporating stories from diverse cultures, as well as those from students' own backgrounds, enriches the learning experience.
2 The Importance of using storytelling in teaching
Storytelling is an effective educational strategy for young learners, as it captivates their imagination and engages them in the learning process By listening to stories, children encounter vibrant characters and scenarios that enhance their understanding of real-life experiences and language This method fosters knowledge, literacy, creativity, and critical thinking, making it particularly beneficial for teaching foreign languages Storytelling promotes expressive language development in both oral and written forms, introduces new vocabulary, and inspires children to emulate the language they encounter Furthermore, it encourages active participation, allowing children to construct meaning and respond to the narrative, which aids comprehension Overall, storytelling transforms language learning into an enjoyable and interactive experience, enriching children's mental processes as they visualize characters and themes.
3 Benefits of using storytelling in teaching
Incorporating storytelling in the ESL classroom enhances language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation while also fostering imagination, creativity, and socioemotional development This powerful tool can significantly influence students' behavior and manners, making it an effective method for holistic learning.
When we share stories, children attentively absorb both new and familiar vocabulary, enhancing their understanding through active listening By focusing on the words, along with supportive gestures and learning materials, they deepen their comprehension ESL educators recognize that fostering these listening skills is essential for effective language acquisition.
3.2 They kindle creativity and imagination
Stories ignite children's imaginations, allowing them to explore new ideas and envision unknown worlds During storytime, limitless possibilities unfold, offering a transformative escape even on tough days Through storytelling, children can journey to serene places like mountains or beaches, while also creating and sharing their own unique tales.
3.3 Stories boost student interest in reading
Reading is a powerful tool that expands knowledge and opens up new worlds Unfortunately, in today's digital age, many people struggle with maintaining good reading habits Encouraging children to develop a love for reading fosters lifelong learning and awareness of diverse cultures and beliefs Moreover, individuals with cultural knowledge often exhibit greater empathy As educators, it is our responsibility to nurture the future generation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion in their development.
3.4 They increase focus and concentration
Establishing a consistent storytelling schedule can effectively soothe an energetic classroom, enhancing students' attention spans and concentration skills Initially, storytelling may present challenges, but as it becomes a regular routine, children will not only embrace the activity but also demonstrate improved focus and engagement.
Storytime is an effective method for enhancing English vocabulary among young learners Through repetitive storytelling, students build confidence and often share these stories with peers This practice not only enriches their vocabulary but also reinforces their understanding of tenses and pronunciation, all while they engage with the narrative.
Moral stories promote good manners and empathy, serving as essential tools for social development in classrooms and fostering positive lifelong behaviors By teaching valuable life lessons through engaging storytelling, these narratives present important topics in a fun, indirect, and non-threatening way.
Storytime is an invaluable tool in English language teaching, offering diverse methods to engage young learners beyond traditional books Utilizing props, flashcards, rhymes, realia, puppets, pictures, toys, and gestures allows facilitators to create interactive storytelling experiences This approach not only enhances language acquisition but also fosters essential personal skills that benefit children throughout their lives.
4 A brief overview of English courses for young learners at Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre
Having conducted over 15 classes with learners of varying abilities, I have gathered valuable insights that will enhance our future tutoring sessions My research revealed that traditional training methods and handbook activities were not effective in improving learner performance Consequently, I shifted my focus to storytelling techniques in all my classes, and I am confident that this approach has yielded positive results.
5.Teaching English for Young Learners through Story Telling
Storytelling is an effective method for engaging young learners in English language education, as children have a natural affinity for stories When teachers share stories, students are eager to listen, understand the narrative, and enjoy the experience of hearing English This approach not only captivates their interest but also encourages them to explore storybooks independently, enhancing their learning experience and motivation in English lessons.
Brewster, Ellis, and Girard (2004) recommend several effective storytelling techniques to enhance student engagement and comprehension Start with brief storytelling sessions to accommodate students' attention spans, and read slowly and clearly, allowing time for students to connect visuals with the narrative Encourage participation by prompting students to repeat key vocabulary and phrases, using gestures and facial expressions to reinforce meaning Vary your storytelling pace and voice modulation, pausing for dramatic effect and to give students time to absorb details Differentiate characters' voices to signal dialogue changes and ask questions to foster interaction Finally, don't hesitate to repeat and expand on ideas, providing students with more opportunities to grasp the language and confirm their understanding.
Supplementary activities as inputs for English classes
1 Definition of input in second language learning
Input encompasses the authentic language exposure that learners encounter, sourced from teachers, peers, and their surrounding environment This input is crucial as it lays the foundation for intake, which refers to the process of internalizing and processing this language input for practical application.
• Watch movies, dramas, online video clips
• Listen to audio files and podcasts
• The brain produces sentences based on the sentences it has seen or heard (input)
To enhance your language skills, it's essential to provide your brain with ample exposure to correct and comprehensible sentences, whether written or spoken Before you begin speaking or writing in a foreign language, your brain needs sufficient input of accurate sentences in that language.
2 Teaching English for Young Learners through Story Telling
Storytelling is an effective method for engaging young learners in the English language, as children are naturally drawn to stories When teachers narrate tales, students eagerly listen and become curious about the narrative, fostering a desire to comprehend the events This approach not only enhances their enjoyment of English lessons but also encourages them to explore storybooks independently, making learning both fun and interactive.
To enhance storytelling in the classroom, begin with brief sessions to avoid overwhelming students Read slowly and clearly, allowing time for them to connect the narrative with illustrations, think critically, and engage through questions and comments Encourage participation by inviting students to repeat key vocabulary, using gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning Vary your storytelling pace and voice to maintain interest, and pause strategically to emphasize points and allow for comprehension Use distinct voice modulation for different characters to clarify dialogue and enhance understanding Engage students with questions and don’t hesitate to repeat or expand on ideas, providing them with additional opportunities to grasp the language and confirm their understanding.
Typical activities applied for teaching English through storytelling
2 The fairy tales Little Red Riding hood as a sample
➢ Aims: To help learners remember vocabulary and structure to speak out in class
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file
- Each team look at the story with underned words or sentences or cards with words or sentences on the screen in 30 seconds or 1 minute and try to remember it
- In group speak out as many words or sentences as possible
- The whole team come to the board to write the words or sentences, saying one by one, the other team give feedback by showing the picture on the screen
- If they have correct words or sentences they will get ten points
- The group with more points will be the winner
➢ Aims: To introduce learners vocabulary relating to certain topics
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- In group pupils search words relating to the story they’ve learnt
- Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task
Students can generate ideas rapidly within a limited timeframe through brainstorming, which can be conducted individually or in groups based on the context This approach encourages learners to express their thoughts freely, as it fosters an environment where ideas are not criticized, promoting openness and creativity in sharing new concepts.
➢ Aims: To elicit vocabulary and structures relating to certain topics
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- In group pupils write down as many words as they can to decribe the characters in the story
- Students read the questions in the map and answer
➢ Aims: To check the memory of what pupils have read
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- In pairs pupils reoder the events of the story
- Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task
➢ Aims: To check vocabulary and structures pupils have learnt
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task
➢ Aims: To check vocabulary and structures Ss have learnt
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task
➢ Aims: To introduce learners vocabulary relating to certain topics
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- In group pupils write the description of each picture
- Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task
➢ Aims: To introduce learners vocabulary relating to certain topics
➢ Organization: Individuals, pairs or groups
➢ Materials Required: A computer in the classroom, powerpoint file and handouts
- Deliver the handouts to the students
- Follow the instructions in the handouts and do the task.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Young learners are naturally drawn to stories, making storytelling a powerful tool for teachers to enhance their English skills and foster interest in the language This engaging method not only motivates students but also cultivates a joyful learning atmosphere By utilizing storytelling, educators provide young learners with a unique opportunity to master a foreign language, effectively bridging the gap between language study and real-world application Furthermore, stories connect classroom learning with external experiences, enriching the overall educational process.
Teaching English through storytelling is crucial for second language learners, as effective communication enhances their academic and life success Language teachers should focus on developing four essential skills, moving beyond rote memorization to foster a rich environment for meaningful interaction Engaging activities can significantly aid students in acquiring the fundamental skills needed for English learning, making the process more active, enjoyable, and relevant.
Since the fourth course at the Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre, various activities and visual materials have been utilized to enhance English speaking courses Despite challenges such as mixed and large class sizes, the enrollment of young learners has steadily increased over the years From 2016 to 2020, I taught nearly 150 students, and their impressive presentations during closing ceremonies have left a positive impression on parents I am confident that speaking skills have significantly contributed to the overall performance of our young learners.
In addition to enhancing reading skills and performance in English speaking classes, I recommend utilizing these supplementary activities for teaching vocabulary, grammar, and other skills across various educational settings, including not only our center but also other schools.
I am honored to share our ideas and thoughts with you, and I warmly welcome all remarks and recommendations Together, we can enhance our teaching experiences and grow in our educational journey.
Hope you all find they are of some uses and do get back to us with any single feedback so that I will be able to perfect them later
After discussing the findings of the research, some recommendations can be drawn as follows
Teachers in rural areas must prioritize effective teaching strategies after assessing their students' prior knowledge It is essential for educators to actively motivate students to practice the vocabulary and grammar learned in class, as without this reinforcement, students are likely to forget new concepts quickly.
The researcher suggest students should practice the vocabularies, grammar in classroom or outside classroom So they can remember the vocabularies, grammar easily
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