INTRODUCTION
Reasons for choosing the topic
English serves as a global language, permeating various aspects of life, including education, economics, and politics In educational settings, English is taught from elementary through university levels, with some schools introducing it as early as kindergarten Teaching English to young learners presents unique challenges and opportunities due to their distinct characteristics compared to older students Utilizing stories as a teaching method can effectively motivate young children, fostering their enthusiasm and awareness of English Storytelling is not only a cherished tradition in learning but also plays a crucial role in children's literacy development, making it an essential component of language acquisition.
A short story, defined as a fictional prose work shorter than a novel (Fatma, 2012), serves as an effective tool for engaging students in learning English These narratives not only entertain but also inspire and motivate students, fostering a positive attitude towards education By immersing themselves in stories, students can unleash their imagination and creativity while also gaining valuable moral lessons The emotional responses elicited by these tales—ranging from laughter to excitement—contribute to building trust and promoting social and emotional development among learners.
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
Recently, I have implemented various methods to enhance the teaching and learning of English as a Foreign Language, with storytelling emerging as a particularly effective technique Through engaging communicative activities, storytelling encourages greater language use and fosters student initiative and active participation This approach transforms the traditional teacher-led classroom into a more student-centered learning environment, ultimately improving the overall quality of English instruction.
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 implementing various communicative activities that I designed and adapted, which have proven beneficial for my students.
In this article, I aim to explore the use of storytelling as a method for teaching English, complemented by various supplementary activities for educators My goal is to share experiences and foster collaborative ideas that can lead to meaningful changes, no matter how small, in the English teaching and learning process, despite its challenges Storytelling has proven effective for teaching vocabulary, language patterns, and enhancing overall language skills I will present a mix of activities, some adapted from existing resources and others that I have personally created, to illustrate the versatility of storytelling in English education.
To enhance English learning effectiveness among students at the Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre, I have implemented several strategies to foster enthusiasm for teaching and learning By equipping students with techniques to learn vocabulary and patterns through story reading, they will find developing their 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 incorporating storytelling skills into English language teaching for young learners, focusing on vocabulary acquisition and pattern recognition By utilizing storytelling, educators can enhance children's learning experiences, making them feel more comfortable and confident in their studies.
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 utilizing various short stories as effective resources to enhance English language skills for young learners 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 a powerful art form that involves sharing myths, legends, fables, and personal narratives through oral tradition According to Shorrocks (1995), storytelling techniques encompass the use of voice and body language to convey narratives directly A story represents the complete sequence of events as they are imagined to unfold Leung (2004) emphasizes that storytelling organizes information meaningfully, evokes emotions, and fosters community In ESL learning, stories serve multiple purposes: teaching language, entertaining, and providing cultural insights Teachers should carefully select stories based on their relevance and the characteristics that make them engaging for students Effective storytelling requires careful consideration of technique, including the story's introduction, delivery, voice, language, accent, and body language (Wright, 1995) Utilizing stories from diverse cultures, as well as those from students' own backgrounds, enriches the learning experience and broadens cultural understanding.
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 Through stories, children encounter vibrant characters and scenarios, facilitating both language acquisition and real-life experiences This method fosters knowledge, literacy, creativity, and critical thinking, making it particularly beneficial for teaching foreign languages Storytelling enhances expressive language development in both oral and written forms, introducing new vocabulary and complex language structures that inspire children to imitate what they hear Additionally, it encourages active participation, allowing children to construct meaning by visualizing characters, situations, and themes, ultimately transforming language learning into an enjoyable experience.
3 Benefits of using storytelling in teaching
In the ESL classroom, storytelling enhances language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation while also fostering imagination, creativity, and socioemotional and cognitive development This powerful tool can significantly improve students' behavior and manners, making it an invaluable resource for educators.
When we share a story, children attentively absorb both new and familiar vocabulary, enhancing their language skills Their focus on the words, along with your gestures and supplementary materials, fosters a richer understanding ESL educators recognize that cultivating these listening abilities is essential for effective language acquisition.
3.2 They kindle creativity and imagination
Stories empower children to explore new ideas, envision unfamiliar worlds, and forge unforgettable memories During storytime, the realm of possibilities expands, allowing students to transform challenging moments into uplifting experiences Through storytelling, they can journey to serene places like mountains or beaches, while also inspiring them to create and share their own imaginative tales.
3.3 Stories boost student interest in reading
Reading is a powerful tool that provides knowledge and opens up new worlds Unfortunately, in today's digital age, many individuals struggle to develop good reading habits Instilling a love for reading in children fosters lifelong learning and curiosity about diverse topics, cultures, and beliefs Moreover, individuals with cultural awareness tend to exhibit greater empathy As educators, we play a crucial role in nurturing 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 calm energetic students, enhancing their attention spans and concentration Initially, storytelling may pose challenges, but as it becomes a routine, children will eagerly engage and focus more on the activity.
Storytime is an effective method for enhancing English vocabulary among young learners Through repetitive storytelling, students gain confidence and frequently share these stories with peers This practice not only enriches their vocabulary but also helps them improve their understanding of tenses and pronunciation, all while they engage with the narrative.
Moral stories promote good manners and empathy, playing a crucial role in social development within the classroom By addressing important themes through engaging narratives, these stories teach valuable life lessons in a fun and indirect way, fostering positive behaviors that last a lifetime.
Incorporating storytime into English language teaching enhances the learning experience for young learners Stories can be shared in various engaging ways beyond traditional books, such as using props, flashcards, rhymes, realia, puppets, pictures, toys, or gestures By utilizing these interactive storytelling methods, educators can effectively foster essential language and personal skills in children that will benefit them throughout their lives.
4 A brief overview of English courses for young learners at Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre
After conducting over 15 classes with diverse learners of varying abilities, I have gained valuable insights that will enhance our future tutoring sessions My investigation revealed that traditional training methods and handbook activities were not effective in improving student performance Consequently, I shifted my focus to storytelling techniques across all classes, and I am confident that this approach has yielded positive results.
5.Teaching English for Young Learners through Story Telling
Storytelling is a powerful tool in the teaching and learning process for young learners, as it effectively motivates students to engage with the English language Children have a natural love for stories, which makes them eager listeners during storytelling sessions They not only recognize the value of stories but also desire to comprehend the narratives being shared Additionally, young learners find joy in listening to stories in English as they begin their language lessons and enjoy exploring storybooks independently.
To effectively engage students in storytelling, it is essential to start with short sessions that accommodate their attention spans and gradually build their familiarity with the format Reading slowly and clearly allows students to connect auditory information with visual cues, while encouraging interaction through comments on illustrations keeps their focus sharp Teachers should invite participation by pausing for students to repeat key vocabulary, using gestures and facial expressions to enhance understanding Varying voice pace and volume, along with dramatic pauses, can enrich the storytelling experience, while distinct character voices help signal shifts in dialogue Asking questions fosters involvement, and repeating or expanding on ideas provides additional language exposure, ensuring students grasp the meaning effectively.
Supplementary activities as inputs for English classes
1 Definition of input in second language learning
Input encompasses the authentic language exposure that learners receive from diverse sources, such as teachers, peers, and their surrounding environment This exposure is crucial for language acquisition, as it provides the necessary context and examples In contrast, intake refers to the input that learners internalize and assimilate, enabling them to apply the language effectively in their communication.
• 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 through reading or listening Before you begin to speak or write in a foreign language, your brain needs to absorb sufficient accurate examples in that language.
2 Teaching English for Young Learners through Story Telling
Storytelling is a powerful tool in the teaching and learning process for young learners, as children are naturally drawn to stories When teachers share stories, students are eager to listen, understand the narrative, and engage with the content This method not only makes learning English enjoyable but also encourages students to explore storybooks independently, enhancing their overall language skills.
To effectively engage students in storytelling, start with short sessions that match their concentration levels and gradually build up Read slowly and clearly, allowing time for students to connect the audio with visuals, think critically, and ask questions Vary your pace during exciting moments and highlight illustrations to capture attention Encourage participation by prompting students to repeat key vocabulary, confirming their responses, and expanding on their contributions Utilize gestures, facial expressions, and varied voice tones to enhance understanding and maintain interest Incorporate pauses for dramatic effect and to help students process information Differentiate character voices to clarify dialogue and stimulate engagement through questions Lastly, don't hesitate to repeat and elaborate on ideas, providing students with additional exposure to the language and reinforcing their comprehension.
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, whether individually or in groups, depending on the context This technique fosters an open environment where learners can freely share their thoughts without fear of criticism, encouraging the exploration of innovative ideas.
➢ 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 an effective method for teachers to enhance their English skills and engagement This approach not only motivates students but also fosters a joyful and enjoyable learning atmosphere By utilizing storytelling, educators provide young learners with a valuable opportunity to master a foreign language, bridging the gap between language study and practical use while connecting classroom lessons to the real world.
Teaching English through storytelling is crucial for second language acquisition, as effective communication enhances learners' success in school and throughout life Language educators should focus on developing four essential skills, prioritizing meaningful communication over rote memorization Engaging activities can significantly aid students in acquiring the fundamental skills needed for English learning, fostering an active and enjoyable learning environment that promotes both engagement and meaningful experiences.
Since the fourth course, the Nghe An Continuing Education and Career Orientation Centre has implemented various activities and additional visual materials to enhance English speaking courses Despite challenges such as mixed and large class sizes, the number of young learners enrolling in these courses has steadily increased each year From 2016 to 2020, I taught nearly 150 students, and their impressive presentations during closing ceremonies have left a positive impression on their parents I confidently assert that these speaking courses have significantly contributed to the performance of our young learners.
In addition to enhancing reading skills and performance through supplementary activities in English speaking classes, I recommend implementing similar strategies for teaching vocabulary and grammar These methods can be effectively applied across various types of classes, not only at our center but also in other educational institutions.
I am honored to share our ideas and thoughts with you, and I warmly welcome any remarks or recommendations Together, I hope we can gain valuable experiences in our teaching 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
Teachers in rural areas must prioritize effective teaching techniques and strategies after assessing their students' prior knowledge It is essential for educators to actively encourage students to practice the vocabulary and grammar learned in the classroom, as consistent practice is crucial to prevent quick forgetting of new language skills.
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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