Storytelling is a staple in my classroom. It connects teachers with children, especially if those stories are “real.” It gives children a big dose of language, because storytelling doesn’t include pictures. They hear the words and make the pictures in their heads. Receptive language (what you hear) is the foundation for expressive language (what you say.)
Jennie Stories are ever-popular. My teaching partner has embraced storytelling! Recently she told The Bat Story, and it was so good I grabbed my phone to video the second half of the story:
This is what makes our classroom a family.
Wait, there’s more to storytelling. I give children an opportunity to tell their own stories. After we have settled into the school year, children tell me what they like to do in school. They watch me write their exact words and read it back to them. In this way, they see their words ‘in print’, making a connection with reading, and giving value to the child’s story.
The icing on the cake is having children illustrate their story, cementing their words. We hang these picture stories in the hallway, with a photo of each child alongside their story.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Storytelling is the best! Your teaching partner did a great job. I love the look on the children’s faces.
She really did! The children’s faces say it all. Thanks, Darlene.
The kids were completely transfixed by her animated telling of the bat story. She has a great future in teaching, following in your footsteps.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, they were, and she is a fabulous teacher. Many thanks for your kind words, Pete.
Storytelling is so vital: using your imagination to communicate with others…using your brain in a proactive, creative way – great post
Well said, John. Thank you!
She certainly has the kids captivated.
Yes, she does!
Cute! I like all the ways in which the kids like school. Such a simple way to get to the truth. Fun.
Thanks, Ally. It’s definitely a simple way to get to the truth! So much fun!
The storytelling was amazing! Using props, gestures, and different vocal tones.., the kids were transfixed and to engaged. Great work!
Thank you so much! It was amazing and they were captivated.
What a great story, Jennie. I loved watching your partner climb up and reenact catching the bat. I love what you do with stories and how you involve the children.
I wish I’d grabbed my camera to video her sooner. She was so good! Thanks so much for your kind words, Dan.
She is amazing.
Yes, she is!
Lots to “like” in your classroom, Jennie. How fun to make all those storytelling connections. It’s magical.
I love that word, magical. It’s just what storytelling does. Thanks, Diana!
She’s a great storyteller!
The children must be thrilled to see their own stories in words and pictures. I hope so much it inspires them to learn to read and write and keep writing and drawing their stories.
Yes, she is! And children are definitely happy to see their stories written and illustrated. Thank you, Deborah.
Great storytelling.
Thanks, Anneli!
There’s nothing like IRL – screens are a scourge when used as educational/noneducational sources of interaction 100%…but then you know that! 🙂
Spot on, Laura. Many thanks!
A story is most effective and conveys the greatest impact when it is communicated with passion and heart…which obviously is the case in your classes, Jennie!
Bruce! It’s so good to hear from you. Are you still writing about sports? Thank you for your comment, which is spot on. Passion and heart make all the difference.
Jennie, I am sure some sports posts are in my future…tv and movies and life as well. Thanks for stopping by!
That’s good to hear!
that’s some great storytelling! and as others have noted, the looks on the children’s faces and their reactions are priceless.
Yes, and yes! Thank you, Jim.
What a fun post! Storytelling rocks!
It really does! I’m glad you enjoyed this, Cathy.
I am very impressed with the penmanship. Will they eventually learn script?
Haha! Maybe they’ll be able to write the first letter in their name by Christmas.
Terrific!
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I love child-created stories! what wonderful beginnings for a life of storytelling and illustration!
It’s truly a wonderful beginning. I often think about my childhood; no teacher asked me to tell a story and then write my words. That would have been powerful. I’m sure you did this in your pre-K class. Best to you, Beth.
yes, one of my favorite things to do with them. the first story I can find that I have written must have been older, because I wrote it in cursive. )
I knew you did this, too. Cursive? Wow!
maybe I’ll make it a post one day –
Yes, please, please, please!!!
Great kid stories, Jennie. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, John. I’m glad you enjoyed the stories.
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I loved the video! I was actually believing she had captured the bat. How to get rid of it?!?!?
She did capture the bat, and makes it so real when she tells that story. When she asked the children what was open, they said, “the window!” She tossed the bat out the open window. True story! I wish I had grabbed the phone earlier to get the first part of her story. I’m so glad you loved this, Liz.
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Look at those engaged faces! An animated storyteller like your teaching partner is critical. Storytelling leads to imagination, and what’s better than that?
Two quick bat memories:
Yes, the kids are mesmerized! I’m so glad Heidi has picked up telling stories at lunchtime. She’s watched me do this for years. Maybe I should call this Imagination-101.
What a story about your dad. He must have been creeped out. And you painting a stripe on a sleeping bat? Yikes!
A delightful video look at those little faces..Love it!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Carol.
Wonderful post Jennie, you kids are so lucky to have you!
That’s so nice, FR. Glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks.
A great storytelling of the bay story. It’s funny how scared people are of bats. When I had my sinus op and was in bed recovering in the spare room, we had a bat in the house. My two huge sons came running down the passage and shut themselves in the room with me. It was very funny. TC had to be brave and catch the bat as I wasn’t well.
What a story! Way to go, TC. Yes, so many people are scared of bats, particularly when a bat ‘event’ happens in childhood. I’m still traumatized.
Oh dear, I am sorry to hear that, Jennie.
On the positive side, I’ve turned that into a classic lunchtime Jennie Story. 😀
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This is fantastic and story telling is the best. Children love listening to stories. Great post Jennie.
It really is the best, Kamal. Many thanks!
You are always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏
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I loved seeing your teaching partner in action!!
She was terrific!
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Loved the bat video! 😍 And the wall of scribes. 🥰
I’m so glad! Thanks, Debby.
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Hi Jennie, you are an excellent teacher!!!
Thank you for your kind words, Charles!
I loved this post, Jennie. I like telling stories and found out just this week that my dad’s father was a story teller. I’ve asked my aunt to share any she remembers. It’s so important to still tell verbal stories. You are always my heroine in any story. The world needs more of you. Thank you.
Hi Marlene, thank you for your kind words. I hope you get to hear some of your grandfather’s stories from your aunt.
I loved that the kids were so into the story. Listening is an art that is often lost these days. I loved writing down the students stories and letting them illustrate them. It was always so much fun. Building Blocks for sure. Your teaching partner did an awesome job.
We should all be better listeners. Yes, they were SO into the story. I’m glad to know you wrote down kid’s stories and let them illustrate them, too. Yes, huge building blocks!
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