Developing storytelling vocabulary
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop precise and descriptive vocabulary to enhance the storytelling process.
Key learning points
- There is some vocabulary that is commonly used when retelling a story, particularly a fairy tale.
- 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' uses repetition of the number three as a key storytelling technique.
- Fronted adverbials of time can be used to help sequence a story.
- Using precise vocabulary helps to create vivid descriptions of characters, setting and action.
Keywords
Vocabulary - the words we know and use to communicate with others
Adjective - a word that describes a noun
Fronted adverbial of time - a sentence starter that tells the reader when something happens
Common misconception
Pupils may only want to use vocabulary from the original story.
Explain to pupils that we are retelling our own version of the story and therefore we can include our own precise and descriptive vocabulary.
Teacher tip
Model and share different examples to fill in the vocabulary blanks. Use this to create a bank of precise and ambitious vocabulary that will support children with their oral storytelling.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? To experience a story you have to read it.
Q2.When retelling a story, we should do which of these?
Q3.True or false? When retelling a story aloud, we should use expression.
Q4.Successful listening includes ...
Q5.Put the parts of a story structure in the correct order.
Q6.Put the following events from 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' in the correct order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? We should use simple vocabulary when telling a story orally.
Q2.How does a fairy tale normally begin?
Q3.Match each fronted adverbial to the correct main clause.
Q4.Put the following in the order that Goldilocks always tries the items in the house.
Q5.Which of these would be appropriate precise and descriptive verbs to complete the following sentence: 'Without a second to waste, Goldilocks __________ the porridge.'
Q6.Which of these would be appropriate adjectives to complete the following sentence: 'Feeling stuffed after her meal, Goldilocks wanted to find a __________ place to rest.'
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Developing storytelling vocabulary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Developing storytelling vocabulary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Oral storytelling unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.