How to Write a Children's Story Lesson
Presenting a story or book to a class can be both fun and challenging. Teachers can get creative with a story lesson, but must first prepare a strong lesson plan. Preparing a lesson plan in advance helps to ensure the children actively participate and have fun with the lesson.
Instructions
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Choose a story that is both age-appropriate for the class and that the children will find fun and exciting. Write down any discussion points you wish to cover while telling the story, and then make notes throughout the story using sticky notes to help guide you through the reading process. For example, on page five, you might ask the children what they think will happen next; on page nine, you might decide to ask the children about something that happened on page three. The sticky notes can easily be removed as you turn to that page so that they don't cover up illustrations or story lines.
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Prepare and write down the steps for an activity to accompany the story. The activity can be done during or after the story. For example, if you're reading a story about a faraway place, you may point out the location on a world map after story time is over. The children can draw or cut out the country's shape using construction paper and crayons. In your lesson plan, make a note of any special points or instructions you want to include.
Another activity example is to have the children draw one or two characters from the story on white paper using crayons or markers. For older children, have them carefully (and safely) cut the characters out, labeling each one and attaching it to a Popsicle stick. The children can participate in the lesson by "acting out" the story using the handmade characters.
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Write down all the materials you'll need for the activity and prepare them in advance. Make sure there are enough supplies and that everything is set out, such as construction paper and crayons, so they're ready for the children to use. Also have the book you'll be reading and any related materials, such as the map, ready for your use.
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Figure out how much time you'll need for the lesson and note it in your story lesson plan. Make sure to set aside enough time to not only read through the entire story (including time for interaction with the children), but also for the children to participate in the planned activities afterward.
In some cases, it may benefit the children to have the story re-read after the initial reading, before the additional activities or discussion, in order for the children to completely understand and remember the story. If this is the plan, make sure to block out enough time in the lesson.
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Tips & Warnings
Base the lesson plan on the individual class. One class may enjoy a certain type of story time, while another may be happy with hearing the story and writing an essay afterward. The lesson plan should be developed based on the age of the children and their unique interests as a class.
