Jack Tales for the ESOL Classroom

Part IV. Culmination of Unit Work: Tell a Jack Tale.

Suggested time allowance: Three 50-minute class periods

Objectives:

• To help students feel more comfortable speaking publicly
• To promote confidence in English speaking skills
• To encourage considerate group listening skills

Day 1. Prepare students to tell a story to the class.

• Text:
  • http://www.storyteller.net/stories/text/60
• Audio (Windows Media Player):
  •  http://www.storyteller.net/stories/audio

Day 2. Have students workshop their stories with a partner or small group.

1. Divide students into tale telling teams or, if you prefer, have them form their own groups. Give students time to do research and to choose a Jack tale. Remind students that their tales will be told in front of the class
2. The group should study the tale and make a plan for how they would like to "tell," it. For example, students may want to assign different parts of the story to each group member or have one group member act out a part or play an instrument, etc. The group should know the beginning, middle, and end of its story.
3. Encourage students to be creative about their presentations. Some students may want to add music and props, some may be able to incorporate costumes or rhythmic movements.

Day 3. Tell the story to the class.

1. Allow enough rehearsal time for each group. Hold the first performances in the classroom. Then discuss with students how to share the storytelling with other classes, or with family and community members.

Effective Storytelling Performance Skills and Storytelling skills rubric:

http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/usestories/storyrubric.html

Isabel Allende: Tales of Passion

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/isabel_allende_tells_tales_of_passion.html