Overview

Unit: Exploring Storytelling Techniques
Lesson: 1 of 5 – Introduction to Storytelling
Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Year Group: Year 4 (ages 8-9)
Subject: English

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National Curriculum Links

• English Programmes of Study – Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4):
  • Reading - comprehension: Develop positive attitudes to reading, understanding of what they read, and discuss texts regularly (NC ref: KS2 English 1a).
  • Writing - composition: Plan writing by discussing ideas and organising them for a purpose (NC ref: KS2 English 2a).
  • Spoken Language: Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates (NC ref: KS2 English 1b).
  • Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation: Understand and use key narrative terms such as plot, character, and setting (implied within composition objectives).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Define storytelling and explain its purpose in communication and culture.
2. Identify key elements of stories: characters, setting, plot, and theme.
3. Recognise different types of stories (e.g., fairy tales, fables, myths, and personal narratives).
4. Share and discuss their favourite story, recognising why it appeals to them.
5. Use key story vocabulary confidently in discussion.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Large story element poster (Characters, Setting, Plot, Theme)
• Story type name cards with brief examples
• Story prompt cards for discussion
• “My Favourite Story” worksheet (simple A4 sheet with sentence starters)
• Sticky notes
• Audio recording device or tablet for quick sharing (optional)

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Lesson Structure

Starter (10 minutes) – What is Storytelling?

• Engage: Begin by asking pupils: “Who has listened to or told a story recently?” Invite 3-4 students to briefly share their experience.
• Define: Explain storytelling as “the art of sharing events and ideas through words, pictures or actions so that people can enjoy, learn or understand something new.”
• Purpose Discussion: Facilitate a brief class brainstorm on “Why do people tell stories?” Write answers on the board (e.g., entertain, teach, remember, explain).
• Link to everyday life: Highlight storytelling’s role beyond books – in games, family history, and celebrations.

Main Activity 1 (15 minutes) – Elements of a Story

• Introduce the four key elements of stories: Characters, Setting, Plot, Theme using the poster.
• Use a well-known children’s story (e.g., The Three Little Pigs) to explore these elements with the class.
• Have pupils contribute ideas for each element aloud, writing their suggestions on the board under headings.
• Interactive: Split class into 4 groups. Assign each group one element; they come up with three examples from their favourite stories.

Main Activity 2 (15 minutes) – Types of Stories

• Explain different types of stories briefly: fairy tales, fables, myths, legends, and personal stories.
• Show the story type name cards with a short example or description.
• Play a quick sorting game: pupils receive story cards and must decide which category they belong to by placing them under the correct label.
• Discuss how different stories have different purposes and styles.

Independent Task (15 minutes) – My Favourite Story Sharing

• Hand out the “My Favourite Story” worksheet featuring sentence starters:
  • My favourite story is…
  • It is about…
  • I like it because…
  • The main character is…
• Pupils write or draw their favourite story. Encourage them to use story vocabulary.
• Invite volunteers to share their completed worksheet with a partner or small group.

Plenary (5 minutes) – Reflect and Recap

• Use sticky notes on the “Storytelling Wall”: each pupil writes one new thing they learnt about storytelling today.
• Quickly review some examples aloud.
• Set up excitement for the next lesson: “Next time, we’ll begin creating our own stories using these elements!”

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment during group discussions: Listen for correct use of story vocabulary and ability to identify story elements.
• Independent task: Check “My Favourite Story” worksheets for understanding of story parts and ability to articulate preferences.
• Plenary sticky notes: Provide rapid insight into each pupil’s takeaway learning to inform next lesson planning.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide word banks with story element terms for pupils who need language assistance.
• Extension: Challenge more able pupils to include an additional theme or moral in their worksheet or to explain the purpose of their favourite story.
• EAL: Use visuals extensively and encourage peer support during discussions.

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WOW Factor: Interactive Story Experience

• Begin the lesson by telling a mysterious, short story with simple props (hat, scarf, small object) without revealing the ending.
• Pause and ask pupils to guess what might happen next and to identify the characters and setting based on clues.
• This immersive intro hooks curiosity, modelling active storytelling engagement for the rest of the lesson.

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Reflection for Next Lesson

• Gather insights on which story types interest pupils most.
• Identify any vocabulary needing reinforcement.
• Plan to model narrative structuring explicitly in Lesson 2, building on today’s foundational exploration.

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Summary

This lesson introduces Year 4 pupils to storytelling by exploring its purpose, identifying story elements and types, and sharing personal favourites. It links directly to the National Curriculum’s aims to develop spoken language skills, reading comprehension, and composition foundations, all within an engaging, interactive framework.