Eileen Clements- Individual Center Proposal
Panama City Beach Theme: Oral Story-Telling Center
Concept: The concept to be taught at this center is how to orally tell a story, using
correct language usage and props around you.
Time Schedule: The first three minutes I will explain to the students what it is they will
be doing and give a brief example. The next two minutes I will have them pick the
objects they would like to use in their story. For seven minutes after that the students
will jot down notes and ideas on a piece of paper of what their story will be about as
related to the objects they chose. The next eight minutes will be for sharing their stories
aloud with others in the group.
Materials: beach pictures, shot glasses, beach attire, floats, beach towel, beach bag,
fanny pack, sunglasses, lighthouse, etc. (any various items related to the beach), paper,
pencil
Introduction: I will explain to the students a little bit about the background knowledge
of oral story-telling, the history behind it, such as classic works like the Odyssey by
Homer, and why being able to orally tell a story is still important today. I will give them
the instructions for the assignment and address any questions they might have. The
content standards for my center are being able to understand storytelling in an oral
format.
Procedure: I will teach some important elements to delivering a story such as using
animation, emphasizing enthusiasm, and being sincere while delivering your story. I will
remind the students that stories are always more interesting and hook the reader when
there is some form of animation of variety in the voice of the reader/ teller. Some
particular story-telling skills include focusing on emphasis, repetition, transition, pause,
and proportion. I will also go through some steps to being a good story teller. (see
attached handout). After I explain about oral story telling I will give a brief example of
what I would like to see done by picking out a couple of objects, jotting down some
notes, and presenting an intriguing hook to encourage them to want to share their own
story using the various objects centered around a Panama City Beach spring break
theme.
Conclusion: To conclude the center, I will have each student share their story. After
each student finishes we will vote on the person who had the best story and was the
most intriguing story-teller. Lastly, I will remind the students of why being able to be a
good story teller is still important today in our everyday lives including the social and
professional aspects. We will transition to the next center when the appropriate music
begins to play in an organized fashion.
Reminders on How to be a Great Oral Story-Teller!!!
Directions: Today you will be orally telling a story using beach themed related
props! Use these concepts to help you brainstorm ideas and deliver your story to
your classmates!
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Delivery elements:
 Sincerity and whole heartedness (Be earnest!),
Enthusiasm (This does not mean artificial or noisy excitement),
 Animation (in your gestures, voice, facial expressions)
Stories are more interesting when there is animation and variety in the voice of the teller!
Particular Oral Storytelling Skills:
A Storyteller’s skills include: emphasis, repetition, transition, pause and proportion.
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Dialog should make use of different voices for different characters and using the
Storytelling "V" - where you will shift your facing (or posture) as the dialog
switches from character to character.
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Use your voice to create the atmosphere or tension as the story progresses.
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Use gestures and facial expressions add much to the visualization of the story.
Be sure they are appropriate and natural. Practice them!
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Pacing involves both the volume and rate at which you speak, and the
progression of the action in the story. Dialog slows a story's pace down, while
narrating action speeds it up.
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Repetition and Exaggeration have always been basic elements of story telling.
***Some attention keepers: Many factors affect the attention of your listeners. A storyteller
always needs to be sensitive to his audience and may need to regain their attention before
continuing.
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Involvement or participation. Use volunteer(s) from the audience in your story. Or have
the audience participate in hand motions or making sound effects. Or responding with
"chants" or refrains
A distinct change in your pace, voice, or mood.
An unusual or unexpected twist in the narration.
Throw-away lines or asides work well as does comic relief.
Source: Effective Storytelling, A Manual for Beginners by: Barry McWilliams, 1998.