Becoming a Storyteller: Steps to Success
Directions: Your group must complete the following steps in order. Once you
complete a step, I must approve that each step has been completed correctly.
The first step to telling your own story is to write it. The idea for your story may be based
on an old tale or come from an original plot, but it must be put into your own words and,
then, told with your own style of telling. There are many ways to tell the same story. I
always imagine the stories I perform as plays in which I can be all the characters, and my
words can also construct the sounds, smells, sights, tastes, and sensations of the
imaginary world of the story. When you learn to tell a story, you must imagine "as if you
were there." Just as you do when you perform in a play.
Homework: Choose a favorite folktale from your school library, on one of the online
resources I have provided, or one of the multicultural folktales from our Booklist.
See the booklist I have provided. Bring in one Xeroxed copy for each group
member. If you bring in a picture book, an extra copy is NOT needed.
DUE _______________
Step 1: Choosing a Folktale to Perform
Each group member needs to read his/her folktale aloud to the group. Discuss the
character, plot, conflict, and the moral to the folktale. Once each person has read and
discussed the folktale, choose which folktale would best the best folktale for an oral
interpretation. Use the chart provided during your discussion.
Title of Folktale ___________________
________ Approved
_______ Needs Revision
Step 2: Creating an Outline
Make an outline of each important plot point of the tale you have chosen in beginning,
middle, and end order. This outline is a map that will remind us where the story is going,
even if we experiment by taking a few detours. As you create your own version of the
story, you may want to add details and scenes that no one has ever thought of before. The
oral tradition of storytelling has passed stories down through the ages and all around the
world. In all those tellings, many new versions have been created. Don't be afraid to add
your voice to this rich oral tradition. See example ONE to help guide you.
________ Approved
_______ Needs Revision
Step 3: Brainstorming Activity
Now, brainstorm the following questions about your folktale. Use the brainstorming chart
to answer the following questions.
Ask yourself these questions about the new scene you will be writing. Your answers are
the building blocks of the scene. Use the brainstorming chart provided to answer the
following questions. (See it all in your head as if you are watching a play.)
Who is in the scene?
What is happening?
Why is there a problem?
Where and when does the scene take place?
Can you describe what the setting looks like?
MORE………………………………………………….
Who comes on stage?
What are they doing?
Why are they stopped?
By whom? By what? More …………
List the seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching details of the pretend world of the
play. Imagine you can hear what the characters are saying. The conversation between
characters in a play is called dialogue. Together imagine and talk out the dialogue of the
scene. One person can be the scribe and writes it down with the name of the character
written above the words being spoken. Take turns being different characters. Pretend to
walk and talk like them.
________ Approved
_______ Needs Revision
Step 4: Writing a Script
Now take your outline and your brainstorming activity sheet for each scene and create a
script for each section of your folktale. You may keep the original setting of the folktale
or you may modernize it, BUT the plot must stay the same. Characters, places, and the
time period may be revised. Each person in your group is responsible for typing up
his/her section of the folktale into script format. See example TWO. The following
items must be included:
 Scenes should be numbers 1, 2 or 3
 Character speaking – centered
 Lines spoken by each character including the narrator
 Stage directions in parentheses (Voice, Movement, and blocking)
Due ______________
________ Approved
______ Needs Revision
Step 5: Rewriting Your Script into Paragraph Format
Now, imagine you are the audience. Using pieces of the outline, brainstorming activity
sheet for each scene, and the script you have already written, write a new version of the
story describing the whole imaginary world you have been brainstorming in third person
point of view. First try to tell this story out loud to one another. When you speak the
words of the characters, let yourself move and talk like them. Sometimes you will narrate
the details of the scenes that you can see in your mind's eye. Sometimes you may become
the characters and feel what they are feeling. Let yourself be in the middle of the world of
the story, describing to the listener what is happening all around you as if it were real.
This example must include the following:
 Written in paragraph format
 When performed it should be no longer than 3-5 minutes in length
 The beginning of the story should model the example from class. Set up the
story. Tell the audience or help the audience believe the time, place, and mood of
the folktale.
 Include specific details (Strong verbs and adjectives)
 Sensory Language
 Onomatopoeia
 Plot structure (Time, place, character names, conflict, moral stated in last
paragraph)
 Written from Third person point of view (narrator’s point of view) and past tense
verbs are used
MORE…………………………………..
You do not need to have: stage directions and blocking. You can incorporate this later.
See EXAMPLE 3.
________ Approved
_______ Needs Revision
Step 6: Time to Practice!
Now after your folktale has been approved, make sure the story is divided into equal
sections. Each of you will be required to perform a section of the folktale and be “The
Storyteller.” Remember you must become all the characters in your section of the story.
You must include:
 Voice (inflection and intonation)
 Movement
 Character Development
You will have 3 days to practice in class. You may NOT bring any props or costumes.
Storytellers use their imagination to tell a story. You will be graded each day on Time,
Focus, Resourcefulness, Commitment, and Persistence.
_________ Approved
________Needs Revision
Step 7: Storytelling Festival
Now it is time to play! Storytelling Festival has arrived! Today each group will perform
their story in front of the class. At the end of the festival we will vote on the following:
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Storytelling King
Storytelling Queen
Best Movement
Best Voice
Best Character Development
Best Storytelling Team
Dates of Storytelling Festival ______________, ________________, _______________