Storytelling is an essential part of human existence.
Not only are stories inherently engaging, but we learn to listen to and understand language naturally when immersed in stories. Stories can help new language learners improve their pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, as well as understand different cultures and customs.
So, how do you integrate the power of storytelling into your curriculum?
There are many different types of stories that you can use in the classroom to help students learn English. Below, we’ll explore some of these storytelling methods, provide ideas on how to use them in the classroom and more!
Why Learn English Through Story?
When you think of teaching English, what methods come to mind?
For many, it’s grammar drills and the memorization of vocabulary words. Although these are vital components of any language study, it’s important to focus on comprehension before diving into the specifics of how the language operates. Stories can be an engaging way to help students better understand a language, since they provide context clues for new vocabulary and can help students retain new words. Below are some ways stories can be used in language learning:
Vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure
Stories are a great way to learn English because they provide context for new vocabulary words and help students understand how native speakers use these words in everyday conversation. Reading or listening to stories also gives students a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Engagement
Stories are enjoyable – they can transport readers to new worlds, introduce them to fascinating characters and bring up powerful emotions. Teaching through story engages students by bringing the language to life and providing a context for understanding.
Retention
Retention is one of the most important reasons to learn English through story. When students hear a story, they are likely to remember it. This is because stories activate more than just linguistics skills. They also appeal to emotions and logic. The more senses that are engaged, the more information will be stored in long-term memory.
Familiarity
Familiarity with the subject material of a story can make it easier to understand. Often, stories are about topics or situations that students already have experienced. This makes it easier for them to connect the dots and learn the new information that the story is presenting. In addition, if learners feel like they know the story, they will be more likely to pay attention and want to find out what happens next.
Cultural lessons
Lastly, stories can help students better understand a new or different culture. Culture is often passed down through stories. Therefore, they are a useful way to teach customs, beliefs and values that may be different from what students are used to. In addition, stories can provide context for why things are done a certain way. This can help prevent misunderstandings and foster respect for other cultures.
How Do I Find The Right Educational Content?
In a world where we have access to more information than ever, it can be tricky to know where to start to look for educational content. Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is an approach to education in which subject and language are taught simultaneously. This can help shape the minds of students as they learn.
So how exactly do you find the best content for your students?
Identify goals.
The first step is identifying your goals. For example, are you looking to improve skills in a particular subject? Or are you hoping to teach something new? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it will be easier to map the way forward.
Exclude outdated material.
Ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date. There's no use in learning outdated information that will leave students confused or unprepared for the latest information available.
Ensure that the content is appealing.
Look for content that is engaging and visually appealing. If you're not interested in what you're seeing, your students are also likely to tune out quickly.
Check for relevancy.
Make sure that the content is relevant to students’ needs. There's no point in trying to learn something that doesn't apply to them.
Use trusted sources.
If you're unsure where to find quality educational content, an excellent place to start is with trusted sources like universities, newspapers and government websites. These organizations typically produce high-quality content that is reliable and accurate.
Do background research.
Take some time to research the author or creator of the content. What are their qualifications? Do they have experience in the field you're interested in? Checking out the credentials of the person behind the content can help you determine whether or not it's likely to be accurate and of high-quality.
Consider reviews.
Finally, pay attention to reviews and ratings. If other people have found a particular piece of content helpful, it's likely that you will, too. Similarly, if there are a lot of negative reviews, it's probably best to avoid that particular source.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure you're finding the best possible educational content for your needs.
Types of Content
There's no shortage of content choices for teaching English, including videos, books, podcasts and newspapers. The key is to find the right type ofcontent for your specific needs.
While many different types of content are available for teaching English, some formats may be more effective for you than others. Below are some of the most common types of content for learning English through story.
Videos
Videos and photos can be a great way to engage students and provide them with a visual aid to help them understand the material. Visual resources can also be a great way to illustrate concepts or demonstrate proper pronunciation.
Books
Books can provide a comprehensive overview of a topic and are an excellent resource for teachers, providing a wealth of information and activities to keep students engaged. They can also be used as a reference tool or as part of a lesson plan.
Podcasts
Podcasts can be a great way to provide students with listen-and-repeat exercises. They offer students listening practice and can be a convenient way to listen to native speakers while on the go.
Newspapers
Learning English via the news can provide authentic language examples and can be used to teach vocabulary and grammar in a real-world context. They can also teach students about current events and help them develop reading comprehension skills. Additionally, since reporters are strong writers, your students will have excellent examples to help them create better essays and writing samples.
The Best Kind of Content for Learning English
The best kind of content for any class will depend on the students’ level and challenges. But newspapers, videos and books are good resources to incorporate into any language curriculum.
NYTLicensing Resources for Learning English
Wondering where to begin your search for ways to integrate English stories into your curriculum? The New York Times offers a variety of resources to help people learn English:
1. The Learning Network provides daily lessons and activities based on Times articles. The site also offers activities for students and resources for teachers.
2. The podcast The Minimalists, hosted by New York Times-bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, is for those interested in audio content.
3. The Times offers additional educator resources for teaching English.
NYTLicensing makes it easy to license curated content for the unique needs of your learners to ensure that they receive high-quality stories tailored to their needs and interests.
There are also many resources available that can help you develop lessons on specific topics in a particular way or just want to explore students' options to learn English through story. No matter your goal, there is an English learning resource out there that can help you achieve it!
Help Others Start Their English Learning Journey!
You know the feeling. You're trying to order a coffee in another language, and suddenly you realize you don't know the word for "coffee." Don't worry; we've all been there.
Learning a new language can be challenging, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can do. And what better way to learn a new language than by helping others start their English learning journey?
By helping others learn English, you can help open doors to new professional and personal opportunities.
But where do you start? How can you be sure you're giving friends, family or colleagues the best possible foundation for success?
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you help others start their English learning journey:
Start with the basics.
For people learning a new language, it’s important to focus first on listening and speaking. You should strive to remain in the target language, even when addressing questions related to grammar or vocabulary. For new language learners, you can rely on hand gestures, illustrations, objects and exaggerated motions to clarify a word’s meaning.
Practice, practice, practice.
Encourage learners to practice speaking and writing as often as possible. The more they use English, the better they'll become at using it.
Be patient.
Learning a new language can be frustrating, so it's essential to be patient. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace, so don't try to force people to learn faster than they're comfortable with.
Encourage questions.
Help the learners in your life feel comfortable asking questions when they're unsure about something. This will also help them develop a deeper understanding of the concept.
Final Thoughts
As an educator, you know the value of high-quality content. But creating original content can be time-consuming and expensive.
Luckily, there's another option: leveraging the power of New York Times licensed content. By using this trusted source, you can add instant credibility to your marketing materials. And because the content is already created, you can save precious time and money.
If you're looking to boost your curriculum, consider using New York Times licensed content. It's a fast, easy way to add authority and credibility to your material.
