STUDY GUIDE

HBEC3603

Childhood Literature 2: Malaysian Folktales

Topic 10: Folktales and Storytelling Techniques

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1.

Incorporate folktales in storytelling;

2.

Develop the techniques of storytelling in the early childhood literacy

setting; and

3.

Discuss the importance of storytelling in early childhood literacy.

Topic Overview
This topic focuses on storytelling techniques. Storytelling is a way of
conveying events through words, images and sounds. There may be some
form of improvisation or embellishment when narrating about something that
really happened or based on imagination. Storytelling is considered a part of
extensive reading and book sharing.

Focus Areas and Assigned Readings

Focus Areas

Assigned Readings

10.1 The importance of storytelling

10.2 Teacher as a storyteller
10.3 Preparations to tell stories to
children
10.4 Storytelling techniques

Storytelling in the early years.

Retrieved from
http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articl
es/storytelling-in-the-early-years-1137
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0
000/0865/Storytelling_tips.pdf
http://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co
.uk/education/SRresources/earlyyearss
tarter.pdf

36

STUDY GUIDE

HBEC3603

Childhood Literature 2: Malaysian Folktales

Content Summary
10.1

10.2

10.3

The importance of storytelling

x
x

Encourages speaking and listening skills;

Delivers the moral of the story;

Fuels the imagination;

Incorporates active participation; and

Is a unique way of developing understanding.

Teacher as a storyteller
x
x

Encourages imagination;

Uses full voice;

Shows enthusiasm for the stories;

Transforms body language; and

Uses appropiate language.

Preparations to tell stories to children

About the story book
x

Use illustrated books with a good plot and written in childlike

perspective.
Choose the right title of the book.

Pre-reading
x

x
x

Practice makes perfect.

(a)

Reread the book you intend to use.

(b)

Get familiarised with the book, characters, etc.

Get ready with the book - no guessing and memorising.

Flexible storyline
(a)

Skip the unnecessary long sections.

(b)

Change the phrases of the story.

Record the story.

37

STUDY GUIDE

HBEC3603

Childhood Literature 2: Malaysian Folktales

Reading the story

x
x
10.4

Start with the set induction - show the book cover and discuss.
When the story ends, observe the childrens reaction.

Storytelling techniques
Traditional methods
x
x
x

No props used.
Body language and tone of voice are the priority.
Encourage childrens participation in retelling the story.

Using rhyme
x
x

Assisted with familiar phrases/motions such as hundreds of

cats, thousands of cats.
Use sound effects like bang, bang.

Focus on the main character

x

The storyteller acts and dramatises the actions of the main

character.

Use felt board

x

Use felt shapes when telling the stories until the end.

Study Questions
1.

Visit the library and select as many Malaysian folktales as you can.
Then, write a summary about the story, and provide the following
information:
x
x

Title, author, date published, publisher

Theme

Origin

Comment about the illustrations

Discussion on any questions you may have when you read the
story.
Activities that can be used with the stories

38

STUDY GUIDE

HBEC3603

Childhood Literature 2: Malaysian Folktales

Overall comments about the book. For example, language used,

number of pages, level of difficulty and so on.

2.

Select two folktales and then create a storyboard for each of them.
Make sure the storyboards are visually appealing to the children.

3.

What are other creative techniques of storytelling apart from the above
mentioned ones? Discuss.

39