Anne McConnell

Comprehension Strategy #28

Story Retelling Boxes:

Using Props to Reenact Stories

Description:

Story retelling boxes are used to store costumes or props students use to retell a story. They require students to remember the sequence of a story, use dialogue to make characters come alive, and comprehend main ideas from a story. Students can be a part of creating the boxes by making props from clay, making flannel figures or laminated pictures.

Step by Step:

* Teacher introduces concept of story retelling boxes by asking students to name different ways they could retell the story, which might include:

- using costumes and acting it out

- using puppets

- using small props

- using mime

* Teacher and class decide on one of the approaches from the list.

* Teacher reads through the story while class brainstorms the props they will need for each part of the story.

* Students make props.

* Retell the story with the props.

* Place box in literacy center for future use.

Clay Prop Recipe

4 cups flour (NOT self rising)

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup salt

Mix ingredients together. Mixture will be stiff.

Knead for 10 minutes.

Make shapes desired, separate by thickness (poke holes in thick pieces).

Bake at 325 - 350 degrees (1/2 hour per 1/4 inch of thickness).

Cool.

Paint to resemble figures in the storybook.

Use acrylic or tempera paints mixed with Elmer’s glue (half and half).

Other suggestions for prop boxes:

Paper doll figures, flannel board figures, magnetic tape on the back of pictures, overhead transparency pictures, actual dress - up clothes, and larger props.