{"id":9223,"date":"2021-02-01T15:27:19","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T14:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seedsoftellers.eu\/?post_type=resources&p=9223"},"modified":"2021-04-28T10:55:27","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T08:55:27","slug":"the-body-language-for-young-tellers","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/seedsoftellers.eu\/en\/resources\/the-body-language-for-young-tellers\/","title":{"rendered":"The body language for young tellers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How can you teach body language to help students to get self-confidence, to help memorize the story and to engage the audience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?<\/strong>\u202f<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral storytelling is a performative art. It is therefore realised both through verbal communication and body expression. This last is substantiated in the gestures, posture, facial expressions and tone of voice of those who communicate. It is essential that the child understands that this non-verbal communication, even more than the words themselves, establishes, captivates and maintains the attention of those who listen, so it will be important to explain and work with students whose aspects corroborate a good oral narration. There are studies which indicate that non-verbal communication is responsible for 55% of the message that is transmitted! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is therefore important to prepare the children so that they first should know the story they are about to tell.  Then they must realise that their body is an equally important vehicle for communication, not only because it helps them to memorise the story they want to tell, but also to be able to communicate effectively with those who listen to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aspects to be considered in non-verbal communication:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49\u202f\u202fPosture: <\/strong>if the narrator does not make eye contact with the audience, if he keeps his shoulders slumped or if, on the contrary, he is very agitated, this will interfere with the audience’s ability to follow the story. The correct posture of the spine is also essential for the release of the diaphragm and, consequently, for the voice to come out properly. (See also Educational Sheet<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49\u202f\u202fFacial<\/strong> expression: <\/strong>to make the child storyteller understand the determining role of facial expression, particularly when irony is intended or when the emphasis is placed on certain moments of the text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Gestures: <\/strong>as performative art, storytelling also lives from gesture, but not as much as theatre, so the storyteller must understand that gestures are fundamental to maintain the bond with those who listen to him. They are also essential to help memorize the story, making a body map of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Voice and breath control: <\/strong>an essential vehicle for successful oral narration, the voice allows the listener to access verbal communication, which means that an audible, paused, clear level should be used that does not let anxiety and nervousness pass. (See also Educational Sheet<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working on these aspects of non-verbal communication with students is essential for the child to develop a correct self-knowledge and feel confident to tell stories they know, in any context. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOW TO DO IT?<\/strong>\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we start oral narration sessions, we can work in class on exercises that allow the student to develop their body expression skills and with them improve their self-knowledge and confidence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/strong>. Ask students to tell stories they know. Videotape and then watch it with students, asking them to focus on body language so that they can identify which aspects need improvement. Children are usually very honest and can recognize what needs to be worked on. (more on video making sheet<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggestions:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n