stories for developing character

 As educators we all know that reading out stories naturally captures children's attention, makes learning more enjoyable and motivates them to participate actively. By weaving information into a narrative, students can better understand complex concepts and visualize the material. So, my blog posts over the next couple of months will introduce you to ways for using storytelling  to develop self-awareness and character in your students - whether you are a homeschooling parent or teacher in a classroom. Storytelling can help students understand different viewpoints and experiences, and also fosters empathy and cultural awareness. 


​Teacher-led storytelling...

• Use relevant stories: Choose stories that connect to the lesson topic, whether historical accounts, fictional narratives, or personal anecdotes. 
• Vary delivery style: Incorporate different voices, gestures, and expressions to keep students engaged. 
• Prompt discussion: After the story, facilitate questions to analyze the characters, plot, and themes.​

Student-led storytelling...

• Share personal experiences: Encourage students to share relevant stories from their own lives to connect learning to real-world situations. 
• Creative writing prompts: Provide writing prompts to encourage students to craft their own stories based on the lesson. 

Storytelling Activities...

• Story retelling: Students retell a story from a different perspective or with a new twist. 
• Story completion: Students collaboratively finish an unfinished story. 
• Storyboarding: Visually represent key events of a story through drawings or images. 

Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural contexts when choosing stories and ensure they are appropriate for your audience. 

The Four DISC Bird Styles 

Those that have read my blogs in the past will remember reading about the four DISC Behavioral Styles - Dominance (Eagle), Influence (Parrot), Steadiness (Dove),  and Compliance (Owl). These four styles (temperaments), make up our personality style in varying degrees of intensity. I'll be posting stories you can read out for encouraging children to observe and to pick, which styles are in the story - Eagle, Parrot, Dove or Owl and what are the virtues (Human qualities) these Birds are demonstrating. 

Here's a quick overview for each of the four styles:

• Eagles like to be in control, are independent, assertive and fast paced.
• Parrots like to interact with people, are enthusiastic, trusting and also fast paced.
• Doves like a steady pace in their environment, are sincere, patient and slower paced.
• Owls like to focus on the details, are conscientious, courteous and also slower paced.  

​Important Note: Before reading out the story read the support information for the stories to the child. Story 1 read about the Parrot and for Story 2 read out about the Eagle. Then use the story to reinforce the learning.  

Two Stories For Reading Out
Source: 365 Bedtime Stories - Award Publications LTD.

Support Information: 

• Eagles are direct and get to the point. They like to take charge, are determined and assertive. When you're being determine you persevere until you meet your goals. When you are assertive you tell the truth and set clear boundaries.   
• Parrots love attention from others. They are friendly and sociable. Others can't but notice their enthusiasm. When you're being friendly you reach out to others with warmth and caring. When you are being enthusiastic you act wholeheartedly with eagerness holding nothing back. 

Reflection Questions for both stories:

1. How is Ryan/Alice being enthusiastic?
2. How is Ryan being friendly and Alice being assertive?
3. Is Ryan a Parrot or a Dove? (He's a Parrot)
4. Is Alice an Eagle or an Owl? (She's an Eagle) 
5. How come you chose these two birds? (Refer to support information)
6. What other virtue is Ryan/Alice practicing and how come you chose this virtue?  (Ryan and Alice practice creativity)  

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Story: Jester Ryan - The Parrot
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Katie's brother, Ryan, is always acting the fool. He walks into doors on purpose and sings silly songs, and one Saturday he spent all day walking and talking backwards! He is always making his little sister giggle with his funny antics. 

At Katie's birthday party, Ryan dressed up in the bright costume of a court jester, and played nonsense songs and danced silly dances to entertain her friends. Ever since then, everyone calls him Jester. And now he's so popular he is invited to the birthday parties of all the children in the school - as long as he promises to put on a show! 

Story: Captain's Orders Says Alice - The Eagle

Alice's bed was a pirate ship. "Avast, me hearties!" she shouted, closing her eyes. "I can smell the salt air!"She opened her eyes and gasped. She really was on board a ship! A pirate flag fluttered overhead. "Any orders, Captain?" asked a fierce-looking pirate. "Find me some gold!" Alice roared. "And some food too!"

Just then, a wave hit the ship and Alice covered her face. When she looked again, the ship was gone. She was back on her bed wearing a paper beard. "Dinner's ready!" called Mum. "Well at least one of my orders came true!" laughed Alice.  

I'd love to hear your comments about what you thought of these stories and if you read them out to your students or kiddos. In my next Blog post I'll introduce you to a couple of stories for the Dove and Owl Styles along with some virtues. And as Alice says..."Avast, me hearties!"