Introduction

Teaching storytelling skills to students in special education can be particularly challenging. However, effective storytelling is an important aspect of social communication, as it helps students connect with their peers and express themselves. One key component of storytelling is providing enough context for listeners to follow the story. This can be achieved through the use of the Background Brief concept, which ensures students include important details in their stories. In this blog post, we will discuss the Background Brief and provide an easy, no-prep activity to practice this skill, along with discussion questions and related skills to further support social-emotional learning.

No-Prep Activity: Story Chain

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and is designed to help students practice using the Background Brief in a fun and engaging way. To begin, have students sit in a circle. The educator will start by telling a brief story, making sure to include the Background Brief elements (When, Who, What, and Where). Then, the next student in the circle will add on to the story, also incorporating the Background Brief elements. Continue around the circle, with each student adding on to the story and using the Background Brief to provide context. This activity not only helps students practice using the Background Brief but also encourages active listening and collaboration.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to include the Background Brief elements (When, Who, What, and Where) in our stories?
• How does using the Background Brief help our listeners understand our stories better?
• Can you think of a time when someone told you a story without enough context? How did it make you feel?
• How can we remember to use the Background Brief when telling stories to our friends and family?
• What are some challenges you might face when trying to include the Background Brief elements in your stories?

Related Skills

Teaching storytelling skills using the Background Brief concept can help students develop other important social-emotional skills as well. Some related skills include:

• Active Listening: Encouraging students to listen carefully to their peers’ stories helps them understand the importance of including the Background Brief elements in their own stories.
• Emotional Expression: Storytelling is a powerful way for students to share their feelings and emotions with others. By using the Background Brief, they can more effectively communicate their emotions in their stories.
• Empathy: Understanding the need for context in stories can help students develop empathy for their listeners, as they consider what information is needed for others to understand their experiences.
• Nonverbal Communication: In addition to using the Background Brief, students can practice using facial expressions, gestures, and body language to help convey their stories more effectively.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the Background Brief concept and how it can help students in special education develop effective storytelling skills, we encourage you to explore more resources to support social-emotional learning. Sign up for free samples of various skills and activities to further enhance your students’ communication abilities. With the right tools and strategies, you can make a significant impact on your students’ social-emotional growth.