What is Story Asking and Why Every Language Teacher Should Try It

If you have listened to any of the episodes of Growing with Proficiency The Podcast, you know that I love stories. My curriculum is based on stories. Yes, I have to follow a curriculum with thematic units. But, I have decided that instead of doing all those thematic units, I’m developing stories around those topics and doing story asking. And it has worked so well in my class! 

In episode 95 of Growing with Proficiency The Podcast, we’re talking about story asking – a powerful strategy that can help you deliver a ton of comprehensible and compelling input while building a strong community inside your class. This post will highlight the basics of story asking, but to hear all of the details of this episode, listen above or here. 

What is Story Asking?

Story asking is an interactive teaching method where the teacher and students collaboratively create a story. It’s not about the teacher telling a story, but rather asking questions to guide the students in building the narrative. The process involves asking simple questions and expanding on students’ answers to develop a rich and engaging story.

Every time that I see the energy of my class dropping, the engagement of my class dropping, or if I see that I am having difficulty connecting with my class, story asking is the strategy that I use. I use a story asking throughout the year, at least once per quarter.

Importance of Story Asking

Story asking is a great strategy where you can use a ton of target language, and it’s also adaptable to any level. As students build the story, they receive comprehensible input, which is essential for language acquisition. The language used is also meaningful and relevant to the students, making it easier for them to understand and remember.

It also builds connections because we are building the stories together. It allows for personalization. The stories can reflect students’ interests, experiences, and ideas, making the content more relatable. Story asking also captivates students’ attention because they are actively involved in creating the story.

Story Asking With a Script

In episode 95, I talk about two types of story asking, with and without a script. Story asking with a script is basically what it says, you have a script and you ask your students some details of the script. If you have target structures of a curriculum that you need to cover, this is a perfect way. 

How to use a script

• Start with a basic outline of the story, including key events and targeted structures.
• Ask guiding questions to lead students through the pre-planned narrative.
• Allow for flexibility and student input to make the story dynamic and engaging.

Having a script can provide structure and ensure that certain language points are covered. It can also help less experienced teachers feel more confident as they have a guide to follow. Listen to episode 95 above or here for more tips on using a script. 

Story Asking Without a Script

I love to use story asking without a script because it’s like a blank slate that provides your students with flexibility and space to create. The structure of this type of story asking is a narrative. There is a character, there is a villain or antagonists, and there is a problem. There’s also an attempt to solve the problem that failed and there is a solution to the problem.

Story asking without a script is more spontaneous and can lead to unexpected and exciting directions. It also allows for greater student creativity and ownership of the story. Make sure you begin with a simple prompt or question to spark the story. Allow students’ responses, asking open-ended questions to develop the plot. It’s also helpful to encourage students to suggest details, characters, and events.

Struggles with Story Asking

What are some challenging things that can happen with story asking? First, you can have students yelling answers and options and it’s just very chaotic. Second, students that are not outspoken get lost in the process, and then their voice is not heard. Third, they provide very inappropriate options. This can lead to teachers giving up and not wanting to try story asking again. 

Next, I’m going to explain my process for story asking so, hopefully, you won’t run into these challenges. First, I start with expectations. Listen to episode 95 to hear the ones I use. Second, I tell them how I’m going to ask questions. This is vital. The first is asking the whole class. Second, is asking groups to show me their collective answer on their whiteboards. And, third, is when I ask a student who has raised their hand. Lastly, I tell them that I make the final decision, usually it’s the majority answer. 

My Process

When I start a story asking session, I often begin with a familiar context or theme to make it easier for students to participate. I ask a series of simple questions to set up the story’s beginning, such as ‘Who is the main character?’, ‘Where are they?’, and ‘What are they doing? As students respond, I expand on their answers, adding details and asking follow-up questions to keep the story moving.

I also use visual aids, gestures, and drawings to help students understand and stay engaged. Throughout the process, I make sure to repeat key vocabulary and structures to reinforce learning. I also always allow room for student creativity and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.

Tips to Get Started

If you’re new to story asking, start small. Try a short story with simple questions and gradually build up as you and your students become more comfortable. Experiment with both scripted and unscripted approaches to find what works best for you and your students. Remember to be flexible and responsive to your students’ ideas and interests. The goal is to make the process enjoyable and engaging.

Consider recording your sessions to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Join communities or professional groups to share experiences and gather new ideas. If you are part of Growing with Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy, you have exclusive access to my entire curriculum of stories that I have written over many years. If you’re not part of the Academy, join the waitlist here. 

Story asking is a fantastic tool to bring your language classroom to life. It fosters engagement, creativity, and language acquisition in a fun and interactive way. And, don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt the technique to fit your teaching style and your students’ needs. 

To hear more about stories, here are a few episodes to listen to. In episode 17, I talk about why I love stories and how I use stories in my class. Then, in episode 24 Karen Rowan tells us a little bit about the science behind stories, why stories are so engaging for students, and why they remember stories easier than any other kind of input that our students access. Find the links to these episodes below.