Tell Tale Storytelling and English Language Learners

English Language Learners begin to develop language through photographs, so why do we teach them with words? Close your eyes and think of the word pink. Did you see the letters "p," "i," "n," "k"? No, you saw a photograph of something pink. Your brain does not learn in words it learns in images. If you want to teach American History to Language Learners teach it in stories, act it out, or show video clips. Don't have them read a book, that won't bring American History to life for them.

 To help my language learners practice their written and oral English I have them play Tell Tale, a game created by Blue Orange. The game provides them with four photographs that they have to use to create a story. I have my newcomers create the story, write it in their native language, translate it to English and share it both orally and in written form. Then I give those stories to students who have been in the United States longer and have them create photographs for the story they have been given. Then we compare the original photographs to the ones they created. This allows the upper level students to see if they missed any details, or if they interpreted a word incorrectly. The newcomers get to see if their word choice was correct and delivered the message they intended their reader to receive.

If you aren't familiar with Tell Tale, you can learn more about it at blueorangegames.com

Tell Tale

Tell Tale storytelling cards