Activity Title: Story Snapshots

Activity Title: Story Snapshots

Level: Beginner

Objective: To develop comprehension skills, expand vocabulary, and practice speaking.

Materials Needed:

• Passages from "Simple Stories" (a single short story or passage for each learner/group)
• Worksheet with comprehension questions and vocabulary exercise
• Vocabulary flashcards or images (optional)

Procedure:

1. Pre-Reading Activity (5-10 minutes)

   • Vocabulary Preview: Choose 3-5 key vocabulary words from the passage. Introduce these words using flashcards or images. Discuss meanings and use simple example sentences.
   • Prediction: Ask students to look at the title and any images and make a guess about the story. Prompt them with questions like, “What do you think this story is about?”

2. Reading Activity (10-15 minutes)

   • Distribute the passage to each learner or group. Allow students to read at their own pace or take turns reading aloud in pairs.
   • Guided Questions: After reading, ask a few basic questions to check comprehension, such as “Who is the story about?” “What happens in the story?” “Where does the story take place?”

3. Post-Reading Activity (10-15 minutes)

   • Comprehension Check: Distribute a worksheet with simple “Yes or No” or multiple-choice questions about the story. Examples might include, “Does the main character like to play soccer?” or “Does the story happen in the city or countryside?”
   • Vocabulary Matching: Include a matching exercise on the worksheet with vocabulary words and definitions or images.

4. Speaking Activity (10 minutes)

   • Story Retell: In pairs or small groups, have students retell the story in their own words using the vocabulary they practiced. They can also share whether they liked the story and why.
   • Personal Connection: Ask students to connect the story to their own lives by answering questions like, “Have you ever done something like the character?” or “What would you do if you were in the story?”

Assessment:

• Listen to the students’ retellings and check for comprehension and correct use of new vocabulary.
• Review completed worksheets to assess understanding and vocabulary acquisition.

Extension Idea:

• For advanced beginners, have students write one or two sentences about what might happen next if the story continued.