Story Frames for Teaching Literacy

Enhancing Student Learning Through the Power of Storytelling

by Carolee Dean, M.S., CCC-SLP, CALT
Word Travel LLC Denver, Colorado with invited contributors

Introduction

Stories existed long before books. We use stories to connect, to learn, to persuade, and to teach. Storytelling is an essential human skill that most people understand on a superficial level. Some turn it into an art form, but others struggle with its application. Educators know the power of stories and use them often, not only in language arts but in science, history, mathematics, and sports. Educators do not always understand the deep structure of stories, though, nor the full potential of their application.

Story Frames provides a dynamic, engaging framework for educators to use to inspire students of all ages to engage in the storytelling process, by both analyzing the stories of published authors and creating their own original tales. These may range from basic oral narratives to complex written plots. They might focus on history or fantasy or may even explore personal experiences. Story Frames uses the same 12-element plot structure to discuss a variety of genres, including narrative nonfiction picture books, chapter books, and novels. It is geared toward students in Grades 1–8, though it can be adapted for both younger and older students, and it may be used to explore the structure of any story.

Key Benefits of Story Frames:

• Get started with structured literacy in a fun and engaging way.
• Build core literacy skills, including phonological awareness, reading comprehension, oral language, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, narrative development, and expository writing.
• Strengthen your existing curriculum with adaptable lesson plans and activities aligned with the science of reading.
• Teach students in any setting, with practical tips for teletherapy and virtual instruction.
• Boost executive function skills by making the writing process comprehensible, meaningful, and manageable.

Story Elements

The 12-element structure in the Story Frames approach includes:

1. Ordinary World
2. Call and Response
3. Mentors, Guides, and Gifts
4. Crossing
5. New World
6. Problems, Prizes, and Plans
7. Midpoint Attempt
8. Downtime Response
9. Chase and Escape
10. Death and Transformation
11. Climax: The Final Test
12. Final Reward

These concepts are not new. The process is merely about awakening an ancient understanding that we have not always had the words to describe.

How Story Frames Evolved

The use of story grammar to improve comprehension has a long history with contributions from various authors. The method integrates findings from researchers and practitioners alike, making it accessible to both students of all ages and writing professionals.

About the Author

Carolee Dean, M.S., CCC-SLP, CALT

Carolee Dean, the founder of Word Travel Literacy (a division of Word Travel LLC), specializes in the treatment of dyslexia, other language-based learning differences, and autism. She combines her knowledge of story structure and learning differences to speak at national and international conferences on the subject of narrative intervention.

Contents of the Guide

1. Introduction
2. Your Story Frames Toolbox
   • The Story Frames Approach: Introduction and Tools
   • The Twelve Elements in Depth
   • Getting Started With Story Frames
3. Using Story Frames to Build Literacy Skills
   • Understanding Narrative Development
   • Oral Retells: Vocabulary, Sequencing, and Grammar
   • From Speaking to Writing: Sentences, Paragraphs, and Stories
   • From Story Writing to Expository Writing
   • Toward a Deeper Understanding: Questioning and Comprehension Skills
4. Fostering Growth Mindset and Storytelling Across Cultures

Illustration of 12 Elements

Conclusion

Story Frames offers a framework that is precisely what educators need to teach narrative structure effectively. By using this method, learners not only analyze existing stories but also weave their own narratives, allowing them to experience the profound power of storytelling.