Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on developing pupils’ oral expression skills through storytelling. Prepare an engaging story, such as “The Old Man and the Dog,” to read and tell to the class. Encourage pupils to listen attentively and provide opportunities for them to retell the story and answer simple questions. By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to listen to a story, understand its main points, and retell it in their own simple words.
Class: Primary 2
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 7 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Studies
Curriculum Theme: Speech
Previous Lesson: Writing: Spelling Names of Familiar Objects
Topic: Speech: Oral Expression Through Storytelling
Subject Matter: Oral expression -A story built on any topic that will (I) Interest the pupils (II) Encourage them to tell their own stories in a simple language e.g. “The old man and the dog”
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Define oral expression in simple terms.
- Listen to a story and identify its main characters and events.
- Answer simple questions based on a story.
Affective Domain
- Show interest and enjoyment while listening to a story.
- Participate actively in storytelling activities.
Psychomotor Domain
- Retell a simple story in their own words.
- Use simple language to express themselves orally.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- Primary 2 English Studies Textbook
- FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Reading text
- Flash cards (e.g., pictures of an old man, a dog)
- Chart showing key story elements
- Notebooks
- Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important because it helps pupils develop their ability to speak clearly and express ideas effectively. Storytelling is a fun way for young learners to practice speaking, improve their vocabulary, and build confidence in oral communication. It also enhances their listening skills and comprehension.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic listening skills and can speak simple sentences in English. They have also heard simple stories before.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Speech: Oral Expression Through Storytelling
What is Oral Expression?
Oral expression means using your voice to share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others. It is about speaking clearly and making sure people understand what you are saying.
Storytelling as Oral Expression
Storytelling is a way to practice oral expression. When you tell a story, you use your voice to describe characters, events, and feelings. It helps you speak better and become a good communicator.
Example Story: The Old Man and the Dog
Once upon a time, there was an old man named Papa Emeka. He lived alone in a small house. His best friend was a loyal dog named Bingo. Papa Emeka and Bingo did everything together. They walked to the market, ate their meals, and played in the garden.
One sunny afternoon, Papa Emeka fell very ill. He could not get up from his bed. Bingo stayed by his side, whining and barking loudly. He barked and barked until a kind neighbour heard him and came to check. The neighbour quickly called for help, and Papa Emeka was taken to the hospital.
After some days, Papa Emeka got better and came back home. He was so happy to see Bingo. He hugged his loyal dog and thanked him for saving his life. From that day on, Papa Emeka loved Bingo even more, and they continued to be the best of friends.
Tips for Telling a Simple Story
- Speak clearly and loudly enough for everyone to hear.
- Use simple words that your listeners can understand.
- Look at your audience while you are speaking.
- Show feelings with your voice and face.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Storytelling, Question and Answer, Explanation, Guided Practice, Individual Practice
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Motivation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about their favourite stories. The teacher then tells them that today they will learn about telling stories and expressing themselves.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and share their favourite stories.
Learning Point: Activating prior knowledge
Step 2: Explanation of Oral Expression
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what oral expression means in simple terms, emphasizing that it is about speaking clearly to share ideas. The teacher links it to storytelling.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and try to repeat the simple definition.
Learning Point: Meaning of oral expression
Step 3: Teacher Tells a Story
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reads an interesting passage or tells the story “The Old Man and the Dog” to the pupils, using appropriate voice and gestures to make it engaging.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully to the story being told by the teacher.
Learning Point: Listening to a story
Step 4: Comprehension Questions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks simple questions based on the story, such as “Who was the old man’s best friend?” or “What did Bingo do when Papa Emeka fell ill?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally, showing their understanding of the story.
Learning Point: Story comprehension
Step 5: Pupils Retell the Story
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher selects a few pupils to re-tell the story in their own words. The teacher provides gentle guidance and encouragement.
Pupils’ Activity: Selected pupils attempt to retell the story, while others listen.
Learning Point: Retelling a story
Step 6: Encouraging Storytelling
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses with pupils how they can tell their own simple stories and gives them tips for good oral expression during storytelling.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and share ideas on how to tell stories.
Learning Point: Simple storytelling tips
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is oral expression?
- Who were the main characters in “The Old Man and the Dog”?
- What is one thing you should do when telling a story?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Oral expression understanding
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on oral expression and storytelling tips into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson notes
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reminds pupils that practicing storytelling helps them speak better and encourages them to tell stories to their friends and family. The teacher praises their participation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of oral expression.
Learning Point: Importance of storytelling
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Tell a short story to your parents or guardians at home. It can be a story you know or one you make up. Ask them to listen carefully.
- Think of a simple story you like.
- Practice telling it clearly.
- Tell the story to someone at home.
- Be ready to share your experience in class next time.
Lesson Keywords
- Oral – Spoken, using the mouth.
- Expression – Showing feelings or ideas.
- Storytelling – Telling a story to others.
- Characters – People or animals in a story.
- Retell – To tell a story again.
Differentiation
For pupils who struggle with retelling, the teacher can provide picture cards to help them remember the sequence of events in the story. More advanced pupils can be encouraged to add more details or use descriptive words when retelling the story, or even create a very short new story.
Suggested Lesson Videos
For further understanding, pupils can search for “Primary 2 English storytelling” on YouTube.

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