Reading  skill   

Using Story Boxes in Language Learning

          Story boxes and story bags are containers for holding realia that are used to enhance reading. The teacher‘s selection of an appropriate book and the specific items put into a story box can be adjusted for any group based on the English proficiency.

          If a teacher plans to make many story boxes to accompany different book, it is best to select a type of box that is large. Students can also be encouraged to decorate the outside of the box to match the story they are reading. For a beginner teacher, it is also possible to use a large plastic or paper bags. Pizza boxes are another possible container for story boxes. There’re many ways to use a story box. Teacher can talk with the students about the items in the box and ask question about it. Teacher should spend time with each item to allow the students to think about the items. It’s also helpful to list the item on the board that how the words are spelled. After that, teacher can decide to do more activities.

          Teacher can also choose to read the book immediately after examining the items in the story box with the students. Story boxes are an excellent addition to any class and can help students to develop vocabulary and make connections between the selected book and their own experiences. Students can also be encouraged to think about creating their own story boxes as part of book report or a class presentation. Story boxes and bags are interactive way to encourage discussion and writing, to build vocabulary and to provide a multisensory activity for a variety of learners. This creative activity is an excellent way to help enhance students’ reading experience and make learning tangible.