Term Definition

Reading Activities and Props

storytelling Reciting a story or reading from a book

picture book A book with only a few words and a simple plot; usually the first type of
book used with young children

storybook A book with more words and a more complex plot; often grouped as family
life stories, animal stories, and fairy tales

theme The main idea of a book

family life story A storybook with the theme of Social Development understanding

animal story A storybook about animals with human qualities, enjoyed by young
children

fairy tale A storybook about characters who are able to perform challenging tasks,
with a theme of achievement; enjoyed by older children

review A list of books with descriptions and other useful information

anti-bias Free from stereotypes

stereotype A preformed idea about a group of people based on one characteristic,

which may be gender, culture, religion, age, or nationality

prop Any item that relates to a story that may be used to attract children’s
attention

Reading and Storytelling Techniques

draw and tell Also known as “chalk talk,” a storytelling method where drawings are done
on chalkboard or other surface as the story is told

flipchart Stories drawn on large tagboard cards

flannel board A board covered in flannel or felt on which characters and shapes may be
attached and moved as a story is told

magnetic board A metal pan or board on which magnetic characters and shapes may be
attached and moved as a story is told