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Research a storyteller

Research a storyteller
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Research a storyteller by finding biographical facts, reading or listening to a story, taking notes, and creating a short poster or oral report.

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Step-by-step guide to research a storyteller

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How to develop storytelling skills | Oxford Owl

What you need
Adult supervision required, colouring materials (crayons markers or coloured pencils), glue, paper, pencil, poster paper or cardstock, scissors, sticky notes or index cards

Step 1

Pick a storyteller you want to learn about and say their name out loud.

Step 2

Find two or three reliable places to learn about them such as a library book a teacher recommendation or a trusted kid-friendly website.

Step 3

Read or listen to one whole story by that storyteller.

Step 4

Write down at least five biographical facts about the storyteller in your notebook.

Step 5

Write the main idea of the story and three favorite details in your notebook.

Step 6

Sort your facts and story notes into groups on sticky notes or index cards labeled "Life" "Work" and "Stories."

Step 7

Decide if you will make a poster or give a short oral report.

Step 8

Make a simple draft layout on scrap paper that matches your choice (poster or oral report).

Step 9

Write the title and three important facts onto your poster or write the opening paragraph for your oral report.

Step 10

Add a drawing or glue a picture that shows the storyteller or a scene from the story.

Step 11

Colour and label your poster clearly or add cue cards to help you remember your oral report.

Step 12

Practice explaining your poster or practice your oral report out loud at least two times.

Step 13

Take a clear photo of your finished poster or record your oral report and share your creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I don't have sticky notes or index cards, what can I use instead?

Cut notebook pages or scrap paper into squares and label them "Life", "Work", and "Stories" to sort your facts the same way the instructions direct.

What should I do if I can't find a reliable source or I don't understand the story?

Ask a teacher for a recommendation, use a trusted kid-friendly website or a library book from step two, or listen to an audiobook version so you can complete the 'read or listen to one whole story' and write the main idea clearly.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult read one story aloud and record three simple facts with a picture-heavy poster, while older kids should use two or three reliable sources, write at least five biographical facts, and prepare cue cards for a longer oral report.

How can we make the poster or oral report more special or longer-lasting?

Add a timeline of the storyteller's life on the poster, glue a printed picture or drawing of a story scene, and record your practiced oral report to upload or share on DIY.org as directed in the final step.

Watch videos on how to research a storyteller

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Top tips for storytelling with young children [Advancing Learning Webinar]

4 Videos

Facts about biographies and storytelling

✍️ Maya Angelou blended memoir, poetry, and performance; her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" made her a famous modern storyteller.

🐢 Aesop used animals as characters to teach morals — fables like "The Tortoise and the Hare" have been told for over 2,000 years.

🎤 Before books were common, storytellers memorized and performed long tales — some could tell stories for hours without notes!

📚 Hans Christian Andersen wrote over 150 fairy tales, including classics like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling".

🌍 Scheherazade's One Thousand and One Nights helped share and preserve stories from across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.

How do you research a storyteller with a child?

Start by choosing a storyteller (author, oral storyteller, or folktale teller). Together, gather biographical facts from library books or reliable websites, then read or listen to one of their stories. Take simple notes on key facts, themes, and favorite lines. Finally, help the child organize the notes into a short poster or a 1–2 minute oral report, including pictures and a clear beginning, middle, and end. Practice presenting aloud.

What materials do I need to research a storyteller?

You’ll need at least one biography or reliable online source, the storyteller’s story (book, audio, or video), a notebook or sticky notes for jotting facts, pencils, and highlighters. For the final product use poster board or printable templates, markers, glue, and scissors. Optional: a tablet or computer for research, printer for images, and props or costume pieces for an oral report.

What ages is this storyteller research activity suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: ages 6–8 with adult help to read and take notes, ages 9–12 can research and create posters more independently, and teens can do deeper research, citations, and multimedia presentations. Adapt complexity: younger kids focus on one story and a few facts, while older kids can compare multiple stories, research context, and prepare longer oral reports.

What are the benefits of researching a storyteller with my child?

Researching a storyteller builds reading comprehension, listening skills, note-taking, and critical thinking. It boosts public speaking, creativity, and confidence through poster-making or oral reports. Children gain cultural awareness and empathy by learning authors’ backgrounds and story contexts. The activity also teaches research habits like checking sources and summarizing information—useful skills for school and lifelong learning.
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