Level 1 • Lesson 72 — Acting out a story

Objective

Act out a short story using your voice and body, follow the events in order, and show how the characters feel.

Materials

Very short story with clear characters and events (1–2 pages)
Simple “script” copied or written in big print (optional)
Light props (paper hat, scarf, toy) if you wish
Space to move safely (living room or open floor)

Mini-lesson — Bringing stories to life

When we act out a story, we make the story come to life. We pretend to be the characters and show what happens.

Good story actors:

Follow the story in order — first, next, last
Use their voice to match the character (happy, shy, brave)
Use their face and body to show feelings
Move safely with space around others

Acting out a story can help us:

Remember what happened in the story
Understand how the characters feel
Have fun while we read and think

We can say:

“I am the character who…”
“First I…, next I…, last I…”

Today you will read a short story, choose who you will be, and act it out with your voice, face, and body.

Picture strip: Acting out a story on a little stage

Guided Practice — Mini-book: Acting out stories

How to use this mini-book:

Read a short story together one time.
Choose who will act which character.
Use the mini-book pages as reminders while you act.

Keep it playful. It is fine to act out only a few key scenes at first.

Acting words

act character voice face movement first next last

Frames: “I am the character who ___.” “First I ___, then I ___, last I ___.”

Mini-Book: Acting out a story

1

Pretending to be a character

When we act, we pretend to be someone in the story. We think, “What would this character do and say?”

Who are you acting as in our story?

2

Using our voices

We can make our voice soft, loud, happy, or shy to match the character. We keep it clear so others understand.

Show a happy voice and a sad voice.

3

Using face and body

Our face and body can show how a character feels. We smile, frown, or stand tall, while staying safe and gentle.

Show a proud pose. Show a worried pose.

4

Acting in order

We act the story in order. First we act the beginning, then the middle, and last the ending scene.

What will we act first? What comes next?

5

Working together

When we act with others, we take turns and listen. We wait for our turn to speak and help the story make sense.

How can you be a kind partner when you act?

6

Talking after we act

After acting, we can talk about what happened and how it felt. We can share our favorite part to perform.

What was your favorite part to act out?

Story Practice — Acting and understanding

Read each situation about acting out stories. Choose the best answer. Then press “Check answers”.

1) What does it mean to act out a story?

2) Why do we change our voices and faces when we act?

3) “First we walked into the cave. Next we found the treasure. Last we went home.”
What is this showing?

4) When you act out a story, how should your body move?

5) You are acting with a partner. What should you do?

6) How can acting a story help your reading?

7) After acting, the teacher asks, “What was your favorite part to act?”
Why is this a good question?

8) Which sentence shows good thinking about acting out a story?

Quick Check (10 questions)

1) When you act out a story, you should…

ignore the story and make up random moves follow what happens in the story with your voice and body sit still and never speak

2) Which words help you keep the story in order?

red, blue, green left, right, up first, next, last

3) How can your face help when you act?

It can show if the character is happy, sad, or scared It should never move at all It should be covered the whole time

4) When you act with others, you should…

push them so you can go first listen, share turns, and be kind walk away during their turn

5) Why is acting out a story helpful?

It makes reading harder It only makes you tired It helps you understand and remember the story

6) A story script is…

the words you say when you act the backpack you wear the snack you eat after

7) If you forget what to do next in the story, you can…

run away peek at the book or ask your helper what comes next start acting a totally different story

8) Which sentence shows a good way to talk about acting?

“I do not remember anything.” “I was loud.” “I acted the bird. First I flew, then I landed, and last I sang.”

9) How can you stay safe while acting?

Move gently and leave space around others Swing your arms wildly near people Run as fast as you can indoors

10) To get better at acting out stories, you can…

never act again practice acting short stories and talking about what you did only read without thinking about feelings

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Can act as a simple story character with voice and movement Can follow the basic order of events while acting Can show at least one character feeling with face or body Can work with a partner or adult to act out a short scene Can say one favorite part they acted and why

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can act out a story and show how characters feel 🙂 I need more practice acting out stories 😅 Acting out stories still feels tricky

I will practice…

Using my voice and face to show feelings Acting the story in order Taking turns when I act with others

Lesson 72: Acting out a story