Home » Story-based Approach to Teaching EAL in an Adult Classroom
Story-based Approach to Teaching EAL in an Adult Classroom
4 and 11 June 2026, 4:30pm – 5:30pm, AEST, Online
Summary
This presentation introduces a story-based approach to teaching EAL in adult classrooms. It argues that stories are more engaging than isolated texts because they increase motivation, improve memory, encourage empathy, and help learners connect language to meaningful experiences.
Tanja outlines a simple framework for planning lessons around a story. The stages include:
Setting the context
Predicting content
Pre-teaching vocabulary
Reading the story
Completing comprehension tasks
Undertaking extension activities
Discussing the themes and ideas in the story
The session also explains how these stages can be adapted for different ACSF levels (PLB to ACSF 3), with increasing emphasis on prediction, interpretation, independent reading, and discussion. Examples of activities include vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, retelling stories, grammar work, writing tasks, and sharing personal experiences related to the story.
The presentation promotes stories as a powerful and practical way to organise EAL teaching, making learning more meaningful, memorable, and learner centred.
