Activity Overview
Theme: New Mexico’s Contribution
Grade Band: Elementary (Lower Grades K–2)
In this activity, students explore storytelling as a way to understand people, places, and memories. They will listen to a story told aloud, share a short story from their own lives, and learn how stories help families and communities remember what matters. This activity connects to New Mexico’s rich storytelling traditions, emphasizing oral language, creativity, and appreciation of family heritage. Students begin to see themselves as storytellers, linking spoken and visual expression.
Time Required
45–60 minutes
Materials Needed
- Paper and crayons or colored pencils
- Family photos or printed classroom visuals
- Optional recording device or tablet for sharing stories
- Chart paper or whiteboard
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Listen to and retell short stories from memory or family experiences.
- Identify key elements of a story (who, where, when, what happened).
- Practice speaking and listening respectfully while sharing stories.
- Understand that stories help us remember and connect with others.
Essential Questions
- What is a story?
- Why do people tell stories?
- How do stories help us remember things from the past?
- What stories are important in your family or community?
Inspired Conversation Topics
- Invite students to share who tells stories in their families.
- Discuss what makes a story interesting (voice, feeling, detail).
- Ask students to describe how they feel when someone tells them a story.
- Create a class “Story Circle” to celebrate everyone’s voices.
Connection to Statewide Theme
This activity aligns with the NM250 Storytelling: New Mexico’s Contribution initiative, which honors the state’s oral history traditions and the art of sharing stories across generations. Teachers may choose to link this classroom activity to a schoolwide Storytelling Assembly or #MyNMStory project, where students and families celebrate local heritage and creativity.
Learn more:
Educator Resources & Links
- National Storytelling Network – Storytelling in Education
- New Mexico Arts – Folk & Traditional Arts Program
- Smithsonian Folklife – Oral Traditions and Cultural Heritage
- PBS LearningMedia – Storytelling Collection
- StoryCorps – Listening and Sharing Stories
- National Endowment for the Humanities – EDSITEment: Teaching Storytelling and Oral History
- Reading Rockets – Oral History Projects: Bringing History to Life
- StoryCorps: Listening Is an Act of Love by Dave Isay
Book List
- Grandfather’s Journey, grades K – 3
- Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez by Kathleen Krull K-3
- Abuela’s Weave by Omar S. Castañeda, grades K-4
- Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie, grades K-3
- Mama’s Saris by Pooja Makhijani, grades K-1
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, grades K-3
- Gracias / Thanks by Pat Mora, grades pre K-4
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco, grades K-4
- The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth, grades K-3
- Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, grades K-3
- Remember: The Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison grades K-3
- We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, grades 1-2
- Remember: The Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison grades K-3
Optional Family Extension Activity
Invite families to share a favorite story at home — it could be about a family memory, a tradition, or something funny that happened long ago. Students can draw or write about the story to bring it back and share with their class. This activity helps strengthen family connections and celebrates storytelling as part of everyday life.