School of Theatre > For educators > In your classroom > Story Builders

Story Builders

Welcome to Story Builders! After six successful years, we are excited to bring more popular stories to life in your classroom using sound, movement, dialogue and improvisation. Story Builders introduces students to theatre and helps develop literacy and communication skills in an artistic environment. During this workshop, students turn the classroom into a living theatre, becoming characters in a story chosen from our reading list. Story Builders is available as a one-, three- or 10-hour workshop, with the option of a bilingual program for Spanish-speaking ELL students. Berkeley Rep Teaching Artists will modify curriculum based on students’ grade, level of experience and teacher feedback.

program benefits

Introduces and develops theatrical skills and knowledge in elementary school students.
Students build upon reading, listening and speaking skills by breaking down stories into the “Five Ws”: who (character), what (setting), when (time), where (place) and why (reflection).
Students develop the skills necessary to create a performance and develop characters through improvisation, collaboration and group work.
Provides an avenue for creative expression and increased self-confidence, using literature selections that explore themes such as courage, telling the truth, bullying and friendship.
Offers flexibility of curriculum for students in all degrees of learning, ELL, students from different cultural backgrounds and students with learning and physical disabilities.

To bring Story Builders into your classroom, please look at the literature selection list and complete the registration form. We will contact you to confirm your scheduling once we have received all necessary registration information.

literature selections

Based on the California Board of Education recommended reading list, these stories are appropriate for the following grades:

The Magic Pillow by Demi (Kindergarten–grade 2)
Blueberry Shoe by Ann Dixon (Kindergarten–grade 2)
Go to Sleep, Gecko! by Margaret Read MacDonald (Kindergarten–grade 2)
The Hummingbirds’ Gift by Stefan Czernecki and Timothy Rhodes (Kindergarten–grade 3)
A Story A Story by Gail E. Haley (Kindergarten–grade 5)
The Magic Gourd by Baba Wagué Diakité (Kindergarten–grade 5)
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Judy Sierra (Grades 2–4)
Mr. Lincoln’s Way by Patricia Polacco (Grades 3–5)
Raven-Who-Sets-Things-Right by Fran Martin (Grades 3–5)
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox (Grades 3–5)
The Woman Who Outshone the Sun by Alejandro Cruz Martinez (Grades 3–5)
La Mariposa (The Butterfly) by Francisco Jiménez (Grades 3–5)
Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges (Grades 4–5)
Night Boat to Freedom by Margot Theis Raven (Grades 4–5)
The Day of Ahmed’s Secret by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland (Grades 4–5)

Note to teachers: For a 10-hour Story Builders workshop, please identify three stories from the list of literature selections above. Additionally, you have the option of recommending a story from your class (as approved by Berkeley Rep staff) or you may choose from a list of previous Story Builders literature selections (provided by Berkeley Rep). 10-hour workshops may conclude with a culminating event, such as a sharing of work for other students or families.

Click here for descriptions of the literature selections or download a PDF.

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workshop dates

September 2011–May 2012

workshop length

One-, three- or 10-hour sessions

maximum class size

30 students / 1 teaching artist

grade level

Kindergarten–grade 5

workshop costs

First one-hour workshop—FREE * (one hour per public school)
Additional one-hour workshop—$75/hour
($60/hour educator discount **)
Three-hour session—$60/hour
($55/hour educator discount **)
10-hour session—$55/hour
Title I discount—$55/hour
Non-public schools—$75/hour

* Limited to one free teaching hour per public school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties. Based on availability of Berkeley Rep School of Theatre staff. Limited to 30 students per classroom. Must sign and agree to Berkeley Rep School of Theatre booking agreement.

** Must be paid by personal check or credit card for use in educator’s own classroom.

Register now

new concepts and vocabulary introduced

Antagonist
Blocking
Character development
Collaboration
Conflict and resolution
Courage in the face of public speaking and performing
Five Ws (who, what, when, where, why)
Improvisation
Metaphor
Personal space and control of motor functions
Problem solving
Protagonist
The role of the actor
Stage presence
Tableau
Theatre

content integration

All of the subjects below are integrated into the Story Builders curriculum. Depending on grade level, story selection and number of bookings, some subjects are explored further than others.

all standards covered

English Language Arts: Reading: 3.1.; Listen & Speak: 1.1-1.9, 2.1–2.3
Physical Education: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.1.4, 1.6, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 5.1–5.7
English language Development: Reading: 3.1, 3.2. Listen & Speak: 1.1–1.9, 2.1–2.3
Mathematics: Number Sense, 1.1–1.4, 2.1–2.6. Statistics: 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2
Visual and Performing Arts, Dance: 1.1–1.5, 2.1–2.4

key standards

English Language Arts

Identify and describe the elements of plot, setting and character in a story, as well as the story’s beginning, middle and ending.
Use descriptive words when speaking about people, place, things and events.
Retell stories relating the sequence of story events by answering who, what, when, where, why and how questions.
Plan and present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems or plays using volume, pitch, phrasing, pace, modulation and gestures appropriately to enhance meaning.

Physical Education

Demonstrate sharing and cooperation in a physical activity, encourage others by using verbal and nonverbal communication, contribute ideas and listen to the ideas of others in cooperative problem-solving activities.
Identify and demonstrate effective practices for working with a group without interfering with others.

Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre

Artistic Perception

Observe and describe the traits of a character and identify the differences between real people and imaginary characters.
Use body and voice to improvise alternative endings to a story.
Identify a character’s objectives and motivations to explain that character’s behavior.
Recognize the structural elements of plot in a script or theatrical experience.

Creative Expression

Participate in cooperative script writing and improvisations that incorporate the Five Ws and explore complex ideas and universal themes in literature and life.
Demonstrate the emotional traits of a character through gesture and action.
Perform group pantomimes, tableaus and improvisations from classroom literature or life experiences, incorporating plot.

Historical and Cultural Context

Retell or dramatize stories, myths, fables and fairy tales from various cultures and times.

Visual and Performing Arts, Dance

Create, develop and perform movements that reflect a variety of personal experiences and emotions with focus, energy and intent.
Respond in movement to a wide variety of stimuli.

literature selections

The Magic Pillow

By Demi
Kindergarten–grade 2
In this Chinese tale, a poor young boy named Ping bemoans the fact that he will never have great wealth or power. With the help of a wise magician and his magic pillow, Ping goes on an epic dreamland adventure in which he learns that his loving family and peaceful existence are the true bearers of lasting happiness.

Blueberry Shoe

By Ann Dixon
Illustrated by Evon Zerbetz
Kindergarten–grade 2
On a family blueberry-picking expedition, Baby loses a shoe. Rather than staying lost, the shoe is found by a variety of animals that make the shoe their home, toy and meal. A year later, after the seasons have changed and changed again, Baby finds the shoe as well, although it has now blossomed into far more than any old piece of infant footwear. This story embraces the lesson that one man’s—or rather baby’s—trash is another’s treasure.

Go to Sleep, Gecko!

By Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrated by Geraldo Valério
Kindergarten–grade 2
When Gecko goes to Elephant for help with his sleeping problems, he learns an important lesson. Every bug, animal and rain cloud—even the blinking fireflies that keep him awake at night—are part of a tightly woven chain that helps one another to survive. In this Balinese folk tale of community and appreciation for the work of others, Gecko learns that removing even one piece of the chain could lead to his ultimate demise.

The Hummingbirds’ Gift

By Stefan Czernecki and Timothy Rhodes
Illustrated by Stefan Czernecki
Kindergarten–grade 3
When a drought comes to the Mexican village of Tzintzuntzan, a farmer and his family sacrifice their own well-being to save the beautiful hummingbirds of the village. In exchange for their kind selflessness, the hummingbirds teach the family a skill that will sustain them for generations. Rich with Mexican culture and featuring Dia de los Muertos, this story illustrates the importance of making sacrifices and helping others.

A Story A Story

By Gail E. Haley
Kindergarten–grade 5
Ananse, the famed African trickster spider, makes a bargain with the Sky God to obtain all the stories in the world, but first he must complete several nearly impossible tasks. Witness how Ananse outwits the forest animals and wins the fabled book of stories.

The Magic Gourd

By Baba Wagué Diakité
Kindergarten–grade 5
During a terrible drought, Brother Rabbit saves Chameleon from a thorn bush. In exchange, Chameleon gives Brother Rabbit a magic gourd that will fill with whatever the owner desires. The magic gourd sustains Brother Rabbit and his family until a greedy king hears about its wonders and steals it to build an endless supply of gold. However, the king underestimates the power of friendship and generosity and is soon taught that they are worth far more than any shiny treasure in this story from Mali.

Tasty Baby Belly Buttons

By Judy Sierra
Illustrated by Meilo So
Grades 2–4
In this tale from Japan, Uriko’s parents taught her to be a great warrior and master dumpling maker. When giant monsters named oni (who love to munch on baby belly buttons) invade her village and steal all the babies, Uriko’s skills are put to the test. With a sack full of dumplings, a sword and some loyal companions, Uriko’s quest teaches that brains and teamwork are worth far more than brute strength.

Mr. Lincoln’s Way

By Patricia Polacco
Grades 3–5
In a touching story about learning to think for oneself and make good decisions, one principal, Mr. Lincoln, makes all the difference in a young boy’s life. After being a bully for most of his life, Mr. Lincoln was determined to find the good in Eugene’s inner self. Through a love for birds the two individuals form a special bond and Eugene realizes the error of his ways.

Raven-Who-Sets-Things-Right

By Fran Martin
Grades 3–5
In this Native American myth, Raven wants to give sunshine to the people of the earth, but there is one problem: the Old One keeps the Sun, Moon and Stars tied up in his house. In disguise, Raven tricks the Old One into releasing the Sun, Moon and Stars to the world. While the world then begins to grow and transform, the Old One grows angry enough to destroy it all with his magic. Will Raven’s tricks be enough to save the people this time or has his dishonestly cost them an enormous price?

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

By Mem Fox
Illustrated by Julie Vivas
Grades 3–5
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge doesn’t know what a memory is. All he knows is that his friend, Miss Nancy, has lost hers. Wilfrid Gordon seeks the help of his many elderly friends who live in the home next door. On this expedition to discover the meaning of memory, Wilfrid and his readers learn that friendship comes in all ages and that an object as simple as a seashell can help to unearth the most magical of moments.

The Woman Who Outshone the Sun

By Alejandro Cruz Martinez
Pictures by Fernando Olivera
Grades 3–5
When Lucia Zenteno arrives in an ancient Mexican village surrounded by butterflies and accompanied by an iguana, the civilians are overwhelmed with her beauty and majesty. Despite the elders’ warnings to respect Lucia, they are frightened of her power and turn to insults to drive her out of their village. With her departure she brings the village’s river, and they must seek her forgiveness to save their homes. Written in Spanish and English, this story works well with multicultural and environmental units.

La Mariposa (The Butterfly)

By Francisco Jiménez
Illustrated by Simón Silva
Grades 3–5
Because he can speak only Spanish, Francisco, a child of migrant workers, has trouble when he begins first grade. He cannot understand anything that is being said. However, a small caterpillar in a jar in the classroom opens the way for respect and acceptance. This book is written by a California author and is based on an incident in his life.

Ruby’s Wish

By Shirin Yim Bridges
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Grades 4–5
Ruby is a young Chinese girl who loves to read and write. She has the most beautiful handwriting and works harder in her studies than any of her male peers. However, because she is a girl, she must learn to do household chores instead of play outside, and will be married instead of attending university. Will her wealthy grandfather defy tradition and let her go to school? Ruby proves that with perseverance, strength and some lucky red ribbons, anything is possible.

Night Boat to Freedom

By Margot Theis Raven
Pictures by E.B. Lewis
Grades 4–5
Christmas John is a young boy born into slavery in Kentucky. At night, he rows a small boat across the river to Ohio to deliver fellow slaves to freedom and then returns home to his grandmother, who makes a quilt square for every person they save. When the quilt is almost finished, it’s Christmas John and his grandmother’s turn to escape. Based on true accounts, this is a story of love, hardship and the ability to find beauty in the darkest and ugliest of times.

The Day of Ahmed’s Secret

By Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Grades 4–5
Ahmed is a young boy who spends his days making deliveries throughout Cairo. He delights in the sounds, smells and tastes of his city. He loves the people he meets on the street each day. But, what delights him most of all is that he has learned to write his name. Highlighting the importance of literacy, this Egyptian tale helps readers to understand that with education, anything is possible.

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