What should the lead teacher do FIRST when planning a storytelling experience for the four-year-olds?

Selecting an appropriate story is the essential first step in planning a storytelling experience for four-year-olds because it lays the foundation for the entire activity. The chosen story must align with the developmental level, interests, and attention spans of the children. It should also contain engaging and relatable elements that will capture their attention and stimulate their imagination.

By selecting an appropriate story first, the teacher can ensure that it matches the themes or learning objectives of the classroom, incorporates diverse perspectives, and ultimately enhances children’s love for literature. This careful selection informs how the story will be presented and what techniques will be most effective, setting the stage for a successful storytelling experience. Other aspects, such as how to group the children, whether to read or tell the story, and how to introduce it, can then be determined based on the chosen narrative, allowing for a more cohesive and engaging activity.