It may already have happened: When books, toys, songs, snacks,
video games, and DVDs have lost their charm, your child pipes up
with "I'm bored! Tell me a story, please." Your mind
blanks and your child looks at you with anticipation. What should
you do?
You may not realize it, but you have a wealth of stories to
share. You don't have to invent them on the spot. Personal
stories, particularly from your childhood or from books you've
read, are good starters.
Preschoolers and toddlers enjoy stories about characters from
their favorite books. Whether you take Little Chick on a walk
through the barnyard or Firefighter Bob on an exciting drive
through the city, don't worry too much about plot. Young kids
enjoy the chance to share the chick's peeping or the
siren's squeal.
Older kids can appreciate a funny twist, so take a favorite
story and turn it upside down by changing the setting, characters,
or plot. Make that zany cat with the big striped hat fly to the
moon on a spaceship or come to your neighborhood and cause all
kinds of problems. Make your child the main character in a wacky
adventure that fits his or her interests (for example, traveling
back to see dinosaurs or working as a train conductor).
Young kids enjoy hearing stories about you and your family. When
did you lose your first tooth? Who was a favorite teacher? Thinking
about Mommy or Daddy as a little kid may spark the imagination.
Maybe you want to share the story, passed down to you, about the
ghost that lived in your great-grandmother's attic. And
there's nothing more delightful than a story about the time a
parent did something mischievous and the consequences. Kids delight
in these glimpses of a past that is connected to them.
When you tell stories, you show how to put words together to
make meaning. You share something new about yourself that your kids
may find interesting or exciting and that might be a springboard
for questions and discussions. Most important, you nurture a love
of language and stories that kids will have for life.
So take a deep breath and begin: "Once upon a time
…."
Reviewed by:
Gail S. Diederich, MS
Date reviewed: August 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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