ABC’s of Storytelling… P – T
We have reached part 4 of the ABCs of Storytelling series. Have you been taking notes like crazy? Don’t worry you can always come back and reread it later. (Did you know you can Pin a category of posts? Just click into ABC’s of Storytelling and Pin the group of posts that appears. Easy.)
P is for Props
Add some props to storytelling for an extra fun story time.
Similar to the idea of making storytelling kits (K is for Kits… ABC’s of Storytelling part 3) adding props will give your little one a hands on experience with storytelling. For our Three Little Bears Storytelling, I set up the playroom with props and then invited the kids to join in. All Done Monkey included an entire playgroup into the story of The Parrot Tico Tango by adding a few foam props and Hands On: as we Grow Acted Out a Story with a large piece of paper and some small props.
Remember that storytelling props don’t have to be anything fancy. They also don’t have to be exactly accurate. Get creative, or ask the kids to pick out props!
Q is for Q & A
Do you have any storytelling questions? Ask away!
Now that you have had a chance to read most of the way through the storytelling series you may have a question or two. Catch up with Part 1 (A-E), Part 2 (F-J) and Part 3 (K-O) if you missed it.
In the comment section ask me anything you want to know about storytelling! I’d also love to hear if you have any extra tips I haven’t included so far.
R is for Relive a Memory
Use a memory to set the stage for a storytelling session.
Kids (and I think most adults) love to hear stories about themselves and people they know. Use story time as a special way to remember something or someone from the past. Make sure to include a lot of detail and emotion. Mix it up and tell the story from the perspective of someone else.
My Dad is a fantastic storyteller (maybe because he’s had so many adventures). One night I sat back and watched M and M listen to a story about when he was young. They were captivated. I didn’t even need to hear the words to enjoy myself, their expressions were priceless.
S is for Sing a Story
Change it up a bit and sing your story time.
If you’re looking for a simple way to spice up your storytelling, why not try it in song? Just like regular storytelling only better! You can use the tune from a song you know, or make up your own. Take turns singing if you want (of course no one will blame you if you want to steal the stage for a bit).
Little M makes up the coolest songs. The lyrics often tell the story of her life at the moment. While I know a lot of that is just her sing songy nature, but I like to think I might have inspired her songwriting talent by singing stories with her for so long. 🙂
T is for Take Turns
Take turns passing a story around.
Storytelling as a family activity is a great way for everyone to get a little practice and have some fun at the same time. While driving, waiting for dinner to come or in place of your bedtime story make up a story together as a group.
Have one person start (probably you if your little ones are new to storytelling) say one or two opening lines of the story. Try to include details to get the ball rolling. We have a code phrase to let the next person know it’s their turn to take over. “And then….” with a quick point over to the next storyteller.
It’s important to pay attention to what everyone says so you can connect the story back to what has already been revealed. But as always, it’s more important that everyone is comfortable enough to participate than it is that the story makes sense.
Check out the ABC’s of Storytelling U-Z.
ABC’s of Arts and Crafts
Art History for Kids from B-Inspired Mama
Cardboard Box Creations from Here Come The Girls
Children’s Music With Art from Rainbows within Reach
Crafts and Art from Red Ted Art
Crafting on a budget from Housing a Forest
Paper Platesfrom Domestic Goddessque
Toddler Crafts from Rainy Day Mum
Valentine Crafts and Recipes from Local Fun For Kids
Jillian, I love, love, love this series. I am a mommy/speech-language pathologist. All of this information is so creative and hands-on and I can’t wait to use it at home and in speech therapy. Thanks for all of the links to other great posts too!
Katie, Thank you so much for your comment. I have been smiling ear to ear since I read it. 🙂 Jillian