ABC’s of Storytelling… U- Z

Here we are… day 5 of the ABC’s of Storytelling series. I hope you are walking away with some new information and feel prepared to make make storytelling a part of your playtime. If you are new to A Mom with a Lesson Plan make sure to visit the side bar to the right and follow in your favorite way!

U is for Use Family
Use family members, friends and familiar locations when your are storytelling.

Kids love to talk about themselves, the people they know and the places they have been. When you use family, friends and familiar locations you are giving them a way to relate to the story. It also makes storytelling a bit easier for those of you just getting started. Instead of having to create a dreamy gown you can describe in great detail the dress that your little one was wearing to a special event.

V is for Valuable Lessons
Storytelling is the perfect way to teach valuable lessons.

When I am faced with a parenting challenge the first thing I do is go in search of a good children’s book to help me address the issue. Sometimes I find really great reading material… but sometimes I don’t. That is when storytelling becomes a way to teach valuable lessons.

With a story you are in charge of what happens; how characters react to situations and what challenges they will face. A story offers you the opportunity to introduce valuable lessons in a subtle way.

Add Valuable Lessons to a story by

~ Setting up a conflict and letting the kids help you determine how the characters will respond.
~ Tell the same story twice using different actions and consequences. Then discuss both options.
~ Comment on your little ones stories (“Hmm it’s interesting that the main character used his hands when he was angry. I wonder if the story might have been different if he’d used his words instead.)

W is for Walk Them Through It
Walk your little storyteller though their story when they get stuck.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Storytelling is a practiced skill. It takes time learn how to bring a story together. If your little storyteller gets stuck or has a hard time getting started… walk them through it. Ask questions about the character and setting. Get them thinking about the little details and the larger picture. Remind them of what happened in the beginning and ask if that has ties into the middle or end of the story.

X is for eXamine
eXamine your favorite stories.

Stories, books, movies or shows will be a great place to find the bones of a story. All you have to do is examine them! Talk about what makes a story flow. There is always a beginning, a middle and an end. How many characters are in your favorite stories? How many places do the characters visit? How does the author connect each character? Does the story describe locations in great detail or only briefly touch on details?

When you start a story you can think back. “I’m going to try using only one character and lots of different setting just like the book we were reading the other night.”

Y is for Young Storytellers
Toddlers can be storytellers too!

With toddlers story time can be a bit challenging. Toddlers tend to be a bit on the busy side and having them sit through an entire book can be a difficult task. While I do recommend you offer books to your little one, storytelling might make story time a little easier. After all, you can move with your toddler while telling the story!

Engaging your toddler in the storytelling process will make the connection to the story even stronger. Create a story around your toddler’s actions and wait for them to notice. It’s a very cool toddler storytelling activity! Trust me. 😉

Z is for Zest, Zeal and Zing
Add a little zing to your stories.

What makes a great storyteller? ZEST, ZEAL and ZING! A story becomes captivating when the storyteller can bring it to life with hand motions, excitement and passion. I know, I know… some of you just are not the zesty type. To be honest I’m not either (in a room of adults. ;)) but your kids don’t care if you look silly. In fact I bet they really like it.

If you are intimidated by the idea of adding spunk to your story make sure to try it out when only the kids are home. Add a little spice and then go from there. My guess is that  if you can make it happen a few times your little ones will take the lead and show you how it’s done.

There you have it! The ABC’s of Storytelling. Click the link if you missed any posts from the 5 part series and then take a few minutes to visit the links below to see the School Activities portion of the ABC’s series.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

A Waldorf Mama from Triple T Mum
After School Activities from The Educators Spin On It
Hands-on History from Adventures in Mommydom
Home Daycare or Family Child Card from My Buddies and I
Homeschooling from Enchanted Homeschooling Mom
How to Home Preschool from In Lieu of Preschool
Math Activities from Blog Me Mom
Montessori from Living Montessori Now
Science Activities & Play from Science Sparks
Teaching Math from Montessori Tidbits
Thrifty Teaching Tools from Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers