There are many fabulous strategies for incorporating story times into your daily routine. Here's a secret: Books, Kindles, or I-Pads are not always required to develop your child's love for reading. The reality of our busy day includes the fact you may not always have access to your most beloved and favorite story telling accessories. Plus, parenting is an activity that often requires full body movements. Trying to hold onto an object significantly impacts our motor planning strategies when it comes to managing our children's energy output.
You are probably already doing a lot to encourage reading sans electronic gadgetry! Great News: Bookless story times allow children to develop a flexible, creative style of storytelling that will enhance their perspective, embrace the fun of finding the many places a story can occur, and encourage the type of communication that families need to stay connected.
You are probably already doing a lot to encourage reading sans electronic gadgetry! Great News: Bookless story times allow children to develop a flexible, creative style of storytelling that will enhance their perspective, embrace the fun of finding the many places a story can occur, and encourage the type of communication that families need to stay connected.
Picture via the following link:
Road Signs and Travel Clues: See how many signs your children can "collect" by allowing them to point out the ones they can read. Let them ask you about the ones they do not yet know. They can keep a "Travel Journal" in the car to write down their signs. You might also find interesting bumper stickers with simple messages or fun window paintings that indicate a car's intended destination.
Last summer my children were intrigued by a SUV that said "Australia or Bust" and had awesome surf boards stored on the roof. They were headed toward the airport. We talked about the possible adventures that awaited the young adults and began making up a story to go with the interesting surf boards. Funny bumper stickers also became a topic of conversation during our 2 day trip. But even a short trip to the store can morph into a story telling opportunity.
Last summer my children were intrigued by a SUV that said "Australia or Bust" and had awesome surf boards stored on the roof. They were headed toward the airport. We talked about the possible adventures that awaited the young adults and began making up a story to go with the interesting surf boards. Funny bumper stickers also became a topic of conversation during our 2 day trip. But even a short trip to the store can morph into a story telling opportunity.
Picture via the following link:
Grocery Store Treasure Hunt: Children can look for items on the grocery list or help read the signs posted in each section: Fruits/Vegetables/Breads/International Section. To make the shopping trip fly by, begin a story related to the items you need to place into the cart. Play "fill in the blanks" where you pause and allow your child to add to the story. It can be a challenge to incorporate the grocery items into the tale, but this helps ease the litany of "Mommy can I have that?" and "Can I get a treat?"
Waiting (Airport/Doctor's Office/Restaurant) : Look at your surroundings with your children. Make up a story using the details of your observations. Invite your child to participate in adding to the story.
Bed Time/Naps: Tell a story about your own childhood. You could also ask your child to give you a topic and then spin your own tale. Ask your child to fill in details such as character names, qualities, and a dilemma to resolve or a problem that requires a search for answers. You may be surprised by how much you learn about your child's concerns and thought process during this creative story time.
Resources for Great Story Telling Tips
You can turn any moment into a "Story Telling" opportunity with your child. Books are still a favorite when it comes to illustrations and ready made literature. However, it's a good idea to include plenty of "bookless" stories as you go about your daily routines. Car rides, trips to the store, before and after school activities, and vacations are great times to practice your impromptu skills.
Happy Story Telling to You!
No comments:
Post a Comment