Tell Me a Story: Getting Started

Some folks are more comfortable than others spinning stories. It seems like I often hear or read about parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents/nannies/etc who tell fantastic, episodic stories.

Kind of intimidating for the rest of us.

So start simple. There's no pressure for a made-up story to be a certain way or even "good." What is "good" in relation to stories anyway? If you and your little person enjoy the experience, then it is good.

Start with something small that really happened.

"Once upon a time, LP was waiting for the bus with her mama. It was a hot day and they waited and waited and waited."

Then make an offer that can trigger your (and their) imagination. Words like "suddenly" and phrases like "all of a sudden" can be magic in inspiring what comes next.

"Suddenly a giant bumblebee flew over to them and offered them a ride."

If you get stuck for plot, move to description and color the story.

"The giant bumblebee has 3 black stripes and 3 yellow stripes. It was very fuzzy and was wearing a bright, pink scarf. "

You can alternate between "suddenly" moments to move the action of the story forward and descriptive moments until you're ready to wrap the story up.

LP & her mama climbed on the giant bumblebee's back and flew home. They invited the bumblebee in for a snack. They all had tea and and graham crackers with honey.

Some stories will be of the moment and then are gone. Others will capture your little person's imagination and then you have the foundation for episodic stories. (A post on that topic coming soon!)