Storytelling is one of the essential skills to teach kids for their learning and development. According to research studies, storytelling for kids creates empathy in them, helps in brain development, and also improves their social, communication, and interpersonal skills. Allow your children to the world of storytelling to encourage creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Getting kids comfortable with speaking in front of audiences at an early age is one of the benefits of teaching children the art of storytelling. Other benefits of storytelling include building self-confidence, improving writing skills, and instilling a love of reading.
But, how can you teach your kids the art of storytelling? Vignan, one of the best CBSE schools in Madinaguda, Hyderabad here offers you some ways to teach storytelling to kids.
1. Read together
Inculcating kids into the world of books is crucial for them to become effective storytellers. Reading along with your kids by using your expressions will help them know the vibe of the book and makes them repeat lines and interact to keep them excited.
2. Let them choose their story
Expose your kids to a number of books and magazines, and allow them to choose the stories that they want to narrate. You can also guide your children to choose the right stories that are not too wordy, include a repetitive refrain, have a lot of scope for expressions, and ask for audience engagement.
3. Play storytelling games
Using a hint of games in the storytelling process will seize a kid’s attention without ruining the fun part. One such activity is String-a-long storytelling. This game involves one of the participants starting the story and passing it to the next one until the story reaches a climax. It also helps kids use their imagination and creativity to build a story.
4. Take them to storytelling classes
There are many storytelling classes organized locally either by libraries or art-education groups. Make your kids participate in these storytelling events as those associations will offer classes that not only teach kids about how to tell an interesting story but also help them expand their imagination.
5. Be expressive
Help your kids to understand the need of using their expressions in storytelling. This is because good storytelling uses body language, expression in their voices, varying volume, and most importantly a sense of pacing and eye contact with the audience. Therefore, make your children practice storytelling staring into your eyes to get comfortable making eye contact.
6. Break the story down into parts
In order to develop storytelling skills in your kids, you need to break down the story into different parts. For children that have difficulties sequencing events, breaking a story into three basic parts may be helpful. Once you read the story, help your child break it up into the three most important parts and help them sequence longer events of the stories.
7. Practice is the key
When your children gain the power of story-telling, encourage them by practicing story-telling in their daily routine. Be it in front of a mirror or with a few other kids, let your kids showcase their talent. Practicing Storytelling helps kids to develop confidence and self-esteem, and become better communicators.
Need more ideas and tips for the overall development of your kids? Keep following our blog at Vignan School, Hyderabad.
