When my child was a preschooler, she loved going to the library with me
for storytelling time. She would sit quietly and listen. Looking up at the
storyteller as if she were one of the characters in the book she was reading.
The children would giggle, or cover their eyes or yell in unison. Until
then, I didn't realize how storytelling could be such a powerful medium
to communicate with children. A great story can give a child a realistic
picture right from their own imagination that can last forever.
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| Storytelling can be done effectively through a range
of visual and vocal emotions. You don't need to be highly experienced. All
you need is to be able to read, be imaginative, and be able to make funny,
loud, or silly noises. Add some arm movements and face contortions and anyone
can be a storytelling star. The key is to really get into the story yourself
as if you were hearing it for the first time as a small child. If you are
really adventurous, not minding the adults that may be accompanying their
children, you can even make some body movements close to what we call dance.
For example, if telling the story of Noah, you can ask the children to be
a part of the storytelling. Children love to interact with the story. They
can make rain noises, or they can guess which animals make the oink, oink
noise, or the quacking sound. Storytelling is a great way to teach the children
about Jesus without spending a lot of money on supplies or materials. Along
with the stories you will find for kids of all ages at Kid's Sunday School
Place, all you need is yourself and your commitment to be silly in the name
of the Lord. |
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Other items you can
use for a great story time:
Faces of main characters or pictures of objects
in the story can be drawn on paper and attached to wooden rulers. Display
these props at the appropriate time while the story is being told. For example:
When telling the story of Noah, you can have a paper face for Noah, Mrs.
Noah, and an animal or two. These visuals will help keep the children's
attention.
Bring a twin size blanket or comforter to place on the floor for the children
to sit on. This will make them comfortable, and feel like they are in a
special setting. |
