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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. |
