Blog 1: Getting Started with storytelling

Have you been thinking about bringing more storytelling into your home or classroom? Not sure where to start?

It’s important to remember the benefits of storytelling for your children. Studies have found that regular storytelling supports:

- Increasing their empathy and emotional awareness

- Helping them to make sense of the world

- Developing literacy skills

This will help you shape your story, and keep you (the storyteller) focused on some key values and principles.

Here are some points to consider that could help you get started:

1. Tell a story you love.

   If you are enthusiastic about the story, your audience will feel it. Whether the story you are telling is one you wrote yourself, a classic bedtime story, or a wild adventure that you make up as you go along. Your enthusiasm and interest in the story will help bring it to life.

2. Use props.

   Even a small item, a picture, or a toy. Anything can help engage your audience. For children who are more visual or tactile, using props can make an incredible difference.

3. Be expressive.

   This can involve facial expressions and tone of voice. Look for an opportunity to introduce new voices and faces into your story. Look at your audience and try to gauge their reaction.

4. Structure your story.

   While your story can have many twists and turns, there are some elements you can always go back to that will help you find your way. Try following a loose pattern of describing a setting, introducing characters, build up a connection between your listeners and the characters, introduce a problem or challenge, spend time working on how to find a solution before circling round to the end.

5. Ask questions.

   This seems simple but can be instrumental in both holding your listener’s attention and inviting them to contribute to the story as you go along.

6. Practice!

   It wont be perfect the first time, but keep it playful and you will find your storytelling ability improve each and every time you give it a go!

Try one of our Youtube story prompts to help you get started. Some have called these “Storytelling Karaoke”, read the title, listen to the music, and see where your imagination takes you.