We are all telling stories. This is an important part of how we get along with others. We tell jokes, talk about what we have been doing, and make stories to entertain others. The “personal narrative” of children’s stories about their own experiences is an important part of personal identity. The ability to tell stories also contributes to children's cultural development and academic learning. Therefore, even in young children, this is a good promotion technique!

At the age of 3, children should not be great story narrators. They do live most of the time and need some help to remember what happened to them. Parents can help improve narrative skills by:

1. Parents respond. For example, if your 3-year-old child says "We went to Paris", you can say "Yes, we went to Paris and we climbed the tower. It was fun. Do you remember climbing the tower? There are many steps. We are too high!… What can you see from the top? "In this way, you are helping him recall this experience.

2. Share storytelling. E.g:

You first say "Tom, isn't it fun to go swimming?"

Tom nodded.

You added, "Is the water you love not?"

Tom said, "I was splashed."

You replied, "Yes, that's right. You have been splashed a lot, aren't you? There is a big problem. But you are fine."

Tom added, "I put on my hat."

You elaborate on what he said again. "Oh, yes, you put on a swimming cap. You wear a blue swimming cap."

At this point, parents and children are taking turns to build a story. Parents are actively listening to what the child is saying and building it up in their answers.

3. Props ~ Use props such as photos, train tickets, ice cream wrappers, pebbles, leaves, etc., to help anchor the recall. You can look at them, feel them, smell them, stick them in the scrapbook, and use them as sensory reminders to tell you where you are and what happened.

4. Focus ~ Try and record what your child finds the most interesting things on any trip, not what your parents think is the most interesting. For example, if the train is the most interesting part of your son's trip, please pay attention to anything he said about the train, such as: “It's too noisy!” When you talk about this experience together, you can look at the train you took. The photo then says "Oh, look. We went to the train. Do you remember how noisy it is?"

These may sound like little things, but if you do this often and make them part of your daily experience, they will support your child's narrative development. Remember, you may have more to tell than your child. Remember to balance comments and questions: it's best to use more comments and fewer questions. When you ask a question, try to think about the questions you know your child can answer. If he doesn't answer the question immediately, give him a little time and try to "finish the sentence." For example, you can say "We go to the train…", then he can add "Paris!" By completing the sentence and contributing to the story, your child will gain a sense of accomplishment and participation.

5. Share books ~ Share your child's favorite picture books, around the characters and themes they are interested in. Let your child participate in storytelling by asking them simple questions and using "finish sentences." For example, you can say "Oh, look. He has become…" and the child has finished this sentence.

6. "Model" Narrative ~ Modeling means that you provide stories that your child can listen to, join and learn. You can post comments and decorations in the game. The story may be very short! For example, during the game, you can say "Hey, he will fall! Oh, oh, he has fallen." Or you can make a longer toy story. Children love stories about everyday life, such as cooking and going to the park, as well as stories about monsters and other wonderful stories.

Storytelling is magical, so whatever you do, help your child get involved!

Storytelling magic was originally published on Spring