How to Tell a Story

Focus The WAY you tell a story is important.
Goal For parents to use storytelling techniques when they read to their children.

Points to Discuss

  • Have fun. Act like you are having fun! If you want your child to enjoy the story, you must enjoy it, too.

  • Be dramatic. Put excitement in your voice. Don't read or tell a story as if it is normal conversation.

  • If a cat purrs, make your voice sound like a cat purring! If a lion roars, sound like a lion roaring!

  • Imitate other sounds. If a train is part of the story, make the sound of a train!

  • Use different voices for different characters. If the character is an old lady, make your voice sound like an old lady! If the main character is a mouse, make your voice squeaky!

  • If a song or verse is part of the story, sing it! Make up the tune.

  • Use hand actions. If something is big, show how BIG it is!

  • Use your face. Look surprised or afraid or happy or sad if the story calls for it!

  • Use props. If the story is about a bear, have your child's teddy bear listen to the story, too!

  • Act out parts of the story.



Previous Page Table of Contents Next Page