All children love stories, for in this way they are allowed to imagine and even dream without being reprimanded. There have been many lessons learned from story tales where the children believed they were just having a bit of "time out" or having fun. How sad it is when they lose their power of imagination as they get older, by well-meaning adults who tell them that their imagination is not a good thing: "you're just imagining it, don't get carried away!" The other side of the story is when the story-teller is unable to keep the children's attention and by all appearances is racing through it as fast as possible, for no one is listening.
When beginning story times it is helpful if the children are all sitting in a semi-circle or similar position where they are all able to see you. If they are seated on suitable chairs, they will be less likely to wriggle and knock one another. If possible, try not to have toys within easy view and reach of the children, so that there are as few distractions as possible.
Be well prepared (without spending too much time and feeling burdened), by making sure that you are well familiar with the story and the concept you want to bring out of it. If possible, read it through several times beforehand so that you do not need to read it on the day. Have any props ready to hand, so that there are no gaps when you might lose the children's attention. Choose a story that you like and can get excited about!
Think of fun things to do when telling the story that will illustrate or get a message across, such as using props, e.g: an umbrella if it is raining in your story, and other accessories such as hats, jewelery, bags etc, or food if it part of the story. However, be careful that the props don't become a distraction after they have been used. Put them well away afterward!
Use your own body as the main illustration of story time and encourage the children to do the same. For example, use lots of facial expressions, voice alternation, stand up, sit down, crawl, clap or mime adjectives such as big or small- as applicable. Keep eye contact with the children, look at your props and don't be distracted yourself by outside distractions- let other team members deal with them. This can also include using role play. If the children are characters in the story they will much more easily take it in!
Be passionate in your story times and don't be afraid to use your emotions. There have been many an adult who has been moved to tears by the simple message of the story tales that were meant for children! Don't be complicated and come down to the children's level. If you aren't interested in your story, you can't expect the children to be either.
It helps if your story fits in with the theme of the session. Therefore, any story activities on the same theme can enhance your message. You might want to pause and play a short game or sing a song. Nursery rhymes are great during story times if related to the story and theme. They really help to involve the children. You can even borrow a tune and add your own words- you don't have to be a professional musician to do this as children are quite forgiving! When interspersed with short activities in this way, a story can be much longer than if it is simply just told all in one go.
Always speak loud and clearly, especially if there are background noises going on. Keep words and sentences short and simple and express things in ways that they will understand. Try to think how they would relate to what you are saying and use examples that they can warm to.
Asking questions throughout story times helps to keep childrens attention. Direct questions at a distracted child to bring them back, but be careful that you don't show favoritism to the most demanding. Keep grabbing their attention also with surprises, changing movements and keep everything short for younger ones.
Allow time at the end for questions and to reflect on the story and share what they have learned.
Finally HAVE FUN!
Christine Hulme has four children of her own and has been working with children for over 26 years, planning many activities on limited budgets. She has an NVQ3 in Early Years Care & Education. Take a look at the sites below for further tips and ideas on entertaining and teaching children in an interesting, fun and stress-free way.
http://www.squidoo.com/themedideas
http://www.squidoo.com/learning-through-play
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