One of the most wonderful ways to bond with your child is to read together … so just imagine the magic you could create if you were able to share stories that are personalised just for them, as your child’s favourite storyteller!
Making up stories for your child helps to fuel their imaginations, inspire their creativity and boost their confidence – all critical skills for their emotional development and well-being. And because these are also our main reasons for doing what we do at International Elf Service, we’ve put together 7 Magical Tips to help you to create original tales on the spot which are totally unique and written specifically for your child …
1. Start with something simple
The best stories often begin with a simple idea. It could be one of your child’s hobbies, a favourite animal or superhero, or a trip or holiday they’ve been on recently. Your plot doesn’t need to be complicated – just pick something easy and then add a bit of magic, such as “a boy who learns how to fly” or “a favourite toy that comes to life”. Start from this point and build your story slowly from there.
2. Build a strong main character
All stories need a hero and the best ones are characters that your child can relate to. If they share the same name, have similar interests, or play the same sports to them, your child’s connection to the story will be even stronger. If you give your main character strong characteristics and qualities, such as a brave knight, a clever wizard, or a kind and caring monster, it will encourage your child to aspire to be the same.
3. Repeat yourself … over and over!
Writers try to avoid it but children love repetition … it helps them to follow the storyline and also builds up the suspense. You could give your hero a catchphrase they always seem to say, or perhaps they have to solve a series of codes or find a sequence of clues behind a set of hidden trapdoors. The more your main character comes across a recurring idea, the more engaging and memorable the story becomes.
4. Include your child’s ideas
Unlike the stories you read directly from a book, your’s doesn’t have to follow a particular path. You can make it up as you go along and change the direction whenever you like. Ask your child to suggest ideas as the tale unfolds … what happens next, what will the characters do, or how will this part of the adventure end? When you allow your child to join in the storytelling, it makes them feel special while giving them a sense of importance and power. And building something together helps to strengthen your relationship through a shared experience.
5. Make it Magical!
The best settings for young children are often those found in magical worlds … a hidden wizardy realm in the roots of a tree, an underground chocolate factory, the North Pole, or a kingdom full of supersonic fairies. So stage your story in somewhere fantastical such as a watery world below the ocean, an alien planet or a miniature village inside a snowflake. Let your imagination fly as you describe the surroundings in as much detail as possible, and encourage your child to imagine what it would be like to live there. Use all five senses in your description to include their favourite foods, smells, textures, sounds, and colours, as well as objects, buildings and places that seem to be familiar to ones they already know, and you’ll be sure to engage and captivate their imaginations.
6. A twist in the tale
Children love it when a story keeps them guessing, so add a funny surprise or something unexpected to make things exciting. Perhaps the witch turns out to be terrible at spells, or the code they’re trying to crack actually opens a hidden door! The more surprises you include, the more thrilling the story and the more eager your child will be to find out what happens next.
7. The moral of the story
Think of a positive way to end your story with a final message that helps to teach your child in a way that they understand. You might base your thoughts around kindness, teamwork, or bravery, or your hero character may have learned how important it is to be themselves and not be pushed around. Giving your story an ending that has meaning that they can relate to will help it stay in their mind. And it helps you to teach them values in an engaging and memorable way.
(Personalised Early Learning Storybook Gift Sets)
The End
It might seem a bit daunting to create a story for your child on the spot, but by following these simple tips, you’ll find it easy to build one that’s both entertaining and inspirational. And the more you practise, the better you’ll get at it. Remember, it’s the most magical way to connect with your child, fuel their imagination and strengthen your bond. And you’ll become their favourite storyteller in the process! So the next time you hear the words, “Tell me a story,” take a deep breath, think of a simple starting point, and let your imagination fly.
Happy storytelling!
You might also like:
Magical Advent Calendar – Daily Letters from the Elves’ Workshop on the Countdown to Christmas
Top-Secret Magical Newspapers
Wizards & Wonders at Roots of Fantastical Matters
Ultimate stories from Fairyland – Magical Tooth Fairy Letters
Leave a Reply