Ever wondered how Disney’s Cinderella always wears a blue dress and Shrek makes us think that all ogres must be green in colour?
If we hadn’t seen them on a screen or book, what would they have looked like?
Wear the shoes of a 2 or 3 year old: You sit down for storytime and all you see is the top of mummy’s forehead while she is reading with a few glances at you. And you see a toy or picture on the cover of the book that seems more interesting than the words you hear.
It's hard for a toddler to sit still and be attentive for a long duration. Instead, how about looking at your little one and telling them the story versus reading it to them? Add in a simple song perhaps, and household props as well, to really immerse your child's attention in the story's narrative.
Follow along as we share a few simple ways in which the rhythm of storytelling in your toddler's weekly schedule can ignite her/ his curiosity and self-expression.
Make way for a toddler’s imagination to take over
For a toddler and preschooler, the mind is like a sponge and the imagination is just taking shape. If we tell a child what they should think or show them how a particular thing should look like, we are defining the corners of the proverbial box.
When we TELL stories, a child imagines objects or scenarios depending on the development of the child’s mind. By making way for a child to exercise his imagination versus pre-defining or describing it allows the little ones to be flexible, creative and think not just outside but beyond the box.
Tell stories and educate your little ones :
One of the oldest tools of education - STORYTELLING allows children to recognize their feelings, learn empathy, visualize and vocalize their emotions. It also lays the foundation for reading and a love for books as children grow older.
Bond with your little ones in fun and creative ways.
When we tell a story, we are engaged with the child. We look at them, talk to them and have their attention. It’s through this special time that parents and children forge deeper bonds and build more meaningful relationships.