How to tell a children's story without the book

Children love stories--and a good storyteller. A little thought and practice are all you need to enchant one or more children with a favorite tale.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Story book (for practice).
• A friend, a mirror or a tape-recorder.

1. Read the story you plan to tell.
2. Think about how you can enhance the story, using your hands or changing your tone of voice.
3. Identify repeating language or refrains you can encourage children to repeat with you.
4. Practice telling the story the way you want to, using another person, a mirror, or a tape recorder if they help you define how you will tell the story.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not certain whether the story you want to tell is suitable to children of a certain age, ask your local library's children's librarian.
• Watch your audience to see whether you need to speed up or slow down.
• Encourage participation where wanted, then signal (touch your ears or hold up a finger) to help children return to listening.