If your kid can tell a story, they have narrative skills! When they tell you about something they did today, the plot from a TV show, or something they’ve completely made up, they are showing off their growing early literacy skills. Kids use these narrative skills to make sense of stories they hear from others, and to tell their own.
Being able to tell stories means other people can share in the things we imagine and experience. Sharing stories also helps us to grow empathy and understanding – no matter our age. We want kids to be able to experience that power, and take their adults on a journey!
Growing Narrative Skills
Learning how to tell a story is something kids learn from their caregivers, and the easiest way to do this is to share stories from your day or a great book you’re reading; you are your child’s greatest example! You can also share books together, and let the author do the work of unfolding a great story. As you’re reading together, pause the story to ask questions like “what do you think will happen next?” or “what do you see on this page?” This gives narrative skills the chance to shine. Pro tip: these questions are sometimes even more fun when it’s a book your child already knows well – get goofy with your own outrageous suggestions!
Growing Connection
Building narrative skills is also a great time to build your relationship. Asking questions (what will happen next?), drawing connections (this reminds me of…) and sharing how you feel about a story (this part is so exciting!) are all great ways of encouraging the personal connection that comes with telling a great story. We want our children to be able to read – but also want them to feel connected through their reading!