Storytelling can be a great way to engage and entertain kids because it allows their imaginations to run wild. But it can also be challenging, especially if you’re not sure whether they’re actually listening or not.
Kids tend to daydream and move into their own fantasy world, so making sure you have their attention when narrating a story is important. If you’re struggling to keep them amused during story time, try using these tips and tricks to assist you in grabbing their full attention to make it more interesting for them.
Choosing a genre
Stories can be fantasy, real-life, fiction, biographies, mystery, and much more. It’s important to choose a genre that will interest the kids because if they’re not interested in the genre, they probably won’t be as engaged in listening to the story.
Fantasy stories are great for kids because they can imagine the impossible and explore different worlds. Real-life stories can teach them about empathy and understanding different perspectives. Fiction stories can be thrilling and suspenseful, while biographies can inspire them with stories of people who have overcome adversity.
Making the story interactive
One way to make sure kids are engaged in the story is to make it interactive. This can be done by involving them in the story, such as asking them questions or having them help you act out the scenes.
You can also use props to help them visualize the story. For example, if you’re telling a story about a character who goes on a journey, you can use a map to show them the different locations. Or, if you’re telling a story about animals, you can use stuffed animals to represent the different characters.
Using a variety of voices to portray different characters
Kids love it when adults use different voices for different characters in a story. This helps them to understand who’s talking and also makes the story more exciting. You can use different tones of voice and accents or even create made-up voices to really bring the story to life.
If you’re having trouble thinking of voices, try thinking of characters from movies or TV shows that the kids might know. For example, you could use a gruff voice for a character who’s mean or a high-pitched voice for a character who’s really excited.
Build suspense
Suspense is a great way to keep kids engaged in a story. They’ll be on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out what happens next. To build suspense, you can use cliffhangers at the end of each section or chapter. For example, you could say “To be continued…” or “Find out what happens next time!”.
You can also use sound effects to add to the suspense. For example, you could use a drumroll when something exciting is about to happen.
Make the main characters relatable
The main characters in a story need to be relatable to kids. This way, the story can have a positive impact on their lives. If the character is someone that the kids can identify with, they will be more engaged in the story.
The character could be someone from a book, movie, or TV show that the kids are familiar with. You could also use real-life people that the kids might know, such as their parents, teachers, or friends.
This will help the kids to connect with the story and feel more invested in what happens to the characters.
Making eye contact
Making eye contact is one of the most important things you can do when telling a story to kids. It shows that you’re confident and truthful and helps grab their attention.
If you start narrating in a flat tone and then look up after a while, they might already be distracted. So make sure to keep making eye contact throughout the story to keep them engaged if you want to avoid this.
Rounding it up
The benefits of storytelling are vast and varied, but one of the most important is that it helps children to develop their confidence. Allowing them to take the lead in telling a story, and being supportive throughout, can give children the boost they need to face other challenges in their lives.
So next time you’re looking for a way to entertain, educate, or simply bond with your child, try telling a story. You might be surprised at just how much they enjoy it.