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Read/Talk Together FAMILY GUIDES

Storytelling

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Materials: None.

STEP 1

Share a story from when you were young.

STEP 2

Work with your child to create a story about a family event—big or small. Write the story with your child. Allow your child to write simple words. Help them find the beginning sound for the simple words.

STEP 3

Draw a picture to go with the story.

STEP 4

Have your child retell the story to you or other family members and friends.

MAKE IT EASIER:

Focus on the beginning sound and write one letter instead of an entire word

EXTEND THE LEARNING:​

​​
  • Put pictures you drew for storytelling in an important place such as the refrigerator so you can revisit them.
  • Find stories everywhere—even when you are out on an errand.
parent watching child write the alphabet

​WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Retelling a familiar family story increases your child’s ability to remember that story, and​ important literacy skill. When a child hears a story that is from another person’s point of view, it helps them see someone else’s perspective and build empathy. Help your child make predictions about what will happen next. This helps children use real-world  ex​​​​perience in their response.

WHY?

Storytelling is one way we pass information from one generation to the next. Families can connect through storytelling by telling an oral story, by revisiting a written family story, or by reading a book.

adult playing guitar for children at a campfire
Created by National Center for Families Learning

Learn More at
familieslearning.org

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