Children love being told stories. However, for parents, it's not always easy. Yes, telling a story well isn't that simple and can even be intimidating. With the following tips, prepare to become master storytellers!
Prepare your reading to tell a story well
The first thing you should do before starting a story is to skim the book . This will help you get a clear idea of its content and atmosphere. By getting to know the characters and the plot, you'll be able to tell the story more spontaneously.
It's also a good way to prepare yourself for any questions your child might have about the story. Over time, you'll become familiar with all the books in the library. They'll be able to choose the book of their choice for bedtime stories, and you'll no longer have any apprehension.
Let yourself go
To draw your child into the story you're telling, don't be afraid of putting yourself out there — even at the risk of being silly! Bring the characters to life by inventing a voice for each of them. Fluctuating for a princess, hoarse for an ogre, nasal for a witch: let your imagination run wild. Growl, whisper, act out fear; in short, embody each protagonist.
Of course, don't hesitate to combine movement to speech. Place the book on your lap and redouble your facial expressions to thrill your young audience. The more caricatured your interpretation, the more your child will be delighted.
And if you make a mistake in the voices and mix them up during the story (your child will notice, rest assured), play it down and take the opportunity to share a laugh. Finally, when the narrator starts speaking again, find your voice again.
Discuss with your child
A successful story isn't necessarily one without interruptions. Reading is a time of pleasure, sharing, and exchange. Before opening a book for the first time, take the time to examine the cover together. Play guessing games to try to uncover the plot. As you tell your story, don't forget to look at the pictures. You'll discover many secrets there.
Part of telling a story well is having a conversation with your child. Ask them what they think about a character's reaction, for example, or how the story will unfold. You might be surprised by some of their answers . Children don't experience stories the way we do, and their interpretation can sometimes lead you to think in unexpected ways.
Go at the child's pace
As you can tell, storytelling doesn't have to be a linear adventure. In fact, your child's interruptions will surely remind you of this! Books help them visualize the world and build their own identity. It's therefore only natural that after a few lines, their minds are buzzing with questions. Even more so when they discover a new book.
Welcome all these questions with kindness. Don't hesitate to return to previous pages to unpack certain moments of the story or clarify them with the help of images.
Take some liberties with the text
The text of a children's story isn't set in stone. Telling a story well also means being willing to take some liberties with the words. For example, if you come across a term that's too difficult for your little one to understand right now, there's nothing stopping you from replacing it with a more understandable synonym or substituting a simpler concept as a placeholder. Or simply pause the story to make sure your child understands the word, and explain it if necessary.
Keep up the enthusiasm
Children love stories and never tire of their favorites... So don't be surprised if a child asks for the same one, day after day. Don't worry, it will pass. In the meantime, embrace telling it each time to allow your child to enjoy their favorite tale of the moment.
You can also pull a little trick and change a key point in the story, a few details, or the name of some character. Watch for their reaction: after the surprise, they'll be quick to correct you! After praising their vigilance, you can go back to the original version... or not!
My Fabulous Storyteller: a good source of inspiration
A great way to tell a story well is simply to learn from the pros. Sit down with your child and enjoy a moment of bonding in the company of Lunii's Ma Fabrique à Histoires . Together, choose a new interactive audio story from their vast catalog and let yourself be carried away by the talent of the narrators. Intonation, voice, breathing: discover how to make a story captivating!
Final word
When winding down or at bedtime, it's a good idea to spend time with your child around a book. Now that you know how to tell a story effectively, you can turn every story into a real spectacle.
