Telling Stories with Toddlers: 3 Tips

Finger plays and nursery rhymes are great for toddler storytime. 3 more tips for telling tales to tots.

Lately, as I work on my storytelling curriculum (it's proprietary to my client, but I can make you one if you want. :) ), I'm getting questions from the toddler teachers. Everyone knows that preschoolers love stories, but how do we bring storytelling to our smaller friends? Last week and the week before, I scoured the library for storytelling guides, and there is a TON of books available. Books from amazing storytellers and librarians, and books by teachers, and books of stories and books of tips... 

How do you navigate all this information and really settle in with your story and your friends?
Here are three tips I've gleaned from amazing toddler teachers:

1. Tell a story at mealtime. Little ones are already seated. They have something to do with their hands. They may need help to stay at the table, or something to occupy them as the slower eaters finish their meals. Telling a little story here can really make your meal or snack time feel more relaxed and easy. You can start with a simple fairy tale, like "Sweet Porridge" or "The Gingerbread Man," or tell a little nature story about an animal's daily life.  Keep it simple and sweet!
2. Movement and gestures are golden. Telling a story that has repeated phrases, or a little story in rhyme, is perfect for under 3s.  It becomes even better when you add in some simple (there's that word again!) hand gestures and movements. Look online for collections of finger plays and stories, like this one.  
3. Try, try again! Learning to be part of a storytime is a skill, one with a lot of component skills. Toddlers are wiggly and giggly, so keep your story short, and if it's not the right day or time for a story, they'll let you know! Just keep experimenting with what works for your little friends. 

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Toddlers love to spend special time with the grownups in their lives, and they thrive on routine, so make storytime part of your daily or weekly rhythm of activities! Have fun, and let your little friends be your guides.