Storytelling is More than Just Telling Stories

Telling a story to your child is a wonderful way to develop their skills needed for reading, and grow their imaginations. 
 
If you think about it, we all have stories to tell and share with our children.  Whether it is a funny make believe story about some imaginary place and time, or shared experiences of our youth, children can benefit from listening and asking questions about the tales we have to tell.
 
When you are finished telling a story, be sure to ask questions about what they just heard.  What happened first? What  happened   
second?  What was funny? What would you do in that situation?  This builds important problem solving skills, as well as sequencing skills that will help your child build their comprehension. 
 
Take advantage of the times you ride in the car together, let everyone take turns spinning a tale. For  hilariously funny and interactive storytelling that kids young and old absolutely love, take turns making up outrageous  and unbelievable stories. Let everyone shave an active part by filling in the blanks.  For example, start by  saying:  “There once was an old cow who lived in a “Blank”......(old shoe).  He loved to eat “Blank”.... (mashed potatoes and gravy).  One day after eating he got the hiccups so badly that the “Blank”  ... (ground shook so hard it caused  all the leaves on the trees to fall)”.... and so on and so on.  
 
This builds excellent listening and problem solving skills.