Rebecca Sheir is the host and producer ofCircle Round, a kids storytelling podcast from WBUR.
The show tells folktales from around the world, adapted for modern families.
She shares with Offspring how parents can use storytelling in their everyday lives with their kids.
I never saw what was in the bag.
But that didnt stop me from creating an elaborate story about who The Zabars Lady was.
Whether were three or 93, were all suckers for good stories.
Its easy to incorporate storytelling in to your familys everyday life.
Itll bring you closer, stretch your imaginations, and the best part?
No props or technology are required.
Ask yourselves all sorts of questions about this person.
Where does she come from?
Whats his most treasured possession?
Whats her greatest secret?
Did she come here straight from her house (or apartment/cave/rocket ship/etc.)
or make some stops first?
Whats hisrealreason for being here today?
Dont be afraid to let your imaginations run wild as you brainstorm.
But one pro tip: Wait until youre out of earshot first.
Circle Stories
Improv groups use these stories to keep their creative muscles nimble.
To tell your own circle story, gather up the family and choose a setting for your tale.
Then decide the order of storytellers.
The first persons job is to begin the tale … with just one sentence.
Each of you should get several turns to add to the story.
As soon as the bus arrives/cashier rings you up/microwave dings, the story is done!
Its bound to be a funand funnyfamily memento.
True Stories
Make-believe stories arent the only ones worth telling.
Toward the end of the daydinnertime or bedtimehave your kids think back on their day.
Consider your own day, and get the ball rolling by sharing a particular moment.
And then what did she say?
What did you make of that?
