Bedtime story are enchanting. A well-told story can transport children to a fantastical land where anything is possible as the sun sets and the stars begin the night’s vigil. Imagine yourself snuggled under a warm blanket with a dimly-lit room lit by a bedside lamp. Your child is wide-eyed and full of anticipation. The magic moment is here.
Storytelling was once an art that was passed on from generation to generation. Grandparents used to tell epic tales and folklore, which contained timeless wisdom. The essence of the story remains the same, whether we use picture books, e-readers or other devices. The key is to create connections and ignite imaginations.
Remember those nights you were a child? You may have had a favorite tale that you wanted to hear again and again. It could have been about knights who fought dragons, or animals that outwitted their enemies. It left a lasting impression on your mind.
Jenny, for example, always tells stories from her childhood growing up in Ireland. She spun a tale about leprechauns who hid pots of golden gold at the end rainbows. Her son asked with interest if one day they would find it. Jenny laughed, saying “Only if you’re lucky!” This simple exchange led to countless adventures searching for treasures in their backyard.
It’s not only the content of bedtime tales that makes them so special, but also how they are told. It’s not necessary to be Shakespeare in order to tell a great story. Sometimes it’s just about the way you say it. Add dramatic pauses, use different voices to represent characters and add sound effects. You will engage your audience more if you’re animated.
I improvised a story one evening for my niece Lily, instead of reading her books. I began with a girl who was thrown into an unusual forest with mischievous fairies and talking trees. Lily’s giggles became gasps of shock at each unexpected plot twist as I weaved through twists and turn.
Not all stories have to be invented on the spot, or feature mythical creatures. Real-life stories can also be very effective! Share stories from your childhood, like the time you were stuck in a tree while trying to build a house. Dad saved you by using his ladder.
Mixing things up keeps it fresh. You can alternate between “Cinderella,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and “Harry Potter,” as well as cultural myths such As Anansi stories in West Africa, or Japanese folktales with kitsune spirits.
Even more fun can be had by adding interactive elements to bedtime stories! “What do YOU think will happen next?” Let them decide between two options: Does our hero go into the cave or climb the mountain? They become active participants rather than passive ones!
One more tip? Even silly voices can add a little humor to mundane situations. I remember my dad reading “Green Eggs and Ham”, with such a fervor that I would be laughing on the bed before Sam-I’Am had even served his strange breakfast!
Bedtime stories are a great way to bond with your child (or grandchild) through shared laughter and wonderment.
When tucking your children into bed tonight, consider going beyond the usual routines… Explore vast universes by opening doors… Words and pages can offer infinite possibilities.