Stories offer bonding time with families, foster creativity, and build memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
In his recent article, JD Schramm, reminds us that the thirst for stories goes beyond our childhood bedtime routines. When children are engaged in stories, they are immersing themselves in values they can carry with them forever. Schramm's seven-part formula can help you tell effective stories, and also spot compelling stories by others.
According to Schramm, the best stories:
- Draw us immediately into the action
- Have a powerful opening and a compelling ending
- Have 'just the right amount' of detail and
- Uses rich vocabulary to convey meaning effectively
When reading or telling stories, Schramm further advises to:
- Focus delivery on one person at a time
- Use silence for emphasis
And finally, in choosing your stories,
- Know your AIM--your Audience, your Intent, and your Message
Behrman House children’s books can also help teachers, parents, and grandparents alike successfully share their love of stories with children. Behrman House children's titles include:
It's Too Crowded in Here - This collection of Jewish folktales and midrashic stories reinforce the lessons of our heritage and entertain children. The stories provide a rich yet light-hearted resource for exploring key values such as self-respect, compassion, appreciation, tolerance, and thankfulness.
This is the Challah - Bubbe is preparing for Shabbat and her granddaughter gets to help with a very important part: baking the challah. Told in a cumulative rhyme, This is the Challah makes a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime! (Comes with a challah recipe!)
Wise Men of Helm: And Their Merry Tales - These rollicking tales of the Helmites--full of both merriment and wisdom--are guaranteed to delight children of all ages.
More Wise Men of Helm: And Their Merry Tales - Even more episodes from the loveable, laughable wise men to amuse and enlighten the whole family.
And don't forget these Hanukkah favorites:
Melly's Menorah - Melly's family is busy preparing for Hanukkah-decorating, wrapping presents, making cards, frying latkes--and no one has time for little Melly. But when the centerpiece of the holiday, the menorah, is missing, Melly comes to the rescue with a cookie dough menorah.
Too Many Latkes - This modern day fable is best read by the light of the menorah. And just like the traditional holiday dish, latkes, you can get enough of it.
