The Magic of Stories!

In the Family Life thread you will have seen video number seven about bringing Art into Family Rhythms.  Now we move to another topic: offering our children stories that are woven into our daily rhythm.

 Why Are Stories So Important?

Stories give your child tools to make sense of life, from offering various qualities of character to imaging positive problem solving. “True” stories speak to many different levels of one’s being, and stages of development.  They also help the child understand family and societal values, and the human interactions in stories portray qualities both admired and rejected.

Language acquisition is supported by stories, as well, and this story-telling moves through a developmental progression:

• For your baby, simply talk with her as you move from experience to experience:  “Is your diaper wet? Let’s make you warm and dry”   Or, “Here’s Daddy, ready to hold his baby” Or “Let’s wash dishes together.” She, in her snuggly wrap, is rocked by your movements as well as the sound of dishwater. Remember to play finger and toe games with your baby: they are rhythmic, rhyming and body-based.

• For two- through four- year-olds, stories told in verse are best. The rhythm and rhyme of verse calls body memory into play, augmenting verbal memory. And they are pure fun!  Google “Waldorf Rhyming Stories” for resources.

• Stories for three- and four- year-olds can recreate the experiences of their own days. After a walk to the park, you can tell a little nature story about the life of the squirrel you heard chattering in the tree.  Nature stories help them understand their own backyard explorations, and enfold them in the family of nature.

• Five- and six-year-olds are ready for fairy tales. Life and their own development is giving them challenges at this age. They need images of courage, intelligence, kindness, generosity, and more. Fairy tales offer these through the living language of images.  Choose stories that portray the qualities of character you want to offer your child.  Vet your stories first!  Some fairy tales can have grim retribution for wrong actions.  You can change this and make the punishment commensurate to the crime!

Now you can try to make a Home Made story for your child. How about “When I was a little girl/ boy?” Think of ways your childhood parallels theirs: A favorite meal? A game of imagination that went on forever? A goofy mistake you made? The way your dad played with you?

·       Use images, not concepts.

·       Use detailed sensory descriptions.

·       Keep it light and fun.

·       Use artistic license.

·       Enjoy the process!