Story Time
Spoken language builds your child’s readiness for learning reading and writing from
ages 5-14. It also has a much longer history and a different toolbox than written
language. Using these tools will help your child’s language develop and will add to your
enjoyment of storytelling or reading aloud. Sit where you can see their face in a mirror to
observe their expressions and level of engagement. Expand your toolbox through
practicing and reflecting on what worked and what you want to try next time.
Vocal Tools
Tone – Voice pitch and inflection convey emotions and meaning, which can be used to
contribute or to contradict the meaning of your words.
Gibberish- storyteller says nonsense syllables then pauses to allow translator to
rephrase.
Yes – practice with a partner saying yes with a variety of emotions. Guess the
emotion and give each other encouragement and constructive feedback ideas.
Volume – Use your full range: whisper, quiet conversational, loud, louder, loudest.
Twinkle, twinkle, or other familiar rhymes using distinctly different volumes.
Count up and down to 10 and back with max volume at 10, silence at 0.
Pause- Allows audience to use their imagination, builds anticipation, and invites
participation. A lot of deeper thinking happens during group silences.
Multiple Languages - Repeating phrases in additional language(s) aids learning.
Body Language Tools
Facial Expressions- Convey emotions in tandem with tone and can be used to
differentiate characters. Practice in front of the mirror or on public transportation.
Gestures – Should fit story actions, can help set a character and are very eye-catching.
Beware of their distractive nature with over use though. Incorporate sign language to
emphasize key elements of your story.
Posture – Looking up makes your character seem small and looking down makes them
look big. Varying your stance enhances characterizations.
Eye Behavior- Looking sideways indicates a memory search, up = visual memory and
down =auditory.
Blinking can mean evasiveness
Rolling your eyes = dismissive, impatience, or incredulity
Closing your eyes can mean sleep, change of characters, or altered consciousness.
Add your own ideas below.
2016 by Glen W. Osborn