Storytelling with Children

by Nancy Mellon

Telling stories awakens wonder and creates special occasions with children, whether it's bedtime, sitting around a campfire or merely a rainy day. Nancy Mellon shows how to tell stories to children using a variety of methods and techniques. The book offers tips and resources creating a listening space; using the day's events and rhythms to make stories; transforming old stories and making up new ones; bringing personal and family stories to life; learning stories by heart using pictures, inner theatre, walk-about, singing the story and other methods; and building a rich storycupboard.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Childrens

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Mommyhungry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book preaches to the proverbial choir in spending so much time encouraging parents as to the importance of storytelling. It also relays anecdotes of others' successes in telling stories (predominantly drawn from the author's storytelling groups), without really guiding the inexperienced reader through HOW to construct a story. The book's structure is also not linear in path and not intuitive in flow, making it read rather haphazardly.

Last note: There are no "Oriental" children, only carpets!

Update: Her Storytellilng and the Art of Imagination has more concrete discussions of the facets of storytelling.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this book really useful with lots of ideas for storytelling, remembering stories and activities to go along with stories. However, the second half of the book was too esoteric for me with not enough suggestions I could put into practice.

Overall, the book has convinced me of the value to telling stories and given me the confidence to begin with my children, so a worthwhile read.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Totally inspired me to up my storytelling efforts a few notches, and recognize and appreciate their importance to children. I would love to spend time in a workshop with other parents, guided by Nancy Mellon. But even without that, I'm having more fun with stories and making an effort to tell them more, in more varied ways, to my daughter.

[Ieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely inspiring book to bring a story time in your busy schedule.

[Karleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love to read stories to my children, but there are times at bedtime I wish I could jut tell a story with the lights off. This book has given me a place to start in developing my repertoire.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i found this book to be very inspirational, encouraging and helpful. i am a little nervous about starting to storytell with my kids but i look forward to the adventure and where it will take us.

[Lindsay Evermore · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspiring. Will definitely refer back and reread.

[Danielle Rocke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library but would like to own my own copy. It had many ideas on the art of storytelling,very helpful.

[D.S. Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with some astute insight. A good book for anyone wanting to enter the world of storytelling.