Storytelling is a powerful tool for early childhood educators. It can help children to develop their imagination, creativity, and language skills. It can also teach them about different cultures, values and concepts. It evokes emotional response and simply one of the best tools teachers can use. The only problem we get stuck in the rut and don’t use a variety of storytelling techniques… While reading a book is fun, let’s try something new today!

Here are 10 storytelling techniques that you I use in my early childhood practice:

1. Use puppets. Puppets are a great way to engage children’s attention and to bring stories to life. You can use puppets to tell traditional stories or to create your own stories. Think of finger puppets; hand puppets; paper puppets, puppets on a stick; shadow puppets.
2. Use drama. Drama is a fun and active way to tell stories. You can have children act out stories as whole groups, small groups, or individually. My favourite stories are 3 little pigs; great big turnip; we are going on a bear hunt; stone soup.
3. Use Steiner props. Steiner props are simple objects that can be used to represent different characters, settings, and events in stories. Some examples of Steiner props include scarves, dress-up clothes, and real objects such as stones, sticks, and leaves.
4. Use real objects. Real objects can be used to create a more realistic and engaging storytelling experience for children. For example, you could use a pot, carrots, and potatoes to tell the story of Stone Soup.
5. Use music. Music can be used to enhance the storytelling experience. You can play instrumental music in the background while you tell a story, or you can have children sing songs or play instruments along with the story. I love to sing stories like “there was a princess long ago, long ago”; puff the magic dragon etc.
6. Use visual aids. Visual aids such as pictures, drawings, and maps can help children to understand and follow stories. You can also use visual aids to create a more immersive storytelling experience. My friend tells stories during rest times and children love to contribute.
7. Use sound stories. Sound stories are stories that are told using only sound effects and music. Sound stories can be a great way to engage children’s imaginations and to create a sense of suspense and excitement. I love ABC radio kids , but there are tons of audio stories you can listen to and recreate in your group.
8. Use felt boards. Felt boards are a versatile storytelling tool. You can use felt boards to tell stories, to create scenes, and to play games.
9. Use props. Props can be used to make storytelling more engaging and interactive for children. You can use props to represent different characters, settings, and events in stories. For example, have a box of dress ups with fairy wings; Witcher hats; animal tales and other dress ups to encourage children create their own stories.
10. Use your voice. Your voice is one of your most powerful storytelling tools. You can use your voice to create different moods and atmospheres, and to bring characters to life. This one is the most accessible too. Model famous storytellers online to learn how to create suspense and anticipation.

Here are some tips for using these storytelling techniques in your early childhood classroom:

• Choose stories that are appropriate for the age and interests of your children.
• Be creative and have fun with it! Storytelling should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your children.
• Encourage children to participate in the storytelling process. They can help you to choose stories, to act out scenes, and to come up with ideas for props and costumes. They can also add to the story or create a different ending.
• Use storytelling to teach children about different cultures and values. My favourite book is fairy tales around the world, which has a lot of stories that are less known.
• Most importantly, make sure that storytelling is a regular part of your classroom routine. Children love stories, and they will benefit from hearing stories on a daily basis.