It’s late. You’re so tired you could sleep through an earthquake or outside in a rainstorm.  Then, “Tell me a story,” your child implores.  And you can’t think of a single idea.

Well, fear no more, my tired friends.  Here’s all you need to know to whip up a mesmerizing story for your adoring fans.

Basic story elements: characters, setting, plot (problem / solution)

Make it interactive (and EASY) by getting your child to think of all these elements.

CHARACTERS: “Okay, who is going to be the main character(s) in this story?” Get your child started with ideas like their pet, a magical butterfly, or themselves.

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SETTING: “Where does the story take place?”  Ideas might include a forest, the desert, your house, the playground.

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PROBLEM: “What’s the problem _____ has?” Here are some kid friendly problems, a storm, trying to find something or someone, or a mean person/witch/animal.

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A STORY: “Once there was a golden retriever named Princess Poo-Poo. (Yes, potty talk is a crowd pleaser, hate to admit it.)  Work in the problem, figure out how the character (hero) solves the problem and wrap it up.

You are done!  Pat yourself on the back.  You’re a story teller!

I really like to use “Tell Me a Story” cards, too.  The beautiful pictures combine to create unique stories, depending on what cards you choose.  We love this activity!

Story twists:

Mix up fairy tales.   Snow White and the Three Little Wolves.

Add in “daddy” humor.  My husband invented two family favorites — Cindersmella and the three stink bugs and Goldisocks and the seven piggies.

Do you already tell stories?  What are your best tips?  If you have any, please tell us!

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Tag(s): bedtime rituals, how to tell a bedtime story, storytelling