A while ago Rowan started asking us to read him a ‘story with our hands’. This means using our hands to make a book shape and making a story up. He usually requests ‘only three’ stories which is sometimes a bit taxing for the cogs of my imagination…
At three and a half, Rowan has loved hearing our made-up stories, something I remember loving when I was little too. What’s even nicer is hearing him make up the occasional story with his hands too.
This development has also coincided with Rowan’s new enthusiasm for exploring the breadth of his bookshelf. Not so long ago I remember the phase when Rowan wanted the same few books over and over every night. Now he requests a book he’s never had before, or one we haven’t read for ages. Scary as it is, it isn’t difficult for us to find several new books on Rowan’s shelf that we’ve never read together before. Proof of how much I’ve spent on picture books over the years…
‘Stories with our hands’ are quite convenient when out and about, like at a cafe. Rowan has realised, however, that my hands are otherwise occupied when I’m driving. When we are in the car the request from the back seat is ‘Please can we have a story with your brain, Mama?’
Would love to hear how ‘made-up’ stories are/were told in your house…
Made-up stories are such fun! And they’re memorable, staying with us maybe even longer than favourite books. Some of my made-up stories were rambling, but my son never tired of them.
I think these kinds of stories are a great opportunity for parents to show the link between reading and writing, by recording them and using them as special home-made books for kids to read. They also become a wonderful souvenir of childhood memories.
Nowadays, with so many great digital ways to store our stories, we have no excuse for not getting started!
Martin’s family tradition was that each child got to pick three things that went into the story. Martin’s always included a piece of string. It’s a good way to give your story some direction. Despite (or because of?) being a writer, I find it very difficult to tell oral stories.
At night I draw picture stories on the kids backs. Fred likes her to rhyme. Some of these rhymes are very very strained.
oh I love this!
at eight months old, scout’s too busy treating her library of books as an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord… I can wait to explore the world of ideas with her, as you are with Rowan, as she grows up