invent a story

Parent storytellers. Yes, you can.

It’s late. You’re so tired you could sleep on the floor through an earthquake outside in a rainstorm. Or that might just be me. Then your child says, “Tell me a story.” And you can’t think of a single idea other than sleeping . . . soon. Here’s all you need to do . . . remember the parts of the story and ask for audience participation. CHARACTERS: “Okay, who is going to be in this story?” (Suggest princess x, doggie y, or unicorn z.) SETTING: “Where should the story take place?” (Suggest forest, desert, ocean, bedroom, school.) PROBLEM: “What’s going to happen that’s hard for the main character?” Suggest a storm, something lost, mean person.) Look around the room for a few more ideas if you need. READY, SET, TELL. “Once there was a golden retriever named Princess Poo-Poo. (Yes, obvious cro...