Even though they can't write, Pre-K children can still create fantastic short stories.
It can be difficult to encourage young children to express themselves, especially when they are still in Pre-K. Although these children still lack the skills to write their stories down you can encourage them to talk and increase their vocabulary by asking them to dictate short stories. Even if a child is shy to speak you can make it easier for them by suggesting story ideas and comparing them to books they've ready read.
Life Lessons
There is no doubt that the best way to learn a life lesson is to be placed in a unique situation. During these times in life important questions are answered through actions that can later be evaluated. Ask your children to think about a time when they had to make an important decision that got them in trouble or inversely earned them praise. Use these stories to evaluate what is important and what can be learned from both success and failure.
A great example of a story like this this can be found in Verna Aardema's "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears." In this book the consequences of dishonest are discussed when a mosquito tells a lie to an iguana. As the story progresses everyone is effected by the tiny white lye and the mosquito suffers the consequences for his actions.
Worldly Observations
Children in Pre-K are very curious to learn about the world around them, but may be limited by their own physical surroundings. However, each child has different experiences that are completely unique to themselves. By encouraging the children to tell stories about things they have seen they can share their experiences with others and learn to become more observant and extroverted. Ask the children to talk about places they have been, things they have touched, animals they have seen or people they know.
A good example of a story like this can be found in Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle's "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" This book is a wild exploration of animals, colors, and habitat that can teach children about the forest.
Adventures
One of the most entertaining things a story can do is take us on an adventure. Most children have set out on a quest, be it real or imaginary. Depending upon the child, a walk across the living room can be a harrowing adventure into the unknown and the experiences for accomplishing these feats are rewards all their own. By inspiring natural curiosity in children you encourage them to explore and investigate the world around them. Ask your child to tell you about a difficult task they set out to accomplish or an experience in a place they've never been to before.
A good example of an adventure book is Elsa Holmelund Minarik's "Little Bear." In this book Little Bear dons a space helmet and declares to his mother that he will fly to the moon. Although he is back in time for lunch, his imagination takes him to another world.
Heroes
The real reason comic books have become so popular today is the human fascination with heroes. Even the youngest of children have been exposed in some way to real, perceived, or imaginary danger and the heroes that can arise from these conflicts can inspire even the shyest of children. Heroic figures encourage children to become good natured fully rounded members of society. Ask your little story tellers to think about times when they were lost or in danger and they or someone else did something brave to make the situation right again.
A good example of this can be found in Norman Bridwell's "Clifford to the Rescue." Although, Clifford is a big red dog who is more prone to causing accidents than fixing them, he finds a way to use his size to help others.
Looking to the Future
"When I grow up" are four magical words that inspire all kinds of thought provoking scenarios. Children are constantly drawn towards the strange world of adults. Asking them to imagine the future can encourage them to pursue their dreams and live a more fulfilling life. Go beyond simply careers and ask where your child would live, what things they would posses, who they would know and what they would do for fun.
A good example of this can be found in Mercer Mayer's "When I grow up." In this book Little Critter's sister imagines all the possible things she could do when she becomes an adult.
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