Storytelling Night for Families at Meadows Valley Library
Families enjoyed learning how to increase early literacy and honor their own unique heritage at the same time on June 4. Trace McKellips came to Meadows Valley Public Library. He leads the West Central Mountains Early Learning Collaborative which works to expand early childhood education. It supports families in Cascade, Donnelly, McCall, and New Meadows making sure they have the resources they need. Trace introduced Patrick Mitchell, Idaho’s “Down to Earth Dad”. He’s from Coeur d’Alene and does Family Storytelling events across the country. He is sponsored by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children.
The evening started off with pizza, cookies and other goodies. Then the children went into the kids section of the library to color, play with puppets and read while the adults talked about what books they’ve been reading at home and what stories they have to tell about their childhoods. Ideas came up about mud pies, collapsing docks, and teeth getting knocked out. Patrick said if you told your 3 yr old 3 stories from your childhood each day, that would be over 1000 stories a year. How could you do that? He explained that your mind takes pictures of things. Each picture can be a story. You can make them completely spontaneous. For example, go into your 5 yr olds room and say “I’m going to tell you 5 stories from my childhood. You look around the room and see a clock and it sparks a memory. You say, “We used to get up every day at 5 in the morning to feed the chickens.” (That was story #1) Your child might ask “Did you give them water too?” You say, “I’m glad you asked! That’s your second story, yes we did give them water.” “Did you ever see them fly?” “That’s your third story, we saw a neighbor’s bantam hen fly once, but ours didn’t really fly.” “Did a fox ever get the chickens?” “I’m glad you asked, that’s your 4th story, unfortunately, yes.” “How many?” “I think it got three chickens.” “Did coyotes ever come?” You could say, “You know that was your last story, you’ll have to wait for tomorrow”, if you’re tired and don’t really feel like telling stories tonight, but, if you’re having fun, tell stories as long as you want! It’s a game and a routine you could commit to.
Patrick emphasized how easy it is. He looked around the room, saw an apple and held it up. “What’s a story from your childhood about an apple?” One parent said, “we had an apple tree in our backyard.” Another parent took the role of a child and asked, “How tall was it?” “I’m glad you asked!” Patrick held up a pencil and practiced again. A bottle of water was next and then a driver’s manual. Anything can be a story. The kids learn new words, information, history, about their family and culture.
The second part of the evening, the kids were brought back and each family used craft supplies to bring to life one of their families experiences like camping or a trip. The kids then held up their pictures and got a turn to tell a story. Patrick encouraged incorporating a family drawing or craft night into your week.
I would recommend storytelling as a great way to spend quality time with your kids. It’s educational and fun! I’m going to try it with my granddaughters!
