Using things you have around the house as props can help children internalize and understand what is happening in the story. This will help them be able remember the events and to retell the story, an important part of narrative skills. In A Hat for Minerva Louise, Minerva Louise finds objects around the farm that she tries to use as winter clothing. After reading the book, try retelling the story with props you find around the house. There are many simple children’s books and rhymes that can be told with props and puppets—see if you can find another one!

–Tip by Erin E., Youth Programming Coordinator

After reading a book with your child, talk about the story. Asking your child questions and reviewing the story will help your child learn narrative skills, which means the ability to describe things, talk about events, and tell or retell stories. For example, in the book, Help! A Story of Friendship by Holly Keller, you could ask what the characters thought of each other in the beginning of the story versus at the end of the story.

 –Tip by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

Narrative skill is the ability to describe things and events and to tell stories.  Anticipating what will come next in the story is a good way to practice narrative skills.  As you read aloud Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora, ask your child to guess who you will say “peekaboo” to next. 

–Tip by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Check out one of the Library’s videos or DVDs based on a picture book, such as the Weston Woods production of Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus. Talk with your child about what is happening in the story, how the main character is feeling, and other details.  Read the book before or after watching the DVD and then see if your child can retell or act out the story.  Children love to hear stories over and over again, which helps them develop narrative skills.

–Tip by Erin E., Youth Programming Coordinator

This cute snowman is easy to make.  Use paper or felt scraps for the hat and nose, and use white glue or a glue-stick to attach.  A marker pen completes the eyes and mouth.  Use your snowman to act out and retell snowman stories at home.  This will strengthen narrative skills, the ability to talk about events and tell stories.

–Tip by Brad J., Youth Technology Librarian