Children start off slow and take time to learn about others and how to communicate properly. This is where storytelling can profoundly affect teaching about friendship and being empathic towards others. Here are ways you can engage with children and help them develop socially:
Choose the Right Story
When choosing a story, make sure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. This can help them learn the narrative of a story, help with comprehension, and most importantly, develop the concept of friendship. It is recommended to select something with a positive moral message that will leave a positive impression of friendship on a child’s mind.
Present It In A Social Setting
Gather children in a group and start telling them a riveting story that encourages socializing. Stop at points in the story to focus on vocabulary or to allow children to make inferences and discuss what is happening in the story. Lastly, make it entertaining by pointing out illustrations and using an interesting voice tone when reading.
Allow Children To Interact With The Story And Characters
Children should be encouraged to ask what is on their minds regarding the story and characters. Friendship in a story can be confusing to children, as they might not grasp the concept of having a friend and caring about one. Ask them about the actions of the characters and allow them a chance to make connections to their personal lives. This can help them link the actions of fictional characters with the actual people around them.
Repetition And Retelling Is The Key
Once a child has been told a story in detail and engaged with it, you should ask them to retell the story back to you, allowing the child to tell their perspective of the story. If they need support retelling the story, provide helpful prompts.
Add A Tactile Element To The Story
Create something related to the story or retell it through material. This can help your child further interpret and explore the characters, settings, and concepts by engaging in crafts and activities afterward.
Build Stronger Social Awareness
Reading aloud to one another, telling stories, and devising inventive methods to expand vocabulary are all beneficial for young children. They can help develop language and cognitive skills. Before you know it, your children will become adaptable in social settings and will be able to make great friends.
