The bedtime routine at Grandma’s house often involves the request, “Tell me a story!” And while there’s a shelf full of beloved picture books, the most enchanting tales are the ones we make up on the spot.
Impromptu storytelling with young children at bedtime isn’t just about winding down; it’s a shared adventure woven from thin air, just like I used to do with their parents when they were little.
It’s definitely an unplanned narrative that starts with a simple prompt, perhaps a sleepy question about the moon or a lingering thought from the day.
“Tell me about a brave little squirrel in our backyard,” my granddaughter might whisper. And just like that, our furry friend, maybe named Squeaky, embarks on a nightly escapade. It brings back fond memories of the stories I’d invent about a brave little bird or curious bunny for my own children.
Fostering creativity and curiosity
We never know where these stories will venture to or end up, but that’s half the fun. My grandchildren often chime in with details, suggesting a challenge for the character to overcome or a helpful friend he might encounter. Their contributions make the story truly their own, fostering creativity and a sense of curiosity and ownership over the narrative as they add their own quirky twists to my tales.
We might meander down unexpected paths, encounter new characters (a talking beaver who loves maple syrup), and solve problems with delightfully illogical solutions. It doesn’t need a perfect beginning, middle or end. The goal isn’t literary perfection, but connection and shared imagination before sleep gently takes over.
These impromptu tales hopefully become little treasures they’ll remember as they grow up and share bedtime stories with their own children. They foster a love of storytelling, build vocabulary in a natural way and most importantly, create a warm and comforting bridge to dreamland.
So, the next time your little one asks for a story, consider putting the books aside and letting your imaginations soar together. You might be surprised at the magical worlds you discover one sleepy night at a time.
Writing for you. 