Peter H. Reynolds, Founder of FableVision and Children's Book Author and Illustrator, suggests you:

• Invite children to create with blank books
• Try collaborative stories and art
• Use cuttings from magazines to illustrate stories
• Consider starting stories with pictures
• Keep story messages simple
• Tell stories about yourself as a child
• Use old photographs as inspiration
• Write down the stories you tell
• Have fun with stories – use voices and role-play
• Extend story themes with real-life activities

Like Bill Doucette:

• Create games based on stories
• Use favorite childhood interests to foster storytelling
• Don't forget, having fun is contagious

Mom Elizabeth Hetzler recommends:

• Read together and discuss stories from day one
• When food is part of a story, try extending the story with cooking
• Remember, fun activities can help children learn vital skills

Laurie Joy Haas, Executive Producer of Words that Cook!™ and co-author of Read it Aloud! A parent's guide to sharing books with young children, and Honey the Cookie-Bookie Bear suggest you:

• Let children tell stories through pictures
• Discuss pictures and use children's words for captions
• Ask questions to keep stories going

Like storytelling Dad Luis Gonzalez:

• Integrate your first language into storytelling
• Tell stories when children are relaxed and comfortable
• Try using characters children know as story starters
• Consider incorporating lessons into stories
• Let children build stories with you

Bonnie Greenberg, Professional Storyteller and Speech-Language Pathologist, recommends you:

• Try repeating phrases and gestures in stories
• Vary facial expressions, voices, pace and volume
• Provide opportunities for children to participate
• Try group storytelling games
• Look for books with storytelling ideas and exercises
• Create a ritual around storytelling

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