40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling
Encouraging children to let their imagination run wild, Emily K. Neuburger offers 40 inventive projects and activities that will inspire kids ages 5 to 12 to express themselves through storytelling. Younger children will love making story stones and a storytelling jar, while older kids will open up and thrive as they embark on guided story walks and inspiring journaling exercises. Sparking creativity while developing a child’s love of language, Show Me a Story will kindle a lifelong passion for both writing and telling original stories.
Imagination is often strongest during childhood, manifesting in stories of make-believe worlds, wondrous creatures, and exciting adventures. In this day and age, though, it’s easy for a child’s natural imaginative inclinations to be smothered by digital overload — TV, video games, the internet. In her new book, Show Me a Story, teacher and crafter Emily K. Neuburger presents 40 craft projects and activities designed to jump-start the imaginations of children of all ages — to get kids to turn off the TV, engage in imaginative play, and connect with the world around them by telling stories about it.
Storytelling is the perfect nourishing food for growing minds because it helps children exercise creativity; expand emotional awareness; develop language, communication, and listening skills; strengthen connections with family and friends; solve problems; and institute moral thinking practices. The projects in this new book are designed to help children begin, develop, and play with storytelling. From visual prompts for younger children, such as story stones and a storytelling jar, to word grab bags and journaling exercises for older ones, this book contains everything needed to spark an infinite number of child-created stories.
Show Me a Story isn’t just for children — it will also inspire and encourage the adults who care for them, be they parents, teachers, librarians, therapists, camp counselors, or child care workers. Its strong educational component incorporates storytelling prompts, group activities, writing exercises, art and drama, mapmaking, and language development. The book will appeal to anyone seeking to nurture children’s imaginations, language, and learning, and will lay the foundation for a lifetime of memorable tales.
8.06 x 10 inches.
Paperback. 144 pages. Storey Publishing.
About the Author:
Emily K. Neuburger is a writer, artist, and freelance art and creative writing teacher. She is passionate about encouraging people to get pumped about creativity, especially when it comes to the intersection of words and art. She is the author of the award-winning book Show Me a Story (Dr. Toy Best Picks, Family Choice Award, National Parenting Products Award honors, USA Best Books, International Book Awards finalist) and writes regularly about creativity and unexpected treasures on her website, emilyneuburger.com, as well as in print magazines and around the web. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three children.