Use of Playful Stories to Help Children Learn!

Storytelling can be an extremely useful tool for parents when trying to teach a concept that would typically be difficult to understand. There are children’s books that are paired with activity workbooks that encourage further learning. For example, Alice Cook is an outstanding author that has children’s stories that hit on topics like personal space and frustration management. If you are a good story teller, think about how you may write a brief story that targets areas your child needs to work on. Here’s an example of a story written for a child that had difficulty paying attention and interacting due to his inability to sit still.

SQUIRMY SAMUEL SMITH

Squirmy Samuel Smith lived in a town called Speedyville. He was quick as a whip with all he did. Sometimes this was great, like when he would run a race. But sometimes, Squirmy Samuel couldn’t slow down and find a “just right” pace.

When Squirmy Samuel tried to sit in his chair, he would wiggle around and twist his hair. Sitting still was just so difficult, “Would the teacher see this as an insult?”

Squirmy Samuel was worried about this each day, “Why do I feel this way?” He looked around at the other kids to see what they did. They sat still and listened so well. Who could Squirmy Samuel tell, “Help me pay attention, finish my school work, and SIT STILL!”

Squirmy Samuel went home one day very mad and didn’t’ want anyone in his way. But his little brother didn’t care, and took his school work to tear. See, Squirmy Samuel’s little brother was only 2 and didn’t understand that’s something you just don’t do.

With a WHOOSH, Squirmy Samuel gave his brother a big push. Squirmy Samuel’s mom saw it happen and stopped Samuel’s hand from flapping.

“Go to your room Samuel! You do not hit your brother!” Squirmy Samuel ran to his room to calm down and have a drink of water. He closed his eyes, took deep breaths and thought of good things to visualize.

Squirmy Samuel’s mom talked to him once he recovered, and the true problem was uncovered. Squirmy Samuel was upset because he could not sit still and listen. Mom was helping, having Squirmy Samuel bounce on a ball and do wheelbarrow walking. She gave him great ideas for school, like taking a break for a drink or two, sitting on a special cushion, and a silly toy for squishing. Squirmy Samuel’s mom said, “I know what to do…..We’ll give your teacher some of these clues. His mom wrote ideas on a letter and Squirmy Samuel felt so much better!

How can you get your body ready to sit still, listen, and learn??