Tell me more! How to get started with story telling

Oct 27, 2020
2 min read

I have seen a child with high functioning autism. When asked about what she did in her day or about her drawing There are often not a lot of words, mostly one/two words, occasionally saying yes to everything question I ask. Upon the first few sessions, she blasted in front of me because she felt anxious in not knowing how to answer open questions.

To prepare kids not only in the spectrum, with speech language disorder but all kids in general, we want them to be great story tellers, that means talking in great detail and structure. And here is how:

1. First, then, next, Last,

2. 4W 1H: who what when where How

3. Introduce Feelings, Beginning, Problem, Consequence

For younger kids, who speaks or responds in one, two words, simple sentences.

To start off,

First, Then, Next and Last!

This is relatively easy to comprehend and get things started. We do not want to overwhelm our tiny tots with 5 elements at the beginning. The goal here is to introduce the idea that events does not happen in one act but with transitions. Modelling with a simple story is needed.

Check out our free downloadable guides for resources to practice with!

Introduce the 4W 1H.

Who: the people/character in the event/story

When: when does it happen

Where: where does it happen

What: what happen, what did the characters do?

How: how do the characters do it?/solve the problem?

Model:

Discuss with your child about for instance what they did today.

When: Today

Who: Larry and mom

Where: in the shopping mall

What: went shopping

How: by bus

This example is simple, one without much content, unlike a story. But start something easy and light to make sure your child understands what you are teaching. afterwards, step up by e.g talking about a problem: saw a blind man (WHAT), Larry and mom (WHO) held him across the streets (HOW).

Practice!

Ask them: What happen here? What did you do today?

Show them the 4W 1H (link)

If they are stuck, guide them in achieving the 4W 1H questions. Ask: who are they? where is this?....

In the end, dont forget to sum up: 'Oh now I understand. Yesterday, Larry was in the shopping mall....am I right?

If their grammar is wrong, that does not matter because this is not what our goal is. Just say the correct form in respond. Also, do not expect them to get everything right right away, learning takes time.

Don't forget to to practice with them occasionally in their daily routines e.g. during a car ride.

To practice, here are some teaching cards (link) for you. e.g. have your child show the correct card (4W1H) while reading a story. Or show them the card as you model them the use of 4W1H format. This helps with their visual memory and understanding.