Tell a Fairy Tale

February 26 is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day!

Fairy tales originated as oral histories told by travelers or moral stories for children. Who doesn’t like gathering around a campfire for a thrilling or scary story?

There is some fascinating information on the truth/history behind some of the popular fairy tales at 5 World-Favorite Fairy Tales

Here are some tips telling fairy tales to children from National Day Calendar:

• Engage your audience. Children like to participate. Have them quack every time you mention the Ugly Duckling or make the motions of climbing Jack’s beanstalk.
• Use repetition. Repeated stanzas, syllables, or movements will keep the kids engaged. It not only helps them to remember the story but sets them up for the next round of the repeated phrase or stanza.
• Give your characters a voice. Nobody likes a monotone storyteller. Buehler, Buehler, Buehler. No, not even children like the monotone. Varying your voice for each character and inflecting excitement, sadness and disappointment will create drama and stimulate the imaginations of the little minds listening to you.
• Ask questions as you go. It’s an excellent way to keep your story flowing and to gauge the children’s listening skills.
• Find out if someone has a story of…