Improve the Language Abilities of the Little One with Storytelling

Do you often tell stories or read a story book for the Little One? Reading a story book or fairy tale is a very enjoyable ritual. It does not only function as a means of entertainment but can also be a medium of education to teach a variety of values or norms of life.

Conveying a story orally uses language as a medium of communication. So, routinely telling a story or fairy tale to the Little One will sharpen their language abilities. Language ability is related to linguistic intelligence. If the Little One has a visual learning style, parents can mention a certain word and ask them to pay attention. If they have an auditory learning style, invite them to talk or chat often. If the Little One is unable to stay still, this may mean that they have a kinesthetic learning style. When introducing objects, allow their hands to hold it.

Learning about speech and language has actually started when the Little One is still in the womb. Perhaps you remember during pregnancy, when the Little One kicks after greeting them in the morning? This is a response of the Little One when hearing a sound that they recognize, which are from their parents. After birth, the learning continues. The Little One learns language from the conversations they hear on a daily basis, particularly from parents.

It is never too soon to start something good. Reading a story book or fairy tale can start since the Little One is a baby. They will feel comfortable, and parents can also schedule storytelling sessions so they become used to it and this activity can continue until the Little One grows old. Reading a story book will strengthen the relationship between parents and the Little One.

Reading a book for the Little One also helps to develop their language abilities by:

• Increasing the involvement of the Little One in language. Interesting stories help parents to teach speech and language abilities, as well as helps the Little One to identify new vocabulary every day when the story is being told.
• Involving the imagination of the Little One, stimulating their imaginative side (the main method of the Little One in learning about the world), and introducing the Little One to things and places that they might not encounter in the real world, such as dinosaurs.

In order to maximize the benefits of reading a story book, parents can read a book every day. Select a book that is appropriate for the age of the Little One. The following are some tips to read a story book for the Little One:

• For children aged 1-3 years old, select books with large pictures and not too many words.
• As the age of the Little One increases, select books with fewer pictures and more words.
• For children aged 1-3 years old, select books that are made of cloth or cardboard, so that it is easier for the Little One to turn the pages. These types of books are also more resilient.
• When reading a book with bright pictures, show the picture to the Little One, so they know what is being referred to by the parents.

Enjoy the pages of books with the Little One!