- It can take a while to get used to using wordless books to “tell” stories.
- Start by “telling” the story and then ask your child open ended questions to keep it going.
- Take turns offering details and “telling” the story.
- Remember there is no right or wrong way to “tell” a story from a wordless book.
- Choose a book with artwork that is appealing to you and your child.
- Young children are extremely observant when it comes to pictures, so don’t be surprised at the amazing details your child notices.
- Give a name to the things you see in the picture, such as animals, boats, or people. Ask your child to name them!
- Tell the story in a different language if you know one.
- Add more and varying descriptive words. Previously you may have said, “The pretty shirt”; this time say, “The pretty purple shirt” or “the flowered shirt with purple trim.” One time the girl might be “worried,” another time “Do her teeth hurt?” “What could she be looking at?” or “What is she doing with her eyebrows?”
- Allow for creative alternatives to the story. Imagining conversations between characters is one easy way to get creative with wordless books.
Source: Reading Rockets
