Bible Storytelling – where do we begin?
The Complete Guide to Bible Storytelling is here to help answer that question.
We have the stories already written for us in the Bible. But when we tell them to young children in a Toddler group setting we need to do more than relate a narrative in a monotone voice. We need to keep the toddlers engaged, we want their adults to listen and it’s a bonus if we, the storyteller enjoy the experience.
This post brings together every storytelling tip shared on the blog.
Some of these things I’ve learnt over time. I’ve been telling Bible Stories in Toddler Groups for a long time. When I began I was nervous and sometimes unsure what to say. I’ve worked hard to get better at Bible Storytelling and it’s now something that I love to do.
The following tips are dotted around the blog – in this post I’ve grouped the tips together by theme. Preparation, Props, Delivery, Teamwork
Preparation and Mindset
- Prepare from the Bible narrative – don’t rely on your memory. The accurate details matter. Some practical how to’s here
Sometimes we think we know a Bible story but we’ve forgotten something or added something. So, start with the Bible.
- Practice the story. Here’s how
- Keep a record of all the Bible stories you tell
- Plan ahead. Last minute is no fun. (read full post)
Using Props and visuals
- Build anticipation by using a story bag
- Collect and use props that bring the story to life. Here’s a selection of props we use…
- Store your props! Ideas here
- Get knitting! (or find someone who can). My knitted Bible characters are invaluable. I don’t use them every week but they have proved to be a big hit with toddlers and their adults so they feature a lot in my stories.
- Collect helpful resources to have to hand when you need them. Ideas here.
- Pair toddler groups crafts with the Bible Story to help toddlers remember what they have heard.
Voice, Actions and Delivery
- Make sure everyone can see you – It’s easier for toddlers and their adults to listen when they can see what’s going on and feel part of story time (read full post)
- Make sure everyone can hear you (some ideas here)
Your voice is so important. Use it to add interest for your listeners. Ideas here
- Announce it’s time for the story with a theme song
- Know how you are going to begin the story (read full post)
- Have a clear ending to your story (some examples in this post)
- Keep your story short. Brevity is your best friend.
- Don’t fill your bible Story with so much verbal descriptive clutter that is full of terminology toddlers couldn’t even begin to comprehend that the audience is bamboozled and bored and left to look around for something else to do. (I hope you get my meaning!) Concise post here
- Add value to your story – have a look at this post. The idea is to keep everyone engaged and listening and joining in. If everyone feels included the bible Story will be enjoyable for you, the storyteller. Actions to do and sound effects to make! These ideas are for all the listeners, toddlers and adults.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat (see full post)
- Lean into the things that are familiar for toddlers when you tell the Bible Story. Ideas here
Tell toddler group Bible Stories in such a way that your listeners know that the Bible is important to you. Tell them in such a way that your listeners will know that Jesus is important.
- In other words Tell it like you mean it. The Bible is true, it is God’s word for everyone. I try to include the phrases, ‘The Bible says’, or ‘The Bible tells us’ whenever it fits naturally into the story (once per story).
Grounding our Toddler Storytime in God’s Word is valuable.
Involve your church/other toddler group leaders
- Don’t do everything yourself. Ask others to lend a hand
- Christmas is always a busy time of year. Share the load
Share your ideas with us
Although the post title calls this ‘A complete Guide’, it is of course just a snapshot. If you’ve been telling Bible Stories in Toddler Group please add your own tips and tricks in the comments. There’s always more to learn.
