The Preschooler

First, Next, Last

If you have ever listened to a preschooler tell a story, you know that the thought process doesn’t always flow in a straight line.  Little things that catch their attention or that are suddenly recalled at any given moment are instantly inserted into the story.  The story may also have no time line.  Events may simply be revealed in the order in which the child thinks of them.  This disconnective line of thought can make a story difficult to understand.  However, learning how to tell is a story in an order that makes sense can take some modeling and practice.

The next time you take a walk, go to a playground, visit a friend or family member, go to the zoo, or any other event that our child would find interesting, help your child to put the experience into a story.  Take a large piece of blank paper and fold it into thirds.  Write the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of the paper, one number for each section.

Help your child recall what happened first, next, and last during the event.  After you have both discussed what happened.  Allow your child to draw corresponding pictures in each of the three sections.  You may even want to write a sentence or two under the illustrations your child provides.  When finished, give your child an opportunity to share the story and completed pictures with a friend or family member.

Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati

Written by BRWI Staff on May 12, 2010