If you have kids who are still studying in grade level, story telling contests may be part of your child’s annual calendar activities. This is an activity which we look forward, not so much because of the competitive aspect, but because we look forward on seeing the kids focus, learn a new piece and be able to practice being not afraid on stage. It’s a good time to build self confidence and speaking skills. I personally believe that people who have self-confidence and good abilities to speak have an edge when it comes to being successful in the future.
With six years of having my kids participate story telling contest in their school, in which most of the time they won, I think I’ve gained at least some credits to give some tips for mothers out there who might have kids join similar contests in the future.
- Mastery is a must. As soon as your kids get the piece, have them memorize it by heart. Let them understand the content and if they are not able to, explain to them. They can act better when they know what they are talking about.
- Practice when the kids are rested. Even though our schedules are very hectic, I make sure that they have eaten and rested first before practicing.
- Teach your kids to put themselves in the shoes of the characters. Ask your child if they have suggestions and let her practice them along with your inputs.
- Tell your kids to look from time to time to the audience and to the judges and establish eye contact.
- Be involved in preparing their costumes if the contest mechanics will allow it. Kids get inspired when they get to wear cool outfits they can only wear for contests.
- Find declamation or story telling videos from YouTube. You’ll find examples of previous students who have interpreted the same piece. Though you will want to be unique in your interpretation, watching these videos will give you some quick ideas about the mood and what the piece is all about.
- Lastly, tell your child to be a good sport. Although this is a contest, the thought that they are already a part of it means that they are special and that being able to perform and do their best in front of people is a blessing already.
Remember that on the first practice, the kids won’t be able to get everything correctly but as you guide them and they have the piece written in their minds and heart, they will have the confidence to perform well in a story telling contest.
I hope you learned some good tips from me. If you did, feel free to comment. Goodluck to you and your child’s story telling piece!
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Oh my God she did a great job I love how she performs this. This are some great tips.
I find reading widely also helps with their creativity and imagination. These are very helpful tips to help kids prepare not just for storytelling but for other public speaking tasks as well.
It is great when kids get involved with reading and storytelling to this point!
Wonderful tips and ideas!
I am a “stage” father. I make it a point to let my daughters excel in school contests like declamation. Just by given them the opportunity to perform on the stage, in front of so many people is an honor for us, parents.They are all grown-ups now and professionals in their respective fields. I hope this piece will be useful for parents who are still with little kids.
Lovely tips to remember when I finally have my kids. I love storytelling and I hope my kids love it as much.
These are great tips and I can say as a parent that we need to show our 100% support to our kids in everything that they do because it help them to boost their confident in doing their works or crafts.
Great tips! I think each kid wants to stand out with stories more. Being a parent means giving him a hand but not too much
Storytelling is a fun, your suggestion for guiding kids for this fun are good and useful.
Such great tips here! I didn’t even know there were contests for story telling. Will be sending this to my friends who have kids!
Great topic! I’m definitely sharing this post with my friend. She arranges such events for kids.
At the end, those children thrive who have a solid support. And this support should come from the parents first off! Bravo, Mama!
It’s definitely a good idea to encourage kids to practice. If they try their best, they are winners!
Great tips. Your kids are very talented.
What wonderful tips on helping kids win a storytelling contest. I hope those parents who kid like this one can find inspiration!
Hi..Thanks for the article..I m going to use these steps while teaching my son in story telling.
These are all great tips. As a parents, we need to support our children on what they want to do.
These are great tips thank you
Great job! Being able to present and speak in front of an audience is an important life skill to possess.