WILD CHILD: The Power of Storytelling

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Have you ever been on a hike, spotted an amazing wild flower or frog, and snapped a picture to share on Facebook or show your family?  Sharing our stories and experiences with others is such a vital part of building our relationships. It helps us create a shared set of knowledge, memories and experiences, and it makes us feel more connected to those around us.

Children love to tell us their stories, but they don’t normally have a camera handy to snap a picture. Here are some ideas to help children share these precious moments without picking the flower or catching a frog to bring home.

  • Draw a picture, or take a rubbing.

  • Examine the item closely, and discuss how you would describe it together. Think of all the senses.

  • Make up a story about how the animal or plant got there and where it is going next.

  • Let your child take a picture using your phone or camera, or take the picture yourself.  Afterwards, allow them to show the picture or print it for them to share with others.

  • Remember the name of the plant or animal, and make a point to find a book about it or Google it for more information.

Written by Tandy Morton, WILD CHILD Playgroup Facilitator

Blog, Wild ChildChildreachconnections, documentation, ecosystems, environmental stewardship, experiences, fauna, flora, how learning happens, identification, nature, relationships, respect, senses, Wild Child I Spy, wildlife