What’s Your Story?
“We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us” Romans 12.6
Storytelling has been a tradition in many cultures and families for centuries. Storytelling is also a part of our Christian heritage. Jesus used storytelling to teach. Sermons sometimes tell a story. You may know people who have the gift of storytelling, but for many of us telling a story out loud in front of a sanctuary filled with people or even a small group of people may prove daunting at best.
One of the ways that we can help children tell their faith stories is by first understanding how each child encounters the world best. We are all given different gifts, and this includes the way we communicate most effectively.
For many children, sharing a personal faith story proves overwhelming and daunting. Many children posses gifts ranging from mathematician to musician to chef. We all express ourselves in various ways and we must be careful in helping children to share their stories in the arena in which they are most comfortable, for it is here that others connect with them. Songs, photographs, and charts tell a story. Movement, nature, and games can also tell a story. All these gifts are important in this world.
Ask them these simple questions:
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- Who is God?
- Who do you love?
- What makes you smile?
- What makes you unhappy?
- Who takes care of you?
- Who is your favorite person in the Bible?
Help them to find a way to share their stories to others.
Resources:
- Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice by Howard Gardner [Basic Books]
- Storytelling Discoveries: Favorite Activities for Young Tellers by Vivian Dubrovin [Storycraft Publishers]
