Tell tale times with LEGO toys

Note: David Sim is the dad and blogger behind the parenting blog, Lifes Tiny Miracles. LEGO Singapore provided the toys he discusses in this story.

Like most six year-olds, mine is becoming increasingly independent. She is able to follow instructions (and often gives them, too!) and do most general tasks on her own, with minimal adult supervision. Recently, I noticed that my conversations with her have been more of the pragmatic sort, which can be categorized primarily into two categories: 1. Instructional i.e. those Go take your shower. Go to bed. Practise your piano Do this, dont do that talk. And 2. Inquiry i.e. How was your day? What happened in school today? How are you feeling?

Gradually missing and less frequently used, sadly, is a third category: Imaginative talk. This category of conversations is the type that builds relationships, stirs imagination and gives us a glimpse of the creativity each child has. These are the conversations that begin with What do you think if or How about if

That is where storytelling comes in.

1. Imbues values: Create scenarios for children to explore and develop their sense of compassion, integrity, responsibility and empathy.

2. Develops resilience: Imagine challenging circumstances and explore ways to overcome them.

3. Develops cultural awareness: With stories, the world is literally their oyster. Bring children to settings (countries) far away; introduce characters from different cultures and customs. Imagine them being part of their local celebrations and festivities.

4. Develops competent communication skills: Make children tell the stories. String those sentences together. Use the right verbs, adjectives and adverbs etc. When the children are more adept at weaving their own stories, you can even challenge them to do it in their mother tongue, too!

5. Develops confidence: If your kids cant speak confidently to you, Im not sure if they can talk confidently to others when their turn comes to do Show & Tells in school. So start spontaneous storytelling a part of your family routine.

6. Builds relationships: Stories have been known to bond generations and pass on traditions. Inject some humor, mystery and adventure into the stories to make your parent-child bonding time truly fun, unique and yours to remember.

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Tell tale times with LEGO toys