“If a child is to keep alive his sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, the excitement, and the mystery of the world.”–Rachel Carson
Storygins (a hybrid of the words Story + Origins) is a site for story originators, parents and educators who tell children homespun stories and engage in imaginative play. Do you play the super-villain as you chase your kids around the yard? Do you use metaphors to explain life and nature to your kids? Do you have the urge to tell stories but wish it came to you more easily? If so, there might be a storyteller inside you waiting to help your kids make sense of the world.
Stories are a powerful parenting tool because they allow adults to pass along social wisdom. As a culture, we seem to have forgotten that stories help children form their identities and recognize the difference between good and bad. Storytelling is a form of interpersonal play that builds not only intellect, but trust and character. Storytelling and imaginative play can help adults slow-down, tune-in, and speak to children in language they understand, the language of fantasy.
Suzanne Aptman and Jennifer Dorr dreamed up Storygins while pushing their kids on swings and feeding them lunch. We hope this site will serve as:
- A record of two moms’ living experiment in parenting through storytelling and imaginative play.
- A place for inspiration and tips about tailoring stories to your kids’ needs and your parenting challenges
- A sounding board for parents and educators seeking creative ways to teach kids values and problem solving
- A on-line journal for great home stories.
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