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Get the scoop on my affiliate links and how they support me in crafting engaging family reading adventures by clicking here.  One of the things I miss the most from when my kids were little is our story time moments. I loved bringing the characters to life by giving them unique (and often hilarious) voices. And here’s the thing … I didn't have to be good at it! Not that I was all that bad. My kids seemed to love it. But kids don’t care how good you are. They just love being with you and watching you as you step out of yourself and into the characters of a story. You are engaging with your kids in a playful level that touches their hearts and imagination. Using character voices, along with sound effects and dramatic pauses, helps bring stories to life! Check out these ideas on how to create a magical and interactive story time designed to bring those tales alive! And if you want, you can download the cheat sheet located at the end of the guide to help generate ideas. Book Choices: What to Look For Are there certain stories you should use for this reading adventure? Not necessarily. I think it would be difficult to find a book where you wouldn't be able to use voices and props. But there are some bonuses to choosing stories with more vibrant characters and exciting plots. Stories that involve talking animals, daring heroes, or mystical lands obviously add ample opportunities. And bonus if you find one containing diverse personalities and engaging scenarios. You can imagine the potential for creative expression and engagement with your kids during these storytelling sessions! Master Voices: You’ve Got This Now, let's talk about character voices. Don’t be shy; go all out! Give each character a distinct voice. A deep, grumbly voice for the big bad wolf? A high, squeaky voice for the tiny mouse? Yes, please! Remember, it's not about being a perfect voice actor, it's about having fun and making your kids giggle. One of our favorites (30ish years ago) was The Treasure Tree: Helping Kids Understand Their Personality by John Trent. In this book, four different animals set off on an adventure. And each one of them has a different personality. It shows how each one contributes to the journey. I used a sickening sweet voice for the golden retriever. A gruff, growly voice for the lion. A whistly, nasaled voice for the beaver, and a silly giggly voice for the otter. Each voice fits the animal and their personality in the book. Another one still dear to my heart is No More Monsters for Me by Peggy Parish and Marc Simont. This book is absolutely adorable. The main character gets into a bit of trouble and mom often gets frustrated and calls her by her first name, Minneapolis Simpkins. How fun is that to say? Now try saying it in an angry mom’s voice. That’s fun squared. Sound Effects: Where to Start Sound effects are a powerful tool in achieving this goal. You can really let your creativity shine by incorporating various sound effects into your storytelling sessions. The simplest of sound effects — like stomping your feet for a giant's walk, clapping for thunder, or rustling a sheet of paper for a crackling fire — will have your kids giggling and joining in on the fun. Maybe they’ll even come up with their own sound effects. But why stop there? With today's technology, you have endless options to elevate your storytelling even further. Utilizing smartphones or tablets to play background music or sound effects can take your storytelling to new heights. You can even record your own sound effects. YouTube is loaded with options. And apps like Noisy Book provide easy access to a wide range of sounds that can bring your stories to life in ways you never imagined. Check out my exclusive curated list of Apps for Voice and Sound Effects you can add to your story adventure backpack. For instance I read my book, The Wonder of Under, using Noisy Book on my iphone and I brought a pirate to life with a hearty "Aha!", made dinosaurs roar, and filled the air with the wild sounds of a rainforest. It's incredible how these sound effects can transform the storytelling experience, captivating children's attention and imagination. So, don't hesitate to explore different avenues for sound effects in your storytelling adventures. Whether it's through traditional methods or modern technology, the possibilities are endless. And the results are sure to be magical. Add a Bit of Drama: Pause for Effect Want to keep your kids on the edge of their seats? Use dramatic pauses. Right before a big moment in the story, pause... and watch their anticipation build. This simple technique can transform a reading session. For example, in a tale where a hero opens a mysterious door, pausing right as they turn the handle can make your little listeners lean in, wide-eyed, waiting to discover what's behind it. You might even ask them what they think the hero is going to find on the other side of that door. In truth, it’s not just a pause; it’s an invitation to a child’s imagination, magnifying every moment. Nonfiction and Concept Books Don’t think for a moment that you can’t utilize these steps for nonfiction books. Reading about frogs? Have everyone dress in green and learn how to croak like a frog. Reading a concept book about colors? Add props of different colors and let them shout out the color and grab an item that matches each color presented in the book when you read it. So give it a try. Make it as simple and creative as you are comfortable doing. And remember, it’s all about letting loose, having fun, and watching your kids’ imaginations bloom. And don't forget to download the list of apps for your Storyteller's Toolbox to enhance your storytelling experience! Have you tried incorporating voices and sound effects into your story time sessions? Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just starting out, I want to hear from you! Share your experiences, tips, and favorite moments of bringing stories to life with voices and sound effects. Together, let's inspire and delight each other with our imaginative storytelling journeys. Share your ideas in the comments below and let the storytelling magic begin! Sign up for my newsletter to receive new reading adventures in your inbox, as well as writing prompts for kids, updates on my upcoming books, giveaways and more!
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AuthorCindy Lynn Sawyer is an author with a passion for helping to build better futures for kids through reading (and writing) adventures. Subscribe
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