Storytelling Tips:
Feeling a bit nervous? Most people I talk to about storytelling say, "I'm not a good storyteller." Don't worry! It’s more about connecting well than about being a great performer.
Know Your Little Listeners
Beginners (Ages 1-4): Keep it short and sweet! Focus on simple stories about God's love, kindness, and care (like Noah's Ark, Jesus blessing the children). Use colourful pictures, board books, or felt boards. Let them get involved. Ask them to make animal sounds or do simple actions.
Kindergarten (Ages 5-8): You can tell slightly longer stories with clear heroes and simple lessons (David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lions). Ask simple questions like, "What did David use to fight Goliath?" or "How do you think Daniel felt?" Connect stories to their experiences: "If we see someone hurt, like the man in the Good Samaritan story, what should we do?"
Primary/Juniors (Ages 9-12): They can handle more complex stories and think about why characters made certain choices. Discuss moral dilemmas and how these stories apply to their lives at school or with friends.
Tell It from the Heart
Eye contact is key. Look at the children as you speak. It helps them feel connected.
Use your voice. Change your tone for different characters or exciting parts. Whisper for secrets, get louder for shouts!
Show emotion. If the story is happy, smile! If it's serious, let your face show it. Your expressions help them understand the feelings in the story.
Sit with them. Get down on their level if you can. It makes it more personal.
Keep it Simple and Focused
Have one main point. Don’t try to teach too many things at once. Pick one important message you want them to remember from the story.
Short stories are often best. Especially for younger children, 5-7 minutes is a good length. You can always tell another story another time!
Make it Interactive and Fun!
Ask questions. "What do you think happened next?" "How would you feel if you were there?"
Use actions and sounds. Have them roar like a lion, march like a soldier, or make wind sounds.
Props are great. A simple blue cloth can be the Sea of Galilee, a shepherd's staff can be a stick. You don’t need fancy things! Even simple costumes can bring characters to life.
Repeat key phrases or verses. Have them say a short Bible verse with you.
Win their Hearts
Connect to Their World. Help children see how the story relates to their own lives. "David was brave. When do you need to be brave?" Listen to their answers and reply to them. This makes the Bible feel real and relevant and makes the child who spoke up feel valued.
Explain things patiently and simply. Children do not understand things the way we do. Their little brains are still developing those pathways. They may not get every detail right away, but you are planting seeds. Repetition is the second best teacher. Storytelling is the first! So repetition in a story is a very powerful thing indeed!
Tell stories often and willingly. Try to make storytelling a regular part of your time with children, both at home and at church. When children know you as “The Storyteller” you’ll be amazed how easily and often they will engage with you. I am often approached by kids and asked for more details about a story, to tell them a new story or just waved at from afar. Children love those who speak into their lives.
You Can Do This! Yes, YOU!
I know you can become a great storyteller because I have seen many people, with many different excuses, learn to love storytelling to children. Maybe you’re thinking one of these things:
"I could never do that in front of people at church." Try it out. You’ll be surprised by three things. The kids are very engaged and easily grab your focus. The adults are very supportive and love what you are doing. You will be proud of yourself afterwards. It’s a win for the kids, a win for the adults, and a win for you. Everybody wins!
"I don't know enough stories." Your willingness and love are what matter most. You will have plenty of time before each storytelling time to prepare your story.
"I'm not a 'natural' storyteller." There are two answers to this one. Nobody is and everybody is. We all tell stories. Every conversation you have is likely to have a story in it about something that happened, something that was said, or someone you know. Performance storytelling, however, is an art that develops with time and experience. Storytelling is a skill you will get better at with practice.
"I don't know the Bible stories well enough." Start with the stories you know and love. Prepare ahead of time and you can craft a new story at your own pace. Your genuine love of children will shine through. If you give them time, they will love you.
“I don’t know which story to tell.” Ask the preacher of the day for their topic and key verse. I do this every time I tell a children’s story for church. Tell a story that prepares the children (and the listening audience!) for the sermon to come.
"What if the kids get restless?" It happens! Don’t be afraid to gently bring their attention back. The goal is engagement, not perfect silence.
God’s Storytellers
The Bible is full of amazing stories—stories of God’s incredible love, His mighty power, His interesting people and His wonderful plans for us. These stories are waiting to be shared with the precious children in our lives and in our church.
You are a storyteller. We all are. Every story we tell shapes us and those we share it with. That’s a righteous responsibility! The epic story of redemption is only effective when we combine our personal story with the Biblical narrative. God’s storytellers will prepare the world for His return. Focus your storytelling on growing God’s Kingdom and you will naturally combine your story and the Bible stories. You are God’s storyteller. Tell it well. Tell it often!
.jpeg)
.jpeg)