When parents and teachers plan story time to include all five of the essential elements, they create a fertile and nurturing environment for a successful heart/mind education. The master gardener does not need to teach a tulip how to be a tulip. She only needs to provide the nurturing elements in the environment for the tulip to grow and reach its full genetic potential.
Our children also have all the genetic coding necessary to reach their full potential. When given the opportunity to blossom in a fertile environment, just like the tulips, they will dazzle us with their unique talents and personalities.
Enriched Story Time Resources
Song
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Includes all music, and the rhythms, dance, and movement associated with it. Consider how music can be used to add variety to your story time. Children may listen, sing along, dance along, or even prepare to perform music during the story hour.
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Symbol
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A symbol is a picture representation of a real object or a tangible object representing an idea. This category encompasses artwork that ranges from simple sketches to the work of the masters. Dolls, figurines, puppets, and flannel board figures can be used to add variety to teaching and storytelling. The use of symbols also refers to symbolism to communicate deeper meanings of abstract topics. Using tangible objects to teach intangible ideas opens the way for life-long learning.
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Service
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Includes all activities that help to build relationships and to assist others in their learning and progress. Even the smallest child can learn to serve according to their abilities. Service is part of learning. When we are engaged in service, we give greater meaning to our learning experiences.
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Story
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This category includes all literature, both story and poetry. It includes the Mother Goose rhymes of early childhood, fairy tales, stories of heroes, stories from history, and stories of faith. It also includes stories that can be read silently, read a loud, or simply told by heart.
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Spirit
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This category includes all activities we engage in to connect to our spiritual natures. The act of creating wakes up and enlivens the divine part of our nature. Creating a piece of art, a story or poem, a song, a handicraft or wood-working project are all activities that connect us to the Spirit and engage our hearts in learning and growth. Some ideas include:
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