Tell Me a Story: A Caregiving Storybook

Explain to your child that one way we can show care for others is by taking time to share life stories together. You’ll help your child make a handmade storybook to capture a special family memory.

To create the book, fold 2-3 pieces of plain paper in half. Next, fold a single piece of construction paper in half to serve as the cover of your book. Wrap the construction paper around the folded plain pages. A parent or caregiver can place three staples along the folded edges of the pages to bind the papers together as a book. If you don’t have a stapler, a parent or caregiver can use a hole punch to make three holes along the folded edge. Children can then thread a small piece of yarn or string through the holes and tie the ends.

Ask your child which family member they would like to hear a story from. It may be helpful to offer a few choices of adults or older family members—such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older cousin—who you know are willing to participate. Connect with the family members to explain the storytelling request and how your child will be creating a small storybook.

Before your child meets with family members, remind them to listen carefully to each person’s thoughts and feelings.

They might begin by asking the family member, “Would this be a good time to tell me a story?” Here are a few story prompts. Your child should select one to use for the book: “Tell me about….”

• A favorite memory from when you were a child;
• A place that you visited that was extra special or fun;
• Something important that you learned when you were growing up;
• Your favorite pet and how you liked to play with them;
• A time from your childhood when a grown-up helped you or a time when you helped someone.
• A childhood friend and the games or toys that you liked to play or do together.

As the story is told, your child can draw special moments or details that the storyteller shares. Remind them that they can take the time they need to draw their pictures. The storyteller can help, too, and write words to go with the drawings. When the person is finished telling the story, your child can work with them to create a title for the book and decorate the cover of the book. The family members can also sign the book!

Follow up with your child about the experience. Ask them how it felt to learn more about their family and if they enjoyed their time together. Ask how they think the family member felt when they got to share their story. Talk about how spending time together and listening to one another is a way to show you care.