Children's stories

[paralleloscope]

At school we're doing a multimedia storytelling project for kindergarteners age 3-6. I'm wondering how much a kid at that age will understand. I realize it will differ from child to child and that even differences from 3 to 5 years old will be considerably big. But do any of you parents have experience in conveying wisdom or deeper thruths to your kids where they have reciprocated an understanding. If so what kind of stories do you find are the best? do you stick with 'Richard scary' or spice up your bedtime stories with free will and good vs evil, etc.?

I'm pondering to wrap some kind of symbolic interaction on the 'law of three' into a simple story, but am unsure if that would be too abstract ? (probably depends on the presentation). Any feedback regarding kids' perceptions would be appreciated.

 

[wmu9]

If the concrete imagery of a story catches, it will take flight on it's own.

 

[Mrs.Tigersoap]

Maybe you can try sharing a story about networking? This usually really interests my 6-year-old. Depending on how the story is told, 3-4 year olds can also understand helping each other.

She usually responds well and is inspired by stories where the hero has a problem, then with the help a friend or a group, the hero finds a solution and overcomes it. She also likes it when the hero has done something he should not have, own up to it to the person concerned, they discuss and everything is OK. This is not about a story, but she also really appreciates it when we (her parents) recognize we made a mistake and we apologize. She likes it when she sees adults recognizing that they are not perfect. :D

It's all about how you present it of course, but free will, etc. is already too abstract I think. Sticking to what they live through at school is probably best (resolving 'conflicts', helping others, sharing, etc.)

 

[SeekinTruth]

Those are really great ideas, Mrs. T.

 

[paralleloscope]

If the concrete imagery of a story catches, it will take flight on it's own.

Yes, it's quite a challenge to make concrete images that also are metaphors. Wonder if they will contemplate deeper or associate meanings? (We will get a chance to test the story and ask a kindergarten questions on it at some point)

Maybe you can try sharing a story about networking?

I'll try to incorporate this. Our group decided to do a story of a monkey finding his own colors. We see the monkey colourless and disconnected from some sort of traumatic flashback scene. We follow the monkey trying to be like other animals/ plants in shape and color not finding any joy in this. At some point he is to meet a mentor animal who tells him how he has to find his own way and matter of color in life. I'd like to hint at a 'felt sense' (interoception), focus vs distraction and if we could tie in networking also it would be great.

She usually responds well and is inspired by stories where the hero has a problem, then with the help a friend or a group, the hero finds a solution and overcomes it. She also likes it when the hero has done something he should not have, own up to it to the person concerned, they discuss and everything is OK. This is not about a story, but she also really appreciates it when we (her parents) recognize we made a mistake and we apologize. She likes it when she sees adults recognizing that they are not perfect. :D

A good sense of justice :) how I would have loved to have heard about such things back then also.

Thanks

 

[Palinurus]

Our group decided to do a story of a monkey finding his own colors.

Hi parallel,
Your remark triggered a memory.
I know of a famous ape story to be found here: _http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Subdues-White-Bone-Demon-Hsing-Pei/dp/1589633687
The reason I know about this stems from the fact that a composer friend of mine made a short opera (62 min.) out of it.
See here: _http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Subdues-White-Bone-Demon-Schat/dp/B00000JD8L

I thought, maybe you could draw some inspirations from there? fwiw.

 

[paralleloscope]

Hi Palinurus, that looks like the story that the animated series 'Monkey king' by Wan Laiming must have been built upon. It aired in the danish 'childrens hour' when I was a kid- very elaborate, don't think I understood much of what was going on, other than enjoying pictures and choreography. I recall loving his freedom of movement. Thanks for the suggestion.