How do you distract your mind from the worries of the outside world? Well, my friends, you make a picture story of course.
After a long day hearing about unrest in the Middle East, deaths resulting from a recent hurricane and shortages already stemming from a port worker strike, my mind was overrun with everything out of my control. We as parents know that when we let our worries show, our little people pick up on them very quickly. I was not about to play my worry hand and let my concerns be known when I was offered a picture story. Without a doubt, I was on board.
Normally, we first draw the environment that our story takes place and I always start by asking where are we going today. On this day, my youngest daughter reports our story would take place in the ocean and no big body of water would be complete without a boat and an island. The ocean is a big place and naturally the next question is what is the weather like? Well, I am informed that the boat is in bad stormy weather while the island is taking in the sun. So the boat is bad weather, is there someone on board and what are they doing in a thunderstorm? Well, it was expected that I know that there is a hungry fisherman on the boat and he trying to catch dinner. Um, next I need to know what’s on the menu. I am quickly told that seafood is what the man wants on his plate and the birds want that as well. Fish and squid okay? A puzzled look on her face is then replaced by a simple okay. Does the boat finally arrive to shore? A smile comes on my daughter’s face and I made aware that they do get to the island where they also pick a flower. Our story was complete.
A picture story in my house typically takes about 15 minutes to make. Depending on the story and the complexity of what’s involved I will often draw the difficult parts while the little ones take the lead on basic things. There are so many other times that they exclusively draw a picture. These stories help my girls channel in on their imagination while allowing them to hone in on their fine motor skills. It is also a good time for bonding too.
A picture story? Yes, definitely!
