Engage Your Kids' Imagination: Easy Creative Storytelling Tips
A group of parents gathers in a classroom, listening attentively as the teacher shares a story. She talks about a mother with four young children who noticed something remarkable. While the world was full of screens and gadgets, her kids were creating entire worlds using nothing more than simple household items and their boundless imaginations. This mother witnessed firsthand the importance of storytelling and creative play for children, without needing academic studies to confirm it.
I remember when it was insulting to call a hobby “child’s play”, but an avalanche of studies in the last two decade has shown that young children being “silly” is actually serious business. Being the Mom of four young kids, I haven’t needed those studies to see the positive effects of engaging a child’s imagination and laying the of storytelling skills.
Bonus? My husband started this toy company that prioritizes creative storytelling and opens up a young child’s mind to imaginative play.
Here's a quote from one of those reports, by Jill Anderson published in the Harvard Graduate School of Education:
"Children's imaginations are complicated and impressive, says Professor Paul Harris. How can adults be better informed about the nature of children’s thinking? From how children mimic reality while pretending to why children develop fears to how they differentiate between make believe and reality, Harris' decades of research demystifies the complexities of children’s thinking."
“Once we move away from the preschool, where of course, pretend play is valued and into the classroom, the idea is that children could learn simply by exercising their imagination is rarely something that's deployed,” he says. “And yet, in many ways, I think it would be a source of pleasure for children to sit and think about the world.”
What is Creative Play?
I found this great definition of Creative Play on Splashlearn:
“Play which allows a new response, the transformation of information, awareness of new connections, with an element of surprise. Allows children to design, explore, try out new ideas and use their imagination. They can use lots of different tools, props, equipment.”
But I’ve learned that in addition to seeking out toys and playsets that facilitate this, the “tools, props, and equipment” can be simple everyday items. Spoons can be turned into instruments, bowls can be turned into helmets, faces can be funny and voices can be silly. Also? Let’s bring back the imaginary friend!
What Fosters a Child’s Imagination? The "Yes, and" rule
The goal is to create an environment where imaginative play is a way of life; don’t treat it as “special,” but just the way interaction happens in the household. We can model this it’s the culture of the household. Parents/adults in the house and inner family sphere of influence can set examples by being silly with each other.
No need for full comic improv – just the small things like putting on a hat backwards, imitating an animal, and even taking a page from the Ministry of Silly Walks.
But speaking of improv, also follow the “yes, and” rule. When creating a game, a story, or even just “riffing,” say, “yes,” and then expand on that idea. Then encourage them to do the same. That might look like this:
Child: “I’m going to go to the moon driving my big wheel and wearing my swimsuit.”
You: “Yes, and I’m going with you, and I’ll bring pineapple pizza to give to the moon people.”
And continue that way, with no “no’s” or “but’s.”
Creative Story Telling
There are many opportunities to foster creative story telling – more than you know, and they start with that basic story book you read to them. When finished, asked questions:
- Did you know it was going to end like that? What are other ways it could end?
- If you were going to add two more characters, what would they be?
- If you had to make it longer, what other events could have happened in the story?
- If you were to write a sequel, what would that look like?
And this is key: You have to contribute, too. In fact, you might have to start and go first to encourage the little one to think creativity. Also, whatever is said, explore a bit. “They get caught in the rain is good … but how would it be different if it was a snow storm?” And stay engaged with them no matter what they say, giving them words of encouragement like, “I would never thought of that!” and “That’s funny!”
Building New Imaginative Worlds
Time to “repurpose” what you have in your house for major story telling. Maybe the two plush toys go a hike and have to climb up and over the mountainous terrain that is the ottoman and recliner. This involves some problem solving – something that can be fixed with some string and a paperclip to act as the mountain climbing rope to scale the furniture.
Art is creative play in and by itself but after drawing something, after the obligatory compliment, I start asking questions about it. “This is a neat car – where is it going? What city was it made in and who made it?” and “I love this tree – what kind of exotic birds live in it? Do they talk to the squirrels? If so what do they say?”
Back to the toybox – when they are playing with the dinosaur, what happens when Bluey gets into the picture? What kind of adventures can they have together? Examples of “world’s colliding” is great for inspiring “out of the box” story telling ideas.
It’s really satisfying to see this carry through when the kids get a little older. I have a friend whose 10-year-old was obsessed with LEGOS but said the kid would quickly build the latest kit like it was a chore so he could get to the fun part of mashing up worlds: Spiderman and Batman would visit Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Castle; Iron Man and Storm would stow away on the Millennium Falcon.
Who knows what stories happened in the kid’s head, but it kept him busy for hours!
Toys that Inspire Creative Story Telling and Imaginative Play
My husband, Webb, recently came back from a toy convention where he had Playper’s toys on display to all the independent toy retailers. He said one of the best experiences were the reaction to our Curious Kingdom characters.
One retailer in particular noted that the while the characters had fun, wacky personalities, they weren’t too drawn out. “There is plenty of space for the kids playing with these characters to develop them further and put their own spin on them” he was told.
And that is by design. The building of these STEM/STEAM toys gives way to creating stories and provides imaginative play settings that 3- to 6-year-olds are really responding to.
FAQs on Imaginative Play with Young Kids
How can I incorporate more imaginative play into my child's daily routine if they prefer structured activities?
Introducing imaginative elements into structured activities can be a simple way to encourage creative play. For example, if your child enjoys building with blocks, ask them to create a story about what they’re building. Questions like “Who lives in this house?” or “What adventure will happen here today?” can open the door to imaginative thinking.
Gradually, you can introduce more open-ended play by encouraging them to use everyday objects, like spoons or bowls, in their storytelling. Even structured play benefits from small imaginative twists, which can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.
What are some examples of simple, everyday household items that can be used to encourage creative storytelling?
Everyday items such as spoons, bowls, cardboard boxes, and socks can be turned into characters and props for stories. A spoon might become a knight, a bowl a helmet, and a cardboard box a spaceship. Encourage your child to see these items not just for what they are, but for what they could be.
Children who engage in this type of play are more likely to develop strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Playing with simple items around the house can spark hours of creativity.
Are there specific techniques or prompts that can help my child become more confident in their storytelling abilities?
A few techniques can help your child feel more confident in their storytelling. The “yes, and” technique from improvisational theater encourages them to build on their ideas without fear of being shut down.
For instance, if your child says, “I’m going to fly to the moon in my big wheel,” you can respond, “Yes, and I’ll bring a picnic for us to enjoy when we get there.” Encouraging them in this way can help build confidence and creativity, as supported by the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.
Imaginative Play is Key for Human Development
So imaginative play/creative story is really a lifestyle, rather than a mere “activity.” If you dig into studies, you’ll see that it inspires creativity and develops problem-solving skills. Curious Kingdom products are just one source of that, but as we’ve discussed here, there is an unlimited opportunity in our day-to-day to inspire it.
Ideally the parents encourage this whenever and wherever. Bonus? It’s fun for us, too.
