May 06, 2018

Quote of the Week

"The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story." -- Michael Margolis

Telling Children Stories Impacts Them Profoundly

"Ever wonder why boys and girls choose particular toys, particular colors, and particular stories? Why is it that girls want to dress in pink and to be princesses, or boys want to be Darth Vader, warriors, and space adventurers? Stories told to children can make a difference.

Scholars have found that stories have a strong influence on children’s understanding of cultural and gender roles.  Stories do not just develop children’s literacy; they convey values, beliefs, attitudes, and social norms which, in turn, shape children’s perceptions of reality. I found through my research that children learn how to behave, think, and act through the characters that they meet through stories."

How can we shape our children's perspectives through sharing stories? Read on in this week's featured article to learn more!

Reading Corner

Title: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
By: Elena Favilli
Ages: 4-8

Why?  "What if the princess didn't marry Prince Charming but instead went on to be an astronaut? What if the jealous step sisters were supportive and kind? And what if the queen was the one really in charge of the kingdom? Illustrated by sixty female artists from every corner of the globe, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls introduces us to one hundred remarkable women and their extraordinary lives, from Ada Lovelace to Malala, Amelia Earhart to Rosa Parks. Empowering, moving and inspirational, these are true fairy tales for heroines who definitely don't need rescuing." -- Publisher

Be the Change

Reflect on narratives that are closest to your heart and identify one that's missing from conversations with your children. Find a book that speaks to one of these themes and share it with your kids.