Dapoppins

I've been in the slow process of trying to change the direction and focus of my blog, and in some ways my life. I've never really kept this space as a personal diary, but instead posted things I wanted to share, with an audience in mind. However, it's always been random things connected to my life and my passions.

I'm passionate about a lot of stuff.

I had a meeting with a person who looked at my blog and offered some really helpful tips. It's always nice to have a 3rd party with unbiased eyes look at your work. It was a positive experience. But, true to form, as soon as someone told me what to do, I suddenly didn't want to do it any more.

I know there are other people out there who do this. We look for advice on a project, reassurance we are headed in the right direction, and as soon as we get it, all the motivation drains away. Since blogging isn't a job, and I'm accountable to no one to get it done, I just kinda, frittered away my time schedule. Gahh!

Procrastinate much?

My intention, because I feel a need to explain myself, is to turn Dapoppins into a brand of sorts. What does Dapoppins offer?

My Point of View: which is occasionally inspiring and entertaining.

Nanny life and loves -things like books, kid-items, and crafts that I do with kids.

Kid book reviews.

Some paper-craftiness thrown in, because it is one of my passions that I love to share.

My blog is about telling stories. Telling the stories of my life, my career, my passions, and encouraging others to tell stories. With a more than 20 years of "Umbrella Magic" and Nanny wisdom thrown in.

My husband made the new header for me. Poor guy. We looked forever for free fonts. Then I told him I wanted water color splashes. First the umbrella was too big. Then too black. Then I didn't like one of the color splash colors. I'm a "I'll know it when I see it," kind of person. He is a, "Can we just finish this," kind of person. But we finally got it to the point where I felt satisfied.

So, that's my FOCUS for 2014. And the FOCUS for Dapoppins. Thank's for reading.

Storytelling is a great skill that can be taught to preschoolers that will help them later in life. Having been a Nanny for ten years before having my own kids, I discovered some of the early childhood skills that would help for later development. Storytelling is one of those fun, easy skills that can be learned and shared almost anywhere.

One of the things I have done with three and four year old's as their scribbles turn to shapes is write down what they tell me they are drawing. This is one of the first steps of teaching them to tell stories.

While I am always sharing stories by reading aloud, parents and Nannies can encourage creativity, confidence, communication and an understanding of cause and effect by making story telling a game.

Storytelling is a required skill in third and fourth grade, and it can be intimidating.

Teaching storytelling for toddlers, games, activities, stories, writing, 3rd grade

From Stephanie at 3rd Grade Thoughts

This graphic doesn't even include third grade requirements for strong adjectives and verbs, limited use of the to-be verb, and progression that includes a beginning, middle and end.

By exposing preschoolers to some of the steps of the writing process at an early age, Gathering Ideas, Developing an Idea, and Publishing The Idea, children will begin the process with creativity and confidence already at their disposal.

I came across this wonderful little "Tell A Story" game while working as a Temp Nanny for a local family.

Not only did I think it was a great idea, I loved the graphics and sturdy chipboard pieces. The product description on Amazon says it "...is a game for two to four players, participants spin for a hero, treasure, rival, means of transport, helper, magical object or fairy tale places. The person to collect them all first wins and gets to use all the elements in a story." The three of us played it twice before bedtime.

This company also makes story cards, which can be used somewhat the same way, or as a creative idea starter. (I discovered the cards while with a different nanny family!)

+Children's StoryBook originally shared this link to 50 Story Telling Ideas from Inspiration Labs. It is a great comprehensive list of links, many on how to make your own story cards, (or story shakers, story stones, etc!) For parents and Nannies who need sit-down, calm, and transitional activities for Preschoolers during the day, this is a must save list of links.

Practically speaking, I know that little girls, who tend to communicate earlier than little boys, may seem more inclined to storytelling activities than boys. Which is why this skill is doubly important for teaching to pre-school boys. If we listen, little boys have plenty to say. (They can be absolute chatter boxes. I have actual proof of this!) Boys may not want to sit, draw, and craft, but if you hand them blocks, cars, and army men, you have just given them a story to tell. Many boys are drawn to physical and action based learning. I have found if we act out the story first, they don't mind writing (with my help) and drawing afterwards, just so they can remember and share it later.

If you do one of the activities, already have the Fairy Tale Spinner game, or just want to share a story with me, let me know in the comments! I love to hear how other people share stories.