Putting on your storyteller hat. Really, put on a hat...

When beginning your journey to find the storyteller within you there are many things you can do to inspire this part of you to emerge into the world with confidence. Many people find that storytelling does not come easy at first. I know about this first hand because a while back my mind would totally blank when I tried to make up a stories and anything I thought of didn't seem good enough. This was before I understood how to let the story come to me and that anything that did come was going to delight the children. 
One of the tools you can use to begin is to find a prop. 
Begin by imagining a storyteller. What do you think of when you think storyteller? Close your eyes and find an image or feeling of a person or maybe the space a storyteller sits in. What sort of prop can you find that will help you bring this to life? A hat, shawl, rocking chair, a certain sort of light or atmosphere. Maybe a spritz of essential oil, lavender water to dip the hands in or settling everyone in with tea first. A song is also a wonderful way to begin story time. You can choose any song, or a different one each time to set the mood of the story you will be telling. Maybe a seasonal song. 
Look below for the song I sing before we begin our story. I do not know who the author of this song is. If you know, please tell me and I will give credit.  Forgive that I just recorded this with my iPhone and please take it with the love I'm sending it with :)

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I would love to hear the ways that you have found the storyteller in you! Just like the infinite amount of stories there are, there are so many ways to become inspired. Next time we will talk more about what I mean when I say to let the story come to you or through you. 
Happy Storytelling!