The power of the book

As “People of the Book,” Jewish communities have long relied on stories to infuse daily life with meaning and structure. Just as adults turn to books, instruction manuals, and stories for guidance, we know that stories are just as effective-if not more so-for young children.

“Stories have superpowers,” said Jenna Turner, Director of Early Childhood Learning at JUF. “They help children navigate their emotions and build the confidence to be successful.”

Particularly powerful are “short picture stories” that “help young children manage life transitions and everyday challenges,” writes Meredith Polsky, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at Matan, which fosters inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Short picture stories” are descriptive narratives-personalized to a given child-that provide young children with behavioral strategies for processing and managing a specific event or skill. This can include a transition or change (new school year, new baby), a new or recurring event (upcoming holiday, going to the dentist), a particular social experience (entering play with other children, going to a birthday party), or daily routines (morning or bedtime routines).

Empowering a young child does not require superpowers! Children’s grownups-parents, grandparents, and educators-can follow the tips below to create a short picture story for a young child in their lives.

First a few tips to keep in mind when creating a short picture story for your little one:

· Select a topic. Decide which situation or skill you will address in your story.

· Involve the child. Develop the story from the child’s perspective and experiences. You can even ask the child to co-create the story with you!

· Be positive. Choose positive words and include what children can do instead of what they should not do (“I can” versus “I cannot”).

· Validate emotions. Promote that all emotions-anxiety, excitement, and sadness-are normal and healthy. Young children may not always be able to name their emotions this way and may communicate their feelings through their behaviors. Short picture stories can help them identify, label, and better understand their emotions.

· Keep the stories clear and concise. Describe key details relevant to the situation, including the place (where), the time (when), and the people (who). Provide desired skills and behaviors. Make sure to use age-appropriate language, keeping the story short and concrete.

· Include visuals. Add images to the story, especially photographs of the child or pictures they created.

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The ABCs of creating a short picture story

Dani Glass, an educator at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and Erikson Institute JUF Cohort graduate, offers a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a cover page that includes the title of the story (“Dani’s Sukkot Book”)

2. Introduce the child and share information relevant to the story (“Hi. I am Dani, and I live at home with [name people and pets]. I love my family so much. My family and I celebrate Jewish holidays together.”)

3. Introduce the transition, specific situation, or current challenge (“It is almost the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. When it is Sukkot, my family and I will have dinner in the Sukkah.”)

4. Address and validate the individual child’s feelings (“I know that it is okay to feel scared to eat outside at night in the sukkah, somewhere different than where we usually eat our meals. Everyone feels scared sometimes.”)

5. Offer strategies and positive thoughts (“When I feel scared in the sukkah, I can ask my dad, mom, grandma, or big sister for help. They will remind me that I am safe and to keep deep breathing.”)

6. Conclude by acknowledging and highlighting success (“Even though the sukkah is outside in the dark and not usually where I eat dinner, I know that with practice and help, I can enjoy eating in the sukkah with my family.”)

Ilana Dvorin Friedman, Ph.D., is the Director of Early Childhood Advocacy and Strategy for JUF.