Here’s a quick and simple thing you can do with your kids, but they will think it is the greatest thing ever! Well, my kids did anyway. They haven’t stopped begging me to do it again. “And this time can we do Cinderella? Or 12 Dancing Princesses?” Those of you with boys could easily do Handy Manny or Star Wars.
First, just pick a story you are familiar with. You could do a fairy tale that you have known forever, or you could simply read a story out of one of their favorite books. Since we did a girly story last time, I think I’ll try to read Thomas next time. They can all pretend to be trains and act out the story. Not sure about props…have to think on that one.
Next, choose a character for each child. There may be other characters that you can just fill in, but assign each child their own special character. They’ll need to listen for their “name” so they know what to say or do. If you have a costume or even just a sheet, blanket or towel, you can help them feel a little more like the person they are pretending to be. While ours may not be the most true to the story, they each helped choose what they would wear.
Finally, you are the “narrator” and tell the story. They act out the parts that pertain to their character. The younger they are, the more direction they will need. I sometimes had to drag Grant into his spot, while the girls were always ahead of me in the story. Here’s our story in pictures:
The Cast:
Rapunzel
Prince Stefan (on his 'horse' with his toys)
Dame Gothel
Scene 1: Rapunzel wonders what it would be like on the outside. Gothel quickly dispels any hope of ever discovering her freedom by insisting that she stay here, in the tower.
Scene 2: Rapunzel escapes only briefly to enjoy the outside world and meet Stefan. Gothel discovers her missing and sets out to find her. Rapunzel is snatched away from Stefan and banished, once again to her tower, this time in chains.
Scene 3: Rapunzel escapes again, ties up Gothel, and makes it to her window just in time to hear Stefan calling out, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair!” They live happily ever after.
The End.