National Share a Story Month

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National Share a Story Month
United Kingdom
National Share a Story Month

When It Occurs

Annually Every Month of May

Timeline

Days Passed (653)

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National Share-a-Story Month (NSSM) is a yearly occasion in the United Kingdom dedicated to encouraging reading among children. Librarians, schools, the book industry, bloggers, and parents actively participate in this event, using it as an opportunity to emphasize storytelling in its broadest sense. Local chapters of The Federation of Children's Book Groups frequently organize special events during the month, including author visits, book readings, and various activities to celebrate and promote the joy of storytelling.

Objectives of National Share a Story Month

The primary goals of National Share a Story Month are:

  1. Promote reading for pleasure: NSSM seeks to instill a love of reading in children by encouraging them to explore new books and stories, helping them develop lifelong reading habits.
  2. Encourage storytelling: Whether through books, oral tradition, or personal experiences, the event promotes the sharing of stories as a way to strengthen relationships and cultural understanding.
  3. Inspire imagination and creativity: Through storytelling, children and adults alike are encouraged to engage their imagination, creating their own narratives and developing creative thinking.
  4. Build connections through stories: By sharing stories between generations, cultures, and communities, NSSM fosters understanding, empathy, and bonding.
  5. Support literacy development: Storytelling and reading aloud to children are crucial components in improving literacy skills, expanding vocabulary, and enhancing comprehension.

Annual Themes

Each year, National Share a Story Month is centered around a specific theme to inspire engagement and participation. Themes have ranged from mysteries and adventures to wilderness and nature. These themes guide the type of stories shared and activities organized, making it easier for participants to explore and contribute in unique ways.

For example:

  • 2023 Theme: "Sail Away in a Story": This theme focused on stories related to the sea, pirates, sailors, adventures on the water, and underwater worlds. It provided opportunities for children to learn about nautical history, legends, and explore the ocean’s wonders through literature.

How to Participate

There are many ways for children, parents, teachers, libraries, and community groups to participate in National Share a Story Month:

1. Reading Together

  • Families are encouraged to set aside time for reading aloud. Parents can share their favorite childhood books with their children, or siblings can read to each other. This helps children associate reading with positive, shared experiences.

2. Storytelling Events in Schools and Libraries

  • Schools and libraries play a key role in NSSM by organizing storytelling sessions, where children can hear stories read by authors, teachers, or librarians. These events often include interactive elements such as acting out scenes, drawing characters, or creating storyboards.

3. Story Writing and Illustration Competitions

  • Many schools and community groups hold story writing or illustration contests to inspire creativity in children. Children can write their own stories or create illustrations based on the year’s theme, with the chance to showcase their work in local exhibitions or online platforms.

4. Storytelling Circles and Oral Traditions

  • Storytelling circles, where children and adults come together to share stories from memory or personal experience, are also a popular activity during NSSM. These circles can be held in schools, libraries, or community centers, and they encourage participants to engage in oral storytelling traditions.

5. Book Swaps and Reading Challenges

  • Book swaps are a fun way to encourage children to share their favorite stories with friends or classmates. Schools and libraries may also organize reading challenges, where children are encouraged to read a certain number of books within the month, with rewards or certificates at the end.

6. Involvement from Authors and Illustrators

  • Many authors and illustrators actively participate in NSSM, visiting schools, libraries, and book groups to talk about their work, engage in Q&A sessions, and inspire children to tell their own stories. Workshops on writing and illustration are also a common feature of the month’s events.

7. Virtual Storytelling

  • In recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual storytelling sessions have become increasingly popular. Platforms like Zoom and YouTube are used to host live readings, storytelling workshops, and author events, making it accessible to children across the country.

Importance of Storytelling in Child Development

National Share a Story Month underscores the significance of storytelling in the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children. Key benefits include:

  • Language and Literacy Skills: Storytelling helps children improve their language skills, increase their vocabulary, and develop better reading comprehension. Hearing stories read aloud also improves listening skills and the ability to concentrate for longer periods.
  • Cognitive and Imaginative Development: Stories encourage children to use their imagination, helping them visualize new worlds, characters, and situations. This imaginative engagement is crucial for cognitive growth and creativity.
  • Emotional and Social Understanding: Stories often explore complex emotions, relationships, and moral lessons. By engaging with these narratives, children learn to empathize with others, understand different perspectives, and navigate social dynamics in their own lives.
  • Cultural Awareness: Storytelling introduces children to different cultures, histories, and traditions, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world. It fosters respect for diversity and inclusivity.
  • Bonding and Shared Experiences: When families, teachers, and communities share stories, it creates a sense of connection and belonging. These shared experiences help strengthen relationships between generations and within communities.

Resources and Support

To facilitate participation in National Share a Story Month, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups offers various resources, including:

  • Reading Lists: Curated lists of books that align with the annual theme are often provided, featuring both classic and contemporary children’s literature.
  • Activity Packs: These packs contain ideas for storytelling activities, creative projects, and games that can be used by schools, libraries, and families to engage children throughout the month.
  • Author and Illustrator Events: Information about author visits, virtual events, and workshops is provided to help communities connect with writers and artists.
  • Guides for Parents and Educators: The FCBG offers tips on how to encourage children to read and share stories, including suggestions for age-appropriate books and interactive storytelling ideas.

Conclusion

National Share a Story Month is a joyful celebration of storytelling, designed to inspire children and adults to engage with stories in creative and meaningful ways. Through the simple act of sharing stories, this event fosters a lifelong love of reading, helps build essential literacy skills, and strengthens social bonds. Whether through reading, writing, or oral storytelling, NSSM encourages everyone to explore the magic of stories and pass them on to the next generation.