Three Ways That Storytelling Mistakes Help Kids Become Better Writers

A question I often get when I’m leading professional development sessions for librarians and educators is, “What happens if I make a mistake while I’m telling?”. Here’s how I respond:

While that moment feels scary, it’s actually a GIFT to your kids or students! Making a mistake while telling a story can help kids become better writers.

Let me explain:

• If you make a mistake when you tell, your kids get a living example that it’s ok to make mistakes, and that you can keep going after a mistake is made.

• Making a mistake while you’re telling a story is the editing process coming alive off the page!

• An important skill in reading and writing is to be able to go back a step and try again when something isn’t quite working out, and you can do the same if you get a little bungled in your telling.

Additionally, this can be a bonding moment. When you are vulnerable with kids, there is trust and respect built.

I’ve made LOTS and LOTS of missteps in the stories I tell. My move when this happens is to let the class know that, “Wait a minute! I need to go back and try that again.” I usually throw in a silly-confused face, we all giggle, I go back to add the correct detail, and the story works itself out.