A short story is a story that is not quite as long as a novel, or even a novella. The length is usually less than 20,000 words. On the low end of the spectrum a short story floats around 1,000 words.
Short stories typically include:
-Fleshed out characters
-Developed stories with a solid beginning, middle, and conclusion
-Realized themes despite the short length
For children, a short story is an excellent way to get them excited about reading. Younger children who are new to the wonderful world of reading might not be ready to take on a full novel. Short stories can give children something to dive into without making them feel overwhelmed, especially if they do not finish it. Finishing a short story will give your kid a feeling of accomplishment that will only further his or her love for the written word. Consider a short story as a gateway into reading for your child.
When you hand your child a short story, whether as a standalone piece or one that is part of a larger collection, you are giving your kid the keys to creativity and imagination.
If your child is old enough to read without your assistance you can expect to see them develop reading skills and comprehension, become fluent with your language, and further understand how sounds are put together to form words and sentences. The act of reading has been shown to stimulate a child’s brain in ways that help them to grow into a smarter person.
A well-chosen short story will be rich in lessons, creativity, morals, and other important elements that all come together to give your child a well-rounded education. Watch as your child’s mind grows into something beautiful, unique, and individual as they pick up a short story.
A child who reads tends to do better in school than one who does not. This is vital if you wish for your child to succeed in school. Reading and language comprehension make up the foundation of scholarly pursuits. Keep that in mind!
For those children who cannot read yet, it is important for you as a parent to set a good example. There are various steps you can take to ensure that your child gets the most from short stories.
-Read often, and make sure that you do so in front of your children. This places them in an intellectual environment and shows the importance of reading.
-Share with your child a short story from your book. This makes them feel connected to you, especially if the short story is not strictly for an adult. Be sure that the story has no adult themes or any other elements that you might not wish for your little one to hear!
-Read your child’s short story books to them. Reading aloud to your child stimulates their mind, brings you together, and gets them involved in reading.
-Visit the library as a family. Bringing your children to the library is an awesome way to explore the various short story collections. It will also get them more excited about reading.
No matter your child’s interests, there are plenty of ways you can get them into reading short stories. Use this as a way to jump start your child’s journey into becoming a rounded, formed, and intellectual little person.