ABSTRACT
Ann Cattanach, who uses narrative approaches therapeutically with children, points out that the key to listening to children’s stories is the relationship between the child and the adult. A story has a ‘format’, a recognisable structure for the account with which the listener may be familiar. The meaning of the story, moreover, is contained in more than the retelling of events. Storyline and character may signify certain universally recognisable themes, qualities, motivations and intentions. Adults might support children in telling stories, for example, by asking clarifying questions and helping to structure the story, but participation in storytelling should be on an equal and democratic footing. The activities presented in this chapter support children in their ability to tell stories. To begin with, they focus on simply linking two, three or more things in everyday contexts. The next activities try to encourage this understanding, using objects, actions and people.
