How To Create a Fairy Tale Family Tradition
When my daughters were little, my dad used to tell them his version of The Three Little Pigs. To be fair, he was never big into storytelling, but he quickly discovered that storytelling held his grandchildren’s attention and created special moments with them. And so, he delighted in telling, and retelling, his version of The 3 Little Pigs, as often as his grandchildren requested. Together they laughed, offered suggestions for embellishing special parts, and created warm memories. Each of my children remember the pigs, Moey, Joey, and Sam, and that they liked to eat trash. And they also remember that Papa had a great sense of humor and adored them!
Writing or telling a tale does not have to take more than 10-15 minutes unless you insist! Your family’s version of a famous fairy tale can spark lots of giggles and fun, and at the same time build up a love of writing and creating together. For a deeper dive into understanding the benefits of writing Fairy Tales, please check out Carrie’s blog on our site, called:
So, let’s get started creating A Fairy Tale Family Tradition or a One Time Memorable Experience. Use this step by step approach or use your imagination. Either way will be fantastic!
Step 1: Pick a Fairy Tale. Some suggestions: The 3 Little Pigs, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, The 3 Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, The Emperor’s New Clothes. Write your family’s last name in the title. For example, The Bauman version of The 3 Little Pigs. As retold by Emily, Noa, Tali, and Shira.
Step 2: Decide if one of you does all the writing, or if you pass the pages or computer around the table.
Step 3: Begin writing the tale in your own words. Slip in some fun vocabulary and maybe some unexpected noise effects! Play with the names of the characters or the setting. Changing up the voices for each character can be more impactful than you can imagine!
Step 4: If you have an illustrator in your family, have them draw or paint pictures to go along with the story. This could also be a great family night where each family member illustrates one part.
Step 5: Publish it at home. Make copies of it for everyone to keep in their room. Leave it on the coffee table in the living room. You will read and reread it together over the years.
Step 6: Consider trying this again with another fairy tale that your family especially loves.
