Did you grow up with the freedom and encouragement to explore the thoughts you had, or were you micro-managed by your parents? What did it inspire within you and the way that you interact with the world around you?
It's pretty basic. However if you're one of the many that wasn't encouraged to think freely, and follow your creativity, it may be a process of unlearning.
Creative Story Telling
“What did it inspire within you and the way that you interact with the world around you?”
1. An Introduction
First, you'll have to introduce this concept to the kids in a way that captivates their mind and creates curiosity. The more excitement that you have for this, the better the outcome. If you aren't excited, you're just hoping to pass the time, it is still workable.
The best way I've found to introduce activities is through writing. There are psychological theories behind this approach which make it a top choice for many parents or caretakers, once they study up. Whether the children are of reading level or not!... To mention one, when something is written down it is taken more seriously and seen as more permanent.
In my posts about high energy activities here, and activities to prepare for bed-time here, I mention the power of writing down a few options and have the kids choose which one(s) they'd like to do. I also mention in the second article about child-led story telling (#8 Story Method 2.0 - "Stretch Your Mind").
2. Prompts
Take turns creating prompts for each other in order to tell the story with certain boundaries. If you enjoy this method and are participating as much as the children, I recommend telling one-word stories together by each taking turns saying the next word. Play with these ideas together to find new and creative approaches to story telling!
3. Get Inspired
Share your ideas as they come up and encourage creativity and silliness, as well as expression. Overreacting and trying to control what they child says/doesn't say (things like toilet talk, swears, non sensible things...) can create a distrust and squash the concept of free-expression.
If you don't allow these topics normally, consider allowing it in case it comes up during this time - or even mentioning that anything goes. If you don't want to encourage it but aren't sure how to "not control" it - the best route that has been very effective for me is a non-reaction.
No big-eyed, mouth opening or sarcastic pausing - just a soft nod or blink to acknowledge that the statement was heard - not much more than that. If you feel it very necessary to make a comment, "Oh, I didn't like that" will be an effective phrase to practice.
I've found the child typically tests this boundary depending on how many times you've reacted to it in the past. If you are a newer presence or child caretaker, i've found it takes up to three times before the child sees that you are not the person to talk to that way, loses interest and builds that new association.
That's It!
There are many positive benefits that this practice will encourage within you, and the children. I encourage you to go forward and practice creative story telling!