Stories to Grow By 

October 2023 Newsletter

In this edition: Stories to Grow By highlights scary stories for kids and showcases the story "Baba Yaga The Witch"!

Scary Stories for Kids

Sharing Age-Appropriate Scary Stories 

Scary stories are a timeless tradition that kids of all ages enjoy. As we all start decorating for halloween and purchase our decorations, candy, etc. - we are also thinking about the scary stories we love to share. They can be a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit, or simply to share a thrill with friends and family. But what makes a scary story good for kids?

The best scary stories for kids are those that are age-appropriate and don't leave them too traumatized. They should be just spooky enough to get their hearts racing, but not so scary that they can't sleep at night. And most importantly, they should be fun!

What to look for in scary stories for kids

When choosing scary stories for kids, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Age appropriateness: Make sure the story is appropriate for the age of the child or children you're telling it to. Some stories may be too scary for younger kids, while others may be too tame for older kids.
• Tone: The story should have a lighthearted and playful tone, even though it's scary. This will help to reassure kids that the story is just for fun and that they don't need to be afraid.
• Positive message: At the end of the day, the story should have a positive message. For example, it could teach kids about the importance of courage, friendship, or family.

There are many places where you can find scary stories for kids. Here are a few ideas:

• Books: There are many great books of scary stories for kids, such as "Goosebumps" by R.L. Stine and "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" by Alvin Schwartz.
• Websites: There are also many websites that offer scary stories for kids. Just like us here at Stories to Grow By, check out our halloween category!
• Apps and Devices: There are even apps that offer scary stories for kids, or devices that easily allow you to read stories on the go. This is a great option if you're looking for stories that you can read to your kids on the go.

  

Here are a few tips for telling scary stories to kids:

• Set the mood: Dim the lights, turn on a flashlight, or gather around a campfire. This will help to create a spooky atmosphere.
• Use your voice: Vary your tone and volume to create suspense and excitement.
• Make eye contact: This will help to engage your audience and keep them on the edge of their seats.
• Pause for effect: Don't be afraid to pause at key moments to let the suspense build.
• Be prepared for laughter: Even though you're telling a scary story, it's normal for kids to laugh. Just keep going and don't let it break the mood.

Scary stories for kids can be a fun and exciting way to bond with your child or children. Just be sure to choose stories that are age-appropriate and have a lighthearted tone. And most importantly, have fun!

Reminder: Storytime Partnership 

We’re delighted to be teaming up with our friends at Storytime to offer Stories to Grow By readers 20% off a Storytime subscription!

Each Storytime magazine is packed with fairy tales, new and classic stories, awesome animals, inspirational children, myths and legends – all beautifully illustrated, with puzzles and games too.

Every month a new issue arrives via the mail, so the kids have the excitement of getting their own post! There are free downloadable activities too.

No plastic, no adverts – just wonderful stories to read, love and share for kids aged 4 to 9.

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