Follow this sample story outline as a guide to help you submit your accidental stories and become one of a growing community of accidental storytellers.

Remember, the best stories are not necessarily the ones that weave a beautiful tale they are the ones that get our children listening and learning in the moment.

Accidental Storyteller:		Choose name and initial (Sharon Z.) or Anonymous
Name and age of child:		Choose name and age (Jaime, 3.5 years) or gender/age
Accidental Moment:		(the circumstances leading up to the story) My daughter refused to leave the playground when I repeatedly ask her to. She ran away whenever I got close and started yelling, No! in her loudest voice.
Accidental Story:		“Jaime, look over there. There’s a squirrel running up a tree. Did you see him? He was carrying a nut in his mouth, but he dropped it. Poor thing! I saw him yesterday too. He was climbing on the monkey bars and slipped right off. He was alright, but he got his whole face dirtied with sand. I think his mommy told him enough playing around, because after that he ran as fast as he could up the tree. I think his mother cleaned him off and gave him some dinner and made him feel better. But what about his dinner tonight? Do you think he’ll be able to find his nut and have something to eat? Maybe we can get him some food and bring it back for him tomorrow. Let’s go and see what we have in the fridge.
Outcome:		She left holding hands with me and talked about what we had in the fridge to give to the squirrel. We talked about what she wanted for dinner and we both took turns thinking up a menu for the squirrel.
The Lesson/Value:		(the message received from the story) It’s important to pay attention to other people/things other than ourselves and help them when out when they need it.
Story Style Chosen:		The Real Deal
		Click Here to submit your accidental stories