How to Build Character through Storytime {+ List of Discussion Questions}

Reading storybooks together is a great way for parents to help their children learn life lessons.  Through imagination and illustration, children relate to the characters and can discuss issues that they may not personally be experiencing but might be faced with in the future.

Build Character through Storytime

Below I am sharing a list of questions that can be used to extend conversations after storytime.  These questions can help you find out what your children have learned from the story so you can help them delve deeper, as well as encourage them to apply the lessons to their own lives.

It is not necessary to ask all the questions each time you read a book; there are just a variety of questions so that you can rotate the questions as you wish.

Find some sample stories that would be great to use with this list of questions here.

Reflection Questions:

What virtue did you see practiced in the story?

What did the character learn in this story?

What would have happened if the character did not practice the virtue?

What was another way the character could have solved the problem?  What virtue would they be practicing, then?

Can you think of a time you were in a similar situation as described in the book?

Have you seen or heard about someone else in this type of situation?

What would you have done if you were the character in the story?

What do you think happened after the story ended?

What do you think the main character learned?

Can you use the same lesson in your own life?

Do you have any questions to add?  What are your favourite children’s storybooks and what lessons might your child learn from them?

My series Getting Started: Raising Kids with Character explores ways to incorporate character education into family life.

If you would like more ideas about building character at home, check out my ebook full of practical tips: How to Build Character at Home.

If you are looking for concept books that teach children about specific character traits such as obedience, kindness or responsibility, check out this list.