The Value of Storytelling to the Kids

Storytelling is universal and it’s been continued from many decades. It is experienced in all cultures as an effective communication tool. It plays a prime role in children’s learning and it helps them to organize daily experiences. In every individual it must have been a common act that we grew adult after hearing the stories from grandma, mother or aunty. These stories sometimes help us to get rid from some trouble if we are trapped in some problem which is similar to the story which we have listened from our elders. When our elders tell some story, at the end of the story they ask us about the moral which teaches us the practical experiences of the life.

It is just like treasure for us because experiencing we are learning the facts. It also enhances the vocabulary as they come across new words used in meaningful and creative ways. Initially of oral vocabulary is essential for the development of written vocabulary. It also build up child’s reading and writing skills. The greatest value of story in terms of education is that it convey values. The story telling act as a stepping stone to children learning, it enhances the understanding skill and listening skill of the children. Besides, storytelling develops social skills among children as they share, discuss and work together. Stories can be a vibrant means of cultural interchange, whereby the sharing of cultural stories in respectful ways can clearly play an essential role in embracing positive cross-cultural relations and global harmony.

Suggested storytelling activities:

• Share many different types of stories and texts with your child (picture books, novels, folktales, myths, fables, comics and of course your own stories)
• Try retelling familiar stories so that it will retain in their mind
• Use different voices for different characters to make it more interesting
• Find whatever household props you think you might need. (Props are not necessary, but they can bring focus and greater understanding especially for children with language or hearing impairment)
• Tell the story in a comfortable setting because this will enable better understanding
• Use different voices for repeated lines in familiar stories
• Play with the rhythm of language and your vocal range
• Act out a story together, with costumes, props; puppets; or use dolls / figurines and blocks. Make connections with stories that are similar, have a common character, theme or setting
• Pursue ideas and interests stemming from any story that you have both enjoyed. For instance, finding the story location on a map; or making food mentioned in the story
• Invite your child to retell a story. Support them in following the narrative structure with questions regarding time, place, plot etc. This should only be done if the child is having difficulty remembering.
• Support and encourage children to create their own stories

Storytelling is the greatest way to instill the children about the values. It is not viable to teach uninterested children and stories provide a brilliant basis for other learning.