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The Powerful Benefits Of Storytelling To Children
“That is what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again.” – Walt Disney.
The greatest art in the world is the art of storytelling. It is the most powerful way to put ideas into real life. It transports us to a warm as well as a cozy place and represents our first experience of really listening. It is one of the finest forms of education. Albert Einstein once said that if we wanted our children to be more intelligent, we should read them fairy tales.
What is Storytelling?
The National Storytelling Network defines storytelling as an ancient art form and a valuable form of human expression. It is a two-way interactive art of using actions and words to disclose the images and elements of a story so as to encourage the imagination of listeners. Unlike other art forms, storytelling does not create an imaginary barrier between the storyteller and the listeners. It uses language, gesture, physical movement, and vocalization to present a story. The listener is the co-creator of the narrated story as the actual story takes place in the listener’s mind. Storytelling varies from culture to culture. A deep understanding of human psychology, emotions, and motivations is an essential component of effective storytelling. It involves conveying information, a message, or knowledge to listeners in an entertaining way. It plays a significant role in the overall development of a child.
What are the Rules of Good Storytelling?
Here are some basic storytelling rules that are followed even by one of the greatest storytellers of the present generation, Pixar:
- Good stories should have a character that the listener can identify himself/herself with.
- Good stories should have the element of surprise and should change our perceptions of reality.
- Good stories are focused and simple, and they strike the right chord in the listener’s hearts.
- Good stories appeal to the emotions of listeners. The basic emotions are anger, fear, sadness, disgust, happiness, and surprise.
- Good stories should have a clear purpose and structure to create a positive impact on the listener.
- Good stories have a universal appeal because the listener can relate to them.
The four basic types of storytelling are oral, written, visual, and digital storytelling.
In What Ways Can Children Benefit from Storytelling?
According to Maria Montessori, the goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.
Let us look at some of the benefits of storytelling:
1. Improves Listening Skills:
Children are curious and restless by nature. It is extremely difficult to hold their attention for a long period of time. Storytelling not only captures their attention but also boosts and improves their listening skill.
2. Provides Wings to Imagination:
When children listen to stories, they become active participants in the story. They become one with the plot, picture the different characters in their minds, build a mental landscape, and travel to a land of dreams. Storytelling nurtures creativity and satisfies their curious minds.
3. Upgrades Communication Skills:
Children learn to express themselves better by communicating their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. When children listen to stories, their vocabulary also improves. Always encourage them to ask questions.
4. Learning Becomes a Joy:
When children are exposed to storytelling from a tender age, they pick up new ideas and become interested in reading and learning. They also learn to concentrate better and develop a love for books.
5. Development of Moral Sense and Patriotism:
Besides academics, learning values or moral education is equally crucial for the holistic development of a child. Exposing them to mythological, religious, patriotic, and historical stories will enable them to know about our rich past. Children will learn moral values and develop finer aspects of life, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, kindness, and the like.
6. Awareness of Culture and Development of Social Skills:
Man is a social animal and is expected to follow the norms of his/her culture and society. Storytelling inculcates cultural and social awareness in children. They learn to respect and abide by social norms and pick up important life skills. This is an important stepping stone to becoming responsible future adults.
7. Boosts Memory and Enhances Comprehension Skills:
Children are like sponges. They absorb whatever they listen to, see, feel, and get to know. Storytelling, if interesting, sharpens their memory. Children love to recall what they have heard. If asked the right questions post narration, their retention skills can be tested.
It is possible to introduce the world to children using the tool of storytelling. They learn about the world, the people, and their own place in this world. Storytelling, for children, is a window to the world.
To conclude, the purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think but to give you questions to think about.
Posted by:
Swatika
Digital Account Manager
The Powerful Benefits Of Storytelling To Children
“That is what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again.” – Walt Disney.
The greatest art in the world is the art of storytelling. It is the most powerful way to put ideas into real life. It transports us to a warm as well as a cozy place and represents our first experience of really listening. It is one of the finest forms of education. Albert Einstein once said that if we wanted our children to be more intelligent, we should read them fairy tales.
What is Storytelling?
The National Storytelling Network defines storytelling as an ancient art form and a valuable form of human expression. It is a two-way interactive art of using actions and words to disclose the images and elements of a story so as to encourage the imagination of listeners. Unlike other art forms, storytelling does not create an imaginary barrier between the storyteller and the listeners. It uses language, gesture, physical movement, and vocalization to present a story. The listener is the co-creator of the narrated story as the actual story takes place in the listener’s mind. Storytelling varies from culture to culture. A deep understanding of human psychology, emotions, and motivations is an essential component of effective storytelling. It involves conveying information, a message, or knowledge to listeners in an entertaining way. It plays a significant role in the overall development of a child.
What are the Rules of Good Storytelling?
Here are some basic storytelling rules that are followed even by one of the greatest storytellers of the present generation, Pixar:
- Good stories should have a character that the listener can identify himself/herself with.
- Good stories should have the element of surprise and should change our perceptions of reality.
- Good stories are focused and simple, and they strike the right chord in the listener’s hearts.
- Good stories appeal to the emotions of listeners. The basic emotions are anger, fear, sadness, disgust, happiness, and surprise.
- Good stories should have a clear purpose and structure to create a positive impact on the listener.
- Good stories have a universal appeal because the listener can relate to them.
The four basic types of storytelling are oral, written, visual, and digital storytelling.
In What Ways Can Children Benefit from Storytelling?
According to Maria Montessori, the goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.
Let us look at some of the benefits of storytelling:
1. Improves Listening Skills:
Children are curious and restless by nature. It is extremely difficult to hold their attention for a long period of time. Storytelling not only captures their attention but also boosts and improves their listening skill.
2. Provides Wings to Imagination:
When children listen to stories, they become active participants in the story. They become one with the plot, picture the different characters in their minds, build a mental landscape, and travel to a land of dreams. Storytelling nurtures creativity and satisfies their curious minds.
3. Upgrades Communication Skills:
Children learn to express themselves better by communicating their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. When children listen to stories, their vocabulary also improves. Always encourage them to ask questions.
4. Learning Becomes a Joy:
When children are exposed to storytelling from a tender age, they pick up new ideas and become interested in reading and learning. They also learn to concentrate better and develop a love for books.
5. Development of Moral Sense and Patriotism:
Besides academics, learning values or moral education is equally crucial for the holistic development of a child. Exposing them to mythological, religious, patriotic, and historical stories will enable them to know about our rich past. Children will learn moral values and develop finer aspects of life, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, kindness, and the like.
6. Awareness of Culture and Development of Social Skills:
Man is a social animal and is expected to follow the norms of his/her culture and society. Storytelling inculcates cultural and social awareness in children. They learn to respect and abide by social norms and pick up important life skills. This is an important stepping stone to becoming responsible future adults.
7. Boosts Memory and Enhances Comprehension Skills:
Children are like sponges. They absorb whatever they listen to, see, feel, and get to know. Storytelling, if interesting, sharpens their memory. Children love to recall what they have heard. If asked the right questions post narration, their retention skills can be tested.
It is possible to introduce the world to children using the tool of storytelling. They learn about the world, the people, and their own place in this world. Storytelling, for children, is a window to the world.
To conclude, the purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think but to give you questions to think about.
Posted by:
Swatika
Digital Account Manager
