All parents tell stories to their children. Ever since humans first learned to speak, storytelling has been a powerful way of communicating. It can be used to entertain, teach, heal, and to transmit traditions from one generation to the next.
Parents make great storytellers as they have strong bonds with the listener, and they know their child's needs better than anyone else.
Whether the stories are folk tales, memories of family occasions, or fantasies invented on the spot, they convey a sense of security and knowledge to the child.
Infact stories are the most effective teaching tool ever used. Oral storytelling pre-dates the written word and all of the world's great civilisations and religions used tales and parables to preserve and transmit beliefs and values.
The power of storytelling can be profound. If a child is crying, you put your arms around the child and talk. The sound of your voice is soothing. When you tell the child a story, the extra power of imagination takes them to magical worlds.
Still, many new parents lack confidence in their storytelling abilities. They usually start reading favourite books to their children, but feel uncomfortable reading aloud. Why? There is no-one to judge, and your child will love the time together.
Loose your inhibitions about talking out loud. Play with the rhythm of the words and the sound of your voice. Re-discover the fun of the story and see it reflected in your children’s eyes.
Once your playfulness has reappeared, you will gain more confidence in both reading and making up stories. It becomes fun to invent allegories on the spot, building on everyday experiences.
Many great family stories and traditions being with “ When I was a child, I used to ………..” This story is extra special as it gives you children a glimpse of your own childhood, creating a sense of connection and identity.
Storytelling takes the ordinary stuff of life and turns it into a gift for your child.
Top Tips for successful storytelling
* Choose stories that you like to tell. Select tales with a clear, simple, straightforward plot and a limited cast of characters. Traditional fairy stories and legends are a good starting point.
* Don’t worry about memorising word for word. Just learn it and then tell it to yourself in your own words. When you're comfortable with the story, tell it to someone else.
* There is no one right way to tell a story. It is the willingness to share it with someone else that is important.
* Remember the power of silence. It is as much a part of the story as the words. It adds depth and excitement, and gives the both you and the listener a chance to picture what is happening.
Notes:
National Storytelling Week UK runs from 28th January - 4th February 2006. For more details go to http://www.sfs.org.uk/
You are, of course, exactly correct...from my experience.