Storytelling is using words and actions to reveal the elements of a story while encouraging listeners’ imaginations. Typically, stories are performed without the use of any printed materials and have more eye contact than picture book reading. Regarding storytime, I often see discussions of picture books, and storytelling can be an amazing option too.
Benefits of Storytelling
Humans are born to tell stories. We learn through storytelling. We learn the pattern, rhythm, and structure of oral storytelling long before we learn the rhythm and patterns of written stories. Children are born with no language skills. By 24-30 months, most have learned how to sequence events, how to set action in place and time, and how to organize a story around characters. This is typically seen with parents and caregivers when they reminisce with their children. This teaches them that doing so is interesting, useful, and worthwhile.
Storytelling has great benefits for all ages, especially young children. Children who are engaged in the story can be introduced to new vocabulary and will have more words to express themselves which is an early literacy skill. In addition, stories help children learn to listen and develop oral and written communication skills.
In a study in 2018 by Miyuki Yabe, it was shown that children who heard a story used their active imaginations more than children who were read a picture book. Both had equal benefits in language development, though the authors believe there may be advantages to storytelling as an additional educational medium.
Including Storytelling in Storytime
Consider including some storytelling in your storytimes! Kaitlin Frick shared an article on the ALSC blog a few years ago with some tips on including oral storytelling. There are also several resources shared if you are interested in learning more.
If you are nervous to start or don’t have time to learn a whole story, start by talking about the past, present, and future with the children. This is storytelling and it gets them involved which is great.
Choose a book you love and know well and try retelling it without the pictures. You can use a flannel board, puppets, props, or just you.
Pick a favorite story or two that you enjoy and practice it so that you are ready to tell it at any time. I have Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears in my back pocket. This storytime season, I am going to try using these puppets from Lakeshore. I plan on sticking them to my flannel board. After I tell the story a few times, I may ask the kids to help me retell the stories.
Storytelling is important and beneficial to all ages and I hope I inspired you to give it a try. Do you already use storytelling in your programming? Share in the comments below!