Five Reasons Why You Should be Flexing your Storytelling Superpowers
By Evi Glykou
Story analyst and author, Lisa Cronn, has said, “Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution — more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to.” However, as much as it is an inherent part of us, flexing our natural storytelling superpowers is imperative to our children’s development. Now, that doesn’t mean that I think we should all sign up to our local amateur dramatics club, attend storytelling symposiums or take puppet-making workshops (though these aren’t bad ideas). But we should learn how to tell stories so that characters leap off the page. But why invest the time?
1. Storytelling cleanses the Soul
Children naturally embark on a hero’s journey. Emotions wash over them as they wash over the protagonist — pain, fear, happiness and relief. They can empathise with the challenges presented in the plot and together overcome them. Stories provide real-world simulations and teach kids valuable life skills. Triumphing over a fear of the dark (or any fear for that matter) in a story helps them to do the same in life.
2. Storytelling helps to Restore Hope in Humanity
When we have lost all hope in the world, stories can offer a path back to what it means to be human. Virtues, values and respect for diversity are embodied in characters and their struggles. Julia Donaldson’s book, The Smeds and the Smoos is a perfect example of this. Colourful aliens deal with their feuding families and their differences and in the end love conquers all.
3. Storytelling Promotes Opportunities for Bonding
You’ve had a long day, endless Zoom meetings, and even if you are a homeschooling parent, you can still feel that you miss them sometimes. The strange feeling that despite your close proximity that you have been miles away. A hug at bedtime (or any time) and a good story, is your opportunity to easily gain back that quality time you’ve missed.
4. Storytelling as a Tool for Cognitive Development
Researchers have found that storytelling activates the auditory cortex of your brain meaning that young children can learn languages more easily as it improves listening skills. Storytelling can also have a positive effect on information recall making it more memorable through repetition, rhythm and rhyme.
5. Storytelling for Creativity
According to the World Economic Forum, Creativity is ranked as a priority for essential skills in the future. It is no wonder that the world of fairies, dragons, unicorns, minotaurs and talking dinosaurs can nurture a child’s imagination and natural tendency towards creativity.
In short, storytelling is reading a book out loud; the anticipation and smell of the turning page. Storytelling is conjuring up a favourite childhood tale that your grandfather used to tell or even enjoying an animated character on your iPad. Whatever our approach to stories, we should learn to exaggerate our expressions, play with the colour in our voices, internalise the persona of the hero (and the villain) and dramatise the events that unfold in the plot. The benefits of doing so are profound and far-reaching.
Evi Glykou
With over 20 years in education, Evi Glykou has taught everywhere from kindergartens to universities, while also creating learning programmes for young learners at the British Council. A proponent of student-centered learning, she also harnesses the power of creativity and storytelling to make educational content resonate emotionally and intellectually. Her approach aims for authentic, real-world education, preparing students for life's complexities.