For Teachers
Why tell stories in an age of computers? Because the words of the storyteller reach across cultures, for stories speak to the heart first. Storytelling is the world’s oldest teaching tool and one which belongs in every classroom. Stories around the world are this moment being passed on to teach history and morals, to look at current events, to offer devotion, to entertain, and to heal. The learning possibilities are endless, for stories touch us on so many different levels.
Through storytelling, your students will:
- Develop sensitivity to various worldviews and find new role models
- Have school subjects enriched through stories
- Develop a further respect for and interest in heritage and history
- Have social values and skills reinforced through stories
- Be stimulated to read and write more
- Exercise skills of imagination, visualization, concentration
- Increase aural comprehension and expressive oral skills
- Hear story language and language patterns useful in their own work
- Increase self-confidence as they try storytelling
Getting set
Schools and libraries vary widely around the world. The ideas below may not all be possible in your setting, yet with imagination, adaptations can be made. The object is simply to make the best atmosphere for telling, whether it is outside under a banyan tree, or in a bustling city classroom.
If you don’t have one, make a setting for storytelling: an informal space where students can gather on the floor or ground close to a teller. Arrange to have the lights dimmed when storytelling starts, to create a relaxed listening atmosphere.
If possible, start a small storytelling resource center either in your class or in the library. Have students do projects to help it grow. Include books, tapes, story files, a list of class tales, tape recorders, a world map of stories, props, and more. You might even want to make some kamishibai props to add to your collection.
To stimulate the best student storytelling, try to invite some outside tellers to share stories. Every town and city has storytellers: librarians, parents or grandparents, fellow teachers, religious leaders, freedom fighters, travelers....
Last of all, enjoy yourself! Go over the basics of storytelling, if needed, then just tell and tell and tell. Storytelling can provide some of the finest moments in a busy school day. It can help you and your students to travel in inner and outer space. Good luck and have fun!