Storytelling

What is Storytelling?

Storytelling is very simple to describe: to tell a story.
However, it is not that straight-forward. There are various techniques that can be used. Also, it is noted with regret that not all adults know how to read a children's book.

One thing is certain...Two things are evident: children love it...and the benefits are concrete.
Storytelling is an important building block in the life of children. Research suggest that we read to our children on a daily basis. Also, Research encourages reading since reading is considered as the "brain food" that our children need to be "learning ready". A 30 minute daily reading to our children from birth till age 5 will result in a 1000hrs of "brain food". This is true "learning readiness". Children will take to school what they have discovered and learnt at home by their parents (not parent but by both parents). Consequently, if this building block - reading, conversation, positive approach, etc., is not part of the "kid's learning bag", it will hamper our child to progress especially where reading is concerned.
The educational circle has to be comprised of the parent, the child and the teacher. The three stakeholders are needed for our child to be successful. Schools on their own will not do miracles. This concept is also suggested by the present children laureate Michael Rosen <http://www.michaelrosen.co.uk>. Michael states that schools not only want but they need parents in the kids' education.
Without doubt, this will eventually result in a "learned society", and a society of "lifelong learners".


The Parents
In this scenario, the parents play the greatest role in all this.
Parents are the "first teachers" of their children. Whatever the parents do or fail to do, the children will copy. Children say and do what they hear and see. Therefore, parents, who happen to pass most of the time with their children, greatly influence their attitude and behaviour towards life in general and, without doubt, they influence their kid's behaviour and love for reading and the book.


In one of the latest publications on the early years, these five points have been pointed out on the importance of early learning:

(i) contributes to the brain's developing architecture;
(ii) stimulates optimal brain development; (Blakemore & Firth cited in Ward, 2008, p. 179);
(iii) provides the cultural structure that underpins the development of intellectual schemas;
(iv) helps children learn from conversations with adults and older peers; and
(v) experiences shapre children towards a 'mastery' orientation in learning.

All this contributes to the "learning dispositions" (Sylva, 1994b cited in Ward, 2008, p. 179).


What's Next?
What is for sure is that we need to create an environment shouting with "I love reading", and "I love the book". To create this type of environment there are various steps to be taken.

Step 1 ~ parents read to their children
Step 2 ~ schools (teachers) read to the children (not using reading to instruct)
Step 3 ~ children read to the parents, teachers and their class mates
Step 4 ~ a rich print environment (not old tattered and discoloured books)
Step 5 ~ introduce a vast array of new authors

Step 6 ~ be enthusiastic about reading
Step 7 ~ buy books for presents (not soft-toys or sweets)
Step 8 ~ talk about the story, the book or the author
Step 9 ~ parents do not get bored of re-reading a book to you child
Step 10 ~ make time for reading

Step 11 ~ decrease the time of watching TV, DVDs or videos
Step 12 ~ sing nursery rhymes
Step 13 ~ share with other children and parents about books and authors
Step 14 ~ visit the library
Step 15 ~ go to book fairs


These are only a few steps to help give birth and grow a love for reading and the book

Finally, I am happy to collaborate with Mrs M'Anne Theuma (site) who is doing streling work in working with mothers and their children in various areas. One of these areas is STORYTELLING.
It is great to see mothers and fathers interested in cultivating a love for reading. This is truly what our society needs to have competent lifelong learners and and informed society.


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References
2008, "The Routledge reader in early childhood education", EW (Ed.), Routledge, London.
Rosen, M. "The bigger picture: the 2007 Patrick Hardy Lecture", The School Librarian, Spring 2008, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 2-7.