The magic of storytelling

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Jennie

Norah tells of the magic of storytelling. It is the spark that fires the heart and the mind. I am honored to be included.

Norah's avatarNorah Colvin

Guiding parents in play sessions for parents and children.

Telling stories to and with young children has many benefits. Including other things, it helps to develop:

  • relationships with the storyteller and other listeners
  • language – vocabulary, language structure, imagery
  • understanding of narrative structure as it applies to fiction and non-fiction accounts
  • curiosity about one’s family, the immediate environment, and other places
  • empathy for others
  • interest in books and reading
  • imagination

There is something very special about telling, as opposed to reading, stories. The telling can be more fluid, more interactive, and change with the mood and with input from teller and listener. The distinction between teller and listener can blur and roles can change as the story flows.

Sometimes it is the routine and the relationships that are more important and more memorable than any one story. For example, a parent telling stories as part of the bedtime ritual, stories told by a visiting grandparent, aunt or uncle, or…

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
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16 Responses to The magic of storytelling

  1. Opher's avatar Opher says:
    January 24, 2018 at 8:00 am

    Children enjoying stories is the very essence of humanity.

    Reply
  2. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    January 24, 2018 at 8:39 am

    Lovely choice to share Jennie. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs.

    Reply
  3. Patrick Dykie's avatar Patrick Dykie says:
    January 24, 2018 at 10:55 am

    Thank you for sharing this post. I need to start practicing for my grandchild. I just posted free downloads for my new book on my site. I would be honored if you got a copy before they’re all gone. I have always appreciated your interest in my blog, and hope you enjoy the book.

    Reply
  4. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:
    January 24, 2018 at 11:20 am

    That’s a nice reblog, Jennie, and it was right that you were included, as your own posts are a revelation about how to teach the little ones.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      January 24, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you, Pete. Affirmations are wonderful and humbling. I always feel surprised when I am included in a fellow blogger’s post. A gift, I’d say. Best to you.

      Reply
  5. John W. Howell's avatar John W. Howell says:
    January 24, 2018 at 11:35 am

    Congratulations on being included, Jennie.

    Reply
  6. Norah's avatar Norah says:
    January 24, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing my post on your blog, Jennie. You are the gift to all those who lives you touch personally and through your online presence. Thank you for being you.

    Reply

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