Once upon a time there was a society for storyteller’s who decided to set up a special week to celebrate, promote and encourage storytelling for people of all ages. 30th January – 6th February 2022 is National Storytelling week.
“Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere. The sharing of stories between teller and listener empowers, feeding the imagination from one generation to the next.” Society for Storytelling.
We are surrounded by stories and they are an integral part of our everyday lives from books to television, cinema and even video games. Storytelling is a powerful tool that allows us to share stories that inspire and teach others. National Storytelling Week is celebrated by people of all ages who read folktales, fairy tales, love stories, adventure stories and more. It is also a fantastic way for people to share their own story or create something entirely new. Everyone has at least one story to tell and this week is a good time to share.
Storytelling is part of our ancient history when stories would be shared to pass on histories and useful information. There is a difference between reading a story and telling a story and this week is a great time to attend a storytelling event. Storytelling is an art form and sharing stories can greatly benefit children’s development.
Sharing stories, talking and singing everyday can help to teach young children sounds, words, language and it promotes literacy skills. It can spark children’s imagination and stimulate curiosity as well as aiding in the ability to focus, concentrate and communicate.
Asking children to role play and retell familiar stories also develops communication skills, confidence and creativity.
This week is a fantastic opportunity to take some time out of our busy lives to read stories to our children or even tell them stories of our own, either made up or perhaps about our own family history or childhood. It is also a wonderful time to encourage children to tell us their favourite stories. I hope you enjoy the week!