The art of storytelling
Credit to Author: Cheryl Song| Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 02:33:11 +0000
Teach your children to remember their family’s experiences, history and culture
Storytelling is a social, interactive activity that involves sharing and interpreting one’s stories and experience, using words, expressions, gesture and physical movement. It is the most ancient and powerful educational tool, as a means to connect people and to teach them about their history, culture, language, moral values, traditions and customs.
Storytelling does not require much other than the storyteller and audience’s attention, imagination and creativity. And the stories can be short or long, formal or informal, themed or spontaneous, educational or entertaining. This activity can be shared by people of different generations, ethnic background, language abilities and age. The best part is, it can be done anywhere and anytime.
For some immigrant families, there is a risk of disconnecting with one’s family culture, language and history as families become acculturated to Canada. And storytelling can be a great way to bring families together and for children to learn about one’s own family history, culture, and language.
Ways to reignite the tradition of storytelling with children:
- Make storytelling part of your daily family ritual, be it a bedtime story or sharing of stories during dinner time, or while waiting in line in the grocery store.
- Start with something simple and light, be it a song, poem, or joke, or a fable from your heritage. Whatever the story, make sure the storyteller loves the story, wants to share it and brings the story to life.
- Find ways to start storytelling by using story starter prompts. Some questions to consider include: “Do you remember when…. ” or “When I was your age…”
- Experiment with different storytelling formats, be it in oral storytelling, songs, poetry, chants, dance, or with books.
- Use different props and accessories to enhance storytelling. Some examples include family photographs, drawings, letters or journals, mementos, puppets or costumes.
- Encourage children to take turns practicing telling stories and encourage other family extended members or friends to start sharing meaningful stories as often as possible.
- Be creative and spontaneous, and come up with silly and funny stories, with different characters or superheroes, in which anything can happen.
- Invite children to co-create stories together and have meaningful, shared experiences.
Most importantly, keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to storytelling, as it is a personal journey. Like anything in life, it takes practice to be a good storyteller. Be adventurous and try experimenting with different stories, techniques, and use different story prompts as inspirations.
Storytelling is an impactful learning tool that creates lasting personal and meaningful connections between the storyteller and the audience. Especially in today’s globalized world , with the use modern technology and social media, it is important to go back to basics and revive the lost art of storytelling. We all have many valuable life experiences and stories that are meant to be shared with the world. Start creating wonderful memories, build strong family bonds and share meaningful family experiences through storytelling today.