31 May Storytelling and Literacy
Teaching literacy through storytelling
Storytelling initially involves children listening to stories. Then, they can learn how to relate to and empathize with characters. Next, they can move on from listening to creating their own stories. Children can create stories first orally and eventually through pictures and writing.
As children hear more and more stories, they become more likely to identify and remember details in stories. Storytelling improves memory and ability to use descriptive language, which are necessary for learning literacy.
One great way to use storytelling is through wordless picture books. The illustrations guide the child through the story, helping them to more deeply understand the concept of beginning, middle and end. Eventually they will begin to tell the stories from the pictures themselves and later connect their storytelling to writing stories.
Storytelling Activities to Try at Home
Read a story with animals together. Then make an animal journal so they can practice identifying different creatures in the wild and write stories about them.
Share stories about your family and traditions.
When sharing stories, include questions such as:
- What do you think will happen next?
- What would you do?
- Can you finish the story?
After reading a book together, try retelling the story with your own personalized twist!
Remember: Telling children stories helps develop their literacy skills!
