Nowadays, parents often rely on the convenience that technology brings. They may choose to let their children watch videos if it helps them fall asleep more easily. Although cartoons can keep children happily absorbed, nothing beats the many benefits that come from storytelling during a child’s early years. Do you spend enough time telling stories to your little one?
In this post, we will discuss how storytelling is vital to your child’s overall development. Storytelling at home doesn’t have to be as involved or complicated as a storytelling session at a library. It can be as simple as telling children an exciting story from a time back when you were their age or recounting a funny anecdote of something that happened to you recently.
Before we present you with the benefits of storytelling, let’s look at some common questions from parents about this activity.
Why is storytelling so powerful?
Telling stories is an excellent way to inspire children and teach them about morality and character. Storytelling also provides so many opportunities for learning about their world, as children discover the culture, history, and principles that bring people together.
What is the impact of storytelling?
In addition to the many advantages discussed in this post, storytelling delivers plenty of educational and psychological benefits. When children are exposed to a variety of stories, it broadens their imagination and vocabulary skills. Furthermore, the more children hear stories, the more they learn the tools needed for effective communication.
The 7 Benefits of Storytelling for Your Child
Storytelling improves listening skills
Holding a child’s attention for extended periods of time can be quite challenging. Many kids don’t have the capacity to focus for very long. Some kinds may also tend to blurt out what’s on their mind during activities, which can distract them from what’s happening at the moment.
When children are told stories, they are more compelled to listen. This activity teaches them to focus on the story they are hearing.
Storytelling expands children’s imaginations
As children listen to a story, their minds are stimulated to imagine each story’s characters and setting. This is a vastly different experience from watching videos, wherein every detail is given to them.
Storytelling lets children’s imaginations soar as the story progresses. Every aspect of a story is something they can create in their minds. A broad vision gives way to new ideas.
Storytelling boosts language skills
One of the benefits of storytelling is that children are exposed to a variety of words they have never heard before. When children hear stories, they learn new vocabulary, which helps them develop the skills they need to communicate more effectively and clearly.
Depending on the setting, a story can include various characters with unique voices and personalities. This helps to expand children’s conversational skills because they can practice speaking in a different type of voice.
Storytelling enhances social skills
Telling stories provides excellent opportunities for parents to communicate and connect with their children. You and your child can strengthen your bond when you share something special in your life together. Children appreciate feeling how much their parents value them, and they can see that you love storytelling enough to make time for it.
Storytelling also helps children develop the skills needed to pay attention and focus on the speaker. Children need to learn patience as they allow others to talk. Furthermore, it widens their perspective as they listen to other people’s views and discover that not everyone feels the same way about a topic.
Storytelling opens up a world of different cultures
When children hear stories about characters from various cultures, it becomes a valuable learning experience. As they imagine themselves being part of the story, they learn how to empathize with the characters as they try to understand the reasons behind their actions.
Storytelling sharpens memory
Here’s a simple tip to make the most out of this activity: create questions to be asked before, during, and after reading a story to your child. This method helps children think about the details of the story. It’s an excellent practice that helps children see how much information they can recall.
Storytelling enhances intelligence
During a storytelling session, children have to focus on what you’re saying in order to envision the story in their minds. They need to think carefully about the plot and characters. This process is similar to the ways in which they solve complex problems, which benefits brain development.
Here at The Pillars Christian Learning Center, we make classes fun through storytelling sessions. For more information, contact us today!