What Is Storytelling (And Why It Matters)
Storytelling is something we all do every day, often without even realising it.
It lives in our conversations, our memories, our relationships, and the way we make sense of the world around us. In early childhood, storytelling is not just something that happens during book time, it is a fundamental part of how children learn, connect, and understand their experiences.
When we think about storytelling, we might think of reading a book or telling a familiar tale. But storytelling is much broader than this.
Storytelling can be:
- sharing what happened during the day
- retelling an experience
- creating imaginary worlds
- expressing ideas through play, art, or movement
- connecting with others through conversation
At its core, storytelling is about sharing knowledge, meaning, and experience.
Why storytelling matters
Storytelling plays a powerful role in early childhood development.
It supports:
- relationships and connection
- creating memories
- passing on knowledge
- social and emotional learning
- imagination and creativity
- understanding different perspectives
Stories help children make sense of their world. They allow children to explore ideas, emotions, and experiences in ways that feel meaningful and relevant to them.
We are wired for stories
As humans, we learn to speak before we learn to read or write.
This is because storytelling is deeply connected to how we communicate and connect. Oral storytelling links us to people, places, and experiences. It allows us to share who we are and understand others.
Long before children can read, they are already storytellers.
You might see this when a child:
- talks about something that happened
- reenacts an experience in play
- creates an imaginary scenario
- uses drawings or movement to express ideas
These are all forms of storytelling.
Storytelling is about connection
At the heart of storytelling is connection.
Connection to:
- people
- places
- experiences
- culture
- identity
Through storytelling, children begin to understand themselves and their place in the world. They learn that their voice matters and that their experiences are worth sharing.
Storytelling is also a shared experience. Whether it is a conversation at the table, a story told in play, or a group experience in an early childhood setting, storytelling brings people together.
More than words
Storytelling is not just spoken language.
It includes:
- facial expressions
- gestures
- tone of voice
- movement
- art and visual expression
- play
Children may tell stories without using words at all. A child building in the sandpit, painting a picture, or acting out a scenario is often telling a story in their own way.
A foundation for learning
Storytelling provides a foundation for many areas of learning.
It supports language development, communication, and literacy. It also helps children organise their thoughts, understand sequences, and express emotions.
Most importantly, storytelling allows children to be active participants in their own learning.
They are not just listening to stories, they are creating them.
Looking ahead
While storytelling is a natural part of being human, it is not always easy to support in today’s world.
In the next post, we’ll explore some of the challenges that can impact storytelling in both home and early childhood settings, and how we can begin to navigate them.