Why Storytelling Is Under Threat Today
Storytelling is a natural and powerful part of being human. It connects us, helps us make sense of our experiences, and supports children’s learning and development.
However, in today’s world, storytelling is not always as present in daily life as it once was.
There are a number of factors that can make storytelling more difficult to engage in, both at home and in early childhood settings.
A busier, faster paced world
Many families and educators are navigating increasingly busy routines. Time can feel limited, and daily tasks often take priority.
Moments that once supported storytelling, such as shared meals, relaxed conversations, or unhurried play, can sometimes be replaced with more structured or time-sensitive routines.
For example, in some households, families sit and eat together, sharing stories about their day. In others, children may eat earlier while adults eat later, reducing opportunities for shared conversation.
The impact of screen time
Screen time, for both children and adults, has changed the way we interact and communicate.
While screens can offer learning opportunities, they can also reduce the amount of face to face interaction, which is where storytelling naturally occurs.
Storytelling relies on:
- conversation
- listening
- responding
- shared attention
These are all areas that can be impacted when screens take up a large part of daily life.
Too much 'stuff' and distraction
In some environments, children are surrounded by many toys, resources, and distractions.
While having access to resources can be positive, too much can sometimes make it harder for children to focus, imagine, and create their own stories.
Storytelling often thrives in simpler environments, where children have the space to think, imagine, and express ideas.
Confidence and knowledge in ECE settings
In early childhood environments, storytelling can sometimes feel challenging for educators.
Some common barriers include:
- lack of confidence in storytelling
- uncertainty about how to support it beyond reading books
- different personalities and teaching styles within a team
- varying levels of knowledge or experience
Storytelling is often seen as something that happens during group time, rather than something that can be woven throughout the day.
Group size and routines
Large group sizes and lower adult to child ratios can make it difficult to engage in meaningful storytelling.
Rushed routines can also impact opportunities.
For example:
- rushing through kai time
- prioritising transitions over conversation
- limited time for uninterrupted play
Slower, more flexible routines, such as rolling kai times, can create more opportunities for storytelling and connection.
Cultural diversity and different experiences
Storytelling looks different across cultures and communities.
Factors that may influence storytelling include:
- different cultural practices
- English as a second language
- different belief systems
- family routines and structures
These differences are important to recognise and value, as they shape how children experience and share stories.
Neurodiversity, sensory needs, and trauma
Every child experiences the world differently.
Some children may:
- find verbal storytelling challenging
- prefer visual or physical ways of expressing stories
- feel overwhelmed in certain environments
- need more time or support to engage
Children who have experienced trauma may also engage with storytelling in different ways.
Storytelling should be flexible and inclusive, allowing children to express themselves in ways that feel safe and meaningful.
Storytelling is still possible
While there are challenges, storytelling is still present in everyday life.
It may just look different.
A conversation, a drawing, a moment in the sandpit, or a shared laugh can all be forms of storytelling.
By becoming more aware of these barriers, we can begin to create environments and opportunities that support storytelling in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead
In the next post, we’ll explore what happens in the brain during storytelling, and why stories are such a powerful tool for learning and memory.