by Irrira Rikki

Created on: December 05, 2008   Last Updated: November 15, 2010

The best role in educating children with storytelling, is one they look forward to hearing, because of how a story is told. They love fun or suspense.

This is proof of the benefits for young preschool children, as a great tool. Keeping their interest, making them excited, holding their breath for the next morsel, and fashioning a story they will not forget.

With loads of expression and acting in the narration accordingly, their innocence and openness soaks everything up. Children's young minds are like fruit in bud, and when watered and nurtured, grow with all things spoken and seen.

A storyteller will have their young pupils hearts in the palm of their hands if they are the best visualizer. It is a natural place to start their preschool days, and what-ever else follows could only be a happy and well contained child.

A rapport is built up immediately, just as with someone on a stage. It is a two-way street for any captive child, as enthralling an audience is always the place to begin.

Watch the children's faces light up, transfixed in wonder and emotion, caught up in the amazement of a tale while also playing on the words. Listen to their sounds of astonishment, their lilts of laughter if it is funny or gasps of feeling within the content by not missing a word. It leaves the child looking forward to the next chapter, or story, with hope for more.

Any subject can be turned into a story, from sheer fantasy to reality. Even used in parable form, is also a very good way of taking them into fields which if told in any other way, may be over their heads. This brings out facts within, for children to remember even a motto, when told in a manner they can think about in a very new subject matter. History too can be brought to life via a great imaginative talker.

It could be to begin with an open door onto a scene, weaving a few words as an unexpected lesson on the weather. This subject is beneficial already within their education. Having fun and learning, all in one.

"Once the sun climbed into the morning sky Jimmy knew his day had begun. What he didn't see was the small cloud behind the tree..."

The wonder begins, because the children are already not sure why this cloud is behind the tree, yet, we could continue...

“When he went to investigate, the cloud moved...”

They have seen clouds move in the sky, but behind a tree? They don't know that this cloud is going to lead him to a very special place where all the clouds are gathering for a meeting. And so the story can be woven on as to, why did it move?

The best note here is to hesitate, giving a clue - even just a word without giving away the plot - so as to inquire what's coming next? On this will rest the portion of their anticipation. The memorable educational value of why clouds gather to discuss a thunderstorm. Now, we have created apprehension, we have to joke a bit to change any child's fear of a storm.

The ways of storytelling are endless. Ad-lib is great if one has the gift. Keep a recorder to write it all down, to turn into a child's book. There is no better judge than the children's reaction in the way a subject matter is received.

Have fun with them, and they will show their appreciation, plus credits within their educational value.

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