by Doris Herrmann

Created on: October 19, 2007

Story telling is a tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of thousands of years. Historically speaking, "Every human culture in the world has told stories" (Central Oregon College Education Web Site) from Proverbs, to folklore to fairy tales as a way to pass down meaning and history. These same historic tales help shape our children's minds. Story telling is a way to teach a student family history, problem solving and writing skills.

As a young child my grandmother told me the story of her move to the United States during World War II. I heard about the boats, the food, the reasons her family choose to live in Louisiana, and countless other immigrant stories. I remember recalling these jewels when I sat in a history class. I read of soldiers, but thought only of my dear grandmother and her family trying to make it here with their possessions and the family intact. Mt grandmother had taught me the history of this war, and gave me the personal perspective I could never have learned from a text book.

These stories, and countless others, gave me a perspective on the conflict that I could never have learned from a film strip. Her family's struggle was my family's struggle, as my future was secured with their immigration. This history of this war was burned into my heart, long before ever entering a U.S. History class.

Her stories taught me how to persevere, how to work hard at something to achieve a goal. Being a non-English speaker, they faced may hardships and challenges, yet they worked hard. Sharing that helps me learn more about my family's experiences, but it also taught me to be a problem solver.

Finally, the writer in me was able to listen to her stories over and over and recognize the skills of story telling as the same skills used in great writing. When I sat down to listen to my grandmother's stories, I learned plot, conflict and characterization. She may not have taught me the terminology, but she did teach me the concept.

The teacher in me is often times reminded of the importance of story telling. As I tutor struggling students I find that this element of their life has been missed. They did not have my grandmother telling them the stories of her life, and in turn their life. Without knowing she'd done it, my grandmother bestowed on me a love of stories, history and writing. All while sitting on her lap listening to her tell me the stories of her youth.

Storytelling is an ancient art that helps our children learn about their culture, solve problems and even improve writing skills.

Central Oregon College Educational Web Site; 12/21/07
http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/hum211 /afrstory.htm

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