Revitalising the art of storytelling

Two important occasions were celebrated last week in Oman namely Mother’s Day as well as the International Day of Storytelling.

It may seem that they are unconnected, but in a way, there is nothing more related than the role of storytelling as it is remembered by us through our mothers and grandmothers. This also reminds us of the power of storytelling.

It is well known that storytelling brings families together, but there is also data on this: research has shown that children who listen to stories of their families’ ancestry and history become more resilient and adaptable. They are able to anticipate the struggles and challenges that come up in life and are better prepared to deal with them.

As a headline in Forbes declares, 'Mothers Are Leaders. So Mothers Must Tell Stories!' When women in a family tell stories, whether imagined or not, they anticipate children’s reactions and how to cope with them.

Storytelling is an ancient tradition that goes back to ancient times with oral stories spreading across different parts of the world. They inculcate values and morals in children but also enlarge their imagination and creativity. The most memorable stories are the ones which contain a colourful combination of magic, improbable action and a final moral to remember it by.

As an art, storytelling is indispensable to the modern world. It develops the skills of listening and enriches vocabulary while firing the imagination. This is much better than listening to stories on a computer.

For one, physical contact means that the experience of listening is an interactive one where questions can be asked and issues discussed. It also means that children are making, and keeping, valuable relationships with members of their family.

While we may think that storytelling as an art is disappearing and blame it on our hectic schedules as well as that of the child, stealing moments for stories is never impossible. This can happen over meal times, sleep time, or weekend breakfast times which are shared with the family.

Ignoring a child when they come with a book is not recommended because it sends all the wrong signals: there is no time for the child, reading itself is a waste, or the parent would rather be doing something else – none of this sends a strong, bonding message.

Storytelling should be more than just a family activity. Schools, the community and society at large can participate in this process to develop children’s cognitive skills and impart a sense of belonging to them.

Setting aside some time in a week in school, encouraging community libraries to have storytelling sessions, and even encouraging competitions via book fairs and exhibitions are all effective ways to encourage the habit of storytelling and adding value to this age old activity.

Stories are important ways of understanding our complex world.

Outsourcing this art to technology can only limit its reach and potential. Storytelling within families and communities remains one of the most successful ways through which children can learn and cope with the challenges of life.