Telling family stories helps children develop listening skills, imagination and memory while preserving family values and culture.
The act of storytelling is a powerful learning tool for children – and it’s fun!
For as long as people have gathered together, stories have been at the heart of every culture. They teach, entertain and connect us to one another while offering fresh perspectives on the world around us.
Children especially love hearing stories about themselves and their families — like the time Mom first learned to ride a bike, when Dad and his friends ran a lemonade stand, or the work grandpa did on the family farm.
During the holidays, storytelling can become a meaningful part of family celebrations. Sharing stories not only preserves family history, values and culture, but also helps children strengthen listening and communication skills, sparks their imaginations and builds memory.
Oral storytelling, in particular, encourages children to actively engage their minds. Unlike simply reading from a page, hearing a story told aloud helps kids visualize, imagine and connect emotionally.
Adapted from PBS Parents