Storytelling vs. Reading Aloud

Some may say that storytelling is a lost art in the world of literacy today.  As teachers, when we teach traditional folklore, popular fables, or fairy tales, it is often included that those stories all began as oral tales that were passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next.  Why is it that we do not see stories told in such a way in the classroom?

As preservice teachers, we are taught that reading aloud to children is appropriate and beneficial.  We teach about how to use the text structure, illustrations, and text features to better comprehend what is being read.  However, there are benefits to storytelling instead of just sharing a read aloud.

The Edutopia website (2014) outlines several benefits of storytelling:

• purposeful talk - increases children's willingness to communicate thoughts and feelings
• raises enthusiasm for reading texts to find stories
• initiates writing since it inspires students to write stories
• enhances community - encourages cooperation between students
• improves listening skills
• engages students who enjoy movement and acting
• motivation for students learning English
• promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation
• encourages active participation
• increases verbal proficiency
• encourage use of imagination and creativity

Storytelling can be done with just about any story or text.  Follow Anderson's (2013) tips for storytelling practice:

• Select a story easy to remember.
• Read the story several times over multiple days.
• Select simple props to use, especially if it will help you remember the story.
• Practice telling the story by standing in front of a mirror.  (Pay attention to body language!)
• Tell the story to a friend or family member to gather feedback.
• Practice in front of a mirror again, but this time practice pausing, adding sound effects, humor, or suspense.
• Add gestures and facial expressions.
• Tell the story and record your voice so you hear your performance and can determine how you might improve.
• Tell your story to an audience!

Click below to listen to my own storytelling version of Eric Litwin's Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons:
Storytelling Audio

References:

Anderson, N. A. (2013). Chapter 5: Traditional Literature. In Elementary Children's Literature: Infancy through age 13 (4th ed., p. 85). essay, Pearson.

Friday, M. J. (2014, July 11). Why storytelling in the classroom matters. Edutopia. Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-in-the-classroom-matters-matthew-friday