Is the art of oral storytelling dead?
Once upon a time, in a place not so far away, four small children were enjoying a fun-filled trip to their grandparents’ home. The sun had slipped beneath the horizon, and bedtime had arrived.
“Please can you tell us a story Poppy!” begged the grandkids, their little faces bright with anticipation. For they knew this meant one thing: The chance to listen to their beloved Pop as he conjured up weird and wonderful tales from the depths of his imagination, while the kids lay in wait, wearing silly, satisfied smiles, eager for what would be said next.
This act, known as oral storytelling, harkens back to a simpler time – long before our world was overrun by all things technology. It was the way our ancestors ensured their own tales were going to live on and or included the sharing of those famous fables and fairy tales that marched on through every generation. But somehow in the crazy whirl of modern life, this art has become almost extinct.
Enter Morgan Schatz Blackrose, author and storyteller extraordinaire with over 28 years’ experience, who is determined to see this wondrous activity reinstated as the norm in our homes.
“From the time we are able to talk, each and every one of us has a story to tell,” Morgan says. “Children learn to love and trust listening to lullabies, they learn to laugh with finger and face rhymes, they learn coordination and rhythm with lap rhymes, and they learn to how to appropriately participate and express themselves through storytelling.
“There are numerous literacy learning outcomes that children experience with regular participation in storytelling sessions, but most importantly they learn to listen to their own thoughts and the words of others.”
And while reading to children at home is the message parents are pushed to receive, Morgan says that telling them your own tales should be given the same weight of importance, as the art of oral storytelling is vital in the emotional, social and cognitive development of our kids.
“Oral storytelling has a flexibility that reading a book does not, because telling a story is not governed by the text but by the relationship between the listener and the teller,” she explains.
“In this direct communication, the heart listens as well as the ears, and mutual feelings of love and trust are kindled in this shared intimacy.”
To this end, storytelling is an act of love, evoking emotions that will be remembered long after the story is over. “The stories may or may not be remembered, but the feelings of joy and fun in the shared experience of storytelling will always be remembered.”
And while we may not always realise it, oral storytelling is still very much present in our daily life today. “Oral storytelling is how human beings from all cultures communicate with each other in their daily lives,” Morgan says. “Ask a question and you receive a story as an answer. We call these stories anecdotes, riddles, tall tales and jokes.”
For parents who want to introduce oral storytelling into the lives of their own children, but are unsure where to start, she says, “Storytelling is not a test. So what if you forget the exactness of it – you’re telling the story your way. Children want to know what your life was like as a kid, so tell them about school, the games you played, your friends, the characters in your family, the trouble you got into.
“And if it’s painful? You determine what you want to share and when. There is no set text so you can add or omit what you like,” Morgan says. “Many parents tell stories from their cultural tradition and/or their family history.
“The stories of parents and grandparents help children to understand their heritage, history and identity, as well as helping to forge strong and loving bonds between family members.”
Morgan’s final plea so this forgotten art of oral storytelling lives on, is this: “Turn off your phones, shut down your computer screens, and sit down and tell a story – any story, even if it’s a joke. Story begets story, so someone will share another one.
“If older members of your family visit then ask them to share a story. If you like, bring out a photo album as a prop.
“If you find the formality of creating a storytelling space too difficult, then take the opportunity to spontaneously share a story whenever you can, or at mealtime ask the question: ‘What did you like best about today?’ A story will certainly follow.”
What do you think? Do you still regale your grandkids with tall tales? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Written by Donna Webeck. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
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