The Power of Storytelling
“Those who tell the stories rule society.” — Plato
I did not grow up with storytelling in my family. I developed storytelling with my love for the theatre, where my mother took me regularly. At eight years old, I would be alone in my basement with my stuffed animal ‘students,’ telling them stories about all kinds of characters: mathematicians, businessmen, religious figures, teachers, war heroes…
I found myself loving and excelling at reader’s theatre in high school, seeking out stories far and wide. My attention was entirely taken during history class as well. History was my second favorite class after theatre. I always had thought that my history teachers should be a part of the theatre department because their storytelling skills were phenomenal.
It wasn’t until a workshop I took in my early 20’s at Vasser College that I realized each and every one of these stories became a part of me. These stories shaped and formed my core values and world view in addition to the ‘story’ my parents held for me within their own belief systems. It was also at this time I realized the power of stories.
No matter what we bring to our children in the classroom of life, everything is enveloped in a story. Every story is shaped by the storyteller’s view and by the receiver’s life experience.
This is a huge responsibility whether one tells stories for the government through the public school system or one’s own belief system.
I think we all love stories to one degree or another. They are a massive part of what makes us human. We are social creatures and have always used stories as a fundamental way to connect with one another. Storytelling predates writing as a communications tool. Think about the prehistoric cave drawings. These are stories, would you not agree? Generally, before I teach reading and writing, I shower my kids with stories.
I can elicit emotion, behavioral change, thinking, empathy, action, and more with a story, all proven by neuroscience. But that is not why I tell stories. I love that storytelling forges connections among people and between people and ideas. Stories convey the culture, history, and values that unite people. When it comes to our countries, our communities, and our families, we understand intuitively that the stories we hold in common are an essential part of the ties that bind.
Beyond the connection that a story creates is the trust and familiarity they build, allowing a listener to enter the story where they are, bringing ease and openness to learning. Because of this, I have made it a point to learn more about storytelling and present any subject I teach through storytelling, including Math. Of course, I recognize that storytelling is not the only avenue for learning and mix up my strategies.
There is nothing more joyful than developing a story with people, even as young as TWO, over some time, changing it up ever so slightly, exploring the ‘why’ in various character’s actions.
If you would like, enjoy two of our stories from November:
