Why is storytelling important?

This blog about storytelling has been written in collaboration with Bookmark Reading Charity which partners with schools in the most disadvantaged areas. Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the transformative power of reading and to immerse themselves in the magical world of stories. Think about a time when you were absorbed in a story and all the feelings associated with this. Bookmark Reading Charity want to create the same feeling for children when sharing a story with them to help develop a love of reading. 

 Storytelling is more than just reading aloud the text in a book. It creates a sense of wonder and magic to unlock all the benefits of storytelling. Embedding a storytelling culture when you read with your child will support them to become engaged and confident story tellers themselves and have a love of stories. 

 What are the benefits of storytelling? 

There are so many proven benefits of storytelling, including: 

• Encouraging high engagement and participation with a story 

• Building empathy with other characters 

• Helping children to consider new ideas 

• Developing a deeper understanding of a story 

• Encouraging creativity and imagination 

• Facilitating discussion and peer engagement 

• Conveying important messages in a playful, simple manner 

• Making connections between fiction and real-life 

• Developing problem-solving skills  

• Boosting brain development 

• Encouraging a feeling of well-being and relaxation 

Storytelling can encourage a life-long love of reading and can be joyful for both the teller and the listener!  

 One of the volunteers at Bookmark noticed the power of stories when it improved their child’s reading experience: “[my reader’s] confidence, enthusiasm and his ability to really engage and talk about what he was reading [has] grown enormously”. 

 If you would like to find out more about Bookmark Reading Charity’s work and how to become a volunteer, you can check their website.