The Power of Storytelling

Recently, I attended an awards ceremony at the university that included a series of presentations. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember anything that was said..... except the story that a dean told about why geese honk at each other as they fly. According to the story, each goose honks to encourage the goose in front of him. Next fall when I see geese flying against the grey November sky, I will remember that story and recall how important it is for each of us to encourage those we work with so that we can all succeed.

Storytelling breaks down barriers and connects people on a personal level. Telling about personal experiences and listening to the stories of others allows children to gain a sense of how family and cultural values shape their attitudes. Stories extend children’s experience with the world and encourage them to imagine themselves playing new roles and taking on unanticipated challenges.

Listen to the podcast to hear what Devon O’Neal, Director of Educational Programs for the Brazos Valley Children’s Museum has to say about the impact of storytelling on the children she works with at the museum and storytelling techniques that keep children engaged in a story.