Building bonds through Storytelling


“Storytelling is the most powerful way one can put ideas into the world.”
— Robert McKee 

Storytelling is a habit one can accustom themselves with right from childhood. Without stories, the trees would only be green and the sky would never turn pink. It’s the most powerful base for creativity, imagination and cognitive thinking, especially for the tiny tots. 

According to several studies, listening to stories leads to an increased activity in the  part of the brain responsible for cognitive thinking, memory, or building their own language/vocabulary and creativity in kids. A 2018 study published in "Reading Psychology" demonstrated that children who were exposed to more stories scored higher on tests of creative thinking. Since ages, storytelling has inevitably played a huge role in parenting. This is something even the digital age cannot take away, but only enhance when used efficiently. 

On a bright sunny day, a beautiful maina came and sat on Sonu’s windowsill.

Glaring at the phone screen was a wide pair of eyes listening to the Thirsty Crow story. The maina started squealing but Sonu was too into the pebbles being stacked up in the well by the crow.  

In some time, his ajji walks by carrying a sunny bowl of raw mangoes with a shower of laal mirch on top. She reaches Monu and mutters, “Monu, chalo no more phone!”

Monu says, “But ajji, the crow is just about to drink water from the well. Ajji is confused and asks him, “Which crow, beta?”

She inches closer to him and hovers over the screen. She sits next to him with hands cupped under her jaw listening closely. Equally confused and impressed, she asks him, “Monu, we’ve told you this story before na?” 

Monu looks up at her and shakes his head. 

From across the living room comes a rushed voice saying, “Ma, I’m getting late for that meeting. Is my lunch packed?  

“Eh, before that, tell me, why haven’t you narrated the thirsty crow story to Monu? Remember when it used to be your favourite bedtime story?”

“Ma, life has changed now. I would love to read stories aloud to my kid but you know how my schedule is. I barely get time for anything anymore… ” 

“Do you remember your howls when we would miss a day of storytime while falling asleep?” said ajji reminiscing. A child’s brain chemistry is defined by the power of imagination and what better way to paint a picture of a different world in a child’s brain than with stories? 

And what better way to make a child and parent bond than over stories? 

Monu sits in between wondering what the blabbering  is all about. In the meanwhile, he dreams of flowers, gardens and a faraway land with lots of pebbles. 

He can hear their mutters over his la la land. 

He hears his father say, “But ma, I have heard that digital storytelling is more interactive, it keeps the child more engaged.”

Ajji retorts by saying, “That must mean you’re a boring storyteller then.” Monu starts laughing all by himself. 

The maina who was whistling sweet notes of nothing so far bursts out singing,

You weary office go-er
Working like a lawn mower 
Day in and day out
How long till you burst out?
Look out the window and at the trees
Look at your child busy with the bees
As he waits for you to come home 
With a treasure trove of stories 

As she ends her song, she winks at the father and flies away. Monu instantly goes and hugs him. He responds to the hug by saying, “Ice-cream by the beach in the evening today? I’ll tell you the story of Rabbit and Turtle.” 

Monu, excitedly jumps and runs away. Ajji looks at the two of them from a corner with a huge grin on her face. 

In a world that runs on an all-time adrenaline speed, the power of slowing down becomes vital, especially to parents for themselves and their children. Storytelling is one of the best ways to just pause, breathe and take a break.

Let’s go over a quick guide to integrate storytelling in yours and your child's life. Here’s how:

  1. Read aloud regularly and create the right environment for it Hint: Bedtime is the best time!
  2. Make up and tell your own storiesIt simply encourages imagination in kids and you’d be surprised what you can cook in your head too!
  3. Give your child a turn to tell and retell stories as well.This will show and foster retention and creative abilities in them as well.
  4. Inculcate movement, music and expressions to your narration.Remember, when in doubt, Act it Out!
  5. Host family story nights where everyone takes turns narrating stories.

And, voila! Gear up to lead a fascinating life with your kids in the world of stories, tales, and good times.

Hop on to our Storytelling express  and get all your books out. It’s going to be a fulfilling ride. Happy reading and happy telling! 

  by Rhia Mehta