The longstanding art of children’s storytelling holds the power to evoke emotion and stimulate imagination within those involved. However, as the world arounds us evolves and progresses the role of storytelling has become blurred and its benefits have begun to diminish. Emma Mason, Chief Storyteller at Lunii explains why in today’s digital age it is more important than ever to continue to encourage storytelling in young children.
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In today’s fast-paced and increasingly connected world, children are receiving constant stimulation. Yet, studies have highlighted the detrimental effect of too much screen time on a young child’s brain development, impacting on language abilities and mental wellbeing. Involvement in storytelling provides young minds with a period in which to take a pause from screen-led, digital stimulation and instead participate in a more engaged and interactive form of creativity, where their imagination can be encouraged. Unlike digital forms of passive entertainment, storytelling offers a unique experience and an opportunity for children to delve into the imaginary, allowing them to form their own versions of what the characters and settings may look like. This process is key for self-development within young children, aiding with the progression of social skills, language and problem solving. It is this philosophy that lead to the creation of ‘My Fabulous Storyteller’, an interactive story creating device that encourages children to engage in the imaginary and spark their own creativity by curating elements of the story.
We conducted a study where we asked children to draw an ogre. The results were shocking as the majority drew the same green shaped figure that resembled the popular character Shrek. TV shows and books plant images in children’s heads of how things ‘should’ look which is producing a generation of children who all think the same way. If children think that an imaginary character can only look one way, society is failing by not giving enough opportunities to grow, develop and be creative.
As well as provoking imagination, the art of storytelling offers children an alternative way of learning about the world around them by encouraging curiosity. By providing children with the opportunity to choose the characters and settings as they curate their own story, they are able to learn about situations that they may have not otherwise have been exposed to.
Recent research revealed that a that 96% of 3-4 year olds watch TV for 14 hours a week; and this usage increases with age. Alongside the psychological impact of this high level of usage, the solo-use nature of this type of activity means that young children are at risk of spending increased time alone. Screen-time is a reality of our busy, modern lives; however it is important to remember the unique bonding properties of storytelling, creating connections between friends, parents and family members alike that is impossible through screen-led entertainment. The shared experience of creating and telling stories is an opportunity to learn together as well as building important social skills by working together and discussing elements of the story.
Digital entertainment will continue to be present in children’s lives, however, it is important for the sake of their development, both intellectually and socially, that storytelling is encouraged as part of a regular routine.
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