Telling and listening to stories is a daily gesture full of affected which also drives the integral development of the child. Below we expand, organize and enrich the key information for families and teachers, integrating benefits, features and practical strategies to make the most of the stories and songs.
The stories and songs They are usually seen as an expression of affection and love towards the child. Although it is true that they are, they also fulfill an excellent pedagogical role.
The stories, especially the wonderful ones, nourish the child of fantasy, illusion and imaginationTo reach the levels of abstraction that these propose, the infant must walk through imaginary worlds, whose construction poses a real mental challenge.
It is important to remember that every step taken today represents learning suitable for the future. Therefore, having children explore these imaginary worlds will lead to a better adaptation to the stage of abstract operations, which is reached from the age of 11 or 12.
In the case of songs, especially from a very early age stimulate language. They also attach importance to the fact of speaking and listening when a third party speaks to us.
As we see, common actions, daily routines that we establish with our children, are vital when it comes to developing their skills.
When we talk about developing capabilities and establishing learning, we must take into account that the same prepare the child for life first in small groups and then in society.
All learning begins in the family circle and it is up to each of us to adapt it as best as possible so that the child achieves significant progress in his or her maturation and development.
Source: quaderns digitals.
Key benefits of stories in child development
A story is a short story, real or imaginary, transmitted in a way oral or written, which brings the child closer to his culture and facilitates acquisition of languageThe storytelling tradition comes from popular oral tradition and has endured due to its enormous capacity to fascinate and transmit values.
Listening and reading stories enhances the Cognitive stimulation: expands vocabulary, improves understanding, exercise memory, attention and critical thinking by following the plot and connecting events and characters. Regular practice strengthens the sustained attention and the ability to remember details.
On an emotional level, stories help to naming and understanding emotions, manage fears and worries through metaphors, and promote the empathy as well as by putting yourself in the shoes of the protagonists. The ritual of the story time creates a strong emotional bond and promotes self-regulation.
They also have a social impact: they promote communicative skills, cooperation and respect for the diversity by presenting multiple points of view. In addition, relaxed reading before bed contributes to a better rest and stress reduction, with benefits for physical well-being.
Specialists such as Bruno Bettelheim emphasize that children's literature makes it easier to transmit the cultural heritage and make sense of the world. Similarly, works with a pedagogical focus insist that stories facilitate the understanding of values (generosity, patience, forgiveness, solidarity) naturally.
Characteristics of a good children's story
- Agile action: short stories with rhythm to keep attention.
- Repetition: reinforces comprehension, memory and anticipation.
- Simplicity: clear structures with recognizable elements.
- Catchy title: provides guidance on the topic and arouses curiosity.
- Topic of interest: love, illusion, nature, animals, friendship…
- Defined characters: protagonists with clear and secondary objectives that support the plot.
- Evocative atmosphere: real or fantastic contexts that set the action (forests, castles, parks, homes).
Furthermore, it is appropriate that the narrative and the Artwork are adjusted to the evolutionary age, with legible fonts, careful layout and drawings that facilitate the understanding and connection with the protagonist.
Stories and songs: allies of language and imagination
Stories strengthen the mental representation and imagination, foundations for reading and writing. Songs, from the beginning of life, stimulate language, rhythm and phonological awareness; speaking, singing and listening consolidate an essential communicative circuit for speech development and listening attentively.
Classic tales, read with a symbolic approach, provide archetypes and profound wisdom. For the little ones, stories work best simple and repetitive with animals and soft plots; as they grow, they can incorporate deeper conflicts.
How to tell stories at home and in the classroom
The ideal tone is expressive and serene, avoiding both monotony and excessive spectacle. Oral storytelling allows look and gestures free; shared reading, with the child on lap and pages in view, reinforces the joint attentionRepeating the same story for several days creates security and makes it easier to integration of the vocabulary.
- Prepared environment: decorate the space, soft lights and relaxing music.
- Treatments: a short song or a “magic garment” to mark the moment.
- Role of the narrator: calm presence, clear gestures and meaningful pauses.
- Participation: dramatize scenes, draw protagonists or change the ending.
- Support: puppets, symbolic objects or a small theater for those who need visual support.
Selection by age and format
- First year: cardboard, cloth or bath books, resistant and easy to handle.
- From 1 to 3 years: visual and interactive stories, stories very simple.
- around 4 years: gentle fantasy, talking objects, enchanted worlds.
- around 5 years: preference for real situations and characters to identify with.
- Text and special formats: pop-up, flaps, roulettes, tabs.
- Institutional: visual support to follow guided plots.
- Audio stories: they develop listens and imagination without a screen.
- flipbook: simple animated sequences that promote the anticipation.
Quick guide for families and teachers
- Accompany with affection and calm; avoid pressure.
- Turn into a game Reading: interactive questions and free choices.
- Linking emotions: empathize with characters and talk about what is felt.
- School-family ties: storytelling, assemblies and small dramatizations.
The sustained practice of stories and songs acts as a “gentle training” for the mind, the the language and the with a dash of rebelliousness : creates bonds, improves sleep, organizes thoughts and time, and sows values that last a lifetime.
