Methods IDENTIFIERS Learning Environment

In its most basic form, storytelling is a process where a person (the teller), using vocalization, narrative structure, and mental imagery, communicates with the audience who also use mental imagery and, in turn, communicate back to the teller primarily through body language and facial expression in an ongoing communication cycle. Storytelling is co-creative and interactive. It is one of the most powerful forms of art/communication known to humans and this explains why it possesses such great potential as a teaching-learning tool. A fundamental curriculum goal is helping children grow into adults who participate actively and competently in the democratic process. For storytelling to be successful,.teller and audience must collaborate to create the story, providing children with practice in several social skills, problem solving, exercise for the left and right brain hemispheres, and literacy development. Employing storytelling in the classroom on a regular basis is a sound teaching/learning strategy, because, as an art form and means of communication, it builds on children's preschool strengths and oral language expertise to help them successfully develop social, intellectual, and linguistic competencies. (CR) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document