Storytelling in the Learning Environment The Primary Teacher

Abstract

This article is based on the oral storytelling and it briefly explores the art form from its origin to its current role. A brief exploration of how and why oral storytelling works, what is the space it occupies, and what possibilities does it hold in the multi-media inundated scenario today. In the last two decades, I have worked with over 1500 teachers and 1 lakh children across India and the world. Performing, conducting workshops, writing articles and doing independent research. Each experience has offered a different dimension of understanding. The impact of storytelling I realized is not only academic but also non-academic . Exchanges with other educationalists, professional storytellers and researchers guided my journey. With a 15 year old and 13 year old at home, I have also recorded some anecdotal journal entries as a parent .Being a performance storyteller, inspired by Indian oral traditions I understood and honed my craft over the years. This article attempts to share essence of the learning. And hopefully generate engagement with oral storytelling and its pedagogical possibilities.