Stories and storytelling can be an important motivator for children. Storytelling can ignite the imagination of children, giving them a taste for where books can take them. The excitement of storytelling can make reading and learning fun and can instill in children a sense of wonder about life and learning. Stories can interest children in literature but they are also a vehicle to communicate concepts such as working together.
Literature can also be a springboard for children's creative endeavors.
Storytelling teaches listening. It models the fine use of oral language. It models plot, sequencing, and characterization. Stories can take children to other cultures and help them deal with life issues and it can also entertain. There is great value in fantasy and through imagination children make connections to people, to ideas and to feelings.