NEXT Storytelling and the Art of Teaching by E. Martin Pedersen Storytelling is the original form of teaching. There are still societies in which it is the only form of teaching. Though attempts have been made to imitate or update it, like the electronic storytelling of television, live oral storytelling will never go out of fashion. A simple narrative will always be the cornerstone of the art of teaching. Colloquial or literary, unaffected or flowery-the full range of language is present in stories.
Oral stories develop listening skills in aunique way.
While listening to stories, children develop a sense of structure that will later help them to understand the more complex stories of literature. In fact, stories are the oldest form of literature. Through traditional tales, people express their values, fears, hopes, and dreams. Stories in the affective realm Through a story, listeners experience a vicarious feeling for the past and a oneness with various cultures of the present as they gain insight into the motives and patterns of human behavior. However, many storytellers feel that cognitive enrichment is not the primary aim of their art.