Stories have the power to go straight into people's hearts.
All the way back to the first campfires, humans have been learning and passing along knowledge through stories. Before there was reading there was, always and everywhere, the sound of people telling stories. Reading to children is a fine thing, but simply telling them a story can be magical. It's your call as to how to present stories to children, but if you possibly can, try telling your class stories about real people rather than reading to them. But listen to Sue Tannehill, teacher and professional storyteller, and decide if it's worth the time.