Storytelling has been used as a tool in teaching and learning since time immemorial. The human brain is predisposed to recalling narrative material. Across time and cultures, stories tend to convey universal truths and lessons on themes such as life, love and adversity. Stories tend to elicit different emotions and insights on its listeners and readers. It engages their imagination and creativity as they themselves try to create their own personal narratives.
At SIS Basel-Allschwil, we recognize the primeval draw of storytelling. Different stories are read or sung related to Unit of Inquiry, literacy, maths or music, to name a few. We read and tell a wide variety of books and stories during the year that it has become a part of their collective memories. It has become easier for them to spontaneously improvise or create their own stories too: a wooden bridge at the forest has made them imagine a troll looking for the four Billy Goats Gruff; a walk to the forest has made them remember a hunt for a bear; the giant at Kannenfeldpark has become a source of interesting conjectures. Storytelling becomes fun, creative and personal!