Storytelling is as old as humankind. Long before stories were recorded, they were entrusted to storytellers.

Stories were used to remember important events, explain creation, and preserve culture.

While we have become accustomed to finding stories in books, on television or at the theatre, there is a growing interest in North America and around the world in the preservation of the oral tradition.

People are rediscovering the joys of telling and listening to stories. They are learning that storytelling is an intimate experience where, regardless of the size of the audience, it seems that there are only two people present - the teller and the listener. Each listener feels that the teller is speaking only with him/her.

Why do we tell stories?

Because storytelling…

• engages our imaginations.
• promotes language development.
• encourages reading.
• teaches us about other cultures.
• helps us to understand ourselves and others.