iStoryTeller

Storytelling is the conveying of events in words, images and sounds often by improvisation or embellishment. 

We are all born with the ability to tell stories, to pass on histories, religions, lessons, even recipes and medicines.  Il remember stories my parents told me long after television shows I watched or books I read. In telling stories to child I think parents or adults give them a bit of themselves, they could reveal their own imagination, own dreams. And that to a child is worth so much more than anything else.

The Magic of Story

Something magical happens between an adult and a child when a story is shared: an intimate space is created between the two where the child co-creates the story through her active listening, her reactions, her expressions. When reading a book the focus and attention is on something outside human interaction – both reader and listener are experiencing something other than each other. In storytelling there is eye contact and a bond created through shared imagination. Stories need not be complex, especially for younger children the simplest story can be told over and over.

Personal Stories

In days past, the wisdom, myth and history of a people would be passed down through stories. In much the same way children love to hear stories about their cherished adults as youngsters. Even the most ordinary event can become near lore in the ears, eyes and heart of a child. When I think for a moment about my own childhood, there are lots of  funny or silly or exciting things happened to me. The child will learn a great deal from re-living experience with stortellers.

Everything has a Story

When we look around, stories are everywhere just waiting to be found. There’s a plant in the room – where did it come from, how did it grow, is it native or did its parent plant come from a far away country, and what did it see in that far away place?

There’s a photograph in the room – what is it, a person? And what is the story, who is it, where was it taken, what was happening at the time? Or is it a place or a thing – what, where, when all are great questions for pulling stories from objects or spaces. If parents are in their child’s room creating stories around toys can be great fun.
Stories as Lessons

There is a great power in story. Events of the day can be made sense of in an evening story. Children love to hear stories about themselves or other children. Say for example the child had a difficult day. In the evening someone might tell a story about another child who had a very difficult day with all sorts of troubles and mishaps. The child will see a connection and feel that things happen to everyone and also supported and secure because they know all about such matters and are able to talk about. Likewise telling the child stories where parent and child resolve differences or have great adventures can be very warming and comforting.

The Child as Storyteller

According to researchers, children who’s parents or caregivers tell stories are more able to tell stories themselves, and are more expressive generally of their own feelings, needs and experiences. Stories strengthen imagination, awareness and self esteem as they often put the child in the position of co-creator. Encourage your child to tell their own stories, you will be surprised by what they have to share.

Design Concept

I always wanted to create some kind of interactive design for the education of children and in this project I think developing iPad app storyteller would be great to start with.