Oral storytelling and literacy

In 'The Meaning Makers', Dr Daniel's seminal study of how language and literacy develop, Gordon Wells suggests that children’s literacy development is supported most in homes in which stories are shared. His view that storying is a fundamental way in which we make sense of the world aligns both with Gottschall’s suggestion in 'The Storytelling Animal' that humans are homo fictus or ‘the great ape with the storytelling mind’, and also with perspectives that see storytelling as, by nature, a social activity.

Dr Daniel will ask the group to consider their own experiences of storytelling practices, and the way in which those practices relate to broader dimensions of literacy, both in spoken language and written text. He will highlight research into the effects of storytelling on literacy development, and explore some of the storytelling activities that are used in schools to support literacy teaching and learning, including teacher-led story making and Kamishibai (Japanese ‘paper theatre’).

This seminar is organised in conjunction with the British Association for Literacy in Development (BALID). It is free and open to all.

Links

• International Literacy Centre
• British Association for Literacy in Development (BALID)
• Department of Education, Practice and Society

Image

• Woodleywonderworks via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)