Why play with stories when children can't read?
In childhood, as in the rest of our lives, there are stages , and for each one, there are appropriate books. In the case of stories, from the moment our baby begins to sit up, books with realistic pictures of other children seem extremely appealing to them. At this stage (between eight and ten months), they begin to recognize others as different from themselves. A little older (around one year old), they begin to empathize and discover a whole world of new emotions: if someone in the picture is smiling, they identify with it and mimic it, and the same happens if the person is sad or angry.
Stories constantly help us to work on values education through the characters and their experiences; and they also enhance oral expression by expanding the vocabulary of children who, from a very young age, feel the need to tell their own stories and fantasy tales.
It's very important for adults to keep in mind that the beginning of our children's relationship with stories shouldn't just be a routine or a moment of entertainment. The value of storytelling at this stage is much greater; it's a tool for strengthening emotional bonds , for getting to know our little ones better , how they feel, and how they see the world from their perspective.
Stories help children develop skills
Communication is the primary learning tool for humans. In this case, stories have specific characteristics; they not only promote the development of speaking and listening skills, but also, through their characters and narratives , allow children to experience a wide range of sensations and emotions.
Stories help children develop different cognitive, emotional, and social skills:
They develop imagination and creativity. Stories are a source of creativity because the listener creates in their mind the place where the story takes place and invents the image of the characters.
They promote logical-practical thinking. The sequential structure of stories It allows children to identify the beginning, the middle, and the end of the story. This helps them develop skills to retain more information. And in a practical sense, it promotes their expressiveness and creativity as they want to imitate the story's protagonists (animals, fantasy characters, people) in their drawings.
They contribute to meaningful learning. Each child learns different things from a story, interpreting it according to their understanding of the world around them and the world they interact with. They learn without realizing they are learning.
They develop self-esteem. The stories within fairy tales allow children to talk about themselves unconsciously. This is possible through identification with the characters. What happens to the characters happens to them too; they express their fears, joys, and frustrations. Using characters as a channel of communication is a relaxed and calm way to understand what our children are feeling.
They foster empathy. Stories are an emotional tool that helps children process emotions in a positive way. They are a social resource for fostering coexistence and inclusion, because fantasy is an emotional journey that allows children to empathize with the characters and feel and understand why they acted the way they did.
So, you know, when you give a storybook as a gift, you're not just giving a book; you're placing an infinite world of stories, characters, emotions, and learning in their little hands—a world they'll carry with them for a lifetime. At Educar Jugando, we're convinced of this, and we invite you to experience it for yourself.
