The Power of Storytelling: Developing Emotional Intelligence in Young Learners

Author: Kevin Clare

Since time immemorial, the art of storytelling has been a medium of imparting wisdom, values, and life lessons from one generation to the next. In today’s classrooms, this timeless tool remains as potent as ever, particularly in building emotional intelligence in young learners. But how can educators seamlessly integrate it into their lessons? And how crucial is it to use top-notch, appropriate materials in this mission???

The Link Between Storytelling and Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships sensibly and empathetically. Stories, with their emotionally charged plots and multifaceted characters, naturally provide a canvas on which children can paint, analyze, emulate and understand a wide spectrum of human emotions.?

For instance, while journeying through the vast savannas of "The Lion King", learners don't merely witness Simba's rise to kingship. They also navigate complex emotions of guilt, grief, identity, responsibility, and redemption. As children empathetically connect with Simba's struggles, they cultivate a deeper understanding of their emotions, signaling the growth of emotional intelligence.?

Even in a simpler tale like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", young learners are introduced to more than just a bug's transformation into a butterfly. They encounter concepts of growth, patience, change, and metamorphosis. By relating to the caterpillar's journey, children start recognizing and understanding basic emotions and life cycles, marking the onset of emotional comprehension.??

Practical Tips for Utilizing Storytelling in the Classroom?

• Use relatable characters: Children relate better when the characters in a story reflect their age, challenges, or dreams. This relatability makes it easier for them to understand complex emotions. Try to work in characters from what the learners are reading and watching at home as well.??
• Engage in role play: Allow learners to act out scenarios, placing them directly in the shoes of various characters. This enhances empathy as they're compelled to view situations from differing perspectives. A great way to encourage this is to have props and costumes in boxes in your classroom and encourage a lot of free play, role play and improvisation.??
• Discuss and Reflect: After every story session, engage students in discussions. Ask them how they felt about the characters’ choices and actions. Pose open-ended questions that prompt them to reflect on what they'd do differently. Using graphic organizers with space for illustrations makes this a more engaging experience.??

The Imporatance of Quality Materials?

For storytelling to serve its purpose in cultivating EI, the quality and appropriateness of materials cannot be overemphasized. Well-researched, fit-for-purpose materials ensure that the narratives being presented are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and pedagogically sound.?

Such materials help students to delve deep into emotions and experiences in a safe, controlled environment. They challenge young minds just enough without overwhelming them, striking a balance between complexity and accessibility. What is often a challenge for teachers though, is that sourcing and creating good quality, fit-for-purpose and appropriate materials is hard and one often doesn’t know where to start.??

Leading Change with the CertPT: Developing Soft Skills with Drama?

For educators keen on refining their classroom resources to better suit the needs of their students, the CertPT: Developing Soft Skills with Drama will provide excellent depth and breadth in terms of professional development. This certification not only acknowledges a teacher's commitment to fostering student growth, but it also empowers educators with the proficiency to critically evaluate, adapt, and craft teaching materials. By mastering these skills, you'll not only fortify your own classroom techniques but will also serve as a resource to your colleagues, ensuring the delivery of appropriate and effective materials to your setting.?

Sign up today and be a positive force of change, equipping our next generation with the emotional tools they need to navigate the world. Our next workshop is: Tuesday 5th September at 10:00 am (Hong Kong time) and you can sign up by clicking here.??