Why Storytelling?

Storytelling:

• builds a foundation for literacy by encouraging imagination and improving student speaking, listening and memory skills

• allows children to take risks with language

• develops awareness of story structure and helps student writing skills

• improves language development for ESL students

• provides opportunities for students to explore storytelling from a personal, family and/or cultural perspective

• increases multicultural understanding through exposure to story

• can happen in a single classroom, across a division, or school wide

• complements Speech Arts and Drama programs

• connects with other storytelling, literacy and arts festivals in Toronto