You know when I was growing up, people around me never really indulged in storytelling. My own parents did not have the habit of reading to me. I don’t remember how I got initiated into reading. It must be because my elder sister and dad were avid readers. But no one told stories at home. I think my maternal grandfather did a bit of it, but I don’t really recall them as I look back.
I am not a great storyteller myself though I make the effort with my children. I pick up a book and read to them. I did it much more with my elder son because we were such enthusiastic parents with our firstborns. Right from shapes and colors to small stories and picture books, we did it all. It was fun. My husband remembers tales especially those with a moral pretty well. And when he is in the mood, he tells those tales really well. He actually picked up this talent from his own father who was a fantastic storyteller.
I had the opportunity of listening to some lovely stories from my father-in-law when he was alive. My elder son also had his dadaji fondly tell him stories. It was a lovely experience. Except for him, no other elders in the family actually have the habit of telling tales.
Then a few weeks back we went to an Organic Gardening event in Bangalore. They had made arrangements for storytelling and treasure hunt which not only engaged the kids but they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The young man spinning stories did it so well with loud expressions, body movements etc. that even the adults queued up to watch. My younger son was enthralled. I have never seen him so engrossed in story after another story. Here is a pic from that day.
I am a member of an online library. I can place an order online and they deliver the books home. I recently discovered a series of books for young readers which has short stories with illustrations and big fonts. The stories are short enough for my younger son to read them at one go. I sit with him and read or nudge him along and explain to him if he misses the meaning.
The other day we were reading a tale about the Buddha. The story goes thus: A man is very upset with Buddha. He comes to the tree where Buddha is seated facing his followers. The man uses some very harsh words about him. Buddha has a smile on his face that stays put. The man expedites his tirade. But Buddha maintains his expression. He goes on and on for a few minutes and finally exhausted, he goes quiet. He, however, is baffled. The followers also seem enraged. But Buddha is calm. He asks Buddha about how come he is not angered? And Buddha calmly replies that none of his words affected him because he never internalized them. He has no control over what others speak, but he does not have to accept what they say. He rejects their words and hence his demeanor stayed calm.
I am sure all of us have heard a variation of this story sometime or another. But the conversation that ensued with my son was interesting. He could not understand how to do that? I don’t blame him. It is not easy for us adults to achieve either. A small slant or perceived insult has us flying off the handle. But, of course, it is a great lesson to know and imbibe.
Stories are the best way to convey morals and values to children. The subsequent conversations are quite refreshing. I think we must all make time for storytelling in our routines.
So, are you a storyteller? Do you enjoy storytelling to kids?
Rachna says 
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