Wednesday July 25, 2012

Telling stories to nurture avid readers

PETALING JAYA: Most of us would remember the bedtime stories told to us but might find it hard to re-call what we had for lunch last week.

We tend to learn and relate better to a lesson conducted by a teacher who incorporates storytelling,

According to professional storyteller Roger Jenkins, storytelling is a “powerful tool”.

He encourages parents to use picture books to tell stories in their mother tongue first.

“Don't read. Tell the story,'' he advised.

While the story is being told, parents can stop and ask questions or let them look at the pictures to come up with questions of their own.

“This will allow them to practise observation skills,” he explained, adding that the method made it more fun for young children.

“This is how you create avid readers. If you tell a story, the children will want to read it.

“Parents will be able to use the stories to instil cultural values such as respect for the older generation.''

Besides storytelling, Hong Kong-based executive coach Bonnie Chan said coaching was a process that helped individuals to understand themselves and their surroundings with a higher level of awareness.

She also used coaching with her children.

“I used the approach to communicate with my children for more than 10 years.

“Now they are in Canada and Beijing but we are very close and sometimes they are my coaches,” she added.

English for More Opportunities is part of The Star's ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of the language in helping people get ahead in life.

To share your views and inspiring stories or give us feedback, email englishformore@thestar.com.my

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