The Gift in the Story

    “Why do people tell stories?” I asked the Grade 4 and 5 students.

    “For fun,” said one child.

    “Yes,” I agreed. “It is fun to tell stories, especially around a campfire. Why else?”

    “For entertainment,” suggested another.

    “Definitely. Stories are great entertainment. They can be full of adventures and magic. What might be another reason?”

    “To remember things that happened.”

    “Yes, I think that’s one of the main reasons we tell stories. Especially in cultures where there isn’t any other way of recording history. Why else might we tell stories?”

    “To teach lessons,” said another child.

    I nodded. “In fact, that’s how many cultures still teach important values – by telling stories.”

    They sat quietly at their desks while their teacher wrote their ideas on the board. It was a Thursday afternoon. Here was an unfamiliar teacher in their classroom, come to tell them a story. From my perspective I wondered if ten and eleven-year olds would consider themselves too old for storytelling. I began telling a story from India called “A Drum.” It’s one I have told many times.