Skip to main content

Storytelling and Children’s Literacy



Nowadays, not only adults but kids spend most of their hours in front of an digital device such as tablet, television, etc. These attachment to devices are not just a mimicking of adult behaviour around them but an avenue to fulfil their emotional needs. To counter this unhealthy behaviour, storytelling can be employed as one way to engage with children where the child can expose and share their emotions and experiences. Storytelling sessions is also an interactive way to boost literacy development in children.

Narrating stories to children help to support their development in language. Children enjoy listening to different intonations, expressions, words used and the characters that they represent. Stories not only teach moral values, but also provides a platform to learn vocabulary. As they listen to stories, children are able to hear how the words are pronounced and sentence structures are constructed. Through listening, children develop their language comprehension and use in conversation with others.

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education (DECE) program in MAHSA University offers students to learn about children’s literacy when taking the Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education module. Student are taught how to conduct storytelling sessions with children and how to choose suitable of stories according to the age of child.


Storytelling will develop children’s imagination and creative skills. It brings the content of the story as real-life to them. Children naturally love to talk, listen to stories and make up stories. It develops their curiosity in order to explore the world around them and see things beyond the obvious. At MAHSA University, students from Diploma of Early Childhood Education (DECE) are assigned to create a storybook which is suitable for a particular age group of children. They encouraged to be creative in order to make the book attractive for children to read. The creativity reflected and colourful storybooks displays the teacher’s imagination that can be a portal to unleash the imagination of the children during storytelling sessions.

Furthermore, children often face difficulties to manage certain negative emotions like anger and tantrum. By listening to stories, it may help them understand and regulate their feelings through characters, story-lines and moral values. Some of the stories especially short stories will engage them to feel relaxed and comfortable especially during bedtime stories.

Moreover, when children learn to share stories with others, it gives them a way to develop rapport and relationships. They learn to listen, understand and follow others. They also learn to adapt themselves on important things. Storytelling is an excellent way for children to get connected with others around the world, despite different language.



There are different ways to deliver stories towards children either by using books, tablets or many other ways, as long as children enjoy and feel the nature of listening and speaking. Adults may use puppet or mask to deliver the story. In addition, there is no specific time for storytelling. It can be at anytime where children might feel comfortable to listen and talk so it can take place anywhere. Most importantly, adults need to find time for themselves to spend with children. MAHSA University’s offers toward their students are not only in theory, but also in practical. Students learn to deal with real children by presenting stories to them. They get real experience with children, how to control them and understand their characters. This would definitely be a good exposure in preparing students with real life field, once they finish their Diploma in Early Childhood programme at MAHSA University.

Words by
Atiqah Binti Rohanip
Lecturer, Centre for Education & Language
MAHSA University






Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Carving a New Milestone: The Journey of YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah

In the annals of Malaysian education, one name that shines brightly is that of YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa. His remarkable journey began in 2004 when he laid the foundation for what would eventually become MAHSA University in 2013. Over the years, his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed MAHSA into a renowned Malaysian higher education institution, offering a wide array of programs in diverse fields. He established MAHSA as a college, initially focusing on healthcare programs. Little did the world know that this humble beginning would evolve into something extraordinary. YB Senator Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa's accomplishments extend beyond academia. He has made significant strides in various industries, including Education, Healthcare, Retail, Technology, and Investment. His exemplary contributions earned him the position of Chairman of the SOCSO's Board of Directors, showcasing his prowess in corpor...
Read more

Shattering Stereotypes: First Malaysian Indigenous Dentist

The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) recently extended their congratulations to Dr Tan Bee Hui, who became the first indigenous person to earn the title of Dentist. JAKOA's message was shared on their TikTok page (@jakoamalaysia) based on a post made by the Malaysia Orang Asli Students' Association (PMOA) on their Facebook page. PMOA shared this announcement on their social media on September 30th. Tan Bee Hui A/P Tan Boon Huat is MAHSA University Dental Faculty Alumni who successfully completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery earlier this year. She received her early education at SJK (C) Kuala Rompin and SMK Rompin before continuing her studies at Kolej Mara Banting. It's understood that Tan Bee Hui's interest in education was driven by the dedication of her mother, who frequently taught her and her sibling at home. As a Jakun indigenous person, she believes that education has the power to change her family's destiny and break free from the cycle of pove...
Read more

MAHSA DOCTORAL GRADUATE WINS NATIONAL AWARD IN INDONESIA

Ns. Mustopa, M. Kep, a recent PhD graduate from the Faculty of Health Science, Nursing and Education at MAHSA University, has been honoured with Indonesia’s Health Ministry National award for his extraordinary dedication in building and developing health services at the world's largest archipelagic state – Indonesia.   Driven by extraordinary passion and desire to provide quality health care service for everyone, Dr. Mustopa successfully created an integrated health service model in Islamic boarding schools for local residents and the Husnul Khotimah Islamic Boarding School. This brought a significant positive impact on the health status of Islamic boarding school students and religious teachers in the region. It is hoped that Mustopa's achievements will inspire and motivate other health care practitioners to provide the best health care service for the community. All of us at MAHSA University are very proud of our alumni Dr. Mustopa’s achievements and wish him continu...
Read more