The Role of Storytelling
Storytelling Builds More Than Language Skills—It Builds Empathy
In a moving reflection on the role of storytelling in education, an educator shares this key insight:
“Stories are what I believe make us human… They create context for understanding.”
This simple but powerful message reminds us that while facts and figures matter, it’s stories that connect us. They carry nuance. They help us understand lived experiences—especially those that are different from our own.
And for young children, who are still learning how to navigate their feelings and relationships, storytelling isn’t just about learning to read. It’s about learning to relate.
How Storytelling Builds Emotional Intelligence
At Wild Wonders Daycare, we believe that early education should nurture more than academics. It should cultivate the heart as well as the mind. When children hear diverse stories—whether from books, friends, or their own caregivers—they begin to develop the capacity for empathy.
As Dr. Jae M. Williams continues:
“If you enter a space with understanding in the context of lived experience… that oftentimes is what creates empathy.”
That empathy becomes the bedrock for inclusivity, kindness, and resilience.
3 Ways Parents Can Use Storytelling to Raise More Empathetic, Resilient Children
1. Share your own stories—especially the hard ones.
Children benefit deeply from hearing about your childhood, your challenges, and your emotions. Instead of only teaching lessons, share experiences.
🗣 “When I was little, I had a hard time making friends too. I remember feeling nervous…”
2. Choose books that reflect a range of experiences.
Include books with characters from different cultures, abilities, and family types. Ask your child:
📚 “How do you think that character felt when that happened?”
This builds the habit of curiosity and compassion.
3. Create space for their stories.
Ask open-ended questions that invite your child to reflect on their day, not just report on it.
💬 “What was something that made you feel proud today?”
💬 “Did anything surprise you?”
This practice helps children identify and express emotions—and also teaches them that their voice matters.
When we encourage storytelling at home, we’re not just raising readers. We’re raising thoughtful humans. And in a world that often rushes toward reaction, teaching our children to listen, ask, and understand is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
At Wild Wonders Daycare, we create daily opportunities for children to share, imagine, and grow through story. Because every child’s voice deserves to be heard—and every child deserves to feel seen.
