Storytelling is an ancient art that has always captivated us. From fairytales to myths, stories transcend age, culture, and time. They entertain, educate, and even heal. This is beautifully portrayed in the National Award-winning Marathi film ‘Ekda Kay Zala’ by Saleel Kulkarni, where the main character, Kiran, played by Sumeet Raghvan, uses storytelling to inspire and educate his son and students, showing just how powerful a story can be—especially in tough times.
Now, let’s face it—kids love stories. And why wouldn’t they? Stories are like magic carpets that take them away to far-off lands where anything is possible. They can be knights battling dragons, astronauts exploring new planets, or even talking animals learning life lessons. Just think of how a simple story about a little mouse outwitting a sneaky fox can sneak in lessons about bravery and cleverness!
But what about children who struggle to sit still or focus? You can get creative! Use puppets, symbols, or even toys to tell stories. Don’t be afraid to get silly—use funny voices, make exaggerated facial expressions, and act out the characters. This is exactly what Kiran from ‘Ekda Kay Zala’ did in his innovative school. He transformed mundane subjects like Science, History, and Geography into captivating stories and plays, turning lessons into adventures. By doing so, he made learning an enjoyable experience, ensuring that children not only understood the concepts but remembered them for life. Thanks to his imaginative approach, the kids eagerly looked forward to their studies, making education a delightful journey rather than a chore.
Parents can also create their own stories tailored specifically to their child’s world. You know your child’s likes, dislikes, fears, and dreams, so why not craft a story that speaks to them directly? For instance, in the film, Kiran helps his son, Chintan, cope with the illness and eventual loss of his father through a story. Through this, Chintan begins to process his grief, showing how storytelling can help children (and adults) make sense of difficult emotions. To give you another example, if your child is scared of the dark, you could create a brave little firefly who conquers his fear of the night, helping your child feel understood and empowered!
In my practice as a play therapist, I often write therapeutic stories tailored to my clients’ specific challenges and narrate them during therapy sessions. In the therapeutic stories, I use animal characters to help kids relate to them without feeling directly addressed. I once wrote such a story for one of my clients who was a very shy and a reserved girl with social anxieties. The story was featuring an anxious little turtle who was too scared to come out of her shell. (Sounds like me on a Monday morning honestly!). The turtle learned to cope with her fears and became the hero of her pond. My client adored the story and wanted to hear it over and over. Eventually, she started using the turtle’s coping strategies and transformed into a more confident version of herself. Who knew a turtle could have such an impact? By identifying with the character, she felt a sense of accomplishment when the character succeeded, which encouraged her. While the story was just one part of her therapy, there is no denying its significant impact on her transformation.
You can also try playing the “Complete the Story” game with your kids. You start with the first line, then they add the next one, and you continue taking turns until you’ve created a unique story together. This process can lead to funny, weird, and wonderfully out-of-this-world tales. You’ll be amazed at the creativity your child brings to the story and, in turn, you’ll gain insights into their inner world, thoughts, and emotions. It’s a fantastic way to bond, spark laughter, and discover more about your child’s imaginative mind.
Storytelling is not just fun; it also boosts a child’s vocabulary, memory, and empathy. When you sit down to read a story with your child, their imagination kicks in. They picture themselves in the story, which helps improve their focus and listening skills. And by hearing about the experiences of others, they learn to be more empathetic and better understand their own emotions. And who knows? By reading to them regularly, you might be nurturing a future storyteller or writer. That’s what Kiran did with Chintan in the film. He nurtured the storyteller within his son, and in the end, we see how this helped Chintan cope with Kiran’s death. Through the power of stories, Chintan found solace and strength, turning his grief into a creative and healing journey.
In conclusion, storytelling is a powerful tool that connects, heals, and teaches. As shown in ‘Ekda Kaay Zala’, it can be a lifeline during tough times, offering comfort and understanding. It helps children process emotions, builds their imagination, and strengthens their bond with you. So, get silly, grab a puppet, and dive into a world of stories. You never know, you might just raise a future storyteller!
Blog by
Ms. Shruti Shelar
Child Psychologist & Play Therapist at Wisdom High Group of Schools
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