National Storytelling Week is celebrated each year, from the 30th of January to the 5th of February, in schools, clubs, and spoken word venues across the country. But what is it all about, and why is it so significant?
Scientists believe that storytelling has existed since the very development of language - from ancient cave drawings, to Greek tales by the likes of Aesop, to the 21st-century photographs, video recordings, and television series we enjoy today. Stories are a powerful tool to teach, inspire, and influence. They convey ideas, cultures, and values that have united people - and will continue to do so, for generations to come.
The most expensive book in the world was sold in 1994 for $30.8 million - Leonardo da Vinci’s science diary, the Codex Leicester. The 72-page manuscript includes da Vinci’s thoughts and theories, including observations on the movement of water, fossils, and the luminosity of the moon. And while we can’t all hope to be the next polymath (his talents included painting, engineering, scientific knowledge, and architecture - to name a few!), we can aim to continue the love for stories shown through the record-breaking auction sale of the Codex Leicester, by taking part in a few activities this week.
The National Literacy Trust has put together a tailored programme to enable teachers “to take your pupils on a journey, from listening to stories to becoming young storytellers themselves.” Author Wendy Shearer is running a free, virtual event for children aged 7 to 11 (KS2) in UK primary schools. The link to register through their website can be found here: https://literacytrust.org.uk/events/storytelling-week-with-wendy-shearer/
Free fact sheets and resource packs for further classroom inspiration can also be found here: https://www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week/resources
Happy storytelling!
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