Sarika emphasises the profound impact of stories on imagination, character development, and lasting memories, emphasising the importance of reading and storytelling exclusively for Different Truths.

I have fond memories of the captivating stories that filled my childhood with wonder, especially those shared during precious moments with my maternal grandfather. Storytime with him was a magical experience that left a lasting impression on my heart. He was my hero, and it was through him that I developed a deep love for stories. Many of my school holidays were spent with him, and those times remain some of the most cherished memories of my life. However, for my son, the experience was different. His grandparents live far away, and we can only visit them once a year. To fill the gap, I took on the role of storyteller. In doing so, I also became a chef, a sportsperson, a designer, and many other things I had never imagined I’d be. It was through these new roles that I discovered the power of stories, not just in passing time, but in shaping young minds.

Reading stories or telling them is one of the best ways to instill a love for reading in children. The characters and worlds they encounter in books can become like close friends, guiding them through their adventures in life. Stories are incredibly important in the early years of a child’s development, with a lifelong impact on their learning and emotional well-being.

Complex Emotions

Through stories, children learn to navigate complex emotions, cope with challenges, and begin to understand the world around them. As they listen, their imaginations take flight, conjuring up images of angels, queens, demons, and more. I believe that picture books and comics, while popular, can sometimes limit a child’s imagination in the early years. Instead, children should be encouraged to listen to stories and visualise the worlds within them. Unfortunately, I see many parents resorting to smartphones and iPads to engage their children.

While every family has its own unique challenges and parenting styles, it’s crucial to remember that we are shaping the future generation. Storytelling also fosters a sense of belonging. The tales shared by grandparents and parents help children understand their origins and the family they belong to. Additionally, stories offer a respite from the pressures of daily life, providing children with a chance to unwind and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. You don’t need to be an expert storyteller to share the magic of stories. You can simply talk about your childhood, dreams, successes, and even failures. Reading a book together is another wonderful way to bond. Local librarians can also be a great resource, helping you choose age-appropriate books for your child.

Cultivate Book Culture

Cultivating a book culture at home is essential to ensuring that children never feel alone and grow up with confidence. This can begin as early as bedtime, with short and simple stories that capture their limited attention spans. Often, children become so attached to a story that they’ll want to hear it over and over again. As preschoolers grow, they can start choosing books based on their interests.
Encouraging them to tell stories is a great way to engage them further. This is also the perfect age to introduce them to libraries, opening up a world of possibilities. Remember, story time should be about sharing, relaxing, and having fun—it’s distinct from reading time. Our primary goal should be to nurture a love for books in our children, letting everything else follow naturally. Fairy tales, folk stories, and mythological tales are particularly important for early readers, while books that don’t resonate with them should be avoided.

By embracing these practices, we can help our children develop a lifelong love for reading, ensuring that they grow up to be confident, imaginative, and thoughtful individuals.

Picture design, Anumita Roy

Sarika Sarkar Das

A teacher, day dreamer, random experimental cook and some hit and miss photography, and at last love to call myself a full time mother. ​

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