I devote a whole chapter in my book ‘Pedagogy andEducation for Life’ to stories and storytelling. In this post, I just want to
make three points about story, which cannot be emphasised too many times. I’ve
just posted on my ‘Language & Literacy’ blog about some wonderful children’s
books, which prompted me to discuss the impact that stories have on children’s
lives. I’m not simply speaking of stories in books, but rather the impact of stories
of all kinds on how our children see the world. Three quick points:
First, stories in whatever form, can shape our hopes,
goals, desires and views of the world. So, as teachers and parents, the choices
we make - when we share stories and literature with our children, or when we
allow them to watch specific television programs and movies - matter!
Second, stories can shape our vision and desires for
life. Oliver O'Donovan
reminded us of Augustine’s statement that a community is “a gathered multitude
of rational beings united by agreeing to share the things they love.” Such
groups whether friendship groups, teams, classrooms, clubs etc, influence our ‘hearts’
and minds. In essence, through them we can come to have a common “view of the
good.” Or, put another way, the things that matter to them and shape their
lives.
Third, one’s
goals, desires, views of the world and varied cultural practices shaped, might
be good, bad or inconsequential for our children.
My Christian
readers will take comfort in knowing that the Bible is central to their lives and
that of their children. As such, this can influence and shape goals, desires
and views of the world. And of course, my readers who have other faiths will point
to other key religious books and teachings that shape who they are. Others will
trust in their children to make good choices, and simply try to influence them
within the home, through their own values and actions.
But note this.
Our children spend much of their lives talking and engaging with other children
like them, and spending time on varied social media, much of which teachers and
parents don’t use. As such, there are many influences through the varied “communities
of practice” in which they live day by day. Hence, within the many and varied real
and online communities that our children inhabit, there are ideas and ‘loves’
that are not scrutinized by parents or teachers.
Margaret Meek suggested that the writing of others is “infectious”;
and this she always hoped for as a writer. The stories that are part of our experience can shape our
vision of the good life, give focus to our desires, and direction. And the
stories that are part of our experience shape our vision of the good life, giving
focus to our desires, and lead us down different paths.
Summing up, story
can challenge, move us and lead us to reflect on our lives. And the stories of
life in whatever form, helps us to deal with all of life’s emotions including
love, hate, fear, confidence, chaos, certainty, weakness, strength, success,
and failure. Stories are potentially formative, influencing our attitude toward
the ultimate object of love—the God of the universe—who has made us for a
future kingdom and an everlasting hope and glory.
