Storytelling has been an important part of human cultures for a very long time. For thousands of years, storytelling was the main way to pass on cultural knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next. Stories teach and entertain, which has helped keep traditional ways of life going. Cultural ideals, medical practices, folk wisdom, historical accounts, and religious beliefs have all been shared through stories told by many people over the centuries. Storytelling is still important today, even though the ways stories has evolved. 

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #83: Storytelling
2. Watch this interview from PBS. Record at least 5 important details from the video.
3. Read this article.  Choose 3 questions to answer with 2-3 sentences.  Remind your teacher that the answers are in the LA mini spark folder. 

• What is the main purpose of storytelling according to the passage?
• What is the earliest evidence of storytelling mentioned in the text?
• Describe the different forms of oral storytelling that are discussed in the passage.
• How did the tradition of oral storytelling originate for works like The Iliad and Aesop’s Fables?
• What are some reasons why people are drawn to stories according to the passage?
• What are some ways that stories can help people develop empathy for others?
• Why does the passage suggest that storytelling has been important for human cooperation and survival?
• What does the passage suggest about the enduring nature of storytelling throughout human history

4. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.