The contribution of 'story' to children's development

Story plays an essential part in the growth and development of the mind and all that it contains. It gives insights into human nature, expression to thoughts, ideas and desires and aids in the organisation of experience. It opens up the possibilities of other ways of life, of new and different approaches and views in human relationships. New worlds we didn't know existed are created and familiar worlds are given new structures, put into new frameworks and we are given a deeper understanding of our own, and others', intentions, attitudes and emotions.

Reading the following article in the light of the power of story, we find that narrative in the form of books becomes an important part of learning and ultimately in shaping lives and society. Writers, parents and teachers, therefore, should consider the values presented in books, whether implicit or explicit, and be able to justify what they offer to children in the form of literature.

This article was written with the intention of showing the importance of narrative in the development of young minds. It considers the responses we can make to literature and how this may determine the shape of our thinking. Tracing the history of children's books and the social pressures exerted on them, we see the importance placed on the values that are presented. In the light of the power of story, we see the important part books play in influencing individual lives, and the responsibility of adults in what they offer to children.