Date
Thursday
Jan
30

National Storytelling Week

Unleash your imagination this National Storytelling Week as you delve into enchanting worlds and riveting tales!

Type
Week

Introduction

Unleash your imagination this National Storytelling Week, beginning on January 30! Since ancient times, stories have been at the heart of human interaction, a respected tradition passed down through generations. Originating in the UK in 2000, this event has blossomed into a worldwide celebration of all things storytelling. Throughout this week, we recognize the captivating art of storytelling and its power to transport us to fantastical worlds, tell of bold and daring adventurers, and even teach us profound life lessons. Grab your favorite book or gather round the fire and get ready for an amazing adventure that awaits!

National Storytelling Week Timeline

1800s
Fairy Tales Boom
The 19th Century was a boom for storytelling, with authors like Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm popularizing fairy tales.
1922
Radio Storytelling
The Golden Age of Radio began, bringing storytelling to a new medium allowing families to gather around the radio for stories.
1956
Storytelling on TV
Television becomes a major source of storytelling with popular series such as "The Twilight Zone" captivating audiences.
1967
Public Storytelling Events
The National Storytelling Festival was founded in Jonesborough, Tennessee, focusing on the preservation and enrichment of oral storytelling.
2000
National Storytelling Week Begins
The Society for Storytelling in the UK launched the first National Storytelling Week to celebrate and promote the tradition of storytelling.
2020
Digital Storytelling
Amidst the global pandemic, many storytelling events and celebrations moved online, using digital platforms to continue the tradition of storytelling.

How to Celebrate National Storytelling Week

1

Create a Story Circle

Gather with friends and family in a circle and begin a storytelling game. One person may start a story, and it moves around the circle with each person adding their own piece to the tale. The plot twists and turns await!

2

Host a Virtual Storytelling Event

Use online platforms like Zoom or Skype to host a virtual storytelling event. Share folktales or family stories, or choose a theme for everyone to share their own original tale.

3

Attend a Storytelling Workshop or Webinar

Look out for online workshops or webinars about storytelling techniques. This can be a great opportunity to learn from experienced storytellers and gain insights into improving your own tales.

4

Campfire Storytelling Night

Nothing beats the ambiance of cracking fire on a cool night for storytelling. Spend the evening under the stars, roasting marshmallows & sharing stories around a campfire. A spine-chilling ghost story is just the cherry on top!

5

Write a Picture Storybook

Try writing and illustrating your own short story. Let your creative spirit flow–you never know where your imagination might take you! If you have little ones in the family, this can be a great communal activity and a perfect keepsake.

Why We Love National Storytelling Week

A

Storytelling invokes creativity

National Storytelling Week is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to tap into their inventive minds and return to a world of curiosity and creativity. It could also spark new ideas and dreams, whilst also teaching the important skill of narrative building.

B

It connects people together

Even in a time where physical gatherings might be restricted, storytelling brings people close together in spirit, from virtual storytelling sessions to interactive story circles. It can create bonds between people of all ages and from all walks of life, through shared listening and telling of stories.

C

It preserves traditions and cultures

Traditional tales that have been passed down through generations are an integral part of cultural heritage. By engaging in storytelling, these stories are kept alive and continue to teach future generations about their cultural origins and values.