Introduction:

In the past, tales were used by our ancestors to educate children and, consequently, the entire society. As the great African author and storyteller Amadou Hampâté B once said, “A tale is a mirror where everyone can discover their image.” Today, these tales are disappearing from the process of educating children, with television and mobile phones seeming to replace them in families. Why are African tales the ideal way to educate a child? How should they be told to achieve this goal? 

The countless benefits of African tales:

Educating through entertainment: Many African tales emphasize morality. At the end of the story, there is always a lesson to be learned. This lesson is distilled with humor throughout the tale. This allows for educating the child in a playful manner and teaching a lesson without violence.

Tales as an alternative to punishment: Some educators use violence towards their students to enforce their rules, whereas a story related to the problem can not only lead students to obey without physical or moral brutality but also teach them a rule of life.

Tales develop the child’s critical thinking: African tales generally concern facts that make one think deeply. For example, proverbs and maxims lead children to become wiser.

African tales teach children about living in society: Through stories, children become familiar with certain values, including kindness, solidarity, and social life. Therefore, telling stories to children regularly positively develops their relationship with the community.

How and when should you tell a story to children?

The ideal time to tell tales to children is divided into two periods according to African tradition: during the weekdays, it is good to tell stories when children want to go to bed, and on weekends, when they finish dinner. Elders advise against telling tales to children every day, perhaps two or three times a week.

Conclusion:

Considering the benefits and importance of tales in African tradition, every family should necessarily use tales as a means of educating their children. Authorities should incorporate tales into school curricula in Africa to increase their impact.