Da Terrence Roberts
Da Terrence is a jali/griot storyteller in the West African Tradition of Jaliyaa. Embracing the teaching power of words and music, he draws both children and adults into his web with animated and interactive stories.
How One Dad Discovered the Power of Storytelling and Transformed Classrooms
Let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time, not too long ago, there was a new dad who wanted the very best for his children. Like many parents, he dreamed of raising intelligent, curious, and creative kids. Years earlier, he had come across a famous quote by Albert Einstein:
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
Inspired by those words, this dad set out to fill his children’s world with stories. He started by purchasing a book of African folktales to read aloud. But something unexpected happened along the way—he discovered that telling stories was even more fun than reading them.
From Reader to Storyteller
As he told more stories, he realized that storytelling offered something magical that reading alone couldn’t provide. When he told stories, he wasn’t just reading words off a page. He was looking into his children’s eyes, adjusting the pacing, adding excitement when they leaned in, and pausing when their little brows furrowed in curiosity. Storytelling became a shared experience, a conversation, and a connection.
He didn’t worry about memorizing the stories word-for-word. Instead, he practiced telling them in his own words—phrases that felt natural, voices that brought the characters to life, and pacing that matched his children’s reactions. He learned that the best stories are the ones that feel alive, not rehearsed.
Taking the Magic to the Classroom
When his children started school, he began visiting their classrooms to share these beloved tales. The response was electric. Teachers quickly noticed how captivated the young scholars were—listening intently, giggling at silly voices, and hanging on to every word. Soon, notes from teachers began coming home in his children’s backpacks:
“Can you come back and tell more stories?”
What started as a simple act of love for his own children had blossomed into something bigger. He was now a storyteller, not just for his family but for classrooms filled with eager listeners.
Storytelling as a Learning Superpower
The dad-turned-storyteller didn’t just entertain—he inspired. Teachers noticed that the children who listened to stories became more confident in creating their own. They started writing their own imaginative tales, and their storytelling skills spilled over into other subjects.
To everyone’s surprise, storytelling even boosted math skills. The patterns, sequencing, and logical thinking involved in crafting and following a story sharpened the same skills needed for solving math problems. It was as if the act of listening to stories rewired their brains for success in multiple areas.
Lessons from the Storyteller
As the storyteller’s reputation grew, teachers began asking him how they could bring the same magic to their classrooms. Here’s what they learned:
- Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously.
Great storytelling isn’t about perfection. It’s about playfulness. Become the characters—use silly voices, exaggerated expressions, and even accents. If you forget part of the story, no worries! Add it in later. Stories are meant to be fluid and fun. - Involve Your Audience.
Children love to participate. Let them repeat key phrases, guess what happens next, or even help tell the story. Better yet, encourage them to tell the story back to you. This builds vocabulary, narrative skills, and confidence. - Stories Aren’t Just for Language Arts.
Storytelling strengthens critical thinking, sequencing, and pattern recognition—skills that are essential in math, science, and beyond. The benefits extend far beyond imagination and creativity. - Repetition Builds Mastery.
The dad often read a story five or six times before telling it. This allowed him to truly understand the flow and spirit of the story, making it easier to adapt and improvise during the telling. Teachers learned that practicing stories beforehand helped them feel more confident and connected to the material.
The Lasting Impact
The storytelling dad didn’t just tell stories—he ignited imaginations, built confidence, and inspired a love of learning. His journey from reading to storytelling taught him (and many others) that stories are more than entertainment. They’re powerful tools for teaching, connecting, and shaping young minds.
So, did you catch the lessons in this story?
Key Takeaways for Storytelling Success
- Read Stories First, Then Tell Them in Your Own Words.
- Bring Characters to Life with Voices and Expressions.
- Stories Boost Skills Beyond Literacy—Including Math!
- Let Children Retell Stories to Build Confidence.
- Embrace Imperfection—Stories Are Meant to Be Fun!
In the words of Einstein, if you want to raise intelligent children, tell them stories. But if you want them to be more intelligent… tell them more stories.
And that is my story!
Da Terrence Roberts, Master Storyteller and Teaching Artist
