Today, it is a well-known fact that reading or telling stories to children from a young age has many developmental benefits. Let’s just mention a few: stories can help improve language and communication skills, develop a child’s brain through the ability to focus attention, help connect and express emotions, learn about the world and nature, and stimulate curiosity and imagination. Storytelling is part of many traditions as folk tales were passed down from generation to generation. However, in our modern times, growing up with folk tales is not very common.
Parents and teachers often discuss what kind of stories we should tell and what kind of books we should read to our children. This is a topic of constant debate in education. In an attempt to find what is best for children, traditional folk tales are sometimes reshaped, certain parts of the story are removed, and some aspects are softened. Of course, we must be conscientious in everything we teach and tell children, but perhaps we should also pay attention to the well-being.
Fairy tales have been a part of our cultural heritage for generations, and they offer more than just entertainment. Characters like Cinderella, Snow White, the seven dwarfs, the wolf, and Little Red Riding Hood – all these characters have deeper meanings beneath their surface. Fairy tales convey values such as courage, honesty, patience, and love. They teach us important life lessons in a way that is simple and easily understood even by the youngest audience.
Folk tales are also a part of our cultural heritage. They convey the tradition, customs, and values of previous generations. Through these stories, children can learn about their roots and understand their place in the world. Additionally, these tales often have a strong connection to nature and the environment, inspiring us to appreciate the natural world around us and care
Therefore, it is essential not to forget the value of folk tales. They are not only a source of entertainment but also a tool for the development of a child’s imagination, empathy, and understanding of the world around us. Through stories, children can dream, create, and become much more than what seems possible. …but they are all pictures of different elements of our nature. It is precisely this recognition and resonance with them that makes the characters familiar and known. The first steps in connecting with oneself and the world can be experienced through deep feelings lived through the story. These feelings can mature and bear fruit many years later in life
Another important aspect of fairy tales is that the hero or heroine must go through certain trials or embark on a journey before they succeed in their quest. Here, the consensus is that the hero must prove themselves worthy of the reward that awaits them at the end of the journey, whether it is the hand of a princess or a kingdom. The hero confronts evil and defeats it. Their inner qualities, acceptance of life’s challenges, proving themselves, and self-confidence are just some of the elements that a child can unconsciously experience. This experience of strength will later guide them in dealing with the challenges of life.
Fairy tales also contain hope and trust. We see how the weak can become strong, how evil can be transformed into good, every human being can grow into their true potential. This understanding and trust in life and in oneself may be the most important educational value of fairy tales.