Not Just Read, This Is A Mendongeng Benefit For Children's Development

Illustration of the mitigating benefits for children's development (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA Read a story differently by storytelling. Mendongeng tells in additional detail and movements of hands and even changes in the color of the voice when telling different characters. Storytelling makes children listen to every word carefully. The effect will also be different, children are easier to remember and imagine even after waking up the next morning.

According to a child education speaker, writer, and storytelling expert, Dr. Rebecca Isbell reported by PBS Kids for Parents, Tuesday, August 6, listening to fairy tales hones children's attention levels. Isbell conducted research on the effects of reading stories and storytelling children. The two studies of the two subjects were repeated 20 years later. The results of his research found that listening to fairy tales made children understand their contents well, could recount them well, and his attention was higher than just reading stories.

Mendongeng also makes the child's brain more active than reading a picture book. So specifically, storytelling is useful for increasing imagination, increasing vocabulary, and improving communication skills in children.

Besides being mentally beneficial and educating, storytelling can connect children's relationships with their parents or grandparents because stories are passed down from generation to generation. This means that any fairy tale can strengthen children's relationships with those closest to them. Stories can also be a moment of creativity between you and your baby.

Tips in storytelling for your child, first choose a good story. Kids need a story with a clear opening, conflict, and ending so they can learn the grooves and narratives of a story. Choosing a story with action and morals seems to be able to leave a long lasting impact.

Second, involve your child. Show voice if you can add voice effects. Emphasize the repeated phrases that appear in several parts of the story and invite your child to participate.

Third, keep eye contact with listeners. Make a face or movement that is enthusiastic. Change the speed of the story to build tensions. All of this helps your child understand the story better and maintain their attention.

Fourth, ask questions to direct your child's mind. It also directs children to listen. Then discuss the story after a storytelling session. This will help develop critical thinking as children process what they hear.

The last storytelling tip for children asks them to recount the story. This opens up opportunities for children to share their own perspectives. Also encourage stories to tell other family members or friends. Doctor Isbell encourages parents not to be overwhelmed by the idea of telling stories. No need for perfect fairy tales, but make interesting stories so that children are enthusiastic about listening to these fairy tales.