Big Stories

“Tell me a fact and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe.
But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” Indian Proverb

 

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How do we fire children's imagination for key subjects? How do we fire children's imagination for key subjects? Great teaching and great parenting are critical. Core skills like reading make learning anything possible.

Read more on the power of story below. 

Tarquin's got over 50 years of experience in innovative and enriching education publishing and we're using story to open the new worlds of history and mathematics for children without fear and without limits. Parent and teachers - enjoy the ride with your children!

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Choose HISTORY or MATHEMATICS to find out more. 


The Power of Story

What is a Story? 

A narrative that raises an unanswered question or unresolved problem which the characters resolve. “Stories engage our thinking, our emotions, and can even lead to the creation of mental imagery.” Listeners and readers of stories “participate” in them – in learning this means engagement: they want to find out what happens and how the story ends.

Stories create interest

Narrative structure creates interest. Even science papers may be encouraged to be “stories of discovery”. Characters in those narratives create and reinforce memories about the stories. It is no accident that many disciplines teach using case studies.

Stories create structure to remember

Readers may be familiar with the memory tricks that enable vast amounts of data to be recalled. These are often based on associating images with the objects of memory. Stories do this naturally – especially where there are vivid images to link to the ideas within the story.

Stories are familiar and accessible – a great way to share information

“Some students may be intimidated by abstract concepts, or may doubt their ability to master or understand the material. A story may provide a non-threatening way to ease students into learning.” This is as important for young readers as for adults. Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol (and, more seriously, reading stories) prepare children for this type of learning and ensure that it is seen as a pleasurable experience.

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As ways of avoiding fear of mathematics, or introducing new disciplines such as history, stories are therefore perfect.