13-7
In this book we use a lot of stories. (Seethe list on page 13-14.) Story telling
is useful because it lets us put new ideas in a familiar yet adventurous setting. It
allows people to see how new and old ideas fit together—or conflict—in a real-
life situation. Also, stories are a traditional form of learning that most people have
experienced since childhood.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO
TEACH WITH STORIES
1. Parables—or stories with a moral
Some stories teach a lesson, or moral,
which is stated at the end. These can be
make-believe stories with animals (fables),
imaginary stories about people (tales), or
true stories. Examples of parables are on
pages 1-26 and 5-7 of this book.
MORAL:
SLOW BUT STEADY WINS THE RACE.
2. Stories that help people think about local
problems
Some stories do not give any simple answers or
morals, but instead point to existing problems. An
example is “The Story of Luis” on page 26-3. This
kind of story can help get people thinking about and
discussing social issues.
At first, it is often easier for a group to discuss
the problems of imaginary people in a story than
to talk about the real problems in their own lives
and community. But if they begin by looking at the
problems faced by the people in a story, this may help
them to reflect on their own difficulties.
3. S t o r i e s t h a t students help to
write
A community literacy program in Mexico has
the students learn to read stories about social
problems that are related to their own lives. Parts
of the stories are left blank, for the students to
fill in themselves. This way the students take
part in creating the stories and will relate them
more to their own situation.
The best teaching stories often are those the students tell
or complete themselves—based on their own experience.