How Storytelling Builds Oral Expression Skills in Children Aged 6–12

Why storytelling matters more than ever

If you're the parent of a school-aged child struggling with expressing themselves, especially when it comes to speaking clearly and confidently, you're not alone. Encouraging oral expression at home isn’t always simple—especially when homework, emotional ups and downs, or simply the stress of the school day gets in the way. But here's a gentle thought: what if developing this skill could also be joyful? What if the key lies in something children already love—stories?

Storytelling, in its simplest form, invites your child to find their voice. It's not about perfect grammar or dramatic flair. It's about helping them see that their thoughts have value, their words have weight, and their imagination has room to fly.

From listening to speaking: The storytelling bridge

We often assume kids will naturally grow into good communicators if we just talk to them enough. But kids, especially those between 6 and 12, benefit from practice that actively engages their verbal skills. Storytelling is a fun, low-pressure way to do just that. When your child tells a story, they're practicing sequencing, vocabulary, tone, and confidence—all essential classroom skills, too.

Listening plays an equally strong role. Children who hear rich, diverse narratives tend to imitate the rhythms and structures they absorb. This isn’t about reciting; it’s about absorbing techniques that quietly elevate their own abilities. If you're looking for a simple way to weave more stories into your child’s routine, apps like LISN Kids can be a quiet game-changer. It offers hundreds of original audiobooks and audio series created for kids 3–12, helping them hear how language dances in storytelling. Find it on iOS or Android.

How to nurture a young storyteller at home

If you’ve ever asked your child, “What happened at school today?” and were met with a shrug or a one-word answer, don’t worry—that’s incredibly common. But there are small ways to help your child open up and, gradually, learn to shape their thoughts into stories.

Start by telling your own stories. Share a moment from your childhood at dinner. Recall a funny event from your day. This models storytelling in a relaxed, authentic way. Then, invite your child: “What was the silliest thing that happened to you today?” or “Can you tell me about a time you were really brave at school?”

Here are a few simple practices that can make a difference over time:

• Use prompts: Instead of open-ended questions, try playful story starters like “Imagine a dog that could fly to school. What would happen next?”
• Build together: Create collaborative stories where you take turns adding a sentence. It takes the pressure off and encourages creative risk-taking.
• Celebrate ‘messy’ storytelling: Kids won’t always get stories “right”—and that’s okay. Focus more on the sharing than the structure.

What storytelling can unlock

The benefits of helping your child tell stories go beyond academics. Strong oral expression fuels self-esteem, social skills, and emotional regulation. A child who can narrate their fears is better equipped to manage them. A child who can retell a conflict with a peer often processes and problem-solves faster.

Storytelling can also open doors to learning in unexpected ways. If your child is bored with school content, weaving facts into stories can make a difference. Want to make science more fun? Try turning an inventor’s life into an adventure—this article shares how to do just that: Introduce your child to great explorers and inventors.

Creating the right environment for stories to thrive

Children need space—physically and emotionally—to speak freely. This means carving out quiet moments with minimal distractions. Maybe it’s ten minutes before lights out, or a simple car ride. They don’t need pressure or correction; they need listening ears.

And just like with reading, the physical space matters more than we think. Creating a comfy, distraction-free nook can help kids feel calm enough to express themselves. For tips on how to design a space like that, visit how to create a calm learning space at home.

Raising storytellers means raising thinkers

A rich storytelling routine doesn’t just boost language skills—it teaches your child to observe, wonder, and connect the dots. When children ask questions about the world or explore ideas through fictional tales, they lay the groundwork for lifelong curiosity. Want more ideas on nurturing this curiosity? Here’s a guide on how to help your child ask questions and explore their world.

In our fast-scrolling, screen-packed lives, storytelling slows things down. It helps your child pause, reflect, and feel seen. And perhaps most importantly—it reminds them that their voice matters. Because the stories they tell today shape the confidence they carry tomorrow.

Feeling overwhelmed is natural, but change doesn’t require hours of coaching or perfect execution. Sometimes, it starts with just one story. Maybe tonight’s.