by Adrian Santos Villaroya

Xavier University launched a Summer Storytelling Program and Theater Workshop at Xavier Ecoville on May 9. Children 7-12 years old are the main participants.

The storytelling and theater workshop aim to expose Ecoville children to the English language and, later on, teach them to perform and write their own stories to tell.

Implented by the Regional Center for Expertise, the program is run by volunteers composed of students and employees of XU and other CdeO citizens. Sessions are held twice a week.

The first story read was “The Magic Mat," which teaches children the importance of going to bed early.

Storytelling helps foster children’s appreciation for reading and encourages them to read independently and improve their listening and reading comprehension. It also allows children to explore emotions that can help them understand events and  situations.

At the same time, through storytelling, children are able to grow emotionally, spiritually and relate their personal experiences with the characters in the stories.

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