The Ages of Storytelling
Though a good story will most likely appeal to many age groups, the ages of children often have a great impact on the stories we choose to tell. The following are different age groups and the stories that especially appeal them. Remember that such categorization can be dangerous if taken too literally and not treated as merely a guideline. A child and an adult should be exposed to many different types of stories, no matter their age and what “experts” say is acceptable. Still, the guidelines that follow can aid one in finding stories for certain audiences. If you are a future teacher, you may wish to find stories that relate to the particular age group you will be teaching.
The Age of Repetition. Children from 3-6 years of age love stories that are concrete and that take familiar objects, animals that talk and a plot that is repetitious. Such stories are “The Three Little Pigs” or “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Often stories with a taunting, repetitious line are effective with this age group such as “Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man!” Abstract plots are not as effective at this age. Also, objects that the child has experienced are very effective if included in the story. Children of this age also respond well to stories about other children their own age.
The Age of Fancy. Children from 6-9 years of age are a wonder to perform for. Creative stories of fantasy and fairy and folk tales in which good is rewarded and evil punished seem to attract this age group. Winnie the Pooh was once chosen by a poll of third graders as the most popular story. Stories for this age group should let the imagination soar. They are a very willing group to take to other lands and other worlds that contain characters who do marvelous things.
The Age of Hero Worship. This group includes children from 9-12 years of age. Danger, adventure and action in stories are all attractive for these children. Heros such as Tom Sawyer, William Tell, Kit Carson, Bilbo Baggins and Hercules are all very appealing to this age group. One study has found that stories with “secret,” “mystery, or “horse” were very popular. While girls generally read more at this age, they seem to prefer fiction while boys seem to lean toward nonfiction. In any case, this age group loves vicariously experiencing the successes or failures of hero, and they relish the action that takes place in such stories.
The Age of Idealism. Children and adults from the age of 12 like stories that contain adventure, suspense and excitement as the age group before them. Also popular are stories that explore vocational or professional areas. Boys early in this age group seem to prefer stories about boys, while girls have no such preference, but also enjoy stories about romance and family relations. Horses are very popular among early teen girls. Early teen children find stories that contain unusual experiences, surprise or unexpectedness very appealing in a story. Some popular subjects are stories about exploration and expeditions and outdoor life and sports. Stories about male-female relationships also gain in popularity during this age group.
There are many stories that appeal to all groups at once. Some folk tales, fairy tales, and many other types of stories can be accessed and enjoyed by many ages.
