National Storytelling Week - 31 January to 8 February 2026
Understand the power and joy of sharing stories
Storytelling provides many psychological and educational benefits, such as enhanced imagination to help visualise spoken words, improved vocabulary, and more refined communication skills (Yabe et al, 2018)
Benefits of Storytelling
- Boosts vocabulary and verbal skills
- Sharpens attention and listening skills
- Encourages active participation
- Narrative skills help foster empathy
- Ignites imagination and creativity
- Strengthens communication of thoughts and feelings
2026 National Storytelling Week
National Storytelling Week celebrates the power of stories to connect us and build meaningful human connections. This year's theme is "Speaking Story into the Darkness". Join in by sharing, listening and passing on stories to keep wisdom and wonder alive.
Why Stories Matter
Stories connect us. When we tell them, we share a piece of ourselves and invite others to do the same.
Folk and fairy tales, myths and legends from around the world carry timeless themes we have in common, while also highlighting what makes each culture unique. At the same time, the everyday stories we share – a funny tale from work, a memory passed down by a grandparent, a family tradition or dramatic life event – are equally powerful in shaping how we connect with others.
National Storytelling Week is a chance to celebrate tales in all their forms, pass them on and enjoy their wisdom and wonder.
Society for Storytelling Homepage
For a a collection of teaching resources for primary and secondary schools to inspire with the joy of reading and storytelling see the BBC World Book Day & National Storytelling week website
Exploring the magic of storytelling in sound, lyrics and rhythm. Building on the theme of Soundtrack your Story, with inspirational free workshops and resources helping to promote a love of reading, writing and storytelling in your classroom.
