Why Young Children Connect More to Realistic Stories Than Fiction
- Amina Banu
- Montessori Directress
In the world of children’s literature, stories have the power to shape young minds. From fairy tales to fantasy realms, the landscape of children’s books is vast and varied. When it comes to the developmental stages of young children, one type of storytelling often resonates more than others: realistic stories.
At the core of the Montessori philosophy, is the idea that children learn best when their experiences are connected to reality. They thrive when their learning is grounded in concrete, tangible concepts, and they develop a deep understanding of the world around them through hands on experiences and interactions with real-life objects. As such, it’s no surprise that primary-aged children often feel a stronger connection to realistic stories than those that venture into the realm of fantasy.
Understanding the Montessori Approach
Dr Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of providing children with educational experiences that reflect the natural world. She believed that children learn most effectively when they are given opportunities to explore the real world, developing a deep connection to the environments in which they live. In this sense, learning is about observation, discovery, and practical application. Montessori environments are more likely to be drawn to stories that reflect the world they can see, touch, and experience.
Realistic stories are those that depict real people, real places, and real events, and offer children an opportunity to make connections between what they hear, what they read, and what they see and experience in their own lives. These stories support the child’s need for order, logic, and structure. They provide relatable scenarios, allowing children to make sense of their own world while also learning about the lives of others.
Why Realistic Stories Matter
- Fostering Empathy and Understanding –
Realistic stories often revolve around everyday situations, emotions, and relationships. Through characters who face challenges that children can relate to whether it’s dealing with friendship, overcoming fears, or solving problems children can develop empathy. They begin to understand the feelings of others and navigate their own emotional worlds. For example, a story about a child struggling with shyness can help a young reader process their own feelings about new social situations. - Building a Deeper Understanding of the World –
When children encounter stories rooted in reality, they gain insight into the lives, cultures, and experiences of others. This is particularly valuable in a Montessori environment, where global awareness and respect for diversity are key principles. A realistic story about a family from a different part of the world, for example, can offer children a glimpse into the lives of others, helping them appreciate different ways of life and fostering an open, inclusive mindset.
3.Reinforcing Problem-Solving Skills –
The practical challenges faced by characters in realistic stories mirror the types of problems children encounter in their own lives. Whether it’s learning how to share, work together, or make choices, realistic stories offer children the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviors and solutions. In a Montessori classroom, problem-solving is a cornerstone of learning, and realistic stories provide a space for children to practice this skill.
4.Encouraging Independent Thinking –
Realistic stories often present scenarios where characters must think for themselves, make decisions, and act according to their values and experiences. This encourages children to think critically about their own lives, make choices, and explore consequences. Just like in Montessori education, where children are encouraged to work independently and make decisions in their learning, realistic stories help cultivate the same skills in the realm of social and emotional understanding.
The Role of Fantasy and Fiction
While realistic stories hold significant value in the Montessori framework, it’s important to acknowledge that fantasy and fiction also have their place in a child’s development. Stories that explore imaginary worlds can fuel creativity, expand the imagination, and encourage abstract thinking, which is important as children grow (6 years and above). However, for primary-aged children, particularly those in the early years of Montessori education, the concrete and relatable aspects of realistic stories can often provide a stronger foundation for learning.
As children grow older and their thinking becomes more abstract, they may begin to embrace more complex fiction and fantasy stories, particularly those that have elements of moral lessons or that challenge their imagination.
Conclusion: Connecting to Reality Through Stories
As children continue to grow, their curiosity and ability to think abstractly will lead them to explore more fictional realms.
