Perhaps most importantly, narrative helps us to make sense of the human condition - the ways in which we think, how we behave and how we relate to others. They have the power to make us think deeply, to engage a range of emotions and to challenge our beliefs and understandings.
It is also true to say that it is through stories that we gain an insight into our culture, our history and our identity. Many stories, which began centuries ago in the oral tradition, have been passed down through generations and teach ways of behaving and give powerful lessons in morality, in a way that is both entertaining and accessible.
Simple traditional tales, such as The Little Red Hen, teach us to help one another and to be persistent with a task, however difficult it may seem.
Fairy stories help us distinguish between good and evil and familiarise us with language that we would never use in everyday conversations: 'Once upon a time', 'Long, long ago' and 'happily ever after', for example.
Real potential
For early years practitioners, the potential of a good story is limitless, making it an excellent starting point for a topic. Once the world of the story has been presented to the children, possibilities exist for exploring many avenues and for offering a good balance of both adult-led and child-initiated activities.
When offered in the format of a high-quality picture book, there are opportunities to explore not just the words, but also the illustrations, and, indeed, the ways in which the visual images work with the text to create an array of meanings beyond that which is simply written or drawn.
Whatever else practitioners plan to do with a book, it is essential that time is set aside to talk to children about their response to a particular story. Such discussions give practitioners an insight into what most fascinates and intrigues the children about a particular book, and this information can then inform planning.
Best books
The best children's books are open to a wide range of interpretations. At first sight, John Burningham's The Magic Bed is about a little boy's incredible night-time adventures, his flights of fantasy. However, it also has much to say about valuing children's imaginations and the complexity of family relationships.
The reader's view of 'what the story is about' will depend on their knowledge and experience. Using a story-based topic with young children is an excellent way of offering structured, focused opportunities for them to explore their own interests, dreams, hopes and desires.
Within each story presented, there is space for the children to interpret it in a way that is unique to them. For example, while adults may be keen to explore the play possibilities of the story, children may want to discuss the behaviour of the Granny who decides to replace the magic bed with a brand new one, while its owner is on holiday.
A sensitive practitioner will recognise that if children are to become enthusiastic, highly motivated readers, then above all else they need to discover 'what's in it for them'. Children need to acquire positive attitudes towards reading as well as sets of knowledge and skills.
Using stories as a basis for a variety of cross-curricular activities is an extremely effective way of doing just that. If books are seen as the starting point for child-centred, playful opportunities that encompass a diverse range of interests and enthusiasms, then children will automatically come to associate books and reading with deep pleasure and satisfaction.
Helen Bromley is an early years consultant and author