Several public libraries hold Storytelling for Children activities in Cantonese and English each week, which are aimed at developing children's interest in reading through storytelling, interactive games and prose recital.
Kennies Cheung works as a storytelling tutor at Pang Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, a role she's held since 2002. Her goal is to help build happy childhood memories for those who turn up every Sunday morning for her one-hour Cantonese storytelling sessions.
She reads to children aged four to 11. After the story, they make handicrafts, draw or play games.
Beyond words
Ms Cheung believes storytelling is an art. She uses different tones of voice for the narrative and for each character to capture her young audience's attention.
"You need to think like a child. Play the characters in a lively way, then the children will be captivated," she said.
Ms Cheung recalled how much she enjoyed storytelling and making handicrafts with her sister when they were young. When her sister mentioned that libraries recruit storytelling tutors, she promptly applied.
Applicants must be Hong Kong residents with experience in teaching, hosting children's storytelling sessions or conducting children's activities. They can earn around $200 per session.
Ms Cheung said the most important lesson she has learned during her more than 10 years as a storyteller tutor is to be passionate and patient. It also helps to have a childlike imagination.
The fairy tale classics Cinderella and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are among her favourites, but she admits fairy tales mostly appeal to the younger ones. She chooses fables with positive messages for primary students and holds a quiz on the story afterwards to encourage them to ask questions about it.
The challenge for a storytelling tutor is choosing the right tales. Ms Cheung said the older children usually follow the text and read along with her. She used to pass the book around the room, but these days she uses a projector so that all the youngsters can see the pages at the same time.
Stress-free oasis
Ms Cheung said she meets some children who are under a lot of academic pressure, so the storytelling sessions provide them with a place to relax and forget about their schooling issues, even if it is only for an hour.
She also hopes to show parents that it is equally important to nurture a child's physical and psychological development, as well as their academic minds.
"Children nowadays are under a lot of academic pressure. Many so-called 'tiger parents' want them to study constantly. They enrol them in many classes, but forget to speak with and listen to their children, and allow them to play. I think storytelling is the best way to spend time with kids. They are happy when they listen to stories. It helps improve the parent-child relationship, while also easing the child's stress."
Ms Cheung became a full-time mum seven years ago when her son was born and used to help out as an after school carer. She sees her Sunday storytelling sessions as a good stress reliever. During the week, her storytelling skills are reserved for her son, as she believes children can learn more through stories rather than rote learning.
Hot topic
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library Assistant Librarian Melanie Lai noted that the children's storytelling sessions are one of the library's most popular activities and have been consistently fully booked since they were launched in 1966.
The number of children that can join each storytelling session varies between libraries, as it depends on the size of the venue. Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai library can accommodate up to 30 children per session.
Storytellers are not recruited regularly, so those who are interested in applying are advised to contact their local library for more information.
