Background of the Study
Storytelling, as an ancient and culturally embedded practice, has been increasingly recognized as an effective tool for enhancing emotional intelligence among children. In Kebbi State, where oral traditions remain integral to community life, storytelling serves not only as a means of cultural preservation but also as an educational strategy that fosters empathy, self-awareness, and social skills (Mustapha, 2023). Emotional intelligence—the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions as well as those of others—is a crucial component of overall mental health and social success. Integrating storytelling into early education provides children with opportunities to explore complex emotional themes in a relatable and engaging manner.
The use of storytelling in educational settings offers multiple benefits. It creates a safe space for children to express and reflect upon their feelings, thereby facilitating better emotional regulation. In Kebbi State, educators have increasingly incorporated local folktales and narratives that encapsulate moral lessons and emotional experiences, which resonate with children’s lived realities (Suleiman, 2024). Furthermore, storytelling sessions often encourage interactive discussions, enabling children to develop critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills. Recent research has indicated that children exposed to regular storytelling interventions demonstrate improved empathy, reduced aggression, and enhanced conflict resolution skills (Bello, 2025).
Despite these promising developments, systematic evaluations of storytelling’s impact on emotional intelligence within the context of Kebbi State are scarce. Cultural nuances and local dialects may influence the effectiveness of such interventions, and educators often face challenges in adapting traditional narratives to modern pedagogical frameworks. This study aims to explore the role of storytelling in promoting emotional intelligence among children in Kebbi State by examining both qualitative experiences and quantitative outcomes. By identifying key components that contribute to effective storytelling practices, the research seeks to provide a framework for integrating storytelling into broader educational and mental health initiatives (Hassan, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although storytelling has long been a cherished tradition in Kebbi State, its potential to foster emotional intelligence in children has not been systematically explored. Many educators and policymakers assume that cultural practices naturally support emotional development; however, there is limited empirical evidence to substantiate these claims in contemporary educational settings. The lack of formal integration of storytelling into school curricula means that its benefits may be underutilized, particularly in regions where modern teaching methods overshadow traditional practices. This gap is compounded by the absence of standardized measures to assess the impact of storytelling on emotional intelligence (Yusuf, 2023).
Moreover, while anecdotal evidence suggests that storytelling can enhance empathy and social skills, few studies have rigorously investigated how different narrative elements—such as character development, conflict resolution, and moral dilemmas—contribute to these outcomes. The variability in storytelling techniques and the potential for cultural misinterpretation further complicate the assessment. Without clear evidence, it is challenging to advocate for the systematic inclusion of storytelling in educational policies aimed at improving children’s emotional competence (Aminu, 2024).
This study aims to address these shortcomings by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of storytelling as a tool for promoting emotional intelligence among children in Kebbi State. It will assess the extent to which structured storytelling interventions influence key emotional competencies and identify factors that mediate these effects. The goal is to develop evidence-based recommendations for educators and policymakers to harness the full potential of storytelling in nurturing emotionally intelligent future generations (Gimba, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on primary school children aged 7–12 years in Kebbi State. It will employ observational studies and pre-/post-intervention assessments. Limitations include potential variability in storytelling delivery and the subjective nature of measuring emotional intelligence.
Definitions of Terms
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