The Role OF Storytelling in Developing Preschool Children's English Language Competence
Abstract
Storytelling plays a vital role in developing preschool children's English as a Foreign Language (EFL) competence by connecting linguistic learning with imagination, emotion, and culture. Through engaging narratives, children naturally acquire new vocabulary, sentence structures, and pronunciation while building comprehension and confidence. Storytelling also introduces moral values and intercultural understanding, fostering empathy and positive behavior. When applied within a Montessori environment, it supports experiential, child-centered learning that enhances curiosity and creativity. Thus, storytelling functions not only as a linguistic tool but as a holistic pedagogical approach that promotes language acquisition, cognitive growth, and emotional intelligence in early childhood education.