Episode Overview
In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh sits down with Dr. Swati Popat Vats, globally awarded early childhood education expert and President of the Early Childhood Association India and the Podar Education Network. Together, they dive into the transformative role of storytelling in early childhood education, parenting, and teacher training.
Dr. Vats shares powerful insights on how oral storytelling traditions, when used intentionally, can foster emotional growth, cognitive development, and parent-child bonding. Drawing from pioneers like Gijubhai and educational models like the Panchakosh, this episode is a rich resource for educators, parents, and curriculum designers alike.
The conversation touches on:
- Why storytelling is not just for fun, but a scientific and emotional tool in pedagogy
- How stories help children make sense of values, conflict, emotions, and the world around them
- The need to revive India’s oral storytelling traditions in a fast-paced, digital world
- How educators can become co-storytellers with parents to shape more resilient, empathetic learners
Whether you’re an early years educator, a parent navigating bedtime stories, or someone passionate about child development and education, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
- Storytelling enhances emotional intelligence and cognitive growth in young children
- Oral storytelling builds connection, trust, and reflection—skills children need for life
- Teachers and parents must become story partners, not just content deliverers
- Stories allow children to explore tough topics in safe, age-appropriate ways
- Gijubhai’s storytelling legacy offers a timeless, scientifically grounded pedagogy
- The Panchakosh model complements storytelling in understanding holistic development
About Dr Swati Popat Vats
Dr. Swati Popat Vats is the founder and president of the Early Childhood Association India and the Association for Preparatory Education and Research. As President of Podar Education Network she leads over 490 preschools and Daycares in India, Nepal, UAE, and Qatar. Dr. Vats has coined the term ‘Kiducation’ for early childhood teachers and parents to help them understand that young children need education from the point of view of their development. She is also an expert on the global think tank of Kidzania.
In her career spanning over 34 years, Swati has authored many books for parents, teachers, and children, her most recent works are two books on Coding for Children and books on educators like Gijubhai, Froebel, and Vygotsky. She has also helped train more than 3,00,000 children on Good Touch Bad Touch and over 60,000 teachers on POCSO awareness. She is a globally awarded early years leader.
Connect with Dr Swati Popat Vats | LinkedIn
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