Storycrafting Method–To Share, Participate, Tell And Listen In Practice And Research

Abstract

Children need to be heard and to have the right to affect everyday action. Despite the growing increase in research relating to children there is a discrepancy between theory and (research) practice. Also, the experienced childhood is from time to time seen simplified because of the methods and rectilinear analyses. We need easily adaptable methods that take into account children's ways of acting. The participatory and narrative Storycrafting method is a Finnish social innovation, which has been used and further developed for more than 30 years. In my article, I ask how Storycrafting works with children in practical interactions and as a research method? What are the standpoints and theoretical background of the Storycrafting method? I analyze the Storycrafting method from several perspectives: theoretical, interactional and cultural practice. Studies have shown that Storycrafting has created time and space to encounter children and to share with and listen to them. Children are able to influence matters concerning themselves. Through the method children are empowered: they become accustomed to explaining their ideas. With Storycrafting, professionals have a participatory method that can be adapted to different situations and is a workable method for use with children, as well as with the youth, with people of working age and with seniors.