In the article, “A Storyteller Named Fitz“, from the new Winter issue of Exchange magazine, Donna King reflects on the power of story work in early childhood classrooms. “For me, story work has become a reliable way to show up with integrity for each child—me in my full humanity witnessing their full humanity—animated by curiosity, rooted in trust, grounded in respect.”

King’s article centers on her experience with a 4-year-old named Fitz, whose “fiery and high-energy personality” made navigating social settings challenging. Through storytelling, she discovered that Fitz could express and even transform his need for control, creating stories where he was “the Superhero” or the “superbad monster” who wielded immense power.

Over time, King saw Fitz’s storytelling as a key way for him to navigate complex feelings and forge a path to resilience. Reflecting on the process, she notes, “To receive children’s stories with an open heart is to honor them. To present their stories in a way that allows the community to see and appreciate each storyteller is a gift we can give as teachers.”

Each new story became a bridge between Fitz and the world around him. As King explains, “Stories aren’t just something we do; they are a part of who we are, of who we’re becoming. For Fitz, storytelling gave him power over his fears, and he knew he was in a place where his voice mattered.”