BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Storytelling is a tradition that teaches virtues, shares culture, and connects generations. In Colorado classrooms, the national organization Spellbinders brings the power of oral storytelling to students, changing both the kids and the volunteers who share their voices.

At Aspen Creek PK-8 in Broomfield, volunteer storytellers like Cathy Lichty don’t just read from books; they perform stories from all over the world, captivating students with expressive gestures and eye contact that animate the ancient folk tales they share. This is oral storytelling.

“Today, I'm telling a story from an ancient folk tale from Persia and another folk tale from Scotland,” Lichty said.

For her, the experience goes far beyond entertainment.

“It gives me a purpose for being," she said

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