Storytelling, a creative art form with a long history and considerable instructional potential, is increasingly regarded in schools and communities as literature. Recent papers and articles in the ERIC database discuss the use of storytelling in the classroom to develop language abilities, literature appreciation, critical thinking and comprehension, and understanding of community and self. Storytelling is effective in fostering a relaxed and intimate atmosphere in the classroom. Numerous activities can be employed to build children's storytelling skills. For a classroom teacher who wishes to use storytelling, it is best to begin with a simple story with action, a definite climax, and a conclusion the students will find satisfactory, and to remember that enjoyment is the first and chief consideration. The second consideration in effective storytelling should be to encourage exploration and experimentation with language. (Twenty-two references are attached.) (SR)