This paper reports on a project started November 1999, which aims at understanding the storytelling structuring processes put into action by children at primary education level. The ultimate goal of this study is to draft a script for a computer tool to support story telling. For this purpose it identifies narrative scheme as the main organizing paradigm of human thinking and the ubiquity of the products of narrative schemes for human life. It then considers the importance of the development of children's narrative competences and the role of narrative, particularly storytelling, for the development of literacy and imagination in the processes of learning and school performance. A brief analysis of research within storytelling software development leads to the conclusion that there is need for greater investment in this area. Finally, the paper describes the various research stages, emphasizing V. Propp's contribution toward story analysis and the need to include children in technology design. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/RS)