This article has been written by storytelling specialists, Tonya and Natasha, from Little Creative Days
Stories are one of the most versatile tools you can use when educating children. When combined with other creative activities, such as puppet making, they become even more powerful! Not only that but this combination means you can fulfil every aspect of the EYFS curriculum.
How to cover the EYFS using creative storytelling
Obviously stories are an excellent way for children to experience a rich language environment and to broaden their vocabulary. But making puppets and props also gives the children the opportunity to:
- Talk and work together.
- Speak and listen.
- Develop their own narratives and explanations.
- Start to make sense of situations.
It’s also great for fine motor skills and dexterity as children learn to hold pencils and paintbrushes or use scissors. At the same time they are also exploring different media and materials. This could be paper and cardboard or fabric and templates.
Creative storytelling is also great for helping children to develop their team building skills. A crucial skill they will need as they go through their lives. It will help them to understand the feelings of others and how to act or not act in different situations. This way, will learn how to develop empathy and interact with their peers.
And of course, stories are a great way for children to understand the world we live in. They can be used to relate cultural events such as Christmas, Diwali or even the gunpowder plot.
So as you can see creative storytelling is extremely versatile and is a great multi-sensory and inclusive way for children to learn – so go on what’s stopping you?
About the authors
Little Creative Days
Tonya and Natasha, the storytelling sisters, are authors of a series of books about a little dog called Pojo who gets itchy paws and goes off on adventures.
They have won multiple awards for their puppet making kits that accompany the stories including Teach Early Years Excellence award for Communication and Language Resource.
