Step into the magical world of tales and adventures as we dive into National Storytelling Week. National Storytelling Week is a time to honour the art of storytelling and it’s impact on language development, creativity, and empathy. It encourages the sharing of stories across generations, fostering a love for literature and the spoken word.
Character Playtime: Engage your little one’s in the joy of reading by encouraging them to play like characters from their favourite stories. At Tops Wareham, we’ve been exploring ‘Monkey Puzzle’. Children enjoyed matching the characters from the story to spoons and imitating the noises of different animals. It’s a delightful way to make reading interactive and fun!
Preschool Story Creations: In celebration of National Storytelling Week, Tops Portsmouth has been buzzing with excitement! They have been discussing their favourite books and activities. The children extended the fun by creating their own Stickmen using sticks from our space. They worked together to figure out how many sticks were needed for each Stickman. Additionally, the little ones embarked on a tracing trail adventure to help the Gruffalo, mouse, fox, and snake escape the deep dark woods.
The Importance of Storytelling:
At Tops Day Nursery, they place great importance on the impact storytelling has on the holistic development of a child. Firstly, their engagement in storytelling serves as a dynamic tool to cultivate essential language skills. Through active listening, children are encouraged to absorb the richness of words, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their overall comprehension.
Secondly, the narratives woven during storytelling sessions act as a magical portal, transporting children to imaginative worlds where creativity flourishes. This immersive experience not only sparks the flame of creativity but also fosters a space where imaginative thinking can flourish.
Lastly, the exposure to diverse characters and situations within stories plays a big role in the development of empathy and emotional intelligence. As children delve into different narratives, they begin to understand various emotions, perspectives, and life situations. This understanding, in turn, helps them develop empathy, allowing them to relate to others’ experiences and build meaningful connections.
Discover more about the importance of reading in the early years and the joy of storytelling through the heartwarming initiative of children being read to by Mayor & Mayoress, Cllr & Mrs Tony Trent here.
Eco-Friendly Storybook Suggestions
Encouraging the natural world’s consciousness through storytelling is a wonderful initiative, even if not directly implemented in the nursery setting. For our Tops Day Nursery families looking to incorporate eco-friendly storybooks at home, here are some delightful suggestions:
Big Earth, Little Me by Thom Wiley (Ages 0-3): A simple book that introduces the youngest readers to eco-friendly habits, like turning off lights and planting trees.
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh (Ages 3-5): This interactive book engages preschoolers in discovering small, actionable ways they can contribute to protecting the environment.
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling by Alison Inches (Ages 3-5): Follow the journey of a plastic bottle and learn about recycling in a way that captivates young imaginations.
As we immerse ourselves in National Storytelling Week, Tops Day Nursery invites your little one’s to join in with the magic of storytelling. Let’s share the joy of tales, create lasting memories, and inspire a lifelong love for the written word. Happy storytelling!
