At Hartcliffe Nursery School, storytelling and shared books are central to supporting children’s communication, language and literacy development.
Storytelling is far more than simply reading a book. Stories create shared experiences that foster togetherness and belonging, spark imagination and creativity, develop listening and attention skills, and introduce new vocabulary in meaningful ways. They also support emotional development, giving children opportunities to experience different feelings in a safe environment and to develop empathy.
Hartcliffe has developed a staged approach to core books, progressing from simple stories with sounds and actions, through repeated refrains and clear story structures, to problem-solving, prediction and longer narratives. Every book has been chosen to reflect the diverse world children live in, so that each child can see themselves in the stories. Staff bring stories to life using expressive voices, actions, Makaton signs, and props, with cosy spaces indoors, outdoors, and in the forest where children can listen, join in, and tell stories of their own.
Learn more here.