Nursery World - EYFS best practice: All about… Storytelling

Stories are especially important in the early years, explains Mary Medlicott, who offers advice on how to be an effective storyteller to groups of young children

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Stories are basic to human life. In books, films and newspapers, in day-to-day conversation and on Facebook, they are present all around us. Where would we be without them? Stories tell us about ourselves, people elsewhere and in the long distant past. They take us into worlds of magic far away from our ordinary lives. Sad or hilarious, serious or light-hearted, they give us a wider view.

They are vital for all children, and especially so in their early years. Here are some of the many things stories can do:

WAYS OF TELLING STORIES

Reading from books is the commonest way of telling stories to young children. Picture books offer a wealth of interest with wonderful characters, varied vocabulary and fascinating situations.

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