Hints and tips to make storytime engaging for all children, including children who have SEND.

General rules for positive story times

• ensure that there are enough adults sitting with the children who need language support or help, have an adult near
• remember to pre-warn the children that it is story time using a visual timetable, story sign or photo
• make sure you have pre-read the story or know it well
• children who may have a vision or hearing impairment should be sat in front of the reader
• it is important that all the children can see the story teller's face, carpet spots or chairs may be used to help children to sit in appropriate spaces
• speak slowly and enjoy the language, vary your tone and volume to add depth to the story
• make eye contact with the children and lean towards them
• pause at key points to encourage children to 'fill the gaps' to help you to complete the sentence
• you may want to use a 'special' story teller's chair or give the story teller a 'special' cloak or hat to help set the scene
• story time should be a quiet time - ensure other adults or groups are quiet and not causing distractions by moving equipment around.

Stories with children who have SEND

• ensure your story is at the correct language and understanding level for all the children in the group. You can tell a story using the pictures and just one key word, for example the story of 'The Hungry caterpillar' can be told in just a few words, caterpillar, hungry, (name the foods) butterfly!
• use interactive stories or story sacks, puppets and props to help the children follow the story
• let the children get involved with actions or repeated words.

Books with no words

A book does not need words. You can make a story from small objects placed in zip-lock bags or from an umbrella of items relating to a story or theme. You could use a box of props to tell a story, without using a book.

Helpful hints for story telling.