Nursery World - Into the deep dark wood... (1)

Sometimes the children who would most benefit from group storytelling are the ones left out of it. Jane Muir explains how to bring them in 'Poor cockerel had forgotten how to crow...' begins the afternoon story in Blackbird Leys College Day Nursery in Oxford, but that's not really the beginning. It begins with senior nursery nurse Nicola Cherry giving out the story mats, one to each child (and some made of carpet samples!).

'Poor cockerel had forgotten how to crow...' begins the afternoon story in Blackbird Leys College Day Nursery in Oxford, but that's not really the beginning. It begins with senior nursery nurse Nicola Cherry giving out the story mats, one to each child (and some made of carpet samples!).

Nicola makes sure that each child has placed their mat where they can see the book and the storyteller. She has also made sure that any children with special needs are seated near the front, or in the middle, and that the child with a physical disability is comfortable and included. Using a story sack prepared ahead of time with animal models, finger puppets, masks, hats, wool and feathers, she has familiarised children with a cockerel, a cow, a duck, a sheep and a fox. She has also shown them the cover of the book, pointing out the title and the names of the author and illustrator.

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