Nursery World - Then I'll begin

Practitioners will need much more than props to bring stories to life and capture and hold children's attention Props are an important part of storytime, adding to children's enjoyment of the story, holding their attention and sustaining their concentration. But they are only one facet of storytelling. Gesture, expression, intonation, actions, sounds and audience participation are all part of the storytelling process and aspects that practitioners will need to consider when honing their storytelling skills.

Props are an important part of storytime, adding to children's enjoyment of the story, holding their attention and sustaining their concentration. But they are only one facet of storytelling. Gesture, expression, intonation, actions, sounds and audience participation are all part of the storytelling process and aspects that practitioners will need to consider when honing their storytelling skills.

Indeed, there is a case, particularly with older children, for sometimes not worrying too much about props but giving greater attention to these other aspects which encourage children to use their imaginations and visualise the story.

Use the 'Please!' tips below for telling stories and see how many are put into practice in the two stories that follow.

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