A good story told well can hold a room of three-year-olds completely still, and then have them joining in with the refrain by the second page. This creative storytelling course for early years practitioners shows you how to do that more often. You will work on your own telling, from voice and pace to props and pauses, then look at the books on your shelves, the space where stories happen and the families who carry reading on at home.
Why storytelling matters in the early years
Stories do a lot of work for young children. Hearing them builds vocabulary and comprehension, as children predict what happens next and make connections. Characters who feel joy, sadness, anger and fear help children recognise those emotions in themselves and others, and stories give them a safe space to explore difficult feelings. Shared reading builds warmth between adult and child, and talking about stories with friends builds listening, turn-taking and negotiation.
Stories also sit at the heart of early language and literacy. The course links to DfE guidance for early years providers on communication and language, the prime area that stories feed most directly, and on literacy, where stories, rhyme and early mark-making come together. A setting where every adult can tell a story with confidence, and where every child can find themselves in the book corner, is giving children a strong start.
What’s in the course
- Creative storytelling in the early yearsWhy stories matter and how the course moves from your own skill to the books, the families and the room.
- Why reading is crucial for young childrenThe cognitive, emotional, language and social benefits of sharing stories.
- Develop your own storytelling skillsVoice, body language, characters, story shape and techniques such as the pause, repetition and call-and-response.
- Igniting a passion for readingReading nooks, choosing the right book, active participation and a daily story routine.
- The importance of diverse story booksCultural awareness, representation, authentic books and handling sensitive topics.
- Conducting a story auditA step-by-step review of your collection to find the gaps and fill them.
- Supporting parents with their child’s readingUpdates, reading lists, book borrowing, family events and common barriers at home.
- Creating exciting storytelling spacesLocation, furniture, props, imagination stations and making the space accessible.
- Embracing the journeyReflecting on your progress and keeping storytelling alive in your practice.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- How to use your voice, varying tone, volume and pace, plus gesture and expression, to carry the emotion of a story
- How well-placed pauses build anticipation, and how repetition and refrains create rhythm
- How to invite children in with call-and-response, open-ended questions, retelling and predictions
- How to choose books that match each child’s stage and interests, across board books, picture books and early readers
- What to check before buying diverse books: authentic representation, diverse authors and illustrators, and age fit
- How to run a story audit: gather every book, assess each one, find the gaps, set a budget, weed and promote
- How to help families read at home with reading lists, book borrowing and storytelling nights
- How to set up a storytelling space with books children can reach, props, puppets and a dress-up corner
Who this course is for
- Early years practitioners who want to tell stories with more confidence and flair
- Room leaders and literacy leads responsible for the book corner and story provision
- Managers who want a consistent, inclusive approach to stories across the setting
- Anyone who leads story time or talks to parents about reading at home
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- 9 short lessonsAbout 45 minutes in total.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Story time happens in every room, so it helps when the whole team shares the same techniques and the same approach to choosing books. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Early Literacy, Phonics and a Love of Reading and Child Communication Development (Level 2).
Frequently asked questions
I’m not a confident storyteller. Is this course for me?
Yes. One lesson is about building your own skills and confidence, with techniques you can try straight away. The course suggests recording a session, reviewing it and asking a colleague for feedback.
What is a story audit?
A systematic review of every book in your setting, including those in storage. You check each one for age fit, representation, how engaging it is and its condition, then use what you find to decide what to buy, replace and promote.
Why do diverse books matter for young children?
Children need to see characters who look like them and share their experiences, and to meet characters whose lives are different from their own. Both build cultural awareness and empathy.
How can we help families who don’t have many books at home?
The course covers book borrowing from the setting and signposting families to free local libraries and the Bookstart programme, which gives free books to young children.
Are there resources to download?
Yes. They include a story session planner and props list, storyteller’s technique cards, story talk prompts, a story audit sheet and a reading at home handout for parents.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
