Storyshaping supports children in creating and rehearsing stories orally. It is an inclusive and supportive way to develop and explore story structure and language through talk.

Using a simple framework, the adult (or storyshaper) encourages children to contribute to and build their own story. Storyshaping creates a safe environment where all ideas are valued and therefore, children have real ownership as authors of their story. Once created, the stories offer a valuable springboard into many other areas of learning including writing, role-play, small-world play and ICT.

Key principles

• Collaborative and inclusive – all ideas are valued equally by the storyshaper
• Multisensory – Storyshapes serve as visual and tactile prompts for the key elements of story structure
• Supportive – the storyshaper repeats the story at each stage, modelling story language and helping children to remember their story
• Flexible – children can explore endless possibilities whilst creating their story.

Storyshapes

Storyshapes are tactile symbols for place, time, character, question and idea. They serve both as prompts and visual reminders for the key elements of the story. Through Storyshapes, the storyshaper draws ideas from the children to develop their story and, using open questioning, can encourage them to use rich descriptive language.

Each set includes

• 5 beautiful, fabric Storyshapes
• Teacher’s notes
• Storage bag