puppetsplaysandstorydays

The Magic of Storytelling: When Children Carry Stories With Them

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:10:57 GMT

The Magic of Storytelling: When Children Carry Stories With Them

Just before Christmas, I was working with a Year 2 class, sharing the story of Stick Man.

As I reached the final page, I paused at the moment where the story was about to end.

Without hesitation, one child continued the story from where I had stopped.

She did not have the book in front of her.
The class had not been studying the story.
She simply knew what came next.

I looked at the teacher, and the teacher looked at me.
In that quiet exchange, we both recognised the same thing.

This was not about remembering words.
It was about a story that had stayed with a child.

This is the magic of storytelling.

Stories Live Beyond the Book

Stories are often thought of as something contained within a book, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

However, children do not always experience stories in such neat ways.

They carry stories with them.
They return to them.
They make sense of them over time.

When a child can step into a story and continue it in their own words, it tells us something important. Not only about memory, but about confidence, language, and ownership.

The story no longer belongs only to the page.
It belongs to the child.

Paying Attention to Quiet Moments

This moment was not dramatic or planned.
There was no performance and no expectation.

It was quiet and unexpected.

In busy school days, moments like this can be easy to miss. They do not always fit neatly into a lesson plan or an assessment framework.

Yet they matter deeply.

They show us that something has settled.
They show us that a story has found a place to stay.

Storytelling as Children Grow

Much of my work takes place with Foundation Stage 2 children, where storytelling is a familiar and regular part of classroom life.

Working with Year 1 and Year 2 was a powerful reminder that storytelling does not stop being important as children grow older.

The way children engage with stories changes, but the need for shared storytelling does not disappear.

Instead, it evolves.

Shared stories continue to support:

confidence with language
listening and attention
memory and sequencing
a sense that stories belong to children

There Is No Right Way to Engage With Stories

Children do not all respond to stories in the same way.

Some listen quietly.
Some join in immediately.
Some return to stories later through play or conversation.

All of these responses matter.

Storytelling works best when children are allowed to meet stories in their own way and at their own pace, without being rushed towards an outcome.

Making Space for Stories

School days are busy, and it can feel tempting to move quickly from one activity to the next.

Stories need space.

Space to be heard.
Space to be remembered.
Space to return in unexpected ways.

When stories are given time, children often surprise us.

They show us just how much they have taken in.

Looking Ahead: Why This Matters Now

As we look ahead to the National Year of Reading 2026, there is increasing focus on helping children and families experience reading as something meaningful, enjoyable, and part of everyday life.

This is not only about reading levels or targets.
It is about confidence, access, shared experiences, and positive relationships with stories.

Moments like that unexpected retelling in a Year 2 classroom remind us that this work begins now.

It begins in classrooms, libraries, and shared story spaces, when children are given time, permission, and opportunities to engage with stories in ways that feel natural to them.

By valuing storytelling, talk, and imagination alongside books, we help children build the foundations that later reading depends on.

This long-term thinking sits at the heart of my work with puppetry and storytelling: creating experiences that stay with children long after the story has been told.

Explore Storytime Sets and storytelling resources at Puppets, Plays and Story Days.

Making Storytime Magical: Meet the New StoryTimeSets Story Box

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:46:24 GMT

Making Storytime Magical: Meet the New StoryTimeSets Story Box

At Puppets, Plays & Story Days, we believe that the best learning happens when children are having fun. ✨

That’s why we have created something new, exciting, and a little bit magical, introducing StoryTimeSets , a collection of Story Boxes designed to make stories, songs, and rhymes come alive for little learners.

What’s a Story Box?

Think of it as storytime in a box! �� Each Story Box is filled with carefully chosen books, puppets, and props to turn reading into an adventure.

Instead of just listening to a story, children can join in, act it out, and bring characters to life. It’s the perfect way to build language skills, spark imagination, and create those giggly, wide-eyed moments we all love. ��

Our First Story Box: Nursery Rhymes, Numbers & Colours

We’re kicking off StoryTimeSets with a box that’s packed with favourites you probably know by heart:

�� Old MacDonald Had a Farm (sound board book + animal puppets)
�� Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (book + 10 colourful felt puppets)
�� Five Currant Buns (handcrafted felt finger puppets — perfect for “buying” in the pretend bakery!)
�� All stored neatly in a beautiful bamboo box so nothing goes missing

Why Parents Love It

✔️ No more “I’m bored” — it’s screen-free fun with endless play ideas
✔️ Makes bedtime stories interactive (and keeps little ones engaged!)
✔️ Supports early learning without feeling like “work”
✔️ Everything fits back in the box = tidy-up win ��

Whether it’s bedtime, rainy-day fun, or a chance to sit down and sing with your toddler, this Story Box makes learning feel like play .

The Start of Something New

The Nursery Rhymes, Numbers & Colours Story Box is just the beginning. We’re already planning more Story Boxes with classic tales, seasonal stories, and even themed sets.

And for those who want extra ideas, we’ll soon be offering online training with simple tips on how to get the most out of your box at home. ��

Bring Storytime Alive

Ready to turn storytime into something magical?

✨ Explore the new StoryTimeSets Nursery Rhymes, Numbers & Colours Story Box here: StoryTimeSets Nursery Rhyme Number & Colour Box Set – Early Years Numeracy & Rhyme Learning Set EYFS
✨ Follow us at @StoryTimeSets for ideas, tips, and inspiration��

Educational Benefits of Story Sets: Making Learning Fun

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:25:00 GMT

How Puppets and Story Sets Bring Stories to Life for Children

There’s something truly magical about watching a story unfold – and even more so when the characters are right in front of you, ready to interact!

At Puppets, Plays, and Story Days, we believe storytelling is one of the best ways to fire up children’s imaginations, boost their literacy, and make learning exciting. That is why we have created our story sets, designed to make storytelling not just fun, but hands-on and educational too.

What Are Story Sets?

Our story sets are special collections of puppets, props, and prompts, all based around a particular story or theme. They are perfect for use in schools, homes, libraries, or anywhere stories are told. Each set gives children the chance to join in and become part of the story, making the experience more interactive and memorable.

Whether it’s classic fairy tales like The Three Little Pigs or seasonal favourites like The Gingerbread Man , our story sets have everything you need to bring these beloved tales to life.

Why Story Sets Are Brilliant for Learning

Storytelling is not just about entertaining children; it’s also a key part of their development. Here is how our story sets can help with learning:

Boosts Literacy Skills
Using puppets and props while telling a story helps children focus on key parts of the tale, like the characters, setting, and plot. This helps build their vocabulary, as they learn new words and can immediately connect them to the visuals and actions of the puppets. It also helps them understand how stories work, encouraging a love of reading and improving comprehension.
Encourages Creativity and Imagination
When children get involved with story sets, they are not just listening – they are telling the story too! As they use the puppets and props, they can create their own versions of the story or even invent new ones. This nurtures their creativity and helps develop important problem-solving skills.
Gets Children Actively Involved
Puppets make storytelling more interactive. Instead of passively listening, children are encouraged to move, speak, and even make decisions as they guide the puppets through the story. This hands-on approach is great for children who learn best by doing and keeps them engaged for longer.
Supports Emotional Development
Puppets offer a safe way for children to express their emotions. When a character faces a challenge or shows courage, children can relate to those feelings, helping them to understand and process their own emotions in a positive and supportive way. Story sets give them the chance to explore different emotions and scenarios, which helps to build empathy.

How to Use Story Sets

Our story sets can be used in lots of different ways:

In the Classroom: Teachers can use story sets to support literacy lessons or introduce new themes in a fun, engaging way. Puppets make abstract ideas easier to understand, helping children grasp new concepts through storytelling.
At Home: Parents can use story sets during storytime or as part of interactive play. It’s a brilliant way to make reading together more fun and a lovely way for families to bond.
In Libraries or Workshops: Librarians and workshop leaders can use story sets during reading sessions to captivate young audiences. It’s a fantastic way to encourage children to love books and stories!

Our Story Sets in Action

One of our most popular story sets is based on Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. Children love acting out the roles of the witch, her animal friends, and even the dragon! With puppets, they can fully immerse themselves in the story, which helps with understanding the sequence of events and key themes like teamwork and friendship.

The interactive nature of this set encourages creative play and teamwork, as children work together to bring the story to life, making learning both fun and memorable.

Why Choose Puppets, Plays, and Story Days Story Sets?

At Puppets, Plays, and Story Day , we are passionate about helping children explore their creativity while developing important skills. Our story sets are designed to be fun, engaging, and educational, inspiring imagination and encouraging hands-on participation. Each set is carefully crafted to reflect our commitment to quality and educational excellence.

Whether you are a teacher looking for a new classroom tool, a parent wanting to spark your child’s creativity, or a librarian planning an interactive story hour, our story sets are the perfect way to make stories come to life!

Order Your Story Set Today

Ready to make storytelling even more magical? Explore our full range of story sets on our website and discover how puppets can transform any story into an unforgettable adventure!

Helping Children Manage Anxiety: Exploring Emotions with The Colour Monster Story Set

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:59:17 GMT

Exploring Emotions with The Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set

Understanding emotions can be challenging for children, especially when anxiety and new experiences come into play.

The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas has been a cherished resource for parents and teachers, helping young minds make sense of their feelings through a captivating story. But what if you could take this journey beyond the pages of the book? Introducing our Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set — a hands-on way to bring this beloved story to life and deepen the emotional learning experience.

The Colour Monster: A Journey Through Emotions

In The Colour Monster, we meet a loveable monster who’s feeling a bit mixed up inside. Each of his emotions is represented by a different colour—yellow for happiness, blue for sadness, red for anger, and more. With the help of a kind friend, The Colour Monster learns to sort through his emotions, understanding that each one has a special place in his heart. This simple yet powerful story is an excellent tool for helping children recognize and articulate their own feelings.

How the Story Helps Children

The Colour Monster is more than just a story—it’s a gateway to conversations about emotions, especially for children who may struggle with anxiety or adjusting to new situations like starting school. The book’s relatable narrative and vibrant illustrations provide a safe space for children to explore their feelings, making it easier for them to express what they might not have the words for.

Interactive Learning with the Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set

To make the emotional journey even more engaging, we’ve created the Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set . This set includes:

A Colour Monster Hand Puppet: Perfect for bringing the story to life during read-aloud sessions or imaginative play.
Finger Puppets : Miniature versions of The Colour Monster and his emotions, ideal for interactive storytelling and role-playing.
The Colour Monster Book : The beloved original story, included in the set for a complete learning experience.
A Handy Story Bag : To keep everything together, making it easy to take the learning and fun wherever you go.

A Gentle Introduction to School

While the original Colour Monster book focuses on understanding emotions, there’s also a delightful sequel where The Colour Monster navigates his first day of school. The Colour Monster Goes To School is a great follow-up that helps children prepare for new experiences by connecting them with the emotions they’ve already explored.

Creative Activities to Explore Emotions

Role-Playing Emotions
Use the finger puppets to role-play different scenarios where The Colour Monster might feel happy, sad, or scared. Ask the children how they would help The Colour Monster in each situation, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.

Pack for an Adventure
Just like in the story, imagine you’re taking The Colour Monster on a new adventure. What would you pack in his rucksack? Have the children choose items that might comfort or support The Colour Monster, helping them think about what makes them feel safe and secure.

Draw and Share

Encourage the children to draw their own versions of The Colour Monster, using different colors to represent how they’re feeling today. Display their artwork and talk about why they chose those colours, helping them articulate their emotions in a creative way.
Free Colour Monster Template

Group Activities

Emotion Sharing Circle: In a classroom or group setting, pass the puppet around and let each child share a time when they felt like The Colour Monster. This can help children learn to express their emotions openly and recognize that others have similar feelings.

Why the Puppet Set is a Perfect Companion

The Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set is more than just a toy—it’s a tool for emotional learning. By bringing The Colour Monster off the page and into their hands, children can engage more deeply with the story, making the lessons about emotions even more impactful.

Join Our Colourful Journey

We’re excited to see how you and your little ones will use The Colour Monster Puppet & Story Book Set to explore emotions together!

Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , and X for more ideas, activities, and inspiration on how to bring The Colour Monster’s world into your home or classroom.

Let’s make the journey through emotions a colourful and engaging adventure!

The Three Little Pigs Competition"

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 22:07:35 GMT

Join the Fun at East Riding Libraries

Enter the Three Little Pigs Competition!

Hello Families

We are thrilled to announce an exciting competition as part of our Live & Loud storytelling sessions at East Riding Libraries!
Bring your children and join us for a magical week filled with captivating stories, creative puppet shows, and a chance to win a fantastic Three Little Pigs story set!

What’s Happening

From 27.07.2024 to 03.08.2024, we will visit 9 libraries across East Riding, bringing stories to life with our engaging puppetry. Each session promises to be an enchanting experience for children of all ages. But that’s not all – we have a special competition for you!

Win a Three Little Pigs Story Set!
How to Enter!

Join us at any of the East Riding Libraries during our Live & Loud tour

Sign up for our newsletter during the Live & Loud tour by scanning the QR code at the session or sign up HERE .
You will receive updates about our events, exclusive content, and special offers and you’ll be entered into a draw to win an adorable
Three Little Pigs story set!

Why Sign Up?

Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on our storytelling sessions and events.

Exclusive Content: Receive storytelling tips, puppet-making tutorials, and more!

Special Offers: Be the first to know about our exclusive promotions and giveaways.

About the Three Little Pigs Story Set

The Three Little Pigs story set is a delightful collection that includes:

Three pig puppets and one big bad wolf puppet, all beautifully detailed.

A storybook that brings the classic tale to life.

Hours of interactive fun, perfect for family Storytime or solo play.

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Don’t Miss Out!

Join us for a week of storytelling magic at East Riding Libraries and take part in our Three Little Pigs competition. We can’t wait to see you there!

What's on (eastridinglibraries.co.uk)What's on (eastridinglibraries.co.uk)

Happy storytelling!

Carol Burton

Puppets, Plays, and Story Days

puppetsplaysandstorydays

The Magic of Storytelling: When Children Carry Stories With Them

Stories Live Beyond the Book

Paying Attention to Quiet Moments

Storytelling as Children Grow

There Is No Right Way to Engage With Stories

Making Space for Stories

Looking Ahead: Why This Matters Now

Making Storytime Magical: Meet the New StoryTimeSets Story Box

Making Storytime Magical: Meet the New StoryTimeSets Story Box

What’s a Story Box?

Our First Story Box: Nursery Rhymes, Numbers & Colours

Why Parents Love It

The Start of Something New

Bring Storytime Alive

Educational Benefits of Story Sets: Making Learning Fun

How Puppets and Story Sets Bring Stories to Life for Children

Helping Children Manage Anxiety: Exploring Emotions with The Colour Monster Story Set

The Three Little Pigs Competition"

Join the Fun at East Riding Libraries

Enter the Three Little Pigs Competition!

What’s Happening

Win a Three Little Pigs Story Set! How to Enter!

Join us at any of the East Riding Libraries during our Live & Loud tour

Sign up for our newsletter during the Live & Loud tour by scanning the QR code at the session or sign up HERE . You will receive updates about our events, exclusive content, and special offers and you’ll be entered into a draw to win an adorable Three Little Pigs story set!

Why Sign Up?

About the Three Little Pigs Story Set

Don’t Miss Out!

Win a Three Little Pigs Story Set!
How to Enter!

Sign up for our newsletter during the Live & Loud tour by scanning the QR code at the session or sign up HERE .
You will receive updates about our events, exclusive content, and special offers and you’ll be entered into a draw to win an adorable
Three Little Pigs story set!