Seizing the moment: Telling a new story for early childhood
Creative Childcare • May 16, 2023
Seizing the moment: Telling a new story for early childhood
Boost Your Child’s Early Learning Through Storytelling
Everyone has a story to tell. Yes, even your preschooler can weave a compelling tale about their day when prompted.
Stories are how humans connect. Sharing experiences with others improves communication skills and fosters creativity. Young children are no different.
Reading and storytelling promote brain development and help your child regulate their emotions. Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to boost your child’s early learning.
What is storytelling in early childhood?
Storytelling helps children develop the fundamentally human endeavour of sharing information with and imparting wisdom to others. Children love to hear stories and tell stories. It’s one of the reasons reading to babies and young children is encouraged by child development experts.
Story acting allows children to act out important events to share with their families and peers. They can use this technique to celebrate a success or share something of great interest.
Why is storytelling in early childhood beneficial?
Stories create knowledge and help your child learn from others. It’s one of the most effective ways to build communication skills that involve both speaking and listening.
In traditional storytelling or story acting, adults listen to children and children listen to adults and their peers. Listening to others’ stories whilst having the opportunity to share yours is a powerful learning tool.
Among the ways storytelling and story acting benefit your child are as follows:
- It boosts memory. Children must pay attention to remember the characters, plot, and other important details of a story. When they focus, it improves their memory.
- It develops cultural and moral understanding. Children can learn important cultural and moral lessons from age-appropriate stories that explore different peoples and places.
- It fosters creative thinking. Storytelling without showing pictures encourages children to use their creativity to imagine how characters and places look.
- It improves language skills.
Most parents know reading improves language skills. However, they may not realise storytelling achieves the same results. Storytelling helps children grasp the pronunciation of words and recognise proper sentence structure.
How do you use storytelling at home?
You can boost your child’s early learning through storytelling techniques that extend into their home routines. Some ways you can encourage them to practise their storytelling and story-acting skills at home include:
- Lead by example. Children are little imitators. If they see an adult engaging in an activity, they are more likely to try it. Swap out book reading a few nights a week and replace it with storytelling and story acting.
- Visit storytelling and story-acting events. Libraries, cultural centres, and other programs designed for early learning host storytelling and story-acting events throughout the year. Visit some of these events with your child to develop their love of the craft.
Find storytelling partners
Choose a childcare centre that embraces the power of storytelling in its early childhood curriculum. Creative Childcare prioritises storytelling at every level of learning. Children can enjoy story time that includes both book reading and story acting designed to boost engagement and learning.
Reach out today to learn more about how our team uses storytelling or to book a tour of our facilities.
Give your child the best start at Creative Childcare Hunter Street with play-based learning, caring educators, and a nurturing environment.
At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we believe that curiosity and creativity are the building blocks of a child’s growth and development. By fostering an environment where young minds can explore, imagine, and create, we empower children to think outside the box and approach the world with wonder. Here are the ways we inspire curiosity and creativity every day: Inspiring Exploration Through Play Play is at the heart of our approach to learning. Whether indoors or outdoors, we provide opportunities for children to discover new ideas, experiment with materials, and engage their senses. From exploring nature in our garden to building imaginative worlds with blocks, we encourage children to follow their curiosity and lead their own learning adventures. Encouraging Questions and Discovery We nurture a culture of inquiry, where children feel confident asking questions and seeking answers. Our educators actively engage with children’s ideas, guiding them through hands-on activities and discussions that spark discovery. By turning questions into opportunities for exploration, we cultivate a love of learning that stays with them for life. Creative Arts and Expression Art is a powerful way for children to express themselves. At our centre, we provide a wide variety of creative materials—from paints and crayons to clay and recycled items—to inspire artistic exploration. Whether through painting, crafting, or storytelling, children develop their unique voices while honing their fine motor skills and creativity. Imaginative Role-Play and Storytelling Role-play and storytelling ignite children’s imaginations and help them make sense of the world around them. We create spaces for children to transform into chefs, explorers, or even astronauts. Through these imaginative scenarios, they practice problem-solving, communication, and collaboration while having endless fun. Hands-On STEM Activities Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) come alive at Creative Childcare through engaging, hands-on activities. From experimenting with simple science projects to building towers and exploring patterns, we integrate STEM concepts into play to develop critical thinking and creativity. These experiences help children see the exciting possibilities in the world around them. Nature-Based Learning The natural world is an endless source of curiosity. We encourage children to explore and connect with nature through gardening, nature walks, and outdoor play. By observing plants, insects, and seasonal changes, children develop a sense of wonder for the environment and learn valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of life. Celebrating Individuality Every child is unique, and we celebrate their individuality by tailoring activities to their interests and strengths. Whether a child loves music, construction, or storytelling, we provide opportunities for them to shine and share their passions. This personalised approach helps children feel valued and confident in their creative abilities. Collaborative Projects Working together on projects helps children learn the value of teamwork while sparking new ideas. From building large-scale art installations to solving puzzles as a group, collaborative activities teach children to share, listen, and innovate together. Supporting Risk-Taking and Resilience Creativity flourishes when children feel safe to take risks and try new things. We provide an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. This encourages children to experiment, persevere through challenges, and discover solutions on their own, building both creativity and resilience. Reflecting on Experiences Reflection is an important part of the creative process. We encourage children to talk about their projects, share their thoughts, and celebrate their achievements. This practice helps them build confidence in their ideas and appreciate the journey of learning and creating. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, we are committed to nurturing the curiosity and creativity that make childhood so magical. By providing a supportive and inspiring environment, we help children discover their potential and equip them with the tools to approach the world with confidence, imagination, and joy. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
Creative Childcare Hunter Street Reconciliation. At Creative Childcare Hunter Street, reconciliation is more than a process; it’s a meaningful journey that we embrace together. By fostering respectful relationships and celebrating diversity, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for every child in our care. Here’s how our reconciliation initiatives are making a difference every day: Embracing Cultural Awareness Our journey begins with cultivating cultural awareness. Through storytelling, music, and art, we introduce children to diverse cultural heritages. These engaging sessions spark curiosity and encourage children to celebrate the richness of different traditions. By exploring these stories together, we nurture understanding and appreciation from an early age. Interactive Learning Experiences We believe hands-on experiences are key to understanding. Children at our centre participate in interactive activities, from traditional games and dances to creating art inspired by cultural motifs. These activities help children connect with cultural expressions in a meaningful way, fostering respect and joy in diversity. Building Relationships with Local Communities Strong connections with local communities are at the heart of our approach. We collaborate with community leaders, artists, and educators to enrich our programs. Guest speakers and community events provide opportunities for children to learn directly from cultural knowledge holders, fostering authentic relationships and shared experiences. Incorporating Diverse Perspectives Our curriculum is designed to reflect a variety of perspectives across all learning areas. By integrating cultural stories, traditions, and environmental knowledge into everyday activities, we help children develop a holistic understanding of the world. This approach creates a sense of belonging and deep respect for all cultures. Celebrating Cultural Days and Events Throughout the year, we honour significant cultural days and events. From themed weeks to community festivals, these celebrations immerse children in meaningful activities that highlight the importance of cultural milestones. Through discussions, creative projects, and participation in these events, children develop a deep appreciation for different heritages. Promoting Respectful Relationships Reconciliation is about building bridges of understanding. We create an environment where children learn to value diverse perspectives and practice empathy. Through role-playing, collaborative activities, and guided discussions, we teach the importance of kindness, understanding, and respect for all individuals. Encouraging Critical Thinking At our centre, we encourage children to think critically about cultural differences and historical contexts. Open discussions and age-appropriate activities invite them to ask questions and share their thoughts. This approach not only builds cognitive skills but also fosters compassion and empathy. Nurturing Environmental Awareness A connection to the environment is a vital part of cultural understanding. Through nature-based activities, gardening, and exploring local environments, children learn about sustainable practices and the importance of caring for the land. These activities instill respect for the planet and its cultural significance. Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing We understand the value of open dialogue. Our centre provides safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. These conversations empower children to express themselves and learn from one another, fostering confidence and mutual respect. Continuous Reflection and Growth Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. At Creative Childcare, we regularly reflect on our practices, seek feedback from families and communities, and adapt our initiatives to remain impactful. This dedication ensures we continue to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
