Little Book of Storybuilding
Storybuilding is a cooperative story making technique - with a group of children the practitioner builds an original story e.g. using a range of objects to prompt the people, places and storyline. It is an ideal activity to develop speaking, listening and understanding skills in a fun and imaginative way. It is all about formulating and communicating ideas and as a supportive group task strengthens personal social and emotional development (PSED).
Having the confidence to lead what is essentially an improvised activity can be daunting for practitioners without a full understanding of the approach. The Little Book of Storybuilding aims to make this useful and exciting technique accessible to all practitioners working in early years settings by explaining clearly, in a step by step manner, what Storybuilding is and how to begin using it in a typical setting.
The wide range of activities includes making stories through play, drama, music and art both inside and outside the classroom.
Victoria Millward is an Early Years-trained teacher working in an inner London primary school. She has a sound understanding of how the revised EYFS curriculum will impact on planning and assessment in Early Years settings for the 2012-13 academic year and beyond. Prior to training as a teacher she worked in the arts and education field in a range of roles, including that of Storybuilder at a children’s story telling centre. She is also an accredited Forest School leader.
Clare Lewis has worked as a drama practitioner and an Education Manager in theatre for over ten years. She has worked with many nurseries and children’s centres teaching, developing performances, workshops and stories for young children. She was also the Storyteller and Drama Artist for 5x5x5=creativity, an enquiry project for early years settings based on principles developed in Reggio Emilia. She has been writing resources for teachers for many years in partnership with respected venues and companies including: Polka Theatre, London Bubble Theatre Co, National Maritime Museum and Discover etc.