Helicopter Stories
To develop oral composition and story ownership through the Helicopter Stories technique.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Dictates a story with narrative structure
- Chooses characters for acting
- Watches peers' stories with attention
- Shows pride in authorship
Materials
- Story scribing book
- Masking tape for stage
- Small group space
- Pencil and paper for adult
Instructions
Sit with individual children. 'Would you like to tell me a story? I'll write it down for you, and then we'll act it out!' Scribe exactly what the child says — word for word, including repetition and grammar.
Do NOT correct or 'improve' the story. If a child says 'The cat goed to the shop and the cat goed home', write exactly that. The child's language is valid and valued.
When the story is complete, read it back: 'Listen — here's YOUR story: The cat goed to the shop and the cat goed home. What a lovely story!' The child hears their own words read as written text.
At group time, create a 'stage' (masking tape rectangle on the floor). Read the story aloud. The author chooses who plays each character. Children step into the stage and act out the story.
The rest of the class watches — they are the audience. Clap at the end. 'That was Maya's story! Well done Maya!' Every child gets a turn to be author over the week.
This technique, developed by Vivian Gussin Paley, is one of the most evidence-supported early literacy approaches in the world. It builds composition, comprehension, and community simultaneously.