Story Sack Adventures
To develop story comprehension and vocabulary through multisensory story experiences.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Joins in with repeated phrases
- Uses props to retell stories
- Recalls story events
- Extends vocabulary from stories
Materials
- Story sacks with props
- Puppets for each character
- Related activities and games
- Books with clear narratives
Instructions
Choose books with clear characters, settings and events: 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea', 'Handa's Surprise'. Gather props that represent key story elements—toy animals, relevant food items, fabric to suggest settings, puppets for main characters.
Present the sack with genuine excitement: 'I have a special sack! I wonder what story is hiding inside? Let's feel it... something soft... something squashy... Let's look!' Pull out items one by one, building curiosity and anticipation.
Before reading the book, let children handle and play with the props freely. 'Look, a tiger puppet! What do you think he likes to eat? Let's find out in our story!' This investment in the objects makes them care more about the narrative.
Read the story, bringing out props at key moments. When the tiger arrives, produce the puppet. When he eats sandwiches, show toy sandwiches being 'eaten'. This makes abstract story events concrete and memorable for young children.
Stop at key moments: 'Oh no! What do you think will happen next?' Let children predict. At repeated phrases, pause for children to join in: 'We're going on a bear hunt, we're going to catch a...' This active participation deepens their engagement with the text.
After reading, invite children to 'tell the story' using the props. Accept their version—it might be out of order or miss bits, and that's absolutely fine. Prompt gently: 'And then what happened?' 'What did the tiger do next?'
Use rich vocabulary from the story in conversation afterwards: 'The tiger was ravenous! That means SO hungry. Are you ever ravenous?' Connect story words to children's own experiences to deepen understanding.
Leave story sacks in the book area for children to access independently. Watch how they use them. Do they retell stories? Create new versions? Their independent play reveals their comprehension and creative thinking.