Why Storytelling Is so Important for a Child's Development

At the beginning of February, the 15th annual national storytelling week took place around the UK to celebrate the art form of storytelling. Storytelling has been around thousands of years, it predates writing and in its early form consisted of just gestures and facial expressions. It’s an intrinsic part of our human culture and society to tell stories to one another for pleasure and enjoyment. Children in particular have a fondness for storytelling, stories like Jack and the beanstalk, Goldilocks and the three bears and more recently where the wild things are (a personal favourite of mine) conjure up tales of wonder and amazement. 

Casey reading to kids at The Forest School

Storytelling is key to a child’s development, their creativity blossoms when they watch and listen to stories and adds to other forms of creativity including art and writing. During storytelling week, Ben, Jack and Casey, from Apollo Creative decided to volunteer to read stories and use mixed media in a classroom at The Forest School in Knaresborough. We read from books such as Jim and the beanstalk, Goldilocks and the three bears and Monkey puzzle using sound effects as well as projecting images to add to the magic of storytelling. See the video below for how teachers at The Forest School believe it is vital for a child to be exposed to storytelling:

To finish this blog post I have decided to add my top three children’s stories for your viewing and listening pleasure!

1: Curious George builds a home – Written and drawn by the French husband and wife team Hans Augusto Ray and Margret Ray, Curious George is a classic children’s series. The link below takes you to the story below, please note the story and sounds will start automatically:

http://www.curiousgeorge.com/kids-stories-books/cg-builds-a-home

2: Frog and Toad - Spring – Written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, Frog and Toad are short stories that are often humorous and poignant.

3: The very hungry caterpillar – by Eric Carle was first published in 1969 and is still read in schools today!

  

Top 7 Halloween Sensory Activitity Ideas for Kids

With Halloween just around the corner it's time to start thinking how you will celebrate all things spooky! From homemade sensory slime to eye-catching spooky tea light holders we've handpicked our seven favourite and most creative ideas you can make together with your family, friends or school group.


1. Quick and Easy Sensory Slime! 

Make this awesome looking slime using only washable glue, liquid starch and water. You can also add your own Halloween items for added effect. Kids (and adults) will love the sensation of feeling this spooky slime through their hands.

2. Halloween Sensory Bin

This is a great way to not only get your kids senses going but also teach them about colours and objects at the same time. 

3. Jack-O-Lantern Squish Bag 

Ideal for babies and toddlers these easy to make sensory bags provide great interaction for the young ones. You can fill these with all sorts of textures to get kids interacting with them. 

4. Glitter Pumpkins

Glitter Pumpkins? 
Yes, Glitter Pumpkins!
This is a fabulous way for kids to easily create a sensation for the eyes whilst getting their hands (and most probably face) covered with glitter for extra fun and amusement. 

5. Monster Stew

Combine the sensory relaxation of a bath and a Halloween fun filled adventure for little ones with this great idea for a monster stew!

 6. Halloween Tea light holders 
 

Another glitter based activity! using glitter paint to create these great looking tea light holders, make anything from ghosts, monsters and zombies there's no limit to what you can create with these, let you and your kids imaginations run wild.

7. Halloween Discovery Bottles

These are a spooky treat for the eyes and really easy to make. They also remind us of our very own bubble tubes. (although ours are a little less spooky!) 


We hope these ideas have inspired you to create your own sensory Halloween items. Happy Halloween!