Stories on a Shoestring

We know from children’s captivation with our amazing Sensory Tales range just how important sensory-rich treasures and exciting props can be in bringing stories to life. If your budget doesn't stretch to our ready-made sets fear not, as we’ve sourced some fantastic props to breathe life into your very own story collection. We’ve also included some of our favourite story books at a bargain price so be sure to check out these great deals. To help you put together your own DIY sets, we’ve included some plain cotton bags for easy storage or home lending too. 

Reading stories to and with children should be an essential part of every child growing up and yet we know that all too many children have never enjoyed the close bond with a loved one that bedtime stories give. Not only does sharing a story with a special person help develop vital attachment and provide children with a sense of safety and containment it can also help prepare children for separation and transitions. Age old favourites like peek a boo help lay the foundations for change, anticipation and surprise, be it good or bad and with many stories featuring hide and seek themes or opportunities to explore scary themes; like good and bad, children have an opportunity to play out their thoughts and feelings in preparation for real life. As well as helping develop children’s language and instilling a love of reading, being read to in a calm yet uplifting voice, such as that instinctively used by most adults when engaging with children, can help children regulate their breathing and emotions, much like a baby’s breathing syncing with its mother. Of course it is you the reading partner that is key rather than the book or any props. A playful adult can add interest and excitement to a dull book and breathe more life into a story with the use of voice, tone and expression than a treasure trove of resources. However, the addition of tactile props can be really helpful for both adults and children as some adult’s will naturally feel more confident with a prop to move and distract attention away from themselves, while for many children that require tactile and visual feedback, the addition of a jointed wooden toy that they can manipulate to their hearts content without being told to concentrate will help them maintain a just right state.