Wandsworth Prep’s Storytelling Week

Are you sitting comfortably?  Then we’ll begin…

Well done to everyone who took part in Storytelling Week.  Speaking and Listening is an important part of the English curriculum and having one week devoted to these skills is an integral part of the children’s learning.  Research has shown that children who are eloquent speakers with good communication skills are equipped for positive relationships in and out of the workplace.  Also, ‘Talk for Writing’ is a well-established model for improving children’s writing skills.

Teachers used storytelling techniques, games and starters to enthuse the children using a range of props and images to ignite their imaginations.  Some children used summarising skills to break down traditional tales whilst others created original stories.  Teachers swapped classes to tell their own stories and classes prepared stories for each other.  It was wonderful to see the collaboration between Early Years and Key Stage 1 with the older children.

Key Stage 2 visited The Polka Theatre linked to their study of Ancient Greece and watched a professional storyteller re-tell The Odyssey using a variety of cameras and innovative props.  The week culminated in a final assembly where the children watched a special storytelling ‘movie’ where every child recited a favourite line of their story to camera.  Watch the short video below fora snippet of the movie to give you a flavour of their talent.  We hope that the parents enjoyed their homework challenge (the children were especially pleased about this) and your homes were full of storytelling…