Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice: A Reflective Guide for Early Years Practitioners / Edition 1

by Tina Bruce, Lynn McNair, Jane Whinnett

Overview

Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice is a brilliantly engaging and practical book that highlights the essential nature of storytelling in all walks of life, and how to best cultivate this in the early years classroom. The authors use a compelling Froebelian approach to explore the role of storytelling not just in the development of literacy but also in the development of communication and language and for maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.

Drawing on primary and contemporary research, and presented by a range of experienced authors, this book covers important topics such as:

• The benefits of regularly practising storytelling
• Storytelling during play activities
• Group dynamics in constructing narratives
• The roles of props and fantasy concepts in storytelling

This accessible guide is ideal for all early years practitioners looking to encourage literacy, communication and well-being in a supportive and creative environment, and for policymakers looking to develop best practice in the early years classroom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367245917
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/16/2020
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Tina Bruce CBE is Honorary Professor at the University of Roehampton, UK, a Vice President of Early Education, a Patron of CLPE, a member of the executive committee of the International Froebel Society and an established author.

Dr Lynn McNair OBE is a founder leader of the Edinburgh Froebel Network, Head of the Cowgate Under Fives Centre in Edinburgh, Senior Teaching Fellow and Pathway co-ordinator of the MSc Ed (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel) and an endorsed Froebel Tutor for the Froebel Trust.

Jane Whinnett MBE is a founder leader of the Edinburgh Froebel Network, Head of two maintained Nursery Schools in Edinburgh, Chair of the Education and Research Committee of the Froebel Trust, Tutor for the MSc Ed (Early Childhood Practice and Froebel) and an endorsed Froebel Tutor for the Froebel Trust.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Acknowledgements x

1 The flourishing of the Edinburgh Froebel Network 'Players and Storytellers' project Jane Whinnett 1

2 "Someone killed Goldilocks and they didn't, live happily ever after…" Isabella, age 3 years: How regular storytelling helps to develop creativity and narrative role-play Sharon Imray Karen Clements 15

3 Tailoring traditional tales as tools for our trade; Transforming literacy in the early years Chris McCormick Shauna McIntosh 31

4 Storytelling groups: Large or small? Alison J Hawkins Moira Whitelaw 64

5 Observing stories that children 'tell' in their play: Reflections Rhian Ferguson 79

6 Using props: An adventure in stories and drama to encourage young storytellers Lynda Bardai 95

7 Superheroes and imaginative play: More opportunities for our children? Detidre Armstrong 107

8 "Fix, fix, fix - Olav is stuck!": Supporting children to tell the story that they really want to tell Elaine Fullerton 122

9 Woodland adventures Lucy Macfarlane Rosemary Welensky 137

10 The stories children tell us about their transitions from early childhood settings to primary school Lynn McNair 152

11 Stomping giants and diamond castles: A study of the use of story grammars to support the development of coherence in written narrative within the context of a Froebelian play-based Primary 1 classroom Catriona Gill 167

12 Gathering thoughts about storytelling Tina Bruce 188

References 205

Index 218