How do you tell stories effectively to nursery children?
Choose short stories with repetition and pictures, sit where every child can see, use expressive voices, pauses and props, invite children to join in repeated lines and actions, ask simple questions as you go, and retell the story over several days. Storytelling builds vocabulary, listening and imagination.
What this means in practice
Shared reading and storytelling are among the most effective early literacy activities.
Techniques
- Show the cover and predict
- Use puppets or objects
- Change your voice for characters
- Pause for children to fill in words
- Ask "What will happen next?"
- Act out the story afterwards
Story choices
Repetitive stories, animal tales, folk tales from children's cultures and simple picture books in the home language and English.
Making books part of every day
Create a cosy book corner with books at child height, rotate books with the theme, let children choose a story for the end of the day and lend books to families where possible.
Practical next steps
- Choose a story for the week.
- Practise reading aloud.
- Prepare props.
- Plan follow-up activities.
What to keep in mind
Keep stories age-appropriate and avoid frightening content for young children.
Common follow-up questions
How long should a nursery story be?
Five to ten minutes.
Should I read or tell stories?
Both: reading shows print; telling allows eye contact and expression.
Sources
- Education Endowment Foundation: Early years
- National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage 2022, NCERT
Course facts come from APTTI's published course pages. Examples use made-up names. How these answers are prepared.