S is for Storyteller
Once Upon A Time…
Fictional or factual, stories offer us the power to imagine, to dream, to wonder what if. With stories, the possibilities are endless. They spark the creativity within each of us, while also giving us a chance to learn about the world and better understand others. Equally, telling stories allows us to explore our inner selves and strengthen our own identities. From books to songs, theatre to film, historical tales to fantastical fables, stories come in all shapes and forms. Here’s just a few of our favourite storytelling brands...
Magical Story Jars
These little jars of imagination come with three sets of colour coded story cards and a bottle of magic dust! Children simply sprinkle it over the cards and shake up their jar to awaken the stories within! Pick out one character card, one setting card and one plot card and let the storytelling beginning! Themes include adventure, fairy tale and Christmas. There’s also activity packs, notebooks and a wooden story card stand. www.magicalstoryjars.com
There’s a Story
The brainchild of experienced writer, Viviana Miliaresi, There’s a Story is founded on the belief that children have got their heads screwed on a lot better than adults! We tend to agree there! Using writing and illustration, and working with illustrators, printers and sound designers, Viviana’s online workshops are designed to help children find their own voice and tell their stories, kindling their imagination, building their confidence, cultivating mutual respect and developing empathy and communication skills. www.theresastory.org
Rory’s Story Cubes
These tiny cubes of inspiration are perfect for popping in your handbag and using to keep the kids entertained while you’re out and about or on holiday. Based on the premise that even the simplest of images can spark the imagination the sides of each Story Cube features a symbol which acts as a compass for creating the most crazy and wonderful of stories. Simply roll the cubes and make up a story...or a song…or a comic strip! The possibilities are endless! Choose from Classic, Voyages and Actions. www.storycubes.com
My Story Stones Rock
Handmade from 100% recycled glass and hand drawn by two sisters in Norfolk, these original CE certified Story Stones are perfect for sparking creativity. As well as storytelling they can be used to help build vocabulary and within general play - add them to your sandpit or playdough or play a game of hide and seek with them around the house. There are so many themes to choose from mythical to zoo, transport to weather, alphabet to yoga stones plus emotion monsters designed to help children recognise, explore and talk about their feelings. Custom orders are also available and make a really special gift. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MyStoryStonesRock
Tales of Me
These brilliant award winning books have been created to help children and parents turn the big adventures in life into personalised tales. Focusing upon milestones such as starting school or becoming a big sibling, they provide the perfect opportunity for children to talk through these life-changing events and express any concerns or worries they may have, ask questions and get excited! The books can be personalised with information unique to them, filled with their own photographs, doodles and writing to create a memorable keepsake. www.talesofmebooks.com
Story Stock Circus
This magical travelling circus brings stories to life in fields, forests, castles and theatres, department stores, streets and private homes. Launched in 2013 Story Stock’s enthralling storytellers put on fun, captivating and imaginative shows based on a wide variety of stories from traditional fairy tales to greek mythology and more modern fiction, all reminding children and adults alike that books are an endless source of inspiration and that simply popping on a prop such as a hat can transport the way you feel. They’ve also curated a series of fully-interactive audio walks for families which follows the Blue Plaques of London telling the story of each character. www.storystock.co.uk
“There is something within all of us that responds to being told a story – it’s something that has been passed through generations. Before humans could write, stories would be passed down orally and then written down, but there’s something about the collective experience which makes live literature events so compelling. We’ve read stories as children as a way to communicate on a very immediate level - it’s about focusing on one thing, letting yourself free to be immersed in something other than the day to day. It’s escapism really - it’s vital.” - Claire Gill, co-founder of Story Stock