2.5y–4.2y10 minStory timeFamily time
Our Real-Life Story Time
A storytelling routine where the parent tells a simple story based on the child’s real experiences and familiar people/places, then invites the child to add details, act it out, and change parts imaginatively.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one familiar object from a real routine (spoon, backpack, small toy)
- a soft toy/figure to act as a character
Nice to have
- a family photo (printed) or a simple drawing
- a blanket/cushion to act out places
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneDevelops a shared storylineMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCreates pretend small world stories with toysMind· 3y–4y· stretch
- MilestoneCaptures experiences and responses with a range of media, such as music, dance and paint and other materials or words.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows nonverbal story understandingMind· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses movement to express feelings.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIndependent connected storytellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Tell stories based on children’s experiences and the people and places they know well.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)