16mo–2.2y12 minStory timeFree playFamily time
Prop Story Bag Adventures
A quick anytime storytelling game using soft toys and everyday objects as props, helping your child enjoy stories, join in with repeated parts, and bring story ideas into play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 1–2 soft toys (or dolls)
- 3 everyday objects (e.g., spoon, cup, sock, small box, scarf)
- a small bag/basket (or any container) to hold the props
Nice to have
- a simple picture book to start the story (optional)
- a blanket/towel to be a “stage”
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
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies familiar phrasesMind· 12mo–23mo· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneNames familiar referentsMind· 15mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneMatches identical objects and picturesMind· 15mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneNames pictured referentsMind· 23mo–2.9y· core· Step 4
- MilestonePoints to named objectMind· 2y–2.4y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Find opportunities to tell and read stories to children, using puppets, soft toys, or real objects as props.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)