2.5y–4.2y10 minStory timeReadingQuiet time
Silly Story Scribe
A calm, creative activity where you model writing a short story or poem by writing down ideas suggested by your child, then rereading it together like a mini book.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (1–2 sheets) or a small notebook
- a pen for you (adult writing)
- crayons or pencils (for illustrating)
Nice to have
- a favourite toy/character (to star in the story)
- stickers for decorating the page
- tape or a simple staple/paperclip to make a ‘book’
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneShows nonverbal story understandingMind· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneForms recognisable letters independentlyMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model writing poems and short stories, writing down ideas suggested by the children.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)