16mo–2.2y12 minReadingStory timeFamily time
Story Sack: Pull-and-Tell
A simple 'story sack' made from a household bag with a book and a few props to encourage shared story talk, repetition and remembering.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bag (tote bag, pillowcase, or reusable shopping bag)
- one short picture book
Nice to have
- 2-3 simple props that match the story (e.g., teddy, spoon, toy car, small scarf)
- a small snack or drink for a cozy routine
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· stretch
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIdentifies named objectsMind· 13mo–2.1y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies familiar phrasesMind· 12mo–23mo· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Interested in books and rhymes and may have favourites.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Repeats words or phrases from familiar stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Fills in the missing word or phrase in a known rhyme, story or game, e.g. ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a …’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide story sacks for parents to take them home to encourage use of books and talk about stories.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)