2.5y–4.2y10 minReadingStory timeFree play
Storyboard Story Talk: Characters & Sequence
A quick ‘storyboard + props’ routine that helps your child talk about characters and what happens first/next/last, while weaving in playful sound attention (rhyme/alliteration/first sounds) linked to early word-reading foundations.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a favourite picture book (any story you know well)
- paper (or flattened packaging cardboard) and a crayon/pen
- 3 small safe props/toys to stand in for characters/objects (e.g., spoon, sock, toy animal, block)
Nice to have
- masking tape to stick the storyboard to a table/floor
- a small bowl/plate to hold the props
- a phone timer (to keep it short and fun)
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
- MilestoneSupported familiar-story retellingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneOrders a complete familiar sequenceMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNames familiar story charactersMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneRecognizes rhymesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneProduces rhyming wordsMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Enjoys rhyming and rhythmic activities.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows awareness of rhyme and alliteration.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Hears and says the initial sound in words.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Continues a rhyming string.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide story boards and props which support children to talk about a story’s characters and sequence of events.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)