22mo–3y12 minStory timeFamily timeQuiet time
What Happens Next? Choice Storytime
A storytime routine where you choose (or invent) simple stories that show clear consequences of choices, then connect the story to everyday ‘managing self’ moments like drinking carefully, asking for help, and staying safe.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a simple picture book (or you can make up a short story about a teddy)
- a soft toy (teddy/doll) as the ‘character’
- a small cup with a small amount of water (optional to connect story to real life)
Nice to have
- 2 pieces of paper to draw quick ‘choice pictures’ (e.g., safe/unsafe, careful/fast)
- a small towel for ‘spill in the story’ clean-up play
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
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneShows nonverbal story understandingMind· 3y–5y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAttends to Shared Book ReadingMind· 18mo–2.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneAttends and recallsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Choose some stories that highlight the consequences of choices.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)