Stories for Talking

Stories for Talking, 2nd edition, is a structured, play-based language programme for early years practitioners to teach a range of language skills through stories, story themes and story time.

Fully updated, this inclusive and easy-to-implement programme supports the language skills of all children by focusing on three key levels of language development: vocabulary, sentences and narrative. It provides a highly structured set of activities for five popular story books, starting at an easy functional level for children who have few words and limited sentences, and progressing to activities that promote rich vocabulary and narrative skills for those with more advanced language. Language learning in group activities is further embedded through a whole setting, play-based approach which supports the development of role play and confidence using language in social situations. In-depth explanatory sections are included for those who want to further develop the ideas into their own planning.

This tried-and-tested, fun approach works at universal, targeted and specialist levels and is an effective preparation for storytelling and literacy, for all children, but it will be of particular value for children with SLCN, DLD, and EAL learners. It is an essential resource for early years practitioners, speech and language therapists, childminders, and parents/carers.