After 24 years of storytelling at early childhood centres, I have finally hung up my hat or more correctly, put away my storyboard and story-bag. I have even given away most of the resources, hoping that they will be used by new storytellers to delight more children. I know that once the school term begins I will miss the children and also the wonderful teachers who have greeted me and supported my efforts over the years. An idea has popped into my mind now of how I can still contribute to storytelling in your centres and at the same time motivate myself to keep writing and creating.

My goal is to give the early childhood centres a storytelling idea each month. Some months there may be more than one story idea. Is there someone at your centre who will try out these ideas for telling stories without using books? It is a fun way to entertain children while encouraging their language skills.

Storytelling using feltboard, toys, puppets, drama, music and objects from nature as well as reading books, can help children develop skills such as

• Imagination
• concentration
• memory
• social skills like turn taking
• confidence
• physical skills

Please give it a go.