Helicopter Stories

14/09/2026

People often ask me what Helicopter Stories actually is, so I've made a short film that explains it.

An adult sits down beside a child and scribes their story word for word, exactly as they tell it. Then everyone gathers round a taped-out stage and the children act those stories out.

It works with children from two right through to seven. And a story can be anything. One word. A list of characters. A tale about a tiger who runs out of a book and flies away.

If you'd like to go a bit deeper, there's a free overview inside our Helicopter Stories On Demand course. You can watch it here: https://helicopterstories.co.uk/lessons/overview-of-helicopter-stories-2/

So tell me, are you doing Helicopter Stories this year? And what are the first stories you're hearing?

04/09/2026

There has been a lot written about the government proposal that primary schools identify children "at risk of becoming NEET." And I thought it was time for me to share my take on it.

I come from a working-class background. I didn't do very well at school. I was raised by a single parent mum, my dad was in prison when I was born. Yes, I tick all the boxes. So yes, I'd probably be there in the queue to get the label, and alongside all the other labels that were given me I'd also have my future prospects of getting a job marked down as being at risk.

But something saved me. Theatre.
The school play.
Drama lessons.
Being shown there was another way of seeing the world, and of seeing myself, through the power of make believe.

But this week I read that children in the most deprived areas are three times less likely to take GCSE drama than children in the wealthiest areas.

Which means the children most likely to be labelled at risk are also the least likely to get the thing that, for me, made all the difference.

And of course this doesn't start at GCSE.

It starts far earlier, in the early years, in play. Fantasy play, make-believe, acting out stories, this is drama, this is first theatre in its purest form.

It's where children try on other lives, other feelings, other points of view. It's where empathy begins.

We know play matters.

I believe drama does too. And right now we're pulling both of these away from exactly the children who need them most

30/08/2026

📚 A final letter from Dolly Parton

When a child turns five, they receive their final book from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, along with this beautiful letter.

Since 1995, Dolly’s Imagination Library has sent a free, carefully chosen book every month to children from birth to five. What began in her home county in Tennessee grew into a worldwide gift of books, reaching millions of children.

This final letter feels especially poignant now.

Dolly writes to children:

“There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go.”

What a legacy, putting books into children’s hands, encouraging them to read, to dream, to learn and to imagine.

Rest in Peace Dolly,

25/08/2026

I’m Ready For School
(Revisiting a poem I wrote this time last year)

I’m ready for school,
is school ready for me?

I can sort of hold a pencil,
just not that easily.

But I’m curious, inquisitive and good at making friends.
I love asking questions,
and building dens.

I can make up stories as I play.
I hope that’s not something you’ll take away,
’cos I’m ready for school,
is school ready for me?

My older sister told me
all about the ABC.
Plus, I’m good at talking.
I talk a lot,
though I might not want to sit still
if you sit me on a spot.

I’m hoping they’ll be lots to do
and that you’ll make it fun,
’cos a childhood without play
is not good for anyone.

I can paint with my fingers
and giggle with glee.

I’m ready for school,
is school ready for me?

15/08/2026

If you want to make sure you hear our stories, get our news, and have access to all the FREE POEMS AND STORIES we give away, then please join our story community. https://helicopterstories.co.uk/join/

The first Sunday Bulletin of the new academic year is being sent on Sunday 30th August. (see preview below)

It's full of freebies, and information on what we've got planned for the term ahead, including details of our FREE Christmas Poetry LIVE Performance and when you will be able to sign up for you children to take part.

If you weren't getting our emails last year, make sure you do this year? Sign up here https://helicopterstories.co.uk/join/

26/07/2026

Whenever I see a magpie, I think of Vivian Gussin Paley.

In You Can't Say You Can't Play, she tells the children a story about a magpie. She had one made for them out of fabric, standing on a small piece of wood. It lived in her classroom. And when she died, that magpie was given to me.

It sits in my office now. And every time I catch sight of it, or see a real one out in the garden, I think of Vivian, and of everything she taught me about the importance of listening to children, and of how much we learn about them, when we scribe their words verbatim and create space to act them out.

Vivian was the most non-judgemental person I have ever met. She truly listened to children, cared deeply about them, and spent time reflecting on their words. I am honoured to have had her as a friend and mentor, and as patron of MakeBelieve Arts for over twenty years.

Seven years ago today, Vivian died.

And still, whenever I see a magpie, she's right there with me.

15/06/2026

Be in with a chance of winning a year's access to your choice of one of our programmes by completing our survey.

It only takes 5 minutes and will help us enormously.

Thank you!

https://form.jotform.com/trishalee/help-shape-our-future

02/06/2026

Can you spare a few minutes for your favourite charity?
Please help us by filling out our survey, which will help shape the future work of the organisation.
There are only 3 staff members in the team, and we do our best, but knowing what's important to you helps us focus our work more efficiently.
If you can help, please click on the link in the comments below ⬇️

22/05/2026

Do Babies Understand the Difference Between Good and Evil? My latest YouTube video looks at the incredible research that proves they do.

When do children learn that stories have goodies and baddies? Good ...

18/05/2026

FREE Poetry Basket and SEND session.

Join us for an inspiring online event celebrating the transformative power of poetry and storytelling for children with SEND.

Hear from three exceptional Early Years SEND practitioners as they share real-life experiences of using the Poetry Basket and Story Steps in their settings — and the remarkable impact these approaches have had on children’s communication, confidence, creativity and connection.

Discover how simple, child-led experiences can unlock engagement, spark imagination and create meaningful opportunities for every child to thrive.
Whether you’re completely new to these programmes or already weaving them into your practice, this event will leave you inspired, equipped and full of ideas to take back to your setting.

Book your free place here:

Join us for an unscripted conversation with inspiring practitioners from our SEND Research Group.