New Beginnings At Burslem

Fun fact: storytelling exercises many important skills at the same time!

As children listen, remember characters and place events in order, they strengthen their memory, sequencing and listening abilities.

Every story shared is also an opportunity for growing minds to think, connect and communicate.

Let your child choose the book, keep reading sessions short and follow their interests rather than focusing on finishing every page.

Bring the story to life with funny voices, actions and plenty of opportunities to talk about the pictures.

When reading feels relaxed, playful and child-led, children are more likely to develop a genuine love for books.

Did you know that story props can help children understand and remember what they have heard?

Puppets, toys and simple character cut-outs encourage children to retell events in their own words and put them in the correct order.

It is a playful way to build comprehension, confidence and communication skills.

Even the smallest moments are full of opportunities to learn and grow. From exploring books and developing an early love of stories, to recognising emotions in the mirror and building confidence through physical play, our little learners are busy discovering more about themselves and the world around them.

These everyday experiences help support communication, self-awareness, curiosity, coordination and independence — all while having plenty of fun along the way.

Would you love your little one to be part of these wonderful learning experiences? Come and see what makes our Burslem Nursery special. Book a visit with us today and discover the environment your child could be growing and thriving in.

🌐 www.newbeginnings-nurseries.co.uk/burslem-stoke-on-trent
📞 0730 195 1251
📧 [email protected]

Make story time more interactive with three simple steps: ask your child what they think will happen next, bring the characters to life with funny voices, and act out parts of the story together. 📚

These playful moments encourage children to listen, think, communicate and use their imagination.

Try these ideas during your next story and watch reading become a wonderful shared adventure!

Curiosity often begins with the smallest discoveries

A tiny insect, an unusual leaf or a new sound can hold a child’s attention for longer than we expect. As they look closely, ask questions and try to understand what they see, they are already practising observation, concentration and independent thinking.

This Sunday, let’s slow down and enjoy seeing the world through their curious eyes.

What story could be hiding inside this little bag?

For this weekend’s activity, help your child create and decorate their own story bag, then fill it with small toys, pictures or familiar objects. Take turns pulling out one item at a time and use each one to build a silly, exciting or completely unexpected story together.

There is no right ending, just plenty of imagination. What would your child put inside their story bag?

One texture can introduce a whole new word

A fluffy feather might feel soft. A sponge may feel rough. Playdough can become sticky, while a smooth stone feels completely different again.

When children touch, compare and describe materials, their vocabulary grows through an experience they can actually feel.

“My child does not like getting messy. Should I worry?”

Not every child enjoys sticky fingers, wet paint or unfamiliar textures, and that is perfectly okay. Begin with a spoon, brush, toy or glove so they can explore without touching the material directly, then allow them to move closer when they feel ready.

Confidence grows best when children are invited rather than pressured.

Those little hands are doing important work

While a child squeezes playdough, pours water or runs their fingers through sand, they are also hearing new words, remembering what happened before and finding a quiet moment to settle.

Sensory play may look simple, but so much learning can happen inside one peaceful activity.