Introduction
National Storytelling Week (1st – 9th February) is the perfect opportunity to celebrate stories in all their forms. Whether it’s reading aloud, retelling a traditional tale, listening to an author read their own work, or recommending a favourite book, storytelling is a powerful tool for learning and connection.
This year, our librarians share ideas and resources to support storytelling in the classroom during National Storytelling Week and beyond, ensuring that stories, both in physical and digital form, continue to inspire and engage pupils of all ages.
Why read aloud?
National Storytelling Week gives us the perfect opportunity to embrace stories in all forms. While many children read regularly, some may not have the same access to books or the time to read. Sharing stories digitally helps ensure all pupils can enjoy literature, no matter their circumstances.
Reading aloud to children, no matter their age, offers multiple benefits:
- Access to more complex texts than they can read independently
- Expands vocabulary
- Improves concentration and focus
- Enhances writing skills
- Reduces stress
- Boosts academic performance across subjects
Ideas for Successful Storytime in the Classroom During National Storytelling Week
Create a cozy atmosphere
Celebrate National Storytelling Week by offering a storytelling session for your whole class. Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating, and consider adding fun touches like inviting pupils to bring in a small teddy or blanket to enhance the experience.
Encourage interaction
Engage your pupils during the story by using gestures, facial expressions, and inviting them to join in with repetitive parts of the story. You can also ask pupils to write their own stories and share them with the class—this sparks creativity and keeps them engaged.
Choose a variety of books
Select a mix of chapter books, picture books, poetry, and non-fiction that are great for reading aloud. Pick stories that you enjoy as well; your enthusiasm will make the storytelling more engaging for your pupils.
Bring the story to life
Enhance the storytelling experience by using props, different voices, and varied intonation. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra drama—pause at cliffhangers, use action words, or incorporate dress-up clothes and soft toys for a more immersive experience.
Set the mood with music
Set the tone for your story with some atmospheric music. Whether it’s calming classical music or adventurous tracks like a Star Wars soundtrack for a sci-fi tale, the right music can add another layer of excitement to your session.
Top Picks for National Storytelling Week 2025
1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A classic story of imagination and adventure, this book is perfect for exploring themes of creativity, bravery, and emotions.
- Activity Idea: Create your own "wild thing" masks and act out scenes from the book.
2. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Beloved by pupils of all ages, this rhyming tale invites participation with its repetitive and engaging text.
- Activity Idea: Encourage pupils to draw their own versions of the Gruffalo and describe its features.
3. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
This collection of empowering tales celebrates remarkable women from history.
- Activity Idea: Ask pupils to write or share stories about their personal heroes.
4. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
This humorous book introduces unique perspectives through the voices of crayons, sparking discussions about individuality and teamwork.
- Activity Idea: Have pupils write letters from the perspective of their favourite classroom objects.
You can find more inspiration on the National Story Telling website.
Other helpful resources and links
- BookTrust Interactive Stories and Games: Discover a range of engaging stories and activities to complement your classroom sessions.
- World Book Day Hub: Explore curated booklists, videos, and free resources to inspire storytelling.
- Authorfy: Free author-led videos, writing prompts, and activity packs to bring stories to life.
- Virtual School Library: Weekly featured books, free reads, and author interviews.
Make National Storytelling Week a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the joy of stories with these ideas and resources!
Conclusion
National Storytelling Week is an excellent time to encourage engagement with books and stories in new and creative ways. Whether it’s through virtual storytimes or writing and sharing original tales, storytelling continues to be a powerful tool for education and imagination.
