Storytime

Oral storytime is one of the special and staple benefits of being part of Steiner environment. It is also of course an important part of many traditions, including for tangata whenua. It is an important part of passing on stories. It creates connection between the teller and the listener, and importantly captures the imagination in a totally different way than reading or even being read to.

In Steiner early childhood settings, storytime is supported with beautiful, simple handmade or natural props and characters, encouraging the wrapt attention and inspired imagination of our little ones.

Sophie, one of our facilitators, telling a story to some lucky children!

For young children, we repeat these stories, creating a rhythm of familiarity and layered experience that is good for them. The repetition helps them internalise the story. It starts to live within them on a deeper level, and they can find it grounding and comforting. Parents often tell us that that their child has started telling stories with toys at home, or that they ask for stories we told some time ago, for example one little girl has recently been asking for the Grimms’ fairytale ‘Sweet Porridge’, which we told a year ago! 

For young children, simple stories and nature stories are best. The lovely thing about a classic like ‘Sweet Porridge’ is that it gives young children something deeper… Perhaps it is the overflowing nature of the porridge – there is enough in life for all. Perhaps it is also partly tells a story of too much of a good thing. As always with stories for young ones, the problem is easily solved, and by our young protagonist, the little girl. No problem is too steep for our young everyday heroes in simple yet powerful stories such as these, The point is, however, never too overtly emphasised. The message sinks in subtly, naturally, deeply.

Wishing you and your children joy in sharing stories!