Impact on Literacy

Why Literacy?

‍

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) lays the groundwork for a child's development and emphasizes key areas of importance. Three of its main pillars are literacy, communication and language, and socio-emotional growth. Tales Toolkit aims to weave these distinct strands of the EYFS together into one package of oral storytelling, foregrounding play-based learning that supports the child on their journey to literacy.

‍

The Journey to Literacy

‍

Like all good things, literacy comes to those who wait. There are no shortcuts or cheat codes to the proudly crayoned name or first handwritten story for the fridge. To encourage our children to read and write, and to enjoy reading and writing, we first need to get them excited to express themselves, to hear and support others, and to collaborate. 

The EYFS Development Matters framework serves as a compass, guiding educators through the stages of children's growth from birth to five years old. Within this framework are the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), which outline key milestones across various areas of development, including literacy. Tales Toolkit helps embed these ELGs seamlessly, integrating them into the fabric of your early years provision. Through carefully crafted learning experiences, children engage in play-based activities that not only foster a love for storytelling but also scaffold their literacy skills. From the initial stages of communication and language development to the complexities of narrative construction, Tales Toolkit offers a scaffolded approach, catering to the diverse needs of young learners.

The first stages of Tales Toolkit is the ‘group story,’ where children are guided to lead their own collaborative story based on props pulled from Tales Toolkit story bags. These oral stories then move through mark-making, drawing, sculpting with dough, or any other physical activity to develop those fine motor skills and have your children represent their thoughts and ideas in the real world. Once the intention to set stories down on paper is established, and the children are physically ready to write, you can use Tales Toolkit’s many printable resources, perhaps at the end of a group story, to encourage recording stories in writing.

Using storytelling to promote literacy, communication and socio-emotional development in the early years. Jones Bartoli, Alice - 2018

‍

Central to Tales Toolkit is beginning the literacy journey with oral storytelling, a tradition deeply rooted across history and cultures. By harnessing the power of oral narrative, educators unlock a treasure trove of linguistic richness, paving the way for children to explore the nuances of language and expression before being asked to write. As children immerse themselves in the world of storytelling, they not only enhance their vocabulary and comprehension but also develop crucial skills for storytelling, including sequencing, inference, and imaginative thinking.

Tales Toolkit transcends the confines of the traditional classroom settings, embracing the outdoors as another brilliant learning environment. Early years outdoor resources become an extension of the classroom, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether under the canopy of trees, running around the open expanse of a playground, or splattered head-to-toe in a mud kitchen, children engage in sensory-rich experiences that deepen their connection with nature and ensure that when they do sit down to write, their literacy development does not come at the cost of real-world experience and physical, sensory activity. 

“I first promoted Tales Toolkit to schools in Stockport in 2016. The feedback from the teachers was so positive and our analysis of the Communication and Language and Literacy outcomes showed a significant improvement within schools using the approach.”
Helen Grimsditch - Early Years Lead Consultant, Stockport Early Years Improvement Team

Tales Toolkit advocates for a holistic approach to literacy—one that encompasses not only the mechanics of reading and writing but also the socio-emotional dimensions of communication. In recognizing the interplay between language and emotions, educators address the diverse needs of children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Through tailored interventions and inclusive practices, Tales Toolkit fosters an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Within the landscape of early childhood education, the journey towards comprehensive literacy for all begins with a firm foundation laid in the early years. Tales Toolkit offers a roadmap for educators to navigate this terrain with confidence. As children embark on their literacy development journey, they not only acquire essential skills for communication and expression but also cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

The journey from infancy to school readiness and Key Stage 1 is marked by distinct stages, each building upon the foundations laid in the preceding years. Tales Toolkit recognizes the fluidity of this process, providing scaffolds and supports tailored to the evolving needs of children. From emergent literacy skills in the early years to the mastery of complex textual analysis, the journey unfolds organically, guided by the principles of developmentally appropriate practice.

Tales Toolkit serves as a catalyst for early childhood intervention, offering targeted support for children facing barriers to their literacy development. Whether it be selective mutism, learning difficulties, or socio-emotional challenges, the toolkit equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to address diverse needs effectively. Through collaborative partnerships with speech and language therapists, special educational needs teachers, and other stakeholders, Tales Toolkit fosters a culture of inclusive practice where every child is valued and supported.

Ultimately, the impact of Tales Toolkit training and resources on literacy development in the early years is profound and far-reaching. By harnessing the power of oral storytelling, play-based learning, and inclusive practice, the toolkit empowers educators to nurture the literacy skills of young learners while fostering a love for language and expression. As children embark on their journey towards comprehensive literacy, Tales Toolkit outlines a path of innovation and possibility, transforming the landscape of early childhood education one story at a time.