Shirley Infants was the place to be in Southampton last Thursday for World Book Day. Staff, Children, and Storyteller alike were dressed up, full of enthusiasm, ready to celebrate the excitement of story adventures.
Each class took there turn to visit the music and drama room which I had decorated to help create a welcoming and imagination stimulating experience.
With my tales chosen to fit with recent topics and interests the children had lots of fun, and their eyes sparkled as they engaged with the stories I presented to them.
Reception children smiled and laughed at the antics of the Runaway Pancake and other farm based tales. Whilst Year 1 visualised a selection of adventures with Princes and Brave Princesses, dragons, and giants - they were so caught up at times that they even turned around to look behind them at key moments to see the approach of new characters and scenery descriptions. I love such truly magical moments where for a time the invisible becomes visable by the suggestion of the spoken word alone.
Year 2 children explored a Wondertale together, with the opportunity to imagine and draw their own mystical creatures which I then endeavoured to incorporate into the action of the story. Their young minds created some fabulous yet scary guardians of the magic waters and many felt rightly proud to hear their ideas become part of the tale for their classmates to hear.
Teachers were impressed with their classes listening and engagement, as was I. When each set of stories finished there were contented sighs and a moment of satisfied silence while we gently landed us back in the real world!
Thank you Shirley Infants for a fabulous day, I would love to come back and see you again...
