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What to expect from a Story Tent class...

Each class is planned and led by experienced teachers, with your child's early development and interests in mind.

Children are free to move around as they like, and we make sure we create a stress-free environment for our Story Tent adults - we know those little ones can't sit still! That's why our sessions are so active and there is no expectation that they will be sat still for any period of time - we want them to explore!

We spend about 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the session at 'The Story Tent' where we share a story through interactive storytelling. This can include songs, music, movement, physical activity, dance and even some parachute games!

We then have about 20-30 minutes of independent play, when children can explore our play stations. These include a sensory play tuff-tray, a playdough station, a sensory light table and a mark-making/craft station.

At the end of the class we usually have one last activity all together, before we say goodbye!

"We had our first taster session today, and couldn’t recommend it enough!!

We are so excited for the sessions in august!

Gwen was amazing and so good at encouraging the children to join in!

The activities are brilliant and there was so much to do for the little ones!

Highly recommend - thanks again Gwen"

-SL

ABOUT US

Bringing the Story Tent magic to you!

The Story Tent began as a way to engage my children in stories and imaginative play, and to spend time with them in a space which made this feel safe and exciting at the same time; it began in the corner of my girls' little bedroom.

After my second child arrived, I felt that I just hadn't had time to create reading and play opportunities for them to really engage them even though they had been at home with me a lot (during lock-down). So I began creating little set ups with stories based round a theme in the tent and then some linked play afterwards. I discovered that when the tent was up, the books were ready for them, and play was immersive, both my girls were deeply engaged (and happy!) for great periods of time - reading, chatting, playing and sharing the favourite parts of the books they discovered. It was so wonderful to see them being carried away on imaginative adventures by their favourite characters, settings and stories.

Inspired by this concept, I decided to put my extensive background in education into bringing the magic of The Story Tent to you and your little ones, so we could share this experience with lots of other parents out there. I was joined by friend and Early Years Specialist, Hannah Seddon to help sculpt the classes into the sessions we share today.

With over 14 years of experience in education, I have handpicked each book with purpose, crafted each session with your child's development and engagement in mind, and created exciting, sensory and creative play activities to really immerse children in the storytelling experience.

Join us in your very own Story Tent and experience the magic of some of our favourite authors and stories as our storytellers and play activities bring them to life!