At St Andrew’s Montessori, we use story baskets as a dynamic tool to encourage children’s storytelling and language development. These baskets typically contain a story card and puppets or props from familiar fairy tales, designed to entice children to engage in imaginative play and retell the story in their own words.
Story baskets align perfectly with Montessori principles by fostering independence, creativity and a love for storytelling. The Included story card provides a simple narrative outline or key points, which serves as a guide but allows children the freedom to interpret and elaborate as they act out the tale. The puppets or props, often handmade or crafted from natural materials, add a tactile element that brings the story to life, helping children to visualise and immerse themselves in the narrative.
“By retelling stories, children enhance their memory, comprehension and sequencing abilities.”
This activity promotes not just language skills but also social and emotional development as children collaborate, share ideas and express their interpretations. By retelling stories, children enhance their memory, comprehension and sequencing abilities. Furthermore, story baskets allow children to explore and understand cultural and moral lessons embedded in traditional tales, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.