Top tips: Inclusive Physical Storytelling
Storytelling is a wonderful way to engage young children, and physical storytelling makes the experience even more meaningful. By combining movement, imagination and language, physical storytelling encourages children to become active participants as they bring a story to life. Use our top tips below to help ensure every child can take part, feel included and experience success.
Top tips for Inclusive Physical Storytelling
- Offer different ways to move – provide a range of options for children to join the story, such as walking, crawling, stretching, waving, clapping, using facial expressions or making sounds, so children can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them
- Adapt movements and obstacles – when creating story adventures, consider how all children can access the experience. For example, a ‘river’ could be stepped over, walked around, reached towards or explored using sensory materials
- Use multi-sensory experiences – include opportunities to touch, listen, see and feel as part of the story. Natural materials, sounds, textures and props can support children with different learning styles and sensory needs
- Model and demonstrate movements clearly – use simple instructions, visual demonstrations and repetition to help children understand what to do, particularly children who benefit from additional communication support
- Create a supportive environment – ensure the space is safe, accessible and welcoming, with opportunities for children to pause, observe or take a break if needed
- Use inclusive language – avoid phrases that suggest there is only one ‘right’ way to move. Instead of saying, “Run fast like the bear”, try “How could we move like the bear?”, allowing children to interpret movements in their own way
- Encourage teamwork and peer support – pair children together or create group movements where children can support and learn from each other
- Celebrate creativity – remember that physical storytelling is about imagination and expression. A child who chooses to sway like a tree, crawl like a creature or make a sound effect is fully engaging in the storytelling experience.
NDNA products to support you with these top tips
• Outdoor play – Publication
• Outdoor and risky play – Training
• PANCo – Qualification
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
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