We have a rich culture of story telling and story acting at Rachel Keeling.
We share stories and books each day, play imaginatively and encourage children to draw and write their ideas.
For many years we have followed the Vivian Gussin- Paley Helicopter Story methodology whereby adults write children's words verbatim and then children act their creations out in a small group on a stage. 
A few years ago we noted that despite our rich environment of storying, some children were not developing and using story language and some children's oral storytelling were not developing structure. 
We started to use the wonderful Tales Toolkit method, whereby children use the 'scaffolding' of 
SETTING
CHARACTER
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
to tell their own stories orally, with props and objects, through photography, film and even some children beginning to write captions. 
Below you will see some children enjoying their Tales Toolkit workshop and then a few samples of stories. There are more to come and children have been proudly walking through the nursery telling everyone their stories (some children had small zig zag books to make make). 
Watch this space as the next best selling authors, poets, script writers and playwrights are in the making at Rachel Keeling!!!

This week children have been supported to learn about Easter.
They have made hot cross buns in small groups, carefully reading the recipe and measuring ingredients, taking turns in mixing and problem solving when the mixture is too dry. Cooking is such an effective way to get children talking and using their senses - they often will talk about what they cook and eat at home and that is wonderful for us to share.
Children were also supported in story time, exploring Easter artifacts such as the cross, candle and books which told the story of Easter. 
Some children know that Easter celebrates new life and that is why the egg is symbolic as it represents new life.
This morning some children came together to enjoy their own Last Supper - sharing bread and grape juice along a long table. They were surrounded by spring tulips to signify spring too. 
Enjoy your break - school reopens to children on Tuesday 13 April.

Our garden is much treasured and we use it each and every day, almost all day long.
​Such a rich source of learning. Children have been excited to see a few signs of spring this week: from increased amounts of birds (with their birdsong - particularly from one territorial robin!) to bees, green shoots of spring and daffodils.
There have even been reported sightings of rays of sunshine in Bethnal Green (in between the rain showers.)
​Is spring on the way? 

Whilst we could not have parents stay to share stories this World Book Day, children enjoyed a day of literature with their friends and teachers. 
We will make sure we have a reading day later on in the year once we are able to allow parents to stay.

One of our friends also made a book at home, which they proudly brought in to share with their friends at story time. 
It tells the story using story language:
Featuring characters pigeon and duckling;
A plot containing a whirlwind, a cookie and a hot dog;
A solution was featured too!

We know bedtime isn't the only time to read stories but it's a perfect time to relax, have a cuddle and get ready for bed.
Thank you to our families who shared their reading at home!
No wonder all the children are so interested in books when they're in school.