This scenario looks at Core Skill D5: Knowing something about how books and sharing stories helps children in their language development and learning to read.

Setting the Scene

You are preparing for a weekly under fives story time. You want to make sure the session is successful in helping the children to grow more confident with language and more familiar with the written word.

How might you prepare for this session?

Option	Description
A	When you have a bit of time to spare, go round the library and collect some nice bright picture books and hope these will stimulate their interest.
B	Arrange for preparation time in the week leading up to the story time, to allow you to plan the session.
C	Check the day before what picture books other people have used when they have run a session and put them to one side to try on the day
D	Give your story session a theme. Plan and promote it well in advance so children can look forward to it and get in the mood (e.g. bring in their teddy bears or bear books...)

There is more information about running successful storytimes in the TRF best practice centre