This week lots of stories were read, mostly a child’s own book from home. On Monday ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ was revisited – lots of recall from the children about what was going to happen next plus continuing the rhyming strings within the narrative. As a treat ‘Gruffalo’ cake was brought in for snack time, it had ‘snow’ icing on top with 2 sets of footprints!!! (just like in the book) . Fergus was due Monday afternoon – his son was sooooo excited when he was told that his Dad was coming in to read the week before; but then he asked in a concerned voice “What happens if he forgets!” It was put to him he could remind Dad – he loved this idea & set off home with a big smile. Fergus DID remember…guess who was sitting right in the front beaming. On Tuesday Rachel (Pre-school Chair) came armed with a few books – after a hectic beginning to the session the children settled down to hear the story, they listened intently, taking note and able to respond when she asked them pertinent questions. Max arrived Wednesday, recited his story to the group – his son was delighted that ‘his’ Dad had come in, just full of pride. Various props/clothes were left out to give the children an opportunity to act out a story themselves. At Forest school they listened to the audio of Gruffalo’s Child from Lisa’s phone! High tech for us … however, next time it needs to be louder!!! Grampy Rob turned up Thursday morning, the children sat in the ‘book corner’ transfixed paying attention to the book being read – they were so quiet it was amazing. The adult thought about this-realising the tone of voice was quite different to what they usually hear – just delightful. The children asked for another book –Grampy Rob even stayed on to read some books that other children had brought in from home-a real pleasure for us all. We finished off on Friday morning with the arrival of a very excited child telling us that Daddy was coming in a monkey suit to read his story! All morning he asked when Daddy was coming and we told him it would be later on after snacks – what excitement when Chris arrived dressed from head to toe as a monkey! A few younger ones were a bit unsure (and a new child visiting with her parents!) and needed reassurance from staff but the others rushed to sit down for the story, which of course was about a monkey. There was a lot of laughter and Chris used different voices to engage them. Photos are sure to be on the website soon! Thinking about this ‘story week’ did it accomplish what we wanted for the children-“yes and very much more”. So thanks again to all the adults who came to Pre-school to tell a story – it was captivating, magical and had a certain “je ne sais quoi”