Story Play
Why Story Play?
Sharing stories with your baby helps them:
Develop language and listening skills
Build memory and imagination
Feel connected through your voice and expressions
Explore emotions, sounds, and rhythm
Start a lifelong love of books!
Story play turns books into real-life fun - no special toys needed!
Simple Story Play Ideas
1. Use Everyday Objects as Story Props
Turn common items into story characters or props!
Wooden spoons or soft toys → characters (like Goldilocks and the Three Bears)
Blankets or boxes → bear beds or houses
Tip: Use different voices for each character - babies love your expression and tone.
2. Puppets and Soft Toys
Even the youngest babies enjoy puppets moving and “talking.”
Use finger puppets, socks, or soft toys.
Move them slowly, close to baby’s face.
Let baby reach, touch, or grab while you narrate.
3. Sensory Story Baskets
Make a small basket with safe items related to a story.
Example: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
3 bowls (small, medium, big)
3 spoons
Soft toy bears
Piece of fabric for a blanket
Let baby explore while you tell the story. Touching and exploring helps them link words to real-world objects.
4. Story Time Sounds
Add sound effects with your voice or simple instruments:
Rattle for footsteps
Wooden spoon tapping for knocking on a door
Shaker for wind or rustling leaves
Talk, Sing, and Smile!
Story play is about connection, not performance.
You can: Talk about the pictures in a book, sing the story or just read the story.
The sound of your voice is your baby’s favourite story!
Safety Tips
Use large, safe objects (no small parts).
Always supervise story baskets and props.
Try These Story Play Ideas:
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – bowls, spoons, teddies
“Dear Zoo” – soft toy animals and boxes
Nursery rhymes – puppets or simple props for each rhyme
Story play helps your baby build a love for books - and for learning through play! Keep it short, fun, and full of smiles.