A favourite book at the moment is ‘Whatever next’ by Jill Murphy and so I just had to create a story basket to extend on this interest. This is where I always seem to get into trouble as I can’t keep the story props within the basket.
My understanding of a story basket is that it is:
· A basket
· Props to support the re-telling of the story by the child or children
· Or items to extend thinking, language etc.
· Props or items are everyday items.
· Most importantly a book that is of interest to the child or children.
For this story basket I started out well.
But….. the story lends itself to other items and imaginative play so I HAD to add:
· Cardboard boxes
· More scarves
· Star fabric
· Rākau
· Turn the table upside-down
· And more of what I already had.
My teacher logic was more than one child would be playing with this and that more items were needed. I also thought it would support learner agency as it invited the children to add to the story line. But if I am honest I couldn’t help myself. I recognise that I have a ‘problem’ with keeping this (and most things) ‘as it is meant to be’, small or contained. I like to challenge existing thought and practices, even my own. I also like to think it is being creative.
The question I now have is, is this still a story basket? Perhaps mine is BUT it simply exploded! By definition I guess it may not be and it is now an invitation to play. BUT I still want to call it a story basket…..
This being said this book does scream imaginative play and uses everyday objects like a cardboard box, colander and scarves that can be easily sourced. I am excited to see how this ‘story basket’ is explored and believe it is open enough to support learner agency.
Oh yeah… I had another owl (which is a puppet) that I added later as you can never have too many owls 😉
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