T Level students pass story time skills test with flying colours

Education and childcare students at Walsall College impressed representatives from a local nursery with interactive storytelling skills.

Kelly Smith and Rachel Preece from Wolverhampton-based, Little Pioneers Nursery tasked the students with bringing to life a traditional storybook for the under 5s using wooden spoons as props to recreate the characters and scenery.  Working in small groups, the students had just 20 minutes to put together their story time sessions before their ideas were presented back to the class and the Nursery.

Jack and the Beanstalk and We’re going on a bear hunt were two of the books that were bought to life.

“The students wholeheartedly threw themselves into the challenge of making story time something simple, visually appealing and fun,” said Lecturer, Davina Bailey.  “Using existing objects that children may already be familiar with is also an excellent way for them to understand more about repurposing items and living in a world where sustainability is a priority.”

Kelly and Rachel also shared with the T Level students an overview of a ‘typical day’ in an Ofsted Outstanding nursery.  This included describing the activities they might deliver and examples of the different professionals they liaise with.  They also spoke about their personal career journeys and gave examples of career progressions routes available.

Nursery Manager, Kelly Smith said: “We enjoyed having a wider discussion with the students around high quality standards upheld by nursery practitioners.  While planning and preparation are key to what we do, spontaneity also plays its part in the outcomes of our work.

“The story time task we assigned the students was an example of this.  You never quite know how children will respond to your activities, so the more experience you have of these situations, the more accomplished you’ll become moving forwards.

Kelly added: “We were also keen to raise awareness of the relationships nursery staff develop with others from parents and guardians to other specialist support professionals so that students are also aware of these as potential future jobs.

“We were pleased at how welcoming the students were and that they showed so much enthusiasm and admiration for our sector.”