The story sack club at Boston Nursery School, Lincolnshire,
has been a success story of its own since the school opened
twelve years ago. Heather Steed, Headteacher, explains how
the project has been an important part of their home-school
liaison programme.
Initially, Jane Dyer, the literacy coordinator, sent out
a letter to all parents to explain the principles of story
sacks and to request their help to get the project off the
ground. A number of parents with many and varied skills
offered their support and the story sack club was born.
Informal sessions were organised and parent volunteers
were invited to join us for coffee, a chat and to make plans
for the club. Following these sessions, parents set about
creating the story sacks. They sewed, knitted and designed
the bags and made props out of papier mache, wood and other
materials. As well as the parents' involvement, it was important
to have the support of two other members of staff, who are
still active members of the group.
The story sacks are a valuable teaching aid; however, the
children also borrow the story sacks to take home and share
with their families. Parents are given a small pack of top
tips on how to use them to ensure they get as much out of
the resource as possible. One parent commented:
"Emma enjoyed the story sack - reading
along with the tape and acting out the story with the props.
We are going to make one at home!"
To highlight the need for continual parental support, it
has been very important to promote this resource. This has
been achieved through presentations to parents during open
evenings, and examples of story sacks displayed in the reception
area of the school. However, one of the most effective means
of promotion has been the children themselves. Their enthusiastic
participation in story sack sessions has been amazing and
they are keen to relay what they have been doing to their
parents and carers. We have found that the children are
always very keen to select their own sack!
We will continue to ensure the story sacks are regularly
incorporated into the curriculum planning and all children
have access to them in school. They have proved particularly
valuable when working with our high percentage of EAL children
and their families."
[EAL: English as an Additional Language]
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