Toddler Tales is a free, regular storytelling and craft session that was set up to provide opportunities for families to socialise and develop children’s early literacy skills. Toddler Tales in funded by The Outreach Project at Malvern Book Cooperative.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns has been significant for preschool children and their families, for some children resulting in a lack of confidence in social settings, and a lack of time and space to develop social skills. Toddler Tales wanted to address this in an informal, social setting.
It’s based at The Cube in Malvern; parents and their children (aimed at pre-school age) can drop in or stay for the full hour and a half every week.
Families attending can benefit from access to a wide range of books, ideas for developing storytelling, activities to develop literacy for their children and further develop the language of books and storytelling. The story sharing develops social skills and oracy.
“It’s great to have a group where we don’t have to book or pay in advance, I can just fit it in round my child’s needs.” Parent, Toddler Tales
“It was difficult to find groups where there was something for both my children without having to pay double to attend. The main gain for me is that both my children are stimulated and engaged in a great group that is free. It has made our week more interesting and introduced us to new people.” Parent, Toddler Tales
Poster: Toddler Tales
This story was created as part of the Celebrating Community Stories Project 2023 – 2024. Public Health at Worcestershire County Council worked with organisations across the County to find out what keeps Worcestershire healthy, active and creative. To find out more about the Community Stories Project visit Celebrating Community Stories (worcestershire.gov.uk)