Welcome to storytime with Kate!

Hey Educators!

How are you? Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into another Storytime with Kate.☕

Kate's story from practice

I started working in a new preschool group. Most of the kids warmed up to me quickly. Except for Matt.When I said, “Hi, Matt!”—he wouldn’t answer. Wouldn’t even look at me. Some kids run to you. Others need time. But Matt… Matt wasn’t just distant. He was angry. On the playground, he wouldn’t play with toys—he’d attack them. Bowling pins? Kicked across the yard. Dolls? Thrown on the ground and stomped on. Something was wrong. I didn’t know what yet. One day, I noticed Matt was one of the few kids who still took naps. Except… he didn’t. He’d toss and turn, unable to settle down. Other kids played quietly, but he lay there, restless. And then I remembered something. A trick I used with my own child.I bought a book. The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. I sat next to Matt’s mat and said: “This isn’t just a book. It’s special.”And for the first time, he looked at me. I read. He listened. When I finished, he whispered, “Again.”I read it again—this time, with a small stuffed mouse in my hand.I made the mouse “talk.” She was scared to sleep alone.“She wants to stay with you,” I said. “Can you keep her safe?”He tucked the little mouse under his blanket. And finally… he slept Every day, we read that book. Every day, he held the little mouse. And then, one day, I learned the truth. Matt’s parents were divorcing. All that anger? That wasn’t defiance. That was a child trying to make sense of his world. One afternoon, I walked in and said, “Hi, Matt!”And for the first time…He smiled.

Song in a different language

Sur le pont d'Avignon

Sur le pont d'Avignon,
L'on y danse, l'on y danse,
Sur le pont d'Avignon,
L'on y danse tout en rond.

Les beaux messieurs font comme ça,
Et puis encore comme ça.

Sur le pont d'Avignon,
L'on y danse, l'on y danse,
Sur le pont d'Avignon,
L'on y danse tout en rond.

Les belles dames font comme ça,
Et puis encore comme ça.

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On the Bridge of Avignon

On the bridge of Avignon,
We all dance, we all dance,
On the bridge of Avignon,
We all dance round and round.

The fine gentlemen go like this,
And then again like this.

On the bridge of Avignon,
We all dance, we all dance,
On the bridge of Avignon,
We all dance round and round.

The lovely ladies go like this,
And then again like this.

Theorist of the month: Emmi Pikler

I love learning about different early childhood theories, but somehow, I only recently discovered Emmi Pikler, thanks to one of my subscribers! Pikler (1902–1984) was a Hungarian pediatrician who had some pretty fascinating ideas about how babies develop.

Her whole approach was based on respecting infants as capable individuals and giving them freedom of movement—basically, letting them explore their bodies at their own pace instead of placing them in certain positions. She believed, “The way we help a child to start walking is neither to induce nor to carry him, but to encourage him in all possible ways to use his own abilities in doing it himself.”

I love this focus on autonomy, and it’s something we see reflected in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and even the EYLF framework. But I also think there’s a balance—yes, children learn a lot on their own, but they also thrive with guidance and shared experiences. Pikler believed kids don’t need to be “taught” anything, but I disagree—whether it’s music, movement, or even early literacy, I think we can and should support their developing brains.

What do you think? Have you used any Pikler-inspired ideas in your practice? Let’s chat!

Resource of the month

Bean bags are fantastic and versatile. I love using them on my early childhood shifts. It provides educators with exciting ideas and activities to incorporate these playful materials into their curriculum. Bean bags and cornhole bags have lots of benefits, from boosting physical development to improving coordination and social skills. Bean bags are small, soft, and versatile play materials filled with dried beans or synthetic stuffing. They are designed for tossing, balancing, and catching, making them perfect for developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness in young children. Cornhole bags, a sturdier variation, are often used for target games like cornhole.

These simple yet engaging resources can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from throwing challenges and balance exercises to cooperative team games. Beyond physical skills, they also encourage social interaction, teamwork, and problem-solving.

For early childhood settings, choosing age-appropriate, safe, and durable bean bags is key. Regular safety checks, proper storage, and open-ended play opportunities help create an environment where children can explore, move, and learn through fun and active play.

The story of the month

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I love this story, as it is very simple and suitable for outdoor storytelling. All you need is a pot and some rocks or other objects to use them as pretend soup ingredients.

Once upon a time, a hungry traveler arrived in a small village carrying nothing but an empty pot. The villagers were unfriendly and unwilling to share their food, each claiming they had nothing to spare.

The traveler, undeterred, filled his pot with water and placed it over a fire in the village square. Then, with great ceremony, he dropped a smooth stone into the pot.

Curious, the villagers gathered around.

"What are you making?" one of them asked.

"Stone soup!" the traveler said. "It will be delicious, but it would taste even better with a few vegetables."

A villager hesitated, then brought a carrot. Another added a potato. Soon, others contributed cabbage, onions, and herbs. Before long, the pot was bubbling with a rich, hearty soup.

When it was ready, the traveler served the warm, flavorful soup to everyone. The villagers, amazed at how a simple stone had created a feast, laughed and enjoyed the meal together.

In the end, the traveler removed the stone, put it back in his pocket, and continued on his journey—leaving behind a village that had learned the power of sharing and community.

Generosity and cooperation can turn nothing into something, and sharing brings people together in ways they never expected.

Game of the month: Bean Bag Toss

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESOURCE, BOOK OR GAME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?

Thanks for reading, and I hope these resources spark new ideas in your classroom. Stay tuned for next month’s edition; remember, creativity is key to keeping the joy in learning!

All the best,
Storykate

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Explore More on Storykate​
Visit my Storykate Blog for free stories, articles, and all kinds of wonderful resources on the world of puppetry in early childhood. You’ll also find courses and other tools to support your teaching journey.

What would you like me to make articles and videos about? What resources would you like me to create? Send me a message via DM or FB and I will try my best to make it.

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