Story Talk: Tell Me a Tale (EYFS) — EYFS Story Retelling & Speaking Book

Inside Story Talk: Tell Me a Tale (EYFS)

listening to a little tale read aloud, saying what happened at the beginning, middle and end, story words like once upon a time, then and in the end, making up your own ending, and retelling with a puppet voice. About 15 gentle minutes with a grown-up.

Learning objectives

• listen to a short original tale read aloud and talk about who was in it and what happened;
• name the beginning, middle and end of a story in the right order;
• use story words — once upon a time, then, and in the end — as signposts when telling a tale;
• retell a familiar tale in their own words and full sentences, helped along by a puppet voice;
• invent their own ending and tell tiny tales about everyday life at home.

Activities in this book

1. Tale 1 — Listen to Our Little Tale

   read the tale aloud slowly, with a cosy storytime voice. Read it twice if your child would like — then let them choose the answers by talking first.

2. Tale 2 — Beginning, Middle & End

   ask 'what happened first?' before showing the choices. Story words like once upon a time, then and in the end are the little signposts of every tale.

3. Tale 3 — Tell It Back in a Puppet Voice

   pop a sock or a teddy on your hand to be Pip! Silly voices make retelling feel like play — squeaky, growly or whispery all count.

4. Tale 4 — Make Up Your Own Ending

   there is no wrong ending! Ask 'what could happen instead?' and enjoy whatever your child dreams up — the sillier the better.

5. Tale 5 — Story Talk at Home

   bedtime, bath time and walks are perfect for tiny tales. Take turns — you say a bit, your child says a bit — and sprinkle in the story words together.

Suggestions for teaching

• Read it warmly. Share the in-book tale of Pip the hedgehog in a cosy storytime voice, twice if your child likes.
• Talk before choosing. Chat about each question out loud first, so answering on screen just confirms what your child already said.
• Signpost words. Point out once upon a time, then and in the end as you read — they help children hold the shape of a story.
• Puppet retelling. A sock, spoon or teddy puppet takes the pressure off — children speak more freely in a silly voice.
• Follow their lead. Any invented ending is a good one; the goal is confident talking in full sentences, not a "correct" story.