Storytime has always held a special place in childrens & family life. Whether it’s cuddling up at bedtime or bringing a picture book to life through imaginative play, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we support children’s learning in the early years. Classic stories such as Elmer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Winnie the Pooh have delighted generations with their warmth, humour, and gentle wisdom.
For me, growing up in Australia, tales like Snugglepot and Cuddlepie opened my imagination to the magical world of gum nut babies, bush creatures, and vibrant native flora and fauna. These stories did far more than entertain they connected me to nature, community, and the joy of discovery.
Today, as parents and caregivers in a busy digital world, storytelling remains one of the most meaningful ways we can bond with our children while nurturing essential developmental skills. When combined with play based learning, it becomes even more powerful.
Why Stories Matter in Early Childhood
Stories help children make sense of their world. They introduce new vocabulary, ideas, emotions, and perspectives, forming the foundation for strong communication and early literacy skills. Beyond the words on the page, children learn:
- Communication & language skills through listening, predicting, and retelling
- Early literacy foundations such as sequencing, phonics awareness, and comprehension
- Social and emotional intelligence, including empathy, patience, and understanding feelings
- Cognitive development, including problem solving and memory
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Creativity and imagination, which support flexible thinking and resilience
When we read together, we model tone, expression, humour, and curiosity. These shared moments create secure, joyful connections that help children feel safe, seen, and confident.
Bringing Stories to Life Through Play
At Edx Education, we believe that pairing storytelling with hands-on play gives children the space to explore ideas in deeper and more meaningful ways.
Here are some playful ideas inspired by classic stories:
1. Explore colours and patterns with Elmer
Elmer’s patchwork elephant encourages children to celebrate uniqueness and embrace creativity. Pair the story with our Rainbow Pebbles® or Pattern Blocks to create colourful elephants, jungle paths, or repeating patterns.
This supports:
- Colour recognition
- Fine motor skills
- Early maths concepts like sorting and sequencing
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Creative expression
2. Count, sort & sequence with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This iconic story is rich with maths opportunities. Use our Busy Play Pattern Blocks, Linking Cubes, or Number Rods To Go to build the caterpillar, model food items, or recreate the story’s weekly sequence.
Children naturally practise:
- Counting
- Days of the week
- Number sense
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Growing patterns
3. Develop social and emotional learning with Winnie the Pooh
The characters of the Hundred Acre Wood each model different feelings and personalities. Use our Emotions Play Set, Dancing Ribbons, or Rainbow Pebbles® to role-play emotions, movement, and storytelling.
This helps children learn:
- Emotional language
- Friendship and teamwork
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Problem-solving
4. Connect with nature like Snugglepot & Cuddlepie
For families in Australia or those wanting to introduce children to global stories and cultures, this classic tale encourages exploration of the natural world. Pair it with our Outdoor Adventure Kits, Sand & Water Trays, or Early Science tools to investigate flora, fauna, habitats, and sensory experiences.
The Power of Play, Learning & Storytelling Together
When storytelling is combined with hands on play, children experience learning that is joyful, rich, and memorable. It helps them:
- Build confidence
- Develop strong communication skills
- Strengthen fine and gross motor skills
- Explore emotions in a safe, playful way
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Understand the world around them
As parents and caregivers, we are our children’s first teachers and stories give us a magical doorway into playful learning every single day.
For more ideas, activity guides, and expert conversations, explore our Edx Education downloadable resources, our full range of educational toys, and tune into the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast.
Because when children play, imagine, and learn through stories, they build skills that will last a lifetime.
By Heather Welch, Edx Education UK, General Manager & Author of Happy Children Play