STORY WORKSHOP

Supporting Literacy Through Imagination & Play

CREATING
COLLECTIONS
These do not need to be expensive - or
even purchased! Loose parts are anything
that does not have a defined function in
play. For example, a block could become
a rock, a house, an animal, or a train.
Collect items over time, visit thrift stores,
and don't be afraid to ask for donations
from friends and family.

PREPARING THE
ENVIRONMENT

WHY LOOSE PARTS?

Consider setting up materials in an
inviting manner where students are
encouraged to play and explore. The
beauty of loose parts is that there are no
- Adapted from Red Leaf Press set rules, but the organization of
materials should act as a provocation for
Promotes active learning
the imagination. You may consider posing
Deepens critical thinking as they problem solve, make connections, and form
questions in writing such as "What stories
relationships between items
live in these materials?" to invite older
Supports physical, social emotional, and cognitive development
students into play as well. Once they start,
Inclusive and engaging
they won't want to leave!
Promotes play which is limited only by each child’s imagination
Supports the curriculum

LITERACY
CONNECTION
Loose parts are used to help students
generate stories in a way that is most
natural to them - through play and oral
language. Once a story has been created,
they may choose to document it with
pictures and, eventually, engage in
writers' workshop to create a written
version. The whole process supports
language development and literacy
strategies such as visualization,
questioning, and making inferences.
IN THE LIBRARY...
Reflections on Integration into the Library or Maker Space

Resources
After learning about story workshop last year, I was inspired to try it with my Teacher
Candidates this summer and in September. We created stories using loose parts to
describe their journey into the profession and had the option to document their stories
using iPad apps such as Book Creator, Stop Motion, or simply by taking photos. Having
Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children
seen the process now with adults and with children at K-3 level, I can truly see how this (Daly & Beloglovsky)
process can work for everyone!
Story Workshop at MJ Shannon (Surrey Schools,
I can see the integration of loose parts into library as a powerful way to retell and reflect Vimeo)
on stories, promote community, and inspire the imaginations of all K-7 students. This
Why Story Workshop?
can only lead to more curious readers, I would hope! I think this could be integrated into
(Opal School Blog)
library blocks with classes connected to a read aloud or as a rotating provocation where
students could 'drop in' throughout the day. There is also the possibility of
incorporating service projects for intermediate students into the library or Maker Space
collaboration time, such as creating story stones or curating items connected to
particular themes for younger students.

CREATED BY
BEVERLEY BUNKER