Stories have the power to inspire, connect and transform – and during National Storytelling Week, pupils at St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School in Billingham truly brought that magic to life. Across the school, children immersed themselves in the art of storytelling through music, drama, performance and imagination, creating a week filled with creativity and confidence.
Celebrating National Storytelling Week in Style
National Storytelling Week offered the perfect opportunity to explore stories in exciting and imaginative ways. Throughout the week, pupils took part in a range of creative workshops designed to spark curiosity, encourage self-expression and build communication skills. Every class approached storytelling differently, proving that there’s more than one way to tell a great tale.
Puppets, Play and Early Imagination
Our youngest learners got stuck in straight away. The Ducklings and Hummingbirds used puppets to bring their favourite stories to life, developing early language skills while having plenty of fun along the way. Watching familiar characters move, speak and interact helped children build confidence and deepen their understanding of narrative – all while letting their imaginations run wild.
Finding a Voice Through Rhythm and Rhyme
In Key Stage 2, storytelling took on a bold new beat. Kingfishers and Ospreys explored storytelling through rap, blending rhythm, rhyme and spoken word to express ideas in fresh and exciting ways. This creative approach helped pupils develop literacy skills while encouraging teamwork, performance confidence and self-belief.
Shakespeare Takes Centre Stage
Falcons stepped back in time to explore the world of Shakespeare, bringing classic stories to life through drama and performance. By acting out scenes and exploring character and language, pupils gained a deeper appreciation of storytelling traditions and discovered that even centuries-old tales can feel relevant and exciting today.
A Celebration to Remember
The week concluded with a joyful celebration assembly, where pupils proudly showcased everything they had learned. From performances to presentations, the assembly was a wonderful reflection of the effort, creativity and enthusiasm shown throughout the week. It was a powerful reminder of how storytelling can unite a school community and give every child a chance to shine.
Why Storytelling Matters
Storytelling plays a vital role in children’s development. It supports literacy, builds confidence, strengthens communication skills and nurtures creativity. Weeks like this highlight how creative learning experiences can inspire pupils and help them discover new talents in a supportive, inclusive environment.
National Storytelling Week was truly an unforgettable experience at St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School – one that celebrated imagination, expression and the shared joy of a good story.
