At the Junior School, learning is more than just reading and writing—it’s about sparking imagination and curiosity. This comes to life in our Kindergarten classrooms through Story Workshop, a Reggio-inspired approach that blends play with literacy. Here, young students step into the world of storytelling, using open-ended materials known as loose parts to create, build and share their own unique tales. This hands-on, interactive process doesn’t just make learning fun, it also nurtures creativity, communication and social skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Imagine a space where every child is a storyteller. Story Workshop invites students to craft narratives using loose parts. Anything from wooden blocks and fabric scraps to colourful gems and natural materials. These open-ended objects become the building blocks for characters, settings and entire storylines.
Through a structured process of play, collaboration and drawing, children bring their ideas to life in a way that feels natural and exciting. More than just literacy development, Story Workshop encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and empathy, helping children connect with both their stories and their peers.
The concept of loose parts was introduced by British architect Simon Nicholson, who believed that “the degree of inventiveness and creativity is directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in an environment.” In other words, when children have access to open-ended materials, their creativity flourishes.
In Story Workshop, students manipulated and combined loose parts to form entire story worlds. One moment, a pile of pebbles becomes a bustling city; the next, a strip of fabric transforms into a flowing river. This process of exploration fuels both imaginative play and cognitive growth, reinforcing the idea that learning is limitless.
Learning Literacy Through Play
What makes Story Workshop truly special is its seamless blend of literacy and play. As students created and shared their stories, they naturally practice speaking, drawing and writing. Key building blocks of early literacy.
"It’s about integrating literacy into play in a way that’s engaging and meaningful," explained Kindergarten Associate Teacher Shayna Arscott. "Instead of just writing letters on paper, students are building, narrating and then illustrating their stories."
Through this process, children not only develop language skills but also gain confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas. As they share their stories with peers and teachers, they refine their communication skills, learn to listen actively and strengthen their ability to articulate emotions and experiences.
Beyond literacy, Story Workshop fosters social and emotional growth. As students collaborate on their narratives, they practice empathy. Considering different perspectives, listening to their classmates' ideas and working together to bring their stories to life.
"Even the shyest students found ways to engage," said Arscott. "It was easier for them to share something they had created through play than something they had written down. This made the whole experience more accessible and enjoyable."
Sharing stories in a supportive environment helps children build confidence and develop a sense of belonging. They learn that their voices matter and that their ideas are valued; an important foundation for both academic and personal growth.
Story Workshop is not just for students, it’s also part of the school’s commitment to professional learning. Educators actively participate in Reggio-inspired professional development, ensuring this approach is aligned with both the curriculum and the developmental needs of young learners.
A Room Full of Stories and Smiles
Step into a Story Workshop classroom, and you’ll find a space buzzing with creativity. One student, beaming with excitement, shared a heartfelt story about her dog, Twig, who loves playing fetch and following her around the house. In his tale, Twig embarks on an adventure, bravely retrieving a ball from a "creepy" pipe with the help of his kindhearted owner.
Another student introduced an imaginative pet named "Nothing," a magical fish living in a vibrant blue home. Their stories unfolded with twists and turns, reflecting the boundless creativity that Story Workshop encourages.
These moments of storytelling are more than just play; they are powerful opportunities for children to explore emotions and connect with their classmates
“It’s a big thing for them to think about different perspectives,” said Arscott. “What do their characters do, say, and feel? How do they respond to their classmates’ stories? It’s all about kindness—to each other, to the materials, and to the stories they create.”
At SMUS, we believe that learning should be joyful, meaningful and full of wonder. The Story Workshop is just one example of how we inspire our youngest learners to explore, create and connect. So, the next time you see a pinecone or a wooden block, remember: in the hands of a Kindergartener, it could be the start of an unforgettable story.
