Setting the scene

Costumes

Get into character. This could be an adult or Young Leader dressed as a character related to your story or theme. It could be as simple as the storyteller explaining to the children that they're going to meet a character and then putting on a hat.

Changing your posture and voice will have them believing you. It doesn't have to be an expensive costume – have a rummage at home. A piece of fabric, tea towel or hat could create a number of characters (with a bit of imagination).

Props

Imagination develops social, emotional and creative skills in children. Use props (a prop can be anything from a shell to a small teddy bear.) to link to the story or theme of your session. Pass the object around, get them to hold it, feel it and interact with it.

Space

• What type of space do you need?
• Is there lots of action which requires space to move around?
• If the story is about a bear in a cave – could you create a cosy den to tell the story?

Mood and atmosphere

Use lighting or music to recreate the world of the story. You could set the scene for the story from the beginning of the session. Try building a mock campfire and tell a story with the lights dimmed. 

Encourage – Young peoples creativity and curiosity by using different materials to build and create new things. Why not encourage Squirrels to build a cosy den and read a story inside?

Building – Can help children think ahead and plan the next step 

Planning – To build something can boost children's focus