
Story -Centred Planning

At Hillside, we believe in the power of stories to ignite young minds and foster a love for learning. ​


By using storybooks to develop our weekly plans, we create a cohesive and engaging educational experience that offers numerous benefits:
Vocabulary Expansion
Stories introduce children to new words and phrases in a natural context, helping to broaden their vocabulary and improve language skills.
Creativity & Imagination
Engaging with stories encourages children to use their imagination, fostering creativity and allowing them to think beyond their immediate experiences.
Conceptual Understanding
Through the themes and topics in stories, children explore new ideas and concepts, building their knowledge of the world around them.
Focus & Attention
Listening to and discussing stories helps children develop the ability to focus, listen carefully, and follow a narrative, all of which are essential skills for their future learning.
Emotional Development
Stories often deal with emotions, relationships, and problem-solving, which helps children understand and manage their own feelings and interactions with others.
Cultural Awareness
Stories from diverse cultures and backgrounds expose children to different traditions and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Gem Value 1:
Emotional Regulation & Positivity
Explores themes of separation anxiety and reassurance, helping children feel secure when apart from loved ones.

Gem Value 2:
Independence & Collaboration
Demonstrates the value of contributing and how teamwork leads to shared rewards.

Gem Value 3:
Gratitude & Generosity
Highlights gratitude through a young girl’s journey of resourcefulness and community support.



Examples of
stories linked to our
5 Gems Values
​


Gem Value 4:
Kindness & Supportiveness
Illustrates generosity and mutual support through the story of the elves’ help.


Gem Value 5:
Community & Responsibility
Highlights the importance of individual responsibility in creating a positive community.


