Books and reading - Foundation

Designed to nurture a love of reading from the very start, our workshops transform beloved books and early literacy topics into magical, movement-filled adventures. Through drama, music, storytelling and imaginative play, young children step inside the world of familiar stories and characters, exploring tales like The Gruffalo, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Dear Zoo, and more.

Led by DBS-checked professionals and aligned with the EYFS framework, each one-hour session helps children develop communication, listening and language skills while building confidence and creativity through joyful, book-based play.

Please email [email protected] for the full list of books we focus on but here is a snapshot of our most popular!

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Step into the exciting world of Michael Rosen's much-loved story in this imaginative and energetic drama workshop! Children become brave adventurers as they swish through long grass, splash through rivers and tiptoe through gloomy caves on an unforgettable bear hunt. But what might they discover along the way?

Packed with movement, soundscapes, roleplay and storytelling, this workshop brings the story to life through interactive drama activities. Children will:

• Swish through 'grass', splash through 'rivers' and squelch through 'mud' using movement and sound
• Create exciting forest and snowstorm soundscapes with their voices and bodies
• Join in with repeated story phrases and act out key moments from the adventure
• Use expressive voice, movement and imagination as they become explorers, storytellers and bears
• Work together to retell the story through drama games, roleplay and performance activities

Learning objectives:

• Build confidence in storytelling, improvisation and characterisation
• Develop listening, sequencing and expressive language skills
• Encourage teamwork, turn-taking and imaginative play
• Explore movement, rhythm and sound through drama-based activities

Curriculum links:

• EYFS & KS1 English: Spoken language, sequencing, storytelling and retelling familiar stories
• PSHE: Confidence-building, cooperation, resilience and imaginative problem-solving
• Drama: Roleplay, physical expression, soundscape creation and performance skills

Click to book a We're Going on a Bear Hunt workshop.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Step into the cosy kitchen from Judith Kerr's classic tale in this delightful and imaginative drama workshop! Children help Sophie's mummy prepare a delicious tea party, but who could be at the door?

With games, roleplay and a very hungry tiger, this workshop is packed with giggles, surprises and storytelling magic. Through interactive drama, children will:

• Pretend to bake cakes, make sandwiches and set the table for tea
• React and improvise as the unexpected guest arrives at the door
• Create imaginative "silly sandwiches" and act out key scenes from the story
• Practice using expressive voice and movement as they become tigers, bakers and dinner guests

Learning objectives:

• Build confidence in storytelling, characterisation and improvisation
• Develop turn-taking, listening and expressive language skills
• Engage in imaginative play to retell and reimagine a familiar story

Curriculum links:

• EYFS & KS1 English: Spoken language, sequencing, storytelling
• PSHE: Empathy, turn-taking, manners and imaginative problem-solving
• Drama: Roleplay, character response, voice and physical expression

Click to book a The Tiger Who Came to Tea workshop.

The Gruffalo

Deep in the deep dark wood, a brave little mouse is off on a clever adventure, can your class come too? Led by a friendly Park Ranger, children will journey through the forest, meet talking animals and even come face to face with a Gruffalo!

This joyful, physical workshop brings Julia Donaldson's classic tale to life with song, character play, and interactive storytelling. Perfect for building confidence and imagination in younger learners. Children will:

• Join a guided woodland adventure with the Park Ranger and help search for the Gruffalo
• Act out woodland animals using Character Commands (Mouse, Snake, Owl, Fox, Gruffalo!)
• Re-enact emotional moments in the story using movement and expression
• Sing and perform the Gruffalo Song, ending with a dramatic Gruffalo chase!

Learning objectives:

• Develop role-play and storytelling skills through structured improvisation
• Express emotions and reactions through voice, movement and facial expression
• Collaborate as a group to explore characters, setting and sequence

Curriculum links:

• English (EYFS/KS1): Developing language and communication through storytelling and drama
• PSHE: Building confidence, teamwork, and emotional expression
• Drama: Exploring character, voice, and movement in performance

Click to book the Gruffalo workshop.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A magical, movement-filled workshop based on the beloved story by Eric Carle. Children join a storyteller on a colourful adventure through the life of a very hungry caterpillar. Along the way, they transform into tiny eggs, wriggling caterpillars, cosy cocoons and beautiful butterflies.

Packed with music, character roleplay and imaginative games, this is a joyful introduction to minibeasts and storytelling. Through interactive drama, children will:

• Travel through the lifecycle of a butterfly using movement and roleplay
• Explore symmetry through mirror work as butterfly wings
• Use drama games to reinforce sequencing, days of the week and food types
• Participate in group storytelling and imaginative play

Learning objectives:

• To understand and sequence the lifecycle of a butterfly
• To explore symmetrical movement through drama and partner work
• To recall and retell key parts of a story through performance

Curriculum links:

• KS1 Science- Animals, including humans; Lifecycles and Minibeasts
• KS1 English- Story sequencing, retelling, vocabulary development
• EYFS/KS1 Drama & PSHE- Communication, teamwork, listening and responding

Click to book The Very Hungry Caterpillar workshop.

The Smartest Giant in Town

Join our storyteller from Once Upon a Time Land and step into a world where kindness is king and giants give away their socks! This magical workshop brings the story of George the Giant to life through movement, song, role-play and interactive storytelling.

Children help the Giant shop for smart clothes, meet animal friends in need, and discover the joy of giving. They will:

• Travel to 'Once Upon a Time Land' and meet the Smartest Giant in Town
• Become animals from the story using movement, sound, and emotion
• Help solve problems creatively through teamwork and imaginative play
• Learn and perform a fun, rhythmic 'Giant Rap'

Learning objectives:

• Explore emotions and empathy through story-based role-play
• Practise expressive movement, voice and characterisation
• Understand the theme of kindness and helping others

Curriculum links:

• EYFS & KS1 PSHE -Friendship, emotions, empathy, kindness
• KS1 English- Speaking & listening, storytelling, rhyme
• KS1 Drama- Character work, improvisation, performance

Click to book The Smartest Giant in Town workshop.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Climb up into a magical world of giants, golden geese, and silly sandwiches in this lively reimagining of a classic fairy tale.

With music, movement, role-play and rich storytelling, children become part of Jack's epic adventure, helping him climb the beanstalk, sneak past the giant and discover treasures beyond their wildest dreams! Through interactive drama, children will:

• Learn and perform character commands for Jack, Daisy the Cow, the Giant and more
• Play imaginative movement games like Beans and the Giant's Toyshop
• Create a growing beanstalk using their bodies and teamwork
• Sing themed songs and invent their own 'silly sandwiches' to trick the Giant

Learning objectives:

• Explore traditional storytelling through voice, gesture and movement
• Develop confidence, coordination and creativity through role-play
• Practise turn-taking, listening, and group performance skills

Curriculum links:

• KS1 English: Traditional Tales, Drama and Speaking & Listening
• PSHE: Problem solving, empathy, safety and friendship
• EYFS Communication & Language: Speaking, Understanding and Imaginative Play

Click to book the Jack and the Beanstalk workshop.

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Join our bold storyteller on a trip-trapping adventure into the classic fairy tale Three Billy Goats Gruff. This highly interactive drama workshop takes EYFS children on a journey full of trolls, bridges, bubbling rivers and clever goats!

With character commands, vocal games, physical storytelling and even a troll rap, children will laugh, leap and learn as they find their way to the green, green grass. Through interactive drama, children will:

• Take part in imaginative roleplay as goats, trolls, bridges, and even clouds
• Practise movement and coordination through action songs and assault courses
• Develop vocal confidence by tricking the troll with disguised voices
• Create their own ideas and solutions to overcome obstacles in the story

Learning objectives:

• To retell and sequence a familiar traditional tale through movement and roleplay
• To explore feelings and decision-making in characters using vocal and physical expression
• To participate in collaborative games that build confidence, focus and storytelling skills

Curriculum links:

• EYFS Communication & Language: Retelling and responding to familiar stories
• EYFS Physical Development: Movement and gross motor skills through drama games
• EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional Development: Building confidence, turn-taking and empathy

Click to book The Three Billy Goats Gruff workshop.

The Tempest

A magical, high-energy storytelling adventure where children are swept away on a stormy sea voyage to a mysterious island filled with wizards, sprites and spells. Packed with shipwrecks, pirates, magic potions and forgiveness, this imaginative session introduces Shakespeare's The Tempest in a playful and accessible way.

With movement games, soundscapes, role-play and magical storytelling, children will explore the world of Prospero, Ariel and Caliban. Through interactive drama, children will:

• Explore the story through physical storytelling, movement and imaginative play
• Create storm soundscapes and take part in shipwreck adventures
• Experiment with character actions and simple Shakespearean storytelling
• Discover themes of magic, feelings and forgiveness in an age-appropriate way

Learning objectives:

• To experience the key characters and simple storyline of The Tempest
• To use movement, voice and imagination to bring characters to life
• To develop listening skills, cooperation and confidence through drama

Curriculum links:

• EYFS Communication & Language: Listening, Attention and Understanding
• EYFS Expressive Arts & Design: Being Imaginative and Expressive
• Understanding the World: People and Communities (introducing stories from the past)

Click to book The Tempest workshop.