We have been working on comprehension skills this year to go with the new Early Learning Goals. One of the goals is to retell stories so I made some traditional tales story spoons. I’ve wanted to make some for ages but if I’d realised how engaging they would be I’d have made them way sooner. The spoons are so quick and easy to make. All you need are cheap wooden spoons, acrylic paint and brushes and clear varnish to finish.
The Gingerbread Man
This story is fantastic for retelling because it has a simple structure and children love to join in the repeated phrase “run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me I’m a gingerbread man.” Even the quietest child will want to join in. They also love acting out the fox tricking the gingerbread man. I made a selection of animal story spoons, including one which looks like our cat Amber.
I lay the spoons on a little table with the book, a pretty cloth and add a few other props, such as a piece of blue felt for the river and a small baking tray to bring the story alive.
Jack and the Beanstalk
This story has a clear structure with a beginning, middle and end. I debated making a harp and a chicken with a golden egg spoon but decided to have these as props as I had a golden egg from Easter. The best part of this story is yelling “Fee Fi Fo Fum!” in a loud giant voice.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
This is another classic story which has lots of opportunities for drama. It’s fun to pretend to be a cross Daddy Bear, a tearful Baby Bear and a terrified Goldilocks. We added some bowls and spoons. You could also have this with some dolls furniture.
I’d like to make some of the spoons two sided to show Jack looking sad and then happy at the end. I’m definitely planning on making some more story spoons for our other favourite stories. What should I make next?
