About Story Explorers
Find more information about the Story Explorers programme, what you can do to support, and the theory behind the programme in the PDFs below.
How Story Explorers works
Story Explorers is designed with and for foster, kinship and adoptive families, to help them bond through playful reading routines.
Research shows that sharing books and stories with children supports attachment through shared attention, emotional availability, reciprocity, mutual enjoyment, and so much more.
Inputs
- Engaging and appropriate books
- Resources to support playful, interactive reading
- Online support and activities for practitioners, parents/carers and children
- Monthly themed kit delivery
- All designed using expertise in reading, early years development and children’s specific needs
How it works
- The variety of story-sharing methods spark enjoyment and exploration
- Open-ended activities and practical, problem-solving tips reassure that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to read
- Choosing kit elements fosters bonding between parent/carer and child
- The kit and online resources motivate and support parents/carers’ specific needs
- Monthly kit deliveries build motivation through excitement and anticipation
Short-term outcomes
- Children and parents/carers bond through shared reading and play
- Children and parents/carers have enjoyable reading experiences, finding what works best for them
- Parents/carers gain confidence in reading, and understand the benefits of doing so
- Children feel comfortable reading without pressure to do it a certain way
- Supported parents/carers are more likely to continue reading with children
- Predictable, regular activity nurtures children’s feelings of stability
How it works
- Children and parents/carers enjoy being part of Story Explorers motivating them to continue sharing stories
- Parents/carers feel supported and valued, and trust in the programme which is designed specifically for them
- Children and parents/carers attune through the warm, playful interactions created by sharing stories
Long-term outcomes
Children and parents/carers read together regularly, enjoying the benefits this can bring to bonding, emotional wellbeing, feeling secure, and doing well at school
Download the Practitioner Guide
We’ve created a guide for practitioners which shares information about the Story Explorers programme, along with tips on how you can support families taking part.
