Story tent

Story tent

If you regularly read my articles, you already know how much I love summer. Sunshine, warm weather, camping... Anything and everything pertaining to summer makes me happy. Unfortunately, summer doesn't last very long. That is why I try to make the most of it every year.

My children have had a play tent since they were toddlers. It's a simple yellow tent that we set up and take down per their needs and desires. Indoors, we've used it for different types of fun. The tent has been filled with balls, it has hosted tiny sleeping bags for naptime, and on other occasions, we've added an arts & crafts bin and a dollhouse to it. It has adapted to my children as they have grown and fulfilled a wide range of developmental needs.

Today, I would like to suggest transforming a simple tent into a story tent. What is a story tent? It's an area where children can explore a variety of items related to reading and books. Take advantage of the summer months to offer a story tent in your yard. Otherwise, you can easily set it up indoors, in a corner of your daycare.

Here's what you need to do:

• Make your story tent cozy by adding cushions and soft blankets. Children will enjoy cuddling them as they comfortably explore books.
• Add books...lots of books! You can set the books you wish to offer in a special bin or use boxes to create a miniature bookshelf within your tent. I simply set two wooden crates one on top of the other. You can also glue them together if you prefer. Fill them with books and you're ready to go!
• Great activities involving books that can be added to your story tent:
• Laminated activity sheets for developing pre-reading skills that can be completed with dry-erase markers.
• Books with specific themes: animals, families, summer... Focus on a single theme and add items that will encourage children to explore the subject further (stuffed animals, toys, pictures, posters, etc.).
• Present your daily story time inside your story tent to create a special ritual.
• Add dolls and stuffed animals to your tent. Children will enjoy "reading" to them.

Follow your imagination...

Maude Dubé, Specialized educator