{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe story is an essential part of the Squirrel programme. Literacy is incredibly important at this age and the story sets up the theme for the meeting.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe story in each meeting is a suggestion and can be changed for another story that is more readily available or for one that you feel better sets up the activity. We\u0027ve got a collection of suggested stories to use for different Squirrels Activity Badges and Awards if you need a hand getting started.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFind out more information about using stories as part of your activities on\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/programme-planning/running-the-squirrels-programme/\u0022 title=\u0022Running the Squirrels programme\u0022\u003Eour page all about the Squirrels programme\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"Explore more","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDiscover creative ways to take young people into the world of stories\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Setting the scene","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/programme-planning/reading-stories-with-squirrels/setting-the-scene/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ca1a10","title":"Setting the scene","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"Explore more","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFind out how to get Squirrels involved in the presentation of a story\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Presentation of a story","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/programme-planning/reading-stories-with-squirrels/presentation-of-a-story/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ca1a10","title":"Presentation of a story","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"Explore more","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn how you can get your Squirrels moving by taking them on a story trail\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Story trails","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/programme-planning/reading-stories-with-squirrels/story-trails/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ca1a10","title":"Story trails","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EThe secrets of sensational storytelling\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStorytelling is an important part of every meeting, and will be a highlight of the young person\u2019s experience. However, we realise that not everyone feels confident or comfortable when it comes to storytelling.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve created some top tips to help everyone feel comfortable with storytelling.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EPreparation is the key to a successful story session, particularly if you\u2019re feeling a little out of your comfort zone. Control the things you can control and the job\u2019s half done:\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThink about the location. Be aware of distractions such as books or toys within easy reach. It can be a good idea to designate a special \u2018story\u2019 rug or mat for the group to sit on or sit in a circle.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ELook for places in the story where you can use voices or noises and dramatic pauses. Feel free to use gestures and actions to enhance the story. Vary your vocal style, too - if the story calls for a silly voice, do a silly voice; if it needs you to act frightened, act frightened.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EPractise reading your chosen stories out loud.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EMake the story interactive. Where can the young people get involved, can they make a funny or scary voice, can they think of different types of trees or the noise an instrument might make. Look for opportunities to engage the young people in the story and share the experience with them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EHave one adult reading the story at a time. This can be a different person at each meeting but should be the same person for the whole story. More than one person reading the story will make it difficult to follow. All other adults and young leaders can support the young people to interact with the story and quieten them down when the reader needs to move on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EAsk questions after the story, what happened? What did they enjoy about the story? How would they feel if they were the main character? Sharing these experiences will embed their understanding and support their ability to critically analyse similar situations in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Telling great stories is all in the preparation"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EHowever nervous you\u2019re feeling inside, try to look happy and confident. You\u2019ve got a story to share and it\u2019s going to be great! Many young people love stories and being read to\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Eis\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0a great experience so enjoy it and they will too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ERead clearly and slowly. If you\u2019re nervous you\u2019ll tend to speed up, often without realising.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EMake eye contact. Putting your head down and just ploughing through it will kill the story and the experience for the audience.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EUse the recurring words and catchphrases in the stories to get the young people involved. There are three things young people love most when having a story read to them: repetition, repetition and repetition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EEncourage the young people to respond to the words and pictures and don\u2019t be afraid to go off script\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EFor example,\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u2018Who\u2019s afraid of sharks?\u2019 \u2018And what do you think happened next?\u2019 Get them to roar like a lion or hiss like a snake. A story\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Emeeting\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0is interactive, so interact.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0If\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Ethe group gets overexcited, simply put the book aside until they quieten down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIf you\u2019re nervous\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0about reading in front of other adults\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E, don\u2019t be! They ar\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Ee there to help make the meeting\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0a success, so make sure you create opportunities for them to get involved in the storytelling too. Getting them to sit with the young people during the story is\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0a\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0good way to get them involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Make stories interactive"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ETake time to review the meeting\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0and think about what worked and what didn\u2019t. If things went well, brilliant. Whatever you did, keep on doing it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIf things didn\u2019t go so well try to work out why. Learn from it, put it behind you,\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003Eand move\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EBut always remember, when it comes to reading a story, play to your strengths. No two readers are alike. Some are natural performers, others are better at just being themselves. There is no \u2018right\u2019 way to read a story. Just your own way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERemember: if you have fun telling stories, your group will enjoy hearing them. So, try to enjoy it!\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Review your story to make it even better"}]}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/14855/gncc_nvw.jpeg","width":1920,"height":1250,"altText":"A Squirrel Scout reads from the Squirrels story book.","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out these activity badges stories","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at the stories we have gathered that can be used when exploring the Squirrels activity badges.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Stories for Activity Badges","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-a-squirrel-drey/programme-planning/reading-stories-with-squirrels/stories-for-activity-badges/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ca1a10","title":"Stories for Activity 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