At Malvern Primary, story time is a cherished part of each day—a time when our pupils and teachers come together to relax, explore new worlds and build connections through the shared joy of a good story. Storytime fosters an atmosphere where everyone can unwind and let their imaginations take flight, enriching our school community.

The benefits of daily story time go beyond just enjoyment. According to the Education Endowment Foundation, regular exposure to reading can have a significant impact on literacy skills, vocabulary, and comprehension, especially for young learners. Research from the EEF highlights that just 20 minutes of shared reading each day can help expand vocabulary, develop empathy, and improve listening skills. “By listening to stories, children encounter language in ways that stretch their understanding and expand their knowledge of the world,” 

Through daily story time, our pupils also develop critical thinking and a love for literature.  This exposure to storytelling helps children improve their language and communication skills—foundational elements for successful learning across all subjects. We see these benefits in our classrooms every day, as pupils eagerly share predictions, make connections, and ask insightful questions about the books shared. 

For our Malvern teachers, story time is an opportunity to introduce a diverse range of stories, characters and voices that encourage open discussion, curiosity and cultural awareness. By sharing these experiences, we’re nurturing not only strong readers but empathetic and curious young people who are ready to engage with the world around them.