The 6 Session Storytelling Manual – Primary is a structured programme developed to help primary school students build emotional literacy through storytelling. Using a series of six guided sessions, the manual provides school staff with tools to engage children in recognising, understanding, and managing emotions in a group setting. The programme was adapted by the Resilience Project from the original Feelings are Funny Things storytelling toolkit created by Dr Steve Killick and Phil Okwedy. Each session incorporates stories, interactive exercises, and emotional discussions that encourage children to reflect on their feelings and behaviours.
The sessions include elements such as:
Warm-Up Exercises: Each session begins with activities designed to prepare children for storytelling, focusing on connection, listening skills, and concentration.
Storytelling: Every session centres around a unique story that introduces different emotional themes. For example, The Talking Tortoise helps explore emotions like loneliness and jealousy, while The Black Cloud of Wally the Dragon introduces sadness and anger.
Exploration Activities: Following the storytelling, children participate in activities to discuss and reflect on the emotions presented in the story, developing a shared emotional vocabulary.
Regulating Exercises: Each session concludes with exercises to help children calm and self-regulate, such as mindfulness breathing or physical activities, preparing them to return to their school routine.
Using a PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) approach, the manual promotes a safe environment where children feel comfortable discussing their feelings. It is a valuable tool for primary educators and counsellors aiming to enhance children’s emotional understanding and resilience through creative, interactive methods.
