Booking for this Masterclass session opens on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Suitable for: Class teachers (EYFS-KS2, SEND), English Subject Leads, Senior Leadership.
Relevant areas of the National Curriculum: Language and vocabulary, oracy, reading, writing, PSED.
Date and Time: Thursday 14 January 2027, 9am to 3.30pm
Venue: Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, 44 Webber Street, London SE1 8QW (map).
Venue accessibility: Step free access, accessible toilets and accessible parking.
Description of session
Explore how oral storytelling develops children’s spoken language, confidence, self-esteem and knowledge of narrative structure in this session delivered by an expert advisory teacher from CLPE in partnership with the award-winning and acclaimed storyteller Jan Blake.
Detail of activity
In this Masterclass, you’ll enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to use traditional tales and oral storytelling techniques to increase children’s motivation and attainment in oracy and in writing.
You’ll reflect on the value of storytelling and learn how to support all pupils to improve their confidence, engagement, language and vocabulary, and independent writing behaviours.
Key areas of focus
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Why storytelling and traditional tales are important for all children
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The importance and value of personal narrative
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How storytelling and traditional tales provide knowledge of the initial building blocks of narrative
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Approaches which support remembering, understanding and telling stories
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Understanding of how language can be used for effect, including structures and choice of vocabulary
Takeaway
You will receive a high-quality children’s book for each primary phase, as well as associated teaching sequences of detailed planning to help put theory into practice.
