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Story Starter (KS2): A Guide for Educators

The now>press>play Story Starters are an immersive, sound-rich storytelling experience designed to spark creativity and writing in children. Lasting about five minutes, it ends on a cliffhanger, inviting children to continue the story in their own words or write a shorter descriptive piece.

You can find all the information below or watch our short Story Starters (KS2) How-to Video here.

Key Features:

  • No teacher planning required: The audio and accompanying slideshow guide the session, making it plug-and-play.
  • Designed for Key Stage 2: Children remain seated with headphones on, engaging both auditory and imaginative skills.
  • Linked to existing now>press>play topics: For example, “To the Stone Circle” ties into themes like Ancient Greece, but can also be used independently.

How to Use the Story Starter

  1. Access the Story Starter
    Find the Story Starters in the Key Stage 2 section of the app. Choose a title that fits your lesson or use them as standalone prompts.

  2. Download or email the Slideshows to yourself
    There are two types of slideshows to support writing:

    • Narrative slideshow: A longer piece with a beginning, middle, and end structure.
    • Descriptive slideshow: A shorter, focused piece describing a moment or scene.

    Both use the same audio from the app.

  3. Listening and Planning

    • Play the story starter audio once to immerse the children.
    • Use the next slides to recap the story and prompt discussion.
    • Encourage children to plan their writing using familiar methods (story mountains, storyboards, etc.) or allow freeform planning for more creative freedom.
    • Children listen to the audio again before writing to reinforce understanding.

  4. Writing with Support
    While writing, children can choose to listen to an evocative soundscape that helps focus and may inspire their content. Some prefer one headphone on, one off, or no soundscape—flexibility is encouraged.

  5. Descriptive Writing Option
    The shorter slideshow focuses on describing a key moment, such as entering Stonehenge, capturing the majesty and atmosphere in a concise paragraph.

Benefits of Using Story Starters

  • Engages reluctant writers: The immersive audio and creative freedom boost motivation and participation.
  • High-quality writing outcomes: Children produce rich, imaginative texts inspired by the soundscapes.
  • Varies literacy approaches: Adds a dynamic, sensory dimension to traditional writing lessons.

For more support, explore these articles:

Have any other questions? We’re here to help!

📧 Email us at: support@nowpressplay.co.uk 

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