A FORMER primary school teacher has shared tips for National Storytelling Week.

Becky Cranham, founder of PlanBee, a site for Primary school teaching resources, has offered advice for parents wanting to tell the best stories.

As well as reading from books, making up your own stories can be very fun and fulfilling for children.

Whether you create your own story, or read someone else’s work, varying the tone, volume, and pace of your voice can keep your child engaged and help them to understand the plot.

Asking and answering questions, and using repeated phrases, is another way to keep engagement levels up – allowing children to join in will keep them entertained and happy. Stories like Not Now, Bernard by David McKee or Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss are great for this.

For those looking to make-up their own story, she advises that you build on traditional stories, draw on your own experiences, or use a story prompt to get you started.

Wordless picture books are also an incredibly useful tool in creating your own story, such as The Snowman by Raymond Briggs or Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick.