By Playtime Felts
Start with a board or easel you already have
Adela’s favorite setup pairs an easel with a plain felt backdrop. A dark background makes bright characters easier to see, and an adjustable easel can bring the board down to the children’s eye level. A tabletop flannel board works well if you have a small group or limited floor space.
- Choose the spot. Leave room for children to see the board and take turns approaching it.
- Set up the backdrop. Place a smooth felt surface on a compatible board or use a finished flannel board. Check that the board and easel are stable before children add pieces.
- Set out one story. Put the main characters and a few props in a shallow basket. Try the pieces on the board before circle time.
- Put the board away together. Match the pieces to a photo or label on the story bag. A portable board can also move to the reading corner for a second retelling.
Three easy things to try
Storybook scenes
Start with a familiar story and ask children to choose the first character. Let them move the pieces as the action unfolds. A figure in profile can make it easier to show a character walking, climbing, or looking toward someone else.
Animal adventures
Set out a few farm animals. Say an animal sound, invite a child to find the match, and ask where it belongs in the scene. Use the farm animal sounds and matching activity to keep playing.
Alphabet felt play
Cut out simple felt letters. Start with letters from the children’s names or match a character to the first sound in its name. You can use two colors to make groups of letters easier to sort.
Keep the pieces within reach
Leave a small selection available for children to retell the story during play. Rotate the stories and save each set in a labeled bag so it’s ready to go next time.