Nature Play WA is pleased to offer Storytime Cubbies – a nature-based literacy program suitable for local libraries, community centres, and early childhood services, delivered by an early years educator. Unlike traditional indoor storytime sessions, Storytime Cubbies takes literacy into nature, where children can explore stories through outdoor play and hands-on cubby building.
By combining nature play with storytelling, Storytime Cubbies helps children connect reading and literacy with their everyday experiences outside. This unique program offers an engaging, open-air alternative to indoor storytimes, sparking imagination, creativity, and a love of books in a dynamic and natural setting.
“Nature Play WA and the City of Canning hosted a fantastic event for Nature Play Week!… A truly wonderful experience – thank you!”
– Sona’s Family Daycare
What Happens at a Storytime Cubbies Event?
Led by a Nature Play early years educator, the session commences with a group storytime featuring a fun, nature-themed picture book.
Throughout the shared storytime, the educator utilises the outdoor setting to introduce multi-sensory experiences to the children. They might encourage the children to feel the textures of leaves, smell flowers, or listen to the sounds of birds while reading stories related to these elements. These sensory engagement activities help to build stronger connections to the book, enhancing story comprehension.
Following the story, a nature-based activity directly linked to the book further enriches the experience. For example, if the story is about animals, we may organise a short nature walk to spot animals or their footprints. This encourages children to explore the surroundings and make connections between the story and their natural environment.
Families are then provided with a variety of materials and support to actively join in collaborative cubby building, giving children an awesome space to play and enjoy more stories. Families are also invited to bring along a picnic to enjoy together inside their cubby.
Events like Storytime Cubbies are essential for communities as they inspire children’s creativity, promote outdoor play, and strengthen family bonds, while fostering a deeper connection to place and community.
Nature Play WA Event Development Process
Nature Play WA staff will partner with you to develop a successful event for your community group or organisation. We will work with you on;
- Event concept design: Nature Play WA staff liaise with your organisation to develop an event that complements your existing literacy strategy and event goals.
- Marketing and communication: Nature Play WA will provide a social media kit including social media tiles and suggested copy.
- Event delivery: Nature Play WA educators attend your event location and deliver the Storytime Cubbies session.
Take a Peek Inside Storytime Cubbies…
Why not plan a Storytime Cubbies session to coincide with CBCA Book Week, National Simultaneous Storytime, Earth Day, Outdoor Classroom Day or Children’s Week?
Storytime Cubbies Program Outcomes
A Storytime Cubbies outdoor literacy session is designed to help children, families and communities through:
- Encouraging being active and having fun in nature
- Encouraging families, children, and the community to see literacy and reading as a part of everything they do
- Aiding the development of speaking and listening skills as children are encouraged to retell and share parts of the story they have heard
- Supporting positive mental health outcomes through connectedness and belonging within a community
- Presenting opportunities to increase attentiveness and engagement of parents and children
- Increasing parent knowledge of the importance of the early years
- Providing support for positive parenting practices
- Activation of local parks and/or libraries and community centres
Want to know more?
Western Australian community or early education representatives interested in having Storytime Cubbies delivered to their local community should contact Sarah McGowan, Strategic Business Manager, for more information via sarah@natureplaywa.org.au
More Nature Play Sessions
For more about our range of nature play offerings, check out these related resources;
