Amanda Kane-Smith
Storyteller
Merry-go-Round Storytelling
Storytelling for
EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3
My storytelling for schools is interactive and inclusive. All my workshops take a cross-curricular approach to support Language and Literacy, History, Drama and PSHE. They encourage creativity, confidence, teamwork and communication skills, to inspire inquisitive minds and ignite a love of stories and storytelling.
Much of my storytelling in schools is suitable for children with SEND. I regularly visit specialist settings and am always happy to discuss any specific needs in advance to ensure all children can be involved and the storytelling will suit their needs.
Please click below for further details:
Traditional Storytelling
Telling Tales Sessions for EYFS, KS1, KS2 & KS3
My Telling Tales sessions offer traditional storytelling with a lively, physical style, that captures children’s imaginations and keeps them fully engaged.
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Storytelling Sessions are interactive and tailored to suit your setting—whether it’s for class groups or a whole-school performance, you will have the opportunity to discuss in advance, what will work best for you.
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I have a diverse collection of stories from around the world, including folk tales, fairy tales, myths, and legends—all carefully chosen to spark curiosity, support learning, and celebrate the joy of storytelling.
"We have had some brilliant role play happening outside today, using the same language and singing the songs you taught them. We will certainly be in touch next time."
Knights Enham School, Hampshire
Interactive Storytelling Workshops
for EYFS & KS1
‘Lively, engaging, and full of fun’, my Interactive Storytelling Workshops blend music, movement, drama, and traditional storytelling to ignite children’s imaginations. They offer an accessible and enjoyable way for children to explore plot and character.
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These workshops are multi-sensory, packed with visual excitement and a wide range of sensory props. Children love the physicality of bringing a story to life together - and it's a brilliant way to engage reluctant readers.
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Workshops are inspired by popular picture books, classic fairy tales, and traditional folk tales.
"Thank you so much for your fantastic sessions on World Book Day for us!"
Anton Infant School, Hampshire
Play in a Day
for KS1 & KS2
My Play in a Day is a fun, confidence-building workshop where I work with one class for the whole day.
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Children will experience an ensemble rehearsal through drama games, simple movement-based dance, and narrative storytelling as we build to a performance at the end of the day.
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Children will also create their own masks or character headdresses to wear during the performance.
"The workshop was fantastic. Rave reviews from the Head, the teachers and parents."
Camelsdale Primary School, Surrey
Creative Craft & Story Workshops
Junk Modelling Workshops and Creative Storytelling Workshops
for EYFS and KS1
Junk modelling is a fantastic way to inspire imaginative play—and when paired with storytelling, it becomes a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression.
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Mask making and Puppet making encourage language development, storytelling skills, and imaginative thinking through character creation and play.
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Both these workshops can be tailored to link with curriculum topics, supporting classroom learning in a fun and creative way.
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Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your themes to life through story, play, and creativity!
"Thank you so much for such a fabulous day! I had brilliant feedback from children and teachers. They all had so much fun!! We have gone junk model crazy in my classroom!!"
Farleigh School, Hampshire
Fred the Cat’s Story Club for EYFS
Early Years Storytelling with Amanda and Fred the Cat
I’ve been delivering storytelling sessions in preschools, nurseries, and early years settings for over 18 years.
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All my early years sessions are highly interactive and combine a lively mixture of storytelling, music and movement, rhymes, familiar songs, make-believe and early years drama.
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They are a fantastic way to support speech and language development, strengthen listening and communication skills, and inspire creativity in young children.
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All sessions are devised by me and can be tailored to suit your setting’s needs.
Who is Fred the Cat?
Fred the Cat is a friendly, gentle black cat puppet.
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Children love Fred and Fred loves stories.
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Fred the Cat introduces the story or theme for each session which is then explored interactively with the help of the children.
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Sessions are based either on popular picture books and classic tales or tailored to compliment learning themes the children are enjoying within your setting.
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​All sessions are interactive and sensory, and the children will enjoy using a variety of props and percussion instruments.
What to Expect
​STORYTELLING AND RHYMES - Supports speech and language development.
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT - Develops co-ordination and listening skills.
MAKE-BELIEVE - Inspires creativity, empathy and thinking skills.
PROPS AND PUPPETS - Encourages imaginative play.
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS - Enables independent choice and new ways to make sound.
GROUP ACTIVITY - Builds confidence in a fun, friendly environment.
THEMED SESSIONS - Based on early learning goals, increases knowledge and understanding.
I offer a variety of packages and storytelling options to suit your setting.
"Merry-go-Round should be part of every young child's learning journey. Definitely the Best story teller around"
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"Thank-you Amanda. It is lovely to see the way the children's faces light up when you tell them stories."
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"Just wanted to thank you for running such a wonderful group. You bring to life everyone's sense of wonder and fun (including the grown-ups!)"