“We have a high volume of children with additional needs, as well as speech and language delay. Already, in only a few months, Helicopter Stories has had such a positive impact”
Early Years Practitioner – Sunderland
The Need:
In Sunderland, Covid left a lasting impact on children’s speech, language, communication and writing skills. Many preschoolers arrived either pre-verbal or non-verbal, struggling to engage with the world around them. Early Years Advisory Teacher Susan Miller recognised the urgent need for a long-term solution, something that could support children’s development while also bringing joy back into classrooms.
What They Did:
Susan had discovered Helicopter Stories through Trisha Lee’s book Princesses, Dragons and Helicopter Stories and felt drawn to its simplicity and power. She enrolled practitioners across twenty-three schools and settings in the online training course, Helicopter Stories On Demand. This allowed staff to build confidence in the approach at their own pace.
By 2022, the programme was running in classrooms across Sunderland. Teachers began scribing children’s stories and acting them out, even with groups who had previously struggled to engage. Due to the success, ten more schools and several childminders joined the initiative this year.
The Results:
Helicopter Stories is already making a difference in Sunderland’s schools and preschools. Practitioners report children showing gains in speech, vocabulary, confidence, and emergent writing. Some children who were not meeting age-related expectations are now on target, progressing steadily and enjoying their learning.
Teachers have also noticed strengthened connections with parents, as scribed stories are shared at home and celebrated with families. As Susan explains, “Helicopter Stories gives every child a voice. It’s incredible to see even our quietest children developing the confidence to share their ideas.”
