🧠 Making Storytime Stick: HEAR, SEE & DO


Hey Reader!

Every great storytime includes something for children to HEAR, SEE, and DO. When you intentionally connect these three elements, you create learning experiences that stick long after the book is closed and the circle has disbanded.

HEAR: Use Your Voice Like a Tool

Children don’t just listen—they feel your words. Use:

  • Different character voices (squeaky, slow, deep) to draw them in
  • Pauses for effect to build anticipation
  • Emphasis on key phrases to make vocabulary pop

SEE: Bring the Story to Life

Add a visual element that gives their eyes something to focus on:

  • Big, bold books with rich illustrations, they can easily see
  • Props or puppets that connect with the story’s characters or setting
  • Simple felt board pieces that you add as the story unfolds

DO: Add Movement or Interaction

Keep little hands and bodies busy:

  • Hand motions or gestures that match story actions
  • Fidget Props: Give children something to hold while you tell the story
  • Interactive Reading: Let children fill in missing rhyming words, etc.

When children hear it, see it, and do it—they remember it.
Your storytime becomes an experience. And experiences lead to deeper learning.

Listen in to our latest podcast episode with Pastor Josh Zello from jesuslovespreschoolers.com for how he uses HEAR, SEE, DO in his preschool ministry.

Join Pastor Josh and Monica in a 4-week live teaching series in September. Check it out HERE.

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

Listen to this podcast episode with host Monica Healer now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

P.S. Are you new to early childhood ministry and education? Do you just need a reset to get back to the basics? Join Monica and Pastor Josh Zello as we embark on a 4-week journey of getting back to the basics of early childhood this September.


Early Childhood Christian Network

You want to provide the best early childhood experience for children and their parents. But you don’t have easy access to high-quality training. We provide you with relevant, research-based, and Biblically-sound training and on-demand courses so that you and your staff can confidently care for and teach young children.

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