Every Early Years practitioner knows this child.
The one who watches from the edge of the group.
The one who isn’t quite ready to speak.
The one who wants to join in—but doesn’t yet know how.
They’re not disengaged.
They’re waiting until it feels safe.
And the way we structure our learning can make all the difference.
Why Some Children Don’t Immediately Engage
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we recognise that children develop confidence and communication at different rates. However, some activities—particularly those that rely on direct questioning or performance—can unintentionally create pressure.
For some children, this works. For others, it creates hesitation.
The challenge, then, is not simply to deliver activities, but to create an environment where every child feels able to participate in their own time.
A Story-Led Approach to Early Years Learning
At Zozimus Drama, we take a different approach to drama in the Early Years.
Rather than asking children to perform, we invite them into a story.
Each session is built around high-quality children’s literature and unfolds as an immersive experience. Children don’t sit and listen; they move, respond, imagine and become part of the narrative.
In this context, communication becomes purposeful, movement becomes meaningful, and participation feels natural rather than expected.
The Role of Bertie Bear
At the centre of each session is Bertie Bear.
Bertie is not simply a puppet used for entertainment. He is a carefully considered teaching tool that helps children bridge the gap between observation and participation.
Because Bertie makes mistakes, asks questions and expresses uncertainty, children feel safe to respond. They are not being asked to perform—they are being invited to help.
For many children, speaking to Bertie feels easier than speaking to an adult. Over time, this creates a natural pathway into communication, confidence and engagement.
Supporting Communication and Language
Story-led drama provides a meaningful context for speech and language development in the EYFS.
Children begin to speak because they are involved. They respond to characters, repeat key phrases and contribute ideas as the story unfolds.
Rather than practising language in isolation, they use it with purpose, which leads to deeper understanding and greater confidence.
Supporting Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Many of the stories explored within Zozimus Drama focus on themes such as change, empathy, cooperation and resilience.
Through characters, children are able to explore these ideas safely. They might help a nervous character overcome a challenge, or work together to solve a problem within the story.
This allows children to experience emotions in context, rather than simply being told about them.
Supporting the EYFS Through Story
Because of this structure, drama activities in the EYFS naturally support all areas of development.
Communication and language develop through meaningful interaction. Personal, social and emotional skills grow through shared experiences and storytelling. Creativity is nurtured through imaginative play, while physical development is supported through movement within the story.
Children also deepen their understanding of the world as they explore familiar topics such as animals, habitats, community roles and seasonal events.
From Topic-Based Learning to Experience
In many settings, topics are introduced through discussion or structured activities.
Drama allows children to experience these topics in a different way.
A minibeast topic becomes a journey of change and growth. A farm topic becomes a shared story about cooperation. A community helpers topic becomes an opportunity to step into a role and understand it from within.
This shift—from learning about something to experiencing it—can have a powerful impact on engagement.
What Happens When Children Feel Safe
When children feel safe within an activity, something shifts.
They begin to speak more freely. They take creative risks. They engage with others and develop confidence in their own ideas.
Often, the child who begins by watching becomes the child who joins in—and eventually, the one leading the story.
Supporting Your Early Years Curriculum
Zozimus Drama is designed to complement existing Early Years provision, not replace it.
Our sessions align with familiar nursery topics while offering a creative, story-led approach that deepens engagement and understanding.
Bringing Story-Led Drama to Your Setting
If you are looking for a way to support communication, confidence and emotional development across your setting, story-led drama can provide a powerful and engaging approach.