Kibeo launches story stones: language fun for every child

On Friday 20 June, the festive launch of the story stones took place at Kindcentrum Jij in Terheijden: a new initiative by childcare organisation Kibeo to stimulate young children in their language development in a playful way. Special guest was Steven Kazàn, ambassador of Stichting Lezen & Schrijven, who took the children into a world full of stories with his magic and humour.

Playing with language

The story stones are large dice with recognizable images that invite children to fantasize, tell and make up stories. A powerful working method that focuses on language enjoyment and helps children to develop their vocabulary, narrative thinking and self-confidence in a playful way. By stimulating young children in their language, Kibeo lays an important foundation for their future. Elly Brand, director of Kibeo: “Language grows through stories: by reading aloud, talking together and fantasizing. And children have the most beautiful stories in their heads, you only have to invite them to tell them.”

Own language program

The story stones are the first tangible part of Kibeo's own language program. Language development is an important spearhead within Kibeo. Research shows that a good language foundation at a young age is important for the further development of a child. The language program underlines Kibeo's ambition to give every child maximum opportunities in the field of language. The language program is fully in line with the daily practice of childcare. In the coming days, all Kibeo locations will receive a set of story stones, including a short manual and inspiring example activities.

A touch of magic

The launch was festively framed with a performance by Steven Kazàn, who knew how to involve the children directly with his humor and interaction. With his tricks he got the imagination going and made a connection with storytelling. After that, the pedagogical staff got to work with the children in small groups with the story stones. For the children it was mainly enjoyment this morning, for Kibeo a valuable moment to show how accessible and effective language stimulation can be.