A musical way to share stories

What's this all about?

A Musical Way to Share Stories is a free, inclusive resource collection
created to support EYFS and KS1 settings during National Storytelling Week 2026.

Designed with a strong DEI / EDI lens, the collection uses carefully selected global story-songs to explore how children experience story through music, voice, movement, listening, and shared group routines. Rather than focusing solely on books and words, the resources foreground the embodied, relational foundations of storytelling that underpin communication, belonging, and early learning.

Each song is supported by:

🎶 clear background information
🎶 child-friendly explanations
🎶 practical teaching tips, and
🎶 reflective prompts.

Together, these elements help educators embed inclusive practice into everyday routines — supporting emotional regulation, oracy, confident participation, cultural representation, and a sense of belonging.

The resources are flexible and low-pressure, making them easy to use across EYFS and KS1, whether as calm daily rituals, shared listening moments, or part of a wider inclusion strategy. They are particularly valuable for DEI / EDI leads, early years leaders, and Music Hub practitioners seeking practical examples of how inclusion can be embedded systemically, rather than delivered as one-off events.

While designed for National Storytelling Week, the collection is intended to have lasting value — supporting settings to build inclusive, equitable learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and able to belong.

What learning do these story-song resources support?

Emotional readiness and self-regulation
Oracy and attentive listening
Confident, low-pressure participation
Belonging, identity, and cultural representation
Inclusive group routines that support all learners

Designed with a systemic DEI lens, these are not “special activities” or one-off events. They are repeatable access points that can be embedded into everyday practice, shaping how participation, voice, and belonging are experienced over time.

Schools and Music Hubs are using the songs as calm daily rituals, shared listening moments, and inclusive group routines — and as practical examples of how equity and belonging can be built into everyday provision, rather than added on afterwards.

Course Curriculum

Welcome to our resources!
1 Lesson
- Introduction
  Start
1. Jambo! A greeting song from East Africa
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start
2. My jesteśmy krasnoludki — a playful folk story from Poland
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start
3. Marringa Lullaby — a musical journey across Country (Australia)
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start
4. Anta Brasileira — a musical story from Brazil
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start
5. Ibhola Lethu — a story of teamwork and belonging from South Africa
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start
6. Jungle Night — a bedtime story told through music (USA)
2 Lessons
- Explore the story behind the song
  Start
- Watch and listen
  Start

Clare Seymour

Dr Clare Seymour

Clare has spent much of her professional career (over 30 years) in international settings. Part of her Doctoral research involved exploring the often hidden aspects of institutional racism. As a result she has a longstanding interest in, and passion for, promoting positive Diversity.

In addition to school music-teaching, Clare also has over 10 years' experience working as an international music examiner - an understanding and respect for Diversity is so crucially important in every aspect of her practice.

In her work as a music-education consultant for the BBC she has completed several song-writing commissions for the 3 - 7 age group and loves the way she can weave pedagogical integrity and diversity awareness together through enjoyable and engaging songs.

Music Hub

DEI Lead

The Diversitybuds resources give us a shared, practical language for inclusion across schools. They’re thoughtful, culturally respectful, and easy to use — making them ideal for supporting consistent practice across different settings and practitioners.

Course Pricing