Children learn best when they’re fully engaged — imagining, acting, and bringing stories to life. Storytelling and role play help learners build confidence, practise language, and develop empathy by stepping into a character’s shoes.
To make this easy, we’ve created a PDF of Sunrise Readers characters. Print them, laminate them, stick them on lolly sticks — and suddenly the story becomes interactive. Even shy learners relax when the character “talks” for them.
How to Use the Characters
1. Begin with “Picture Power”.
Before reading, study the pictures together. Ask simple questions: Who is here? What’s happening? Why? At early stages, pictures often tell the story better than the words.
2. Read the story.
Then return to each picture and decide who is speaking. Use the character sticks to act it out. Learners may use their own words — this shows understanding.
3. Build understanding and expression.
Ask guiding questions:
• Who is talking here?
• What is each character doing?
• How do you know?
This helps children make sense of dialogue, emotion, and sequence.
Grow Thinking and Empathy
Role play naturally strengthens prediction and empathy. Ask:
• “What do you think happens next?”
• “What would you have done?”
• “Would you like a pet like Rex? Why or why not?”
These quick prompts turn a simple story into real thinking and meaningful learning.
Information from Authors of the Sunrise Readers - Vivian Jenkins & Chrissie Lewis