Using objects as you tell a story can help a child to focus and pay attention. Having the same objects available for the child to play with can act as a prompt to help them retell the story and develop imaginative play scenarios. All great ways to develop language skills and have fun at the same time.
Here's how we made some pom pom owls to use a 'story sack' for one of our favourite autumn books : Owl babies 
I made some pom poms out of wool (my top tip if you are going to 'try this at home' would be to use smaller pom poms - I was a bit enthusiastic and they take ages to make!). I made 3 'owl babies' and one wool mother. If you have an older child you might like to make the pom pom with them. I modified them to look like owls by sticking on some felt eyes and a beak (made from folding a square in half).
I then told The Fairy the story (borrowing Grandma's apple trees for a nest). Moving the props as appropriate during the story.
Afterwards we used a fallen branch and The Fairy retold the story. Later I over heard her playing 'Owl schools' - The eldest Owl had just started school like her!
NB as these are pom poms not toys it is important not leave your child alone with them.
We talked about our pom pom Owl's over at Red Ted Art's Autumn craft hang out. There are lots of other lovely autumn ideas to check out.
Here are some other ideas for 'story sacks': Nativity Story Box
