Based on the ancient Native American 'talking stick', holding the egg means it's the child's chance to speak whilst everyone else (including teacher!) listens silently. Excellent for using in the circle, it helps focus listening and often encourages quieter children when they are given special 'space' to speak. Try it with a Circle Time round like ?one thing I like about myself' or 'today I feel...'. Rather fancier than the original stick, this gorgeous hand-painted, lacquered egg is sturdy and easily clasped by little hands. Each design is unique.

Made in South America from a hollow cactus spine with its needles hammered in to create the wonderful watery sound as seeds trickle past inside. Used originally to summon rain (be careful!), the children will adore the extra dimension this sound will add to your stories. Imagine a walk along a beach: as you tilt the rainstick slowly they will hear the sound of waves lapping at the pebbles. For livelier moments the rainstick can also be used as a shaken, percussion instrument. Approx 48cm long subject to natural variation.

Every teacher needs a kitbag of costumes and treasures to inspire creative Circle Times and this one has been put together for you as a great start. Collected in a large neat calico bag there are items to enchant: a starry magic cloak, a well designed blindfold, a beautiful, hand-painted 'talking egg', a South American rainstick, a jointed small teddy bear (can be used as a talking object with younger children) and two charming 'puppy' hand puppets. A handy cassette of happy and calming mood music with several guided visualisations to take them on adventures is included, and there is also a treasure chest with uses as boundless as your imagination (but there's an informative ideas booklet with lesson plans on how to use each object just in case.)

Our brightly coloured, durable, nylon parachute (3.5m) will inspire exhilarating games through to restful relaxation. It is always a popular treat. With handles to help little hands hold on, it also packs down into a small, neat drawstring bag for storage.

These beautifully detailed puppets are wonderfully expressive and captivate children whilst you 'sneak' learning points into a simple tale. With fully retractable body parts he turtle is a shy creature; he can be nervous and withdrawn, very different from the cheeky mouse (suitable for smaller hands). But they are good friends and love to talk!