2.5y–4.2y12 minReadingStory timeQuiet time
Big-Page Phonics Read
A shared-reading routine where the adult keeps the text clearly visible and models phonics as the main way to decode a few words, while still focusing on story meaning and enjoyment.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a picture book with clear print (or any book opened flat so text is visible)
- a finger or bookmark for pointing
Nice to have
- a sticky note (to lightly mark one target word on the page)
- paper and marker (to write one word in big letters)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneShows nonverbal story understandingMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· stretch
- MilestoneAnticipates familiar story eventsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Listens to and joins in with stories and poems, one-to-one and also in small groups.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Demonstrate using phonics as the prime approach to decode words while children can see the text, e.g. using big books.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)