2.5y–4.2y10 minStory timeReadingQuiet time
Finger-Track Reading Path
A shared-reading routine where you models that the words carry the message and your child practises tracking print left-to-right and top-to-bottom with a finger in a calm, playful way.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a familiar picture book with clear lines of text
- a comfortable spot to sit together
Nice to have
- a small sticky note or scrap of paper (as a ‘start here’ marker)
- a crayon/pencil (to draw a simple arrow on paper)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Knows that print carries meaning and, in English, is read from left to right and top to bottom.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows interest in illustrations and print in books and print in the environment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises familiar words and signs such as own name and advertising logos.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct